10-13-2026, 11:12 PM
Loma listened quietly, a subtle, genuine smile touching his face as he absorbed her words with deep appreciation. Finding an instructor who saw the human element behind the rank had made a lasting impression on him during his time in San Francisco.
"I won't forget that advice, Ma'am," Loma said, his voice soft with sincere gratitude. "I'll make sure to keep those subspace lines open with my family back home... and I'll make sure the reports I send back reflect the standard you set for us here."
He looked down at the wooden bench between them for a brief moment, gesturing faintly toward it before meeting her eyes again.
"It makes me hope that somewhere down the road, after I've put in my time out on the line and gained some hard-won experience, I'll be fortunate enough to be someone's mentor. Maybe I'll find myself right back here in these gardens, sitting on this very bench, helping a nervous Cadet or a fresh graduate figure out their next steps, just like you did for me today."
He offered her a warm, respectful nod as he prepared to let her return to her break.
"If I can offer a future student even half the perspective and guidance you've given me today, I'll consider that a real success. Take good care of yourself and your father, Commander Whittaker. Thank you again—for the tactical lessons, your time, and everything you do here. I'll make sure to do you proud out there."
== Tag Whittaker ==
"I won't forget that advice, Ma'am," Loma said, his voice soft with sincere gratitude. "I'll make sure to keep those subspace lines open with my family back home... and I'll make sure the reports I send back reflect the standard you set for us here."
He looked down at the wooden bench between them for a brief moment, gesturing faintly toward it before meeting her eyes again.
"It makes me hope that somewhere down the road, after I've put in my time out on the line and gained some hard-won experience, I'll be fortunate enough to be someone's mentor. Maybe I'll find myself right back here in these gardens, sitting on this very bench, helping a nervous Cadet or a fresh graduate figure out their next steps, just like you did for me today."
He offered her a warm, respectful nod as he prepared to let her return to her break.
"If I can offer a future student even half the perspective and guidance you've given me today, I'll consider that a real success. Take good care of yourself and your father, Commander Whittaker. Thank you again—for the tactical lessons, your time, and everything you do here. I'll make sure to do you proud out there."
== Tag Whittaker ==