“I’m glad. I was so worried that shooting through a giant donut would be disorienting, even for you.”

“So you knew about this?”

Katrina nodded. “I’m sorry, Miss Satomi, but we were afraid that if we told you or Miss Astrid the plan, Tremon Philippe would have sensed it.”

Shizuka was flabbergasted. How could her student have fooled her so thoroughly? Then she smiled. Of course. Katrina’s life had depended upon keeping secrets, too.

“I stowed Martha and your other favorite violins and bows in the cargo hold. Your laptop is there, too. And, um, Miss Satomi, I also packed you an escape bag. Clothes, emergency money, spare glasses, ID.”

“Thank you, Katrina.”

“Mommmm!” The twins pushed themselves into view.

“Windee, Edwin. You remember the talk that we had, right? I know it’s sudden, but Mom has work to do.”

“Yes, but—” Windee looked as if she were about to cry.

“Windee Tran. Your tectonic calculations were brilliant. I could not have done any better. Your work saved the stargate and your captain, as well. Therefore, I hereby promote you to second lieutenant and appoint you assistant technical officer of Starrgate Donut. Please continue to study hard, so one day I can recommend you to Star Patrol.”

“Yes, Captain!”

“And, Edwin Tran. Thank you for helping us finally perfect our donut recipes. Aunty Floresta says that she could not have completed the kitchen without you. Therefore, I hereby promote you to second lieutenant and appoint you assistant chef of Starrgate Donut. Please continue to make Starrgate the finest donut shop in the galaxy.”

“Yes, Captain!”

“And now, to the both of you, I give my final orders. Lieutenant Windee! Lieutenant Edwin! No more running through the halls!”

“Yes, Mom…”

“Now, is Aunty there?” Lan asked.

Aunty Floresta peeked onscreen and gave a thumbs-up.

“Right here, Lanny,” Floresta said.

“Thank you, Aunty, for everything.”

“Of course, Lanny. Be careful out there, okay?”

Lan cleared her throat and saluted. “Commander Floresta Lam, I hereby promote you to captain and turn command of Starrgate Donut over to you.”

Captain Lam straightened her back and returned the salute. “I shall take good care of her, Captain Tran.”

“Thank you, Captain Lam. And, although it’s the new captain’s prerogative to select her first officer, might I recommend Shirley Tran? She is an exemplary scientist, a brilliant tactician, with impeccable character.”

Aunty Floresta laughed. “Of course she is. She’s your daughter, after all. Safe travels, Lanny. And please allow Starrgate Donut to be the first to wish you good luck on your mission to heal the Endplague.”

“Thank you, Aunty. I shall do my best to succeed.”