#ruby thompson

AFTERSUN 2022

Aftersun

2022. Coming of age Drama

By Charlotte Wells

Starring: Paul Mescal, Frankie Corio, Celia Rowlson-Hall, Sally Messham, Brooklyn Toulson, Spike Fearn, Harry Perdios, Ruby Thompson, Ethan James Smith, Kayleigh Coleman

Country: United Kingdom, United States

“It’s just, you do the whole pageant thing and then all of this. I don’t know a lot of girls who could pull off both at the same time.”

I’d be marginally offended if she didn’t sound so sincerely in awe. “Well, some girls do.”

Summary: Ruby Thompson has been accepted into the Galaxy Garrison, and the first step is to get a Garrison issued picture ID.

Author Note: Ruby Thompson is Commander Richard Newley's estranged niece. The Thompson family does not get along with Newley at all.

"Garrison ID"

Don't take any shit from your Uncle Dick. Ruby's mother's words stayed with her from the first time she heard them when she was five and Uncle Dick came over to try to convince her to start grooming Ruby to enter the Garrison (under the surname of Newley). Ruby's mother covered her daughter's ears and proceeded to cuss Newley (her brother) out before kicking him out of her house.

"Next." The voice drew her out of her reverie.

She shook her head, her hair swishing behind her as it hung in loose waves, as she joined the line of new recruits. She was in the back of a long line, so she took the time to look at her peers.

There were several aliens, but there were also several humans. Her attention was drawn to a loud raven-haired boy who was bragging about his connections to a pair of boys (one raven-haired and one brunette). She rolled her eyes. He reminded her of her uncle. She moved on from the trio, and her eyes landed on a girl with ducky earrings who was accompanied by a blonde boy. This boy was clearly not happy with her as she didn't interact with him, preferring to converse with the pretty girl by her side, but the ducky earring girl was blushing.

"Next."

The line was moving pretty quickly, about as quickly as it was growing. Though, soon enough, Ruby was stepping up to the lieutenant at the head of the line.

"Name."

"Ruby Thompson."

The lieutenant checked his list for her name before giving her a computer print out with her name on it and directing her to the open photographer.

Ruby made her way over to the photographer and handed him the paper. He looked it over and nodded, taking the paper. He typed the information into his computer and walked over to the girl. "Stand on this white X, and I'll take your picture."

Ruby saw the masking taped X on the floor and proceeded to stand on it as the photographer went back to her computer and camera. Both Ruby and the photographer saw and heard Newley at the same time.

"Why is her information wrong?"

Ruby scowled at the sound of her uncle's voice.

"What do you mean, sir?"

"Her surname is supposed to be on record as Newley."

The photographer looked at the paper file with Ruby's details to the computer then over to the girl in question, who shook her head, and finally at the commander. "I'm sorry, sir. Her last name is listed as 'Thompson,' and I can't change it."

Newley bristled but calmed himself down with the knowledge that he could still work with the situation. "Fine." He turned to face his niece. "Remember, Ruby. Don't smile. This card is to represent the image you wish to project at the Garrison."

Ruby gritted her teeth. She hated how he was under the assumption she wanted *anything* to do with him. Her anger grew with every order whether directed at her or the photographer.

"Tilt your head up."

"Photograph her at an angle."

"Glare at the camera."

"Make sure you capture how serious she is."

Newley's next comment was not directed at the photographer or his niece and was said under his breath. "The commanders are going to love this."

Ruby heard the comment and knew what he meant by it. Newley was going to use Ruby's entrance and serious nature to boost his career (and standing in the Garrison). His intention made her blood boil. She planted one hand on her hip and shook the index finger of the opposite hand at her uncle.

"How dare you! My admission into the Garrison has nothing to do with you, and neither do I! I will climb the ranks on my own, and you will do well to distance yourself from me or I will do it myself!"

Unbeknownst to the uncle/niece duo, the photographer took the opportunity to take a unique but fitting picture for the young lady in front of him. He was able to capture her mid rant and used that picture for her ID. He grinned as he printed out the card. He had a feeling this young lady was going to do great things during her career at the Galaxy Garrison.