Chapter Text
Dull.
Boring.
Tedious.
Repetitive.
Solar could just go on with that mental list as he half listened to Commander Koko Ci lecture him and some other Captains about the new rules and regulations recently implemented for TAPOPs.
Two years. Two years and this is the fifth time they had to create and modify additional policies to make the intergalactic organization more flexible and open with the concept of the new power spheres not wanting to stay in HQ, but instead, preferring to stay with their newfound friends or family, while still being under their protection.
And there was also the new recruits-nonsense.
Just thinking about it was enough to give Solar a headache.
Good-for-nothing, sloppy, inexperienced newbies- he always dreaded the days where he had to train them and bring them to some minor missions.
As more and more power spheres were found and saved since the years passed, the HQ had realized that they were a little... understaffed.
So many undercover laundromats, but not enough agents to execute missions when needed the most.
Especially when...
(No. He was not going there.)
Anyway, because of this shortage, a recruitment process had begun. Aliens all over the galaxies were ecstatic and tried to join in, wanting to make a name for themselves as heroes and protecters of power spheres -or something equally ridiculous as that.
Humans were allowed to join too, since part of their principals in TAPOPS was 'Inclusivity', but surprisingly (not really), Solar was the only human known to be part of the ranks.
He preferred it that way. It made him unique.
But back to the problem at hand, Captains (unfortunately) have a role on their development into becoming trained cadets- trained enough not to get killed on the job.
Fortunately, most of the newbies hated training under Solar. It probably had to do something about his trainings being "overkill" or how his lectures were "indecipherable".
It wasn't really his fault. In his defense, he was trying to be realistic with what goes on during missions and if most of his training would almost kill the new recruits, then let it be an eye-opener to them.
Bringing them closer to death at least gave them enough clarity of what the real world is about.
And you know... less idiots will be enlisted in TAPOPs.
(Solar was really doing this for the greater good and they really should be thanking him for it.)
So, it wasn't a surprise that recommendations and endorsements ended up becoming a rare thing for Solar- making his job a whole lot easier.
It was like the trash was taking itself out.
"And that concludes our meeting." The alien's voice cut through Solar's thought process as he gathered the papers in front of him, "If you don't have further inquiries, you may go."
"Thank you, Commander!" They saluted, which Koko Ci returned.
Solar turned, about to leave when he suddenly spoke.
"Captain Solar, would you mind staying?"
That didn't sound good.
He turned and resumed his salute, "At your service, Commander."
He vaguely heard one of the Captains snicker and mutter, "Someone's in trouble" before the door slid shut.
"At ease." Commander Koko Ci ordered as he linked his hands in front of him, "Please, sit."
"Is... something the matter, Commander?" He asked as he took the offered seat, trying not to show how nervous he really felt. He was always known for having a tough and intimidating exterior. Always unfazed by the chaos that surrounded him- remaining calm in a time of crisis.
But that's only because he always knew what to expect at a certain situation and always had back-up plans for back-up plans.
But this-
"I've been receiving complaints-"
Then he felt his temper get the best of him.
"Was it the recruits again?! Commander, if you need proof that my training sessions and tutoring are over the top I can provide you the exact details-"
"-from the Captains."
"I- what?"
"It's one thing when the new recruits complain about their assigned Captains, but it's another thing when those of the same ranks do it." Commander Koko Ci said with a sigh, "What's been going on with you?"
"I- nothing!" Solar was doing his best not to sound defensive. Sounding defensive meant that he did do something wrong- which only proves those Captains' point.
He first needed to know the context of this sudden complaint.
"What were their complaints exactly, Commander? Maybe there's been a misunderstanding?"
"It's related with the way you train the new recruits." The box-head alien explained, "They also agree with how your... teaching style... can be counterproductive."
Wait- was this a staged coup?! Those idiots had always been jealous of Solar and loved spreading rumors about him. They must've let the new recruits in on it to make him look bad just because he was better and younger than them.
"Counterproductive?!" Solar sputtered, "My trainings-"
"Are perfectly reasonable. Yes, Captain, you've said this in the last ten reports after the last ten complaints from your own recruits." Commander looked at him pointedly as he pulled off one of his many sunglasses.
"And after further review from the higher-ups they deemed it appropriate!" Solar paused and quickly tried to compose himself, "These are subjective opinions from inexperienced agents and jealous colleagues- clearly personal and meant to make me look bad-"
"How many recruits under you have succeeded in proceeding to become a cadet?"
"They were never good enough!" He paused and cleared his throat, "I assure you that my mode of training and screening are of objective value-"
"That may be the case, Captain." Koko Ci said, "In paper, they seem well executed and every test was perfectly rationalized. But... when it comes to teamwork and teaching- you seem to lack the empathy of a mentor."
"You want to me to be emotional?" He couldn't hold back the ridicule in his tone.
"There is such thing as being too objective." The other said, his tone knowing, "You wouldn't be in this rank if we had been just as objective as you."
Solar winced at the implication.
"I still don't understand why..." The alien trailed off before shaking his head, "Well, you were also given that rank not just because of your logic and skill... but because of emotional reasons as well. Am I correct?"
"So, you want me to start promoting these recruits out of personal and emotional reasons?"
"No." Commander Koko Ci got down from his seat and approached him, "I want you to start helping them grow into competent cadets with your impeccable tests, unbiased training and lastly- emotional understanding. You were once in their shoes. Build rapport. Create a connection. Be their rock when the going gets tough."
"I didn't sign up to be a therapist." Solar couldn't help but mumble only to quickly shut his mouth as the other whipped his head to glare at him.
"I can only do so much in keeping these complaints at bay, Captain." Koko Ci said solemnly, "But if this keeps up, your rank might be taken from you and you could be demoted."
The alien paused before looking around cautiously and leaning forward to whisper, "Or worse- removed from the organization."
"What?!" Solar shot up from his chair, "B-but you can't! You guys need me! We made a deal-"
"The higher-ups discussed this." Koko Ci held up a hand, silencing him completely, "Even without you, they believe they'll be able to find other suitable replacements."
Fury consumed Solar and he wanted nothing more but to bust through those idiots' office and show him what he was really made of.
But as soon as the anger was ignited it was immediately extinguished by his own logic that nothing good ever happens by charging head first with no appropriate plan.
"Fine. All I have to do is play nice with the recruits, right?!" He asked through gritted teeth.
"What you must do is show to them your capability of being a good Captain." Koko Ci corrected, "You may succeed at every mission thrown at you and always won top spot during combat training and competitions... but being able to work with an actual team— it takes a lot more effort and trust."
There was a pause as Koko Ci removed all his sunglasses to wipe them one by one, obviously trying to act casual as he said his next words carefully.
"And you would know, Captain. You used to be in one."
He abruptly stood up, not wanting to hear any more of what the other had to say, "Permission to leave, Commander."
"Captain Solar-"
"Your concern and message were well-received and duly noted." Solar said in a clipped tone, "I will do my utmost best to solve this matter and show the higher-ups my potential of being a good Captain."
Koko Ci scanned his expression before sighing in defeat, "Alright Captain, you may leave."
Solar saluted and turned to the door, wanting nothing more but to get out of the room immediately.
"Oh! Also, if you'd like to process your annual leave-"
"I would like to decline due to busy paperwork. Thank you." He said without missing a beat as he practically rushed through the doors and out the thankfully silent hallway.
Once the door closed behind him, he took a deep breath wanting to push away all the negative emotions and thoughts that wouldn't stop consuming him.
He had to think clearly- he had to be level-headed right now and-
"Err, is this a bad time?"
Solar yelped and swirled to his side, surprised to see a teenage boy his age standing next to him.
When did he- how- another human?!
Then he saw the familiar mask he wore above his head and the crimson eyes that were very similar to a certain Captain of the Rebellion Team.
"You're-" He started but the teen interrupted him with a salute before hastily speaking up.
"Lance Corporal Fang, at your service." He said, but his face looked like he wanted to be anywhere than where he was at the moment, "Captain, I have a favor to ask of you."
Solar frowned, scanning his surroundings to make sure this wasn't another one of the other Captains' pranks.
(They always did like making him look bad.)
As soon as he was sure there were no hidden traps, he nodded his head, "At ease. What is it?"
Fang put his arms down and stiffly stood straight. He looked hesitant, obviously unsure of the next words he was about to say. However, time was ticking and Solar's impatience was winning over his curiosity. He was ready to wave him off when the teen suddenly bowed and exclaimed;
"Please be my mentor and help me become a Captain."
.
.
.
.
End of Chapter
Have some made up design for Solar's Captain uniform:
