The gentle hum of Xandar's bustling cityscape filtered through the windows as dawn painted the sky in hues of lavender and gold. Kalen stirred, the soft fabric of a blanket cocooning him. He recognized it immediately—it was the same blanket he'd draped over Kailean the previous night.
"Mother," he murmured, a complex mix of emotions swirling within him. The term felt both foreign and familiar, a testament to the duality of his existence.
Rising from the couch, he stretched, the aroma of a delectable breakfast wafting from the kitchen. Drawn by the scent, he made his way to find Kailean gracefully maneuvering around the kitchen, her movements fluid and precise.
"I never noticed she cooks like a master chef," Kalen mused, observing her deftly handle the ingredients.
Her brow glistened with a sheen of perspiration, yet she radiated an effortless beauty. Kalen felt a twinge of gratitude for his current youthful form. "Thank the stars I'm not in my old body," he thought. "Else I might've been... distracted."
Clearing his throat to dispel the intrusive thoughts, he stepped forward. "Good morning, Mother."
Kailean turned, her face lighting up. "Good morning, sweetheart. Did you sleep well?"
He nodded, then presented the shield he'd crafted. "I made this for you. It's a personal defense shield. It can absorb and dissipate energy attacks, especially electrical ones. Anything beyond a simple physical impact, it should handle."
Kailean took the device, its sleek design fitting comfortably in her hands. "It's beautiful, Kalen. Thank you."
An awkward silence settled between them before Kalen spoke again, his voice tinged with guilt. "I'm sorry for not spending more time with you."
Kailean set the shield aside and knelt to his level, her eyes searching his. "It's okay, baby. I understand. But remember, I'm here for you."
He felt a surge of determination. "I'll make it up to you."
She smiled warmly. "Just don't push yourself too hard. Speaking of which, I need to head to work. I'll show this shield to the Nova officers I cook for. They might be interested in sponsoring your innovations."
Kalen's eyes widened. "You'd do that?"
"Of course, sweetheart. Your talent deserves recognition."
As she prepared to leave, Kalen retreated to the garage, the weight of emotions pressing down on him. Tears welled up as he whispered to himself, "Is this what family feels like?"
Kailean arrived at Nova Corps Base 21, the sprawling complex buzzing with activity. Clad in her chef's uniform, she navigated the corridors with practiced ease, exchanging pleasantries with familiar faces.
In the cafeteria, the midday rush was in full swing. Officers and staff lined up for their meals, the air filled with the symphony of clinking utensils and lively chatter.
As Kailean served dishes with practiced efficiency, the commanding officer, Parish Karter, entered. His presence commanded attention, conversations dimming as he conducted his routine inspection.
Kailean felt his gaze linger on her longer than necessary, a discomfort she'd grown accustomed to. When he approached, his tone was laced with insinuation.
"Life treating you well, Kailean?" he inquired, a smirk playing on his lips.
Before she could respond, a sudden jolt emanated from the shield she wore, sending a shock through Karter. He stumbled back, eyes wide with surprise.
The cafeteria fell silent, all eyes on the unfolding scene.
Security personnel swiftly intervened, escorting Kailean to the inspection center.
Seated in a sterile room, Kailean faced a panel of officers, their expressions a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
"Explain the incident," one demanded.
Taking a steadying breath, she recounted, "My son gifted me this device—a shield that absorbs and redirects energy. I wasn't aware it would activate in such a manner."
A scientist was summoned, his eyes lighting up upon examining the shield, like how one would examine a prime specimen. "This technology is remarkable. Who developed it?"
Pride and Worry tinged Kailean's voice as she replied, "My six-year-old son..."
The room fell into a stunned silence, the weight of her words settling over the assembled officers.
"Can we see the kid?" Aske the scientist who was a little suspicious but was more intrigued
"O-of course, in fact I was gonna introduce him and his company today after all, he also passed every exam in a week." As she said this with as much pride as any mother would have, the officers looked up the information on a separate console.
Kalen Katagawa, 6 year old prodigy, and youngest person to pass School in the entire empire.