Short Mission 10

Morning television at Cecil Hall's boys' dormitory carries a report on the race to space pitting Ostania against Westalis, including a major funding boost for the Eastern program. Ewen lights up at the story, while Damian dryly notes that Ostania seems to be trailing the West and hopes the hurried rocket program does not end in an explosion. Emile shrugs the whole subject off, and Ewen laments that neither friend appreciates the romance of the cosmos before classmates hurry them to class.

In the classroom, Anya is flying a paper rocket at her desk, her adventurous streak fired up by the same broadcast, as Becky explains. Delighted to find a kindred spirit, Ewen impresses Anya with his rocket knowledge, and the two loudly play astronauts together. Damian squirms with envy at the sight, and his attempt to butt in with a promise to make space travel available to everyone once he enters politics goes completely unheard. An amused Becky advises him to raise his voice if he wants Anya's attention.

A televised space-race report sets the chapter in motion and reveals Ostania's budget surge. Ewen and Anya bond over rockets and space adventure, playing astronauts in class. Damian's jealousy and drowned-out interjection close the gag, with Becky needling him about speaking up.

At two pages, this is the briefest chapter in the series. Numbered 78.1 and collected in Volume 12, it shipped together with Special Illustration 8 and was adapted in Episode 47 of the anime. The cover lines up Ewen, Emile, Damian, and Anya.