Chapter 4
The Rules of Engagement
10 Perpatima, 3027
Anatoray Military Academy
Outside Commander Moody's Chivalric Rules of Engagement Class
1000 Hours
Swarming like a colony of hiveless bees, Alex Row's fellow cadets milled around the entrance to the classroom for Chivalric Rules of Engagement, waiting for their instructor, Commander Moody, to unlock the door. Dreading the immanent class, Alex fled the scene in search of solitude. He found it in the empty corridor around the corner from the classroom. He could stand up to Commander Moody's wrath. However, the constant taunts of his classmates had worn him down. There was also the fact that he needed to study.
Alex sat on the hard tile floor with his course book, Tactics, Strategy and the Chivalric Rules of Engagement, opened to page seven hundred forty-nine as he tried to memorize the ten rules of engagement that were never to be broken under any circumstances. But no matter how hard he tried; there seemed to be no circumstances under which he could remember them. They were not logical!
Moody had generously assigned him the task as a way to earn extra credit, since Alex was failing the course. With the words swimming incoherently before his eyes, Alex considered praying to one of the gods, but he wasn't sure which one covered the memorization of drivel. Surely, Lord Aries would use this idiotic book for target practice.
Alex glanced around the corner, but the swarm still milled about. Something must be wrong; Commander Moody, a stickler for punctuality, had never before made them wait. Alex wondered if it might have something to do with the early morning raid on Barracks A. Smiling at the memory, he relaxed a little. He'd found great pleasure in the planning and executing of the mission. He had no regrets; it was entirely worth it. Playing the role of a commanding officer had come naturally, and he had relished it. However, he wasn't wedded to it. If necessary, he would take the blame on himself, even if it meant expulsion.
Once again he checked for Commander Moody, but the teacher remained mysteriously absent. Alex accepted the futility of his endeavor and closed the book. Instead, he decided to work on his journal; he needed to get something ready for Yukino. For years they had written stories together, lifting their favorite character, Peter, from a storybook they had shared as children. Yukino always had something for Alex to read, and he tried to reciprocate. Though he was losing interest in this particular story line, she still loved it, and he couldn't bear the hurt way she looked at him when he disappointed her.
Alex became so deeply absorbed in the task of writing that he failed to notice the arrival of several cadets who now surrounded him. Vincent Alzey reached down and grabbed the journal. He read its contents aloud in a mocking sing-song voice,
"Peter and his new best friend, Red Angel, hid on the rocky hilltop above the Bewitched Lagoon. The magnificent pirate ship, Jolly Roger, lay anchored below, while its captain and his men searched the shoreline. Peter, never one for caution, needed to know immediately the nature of the mysterious missing object. After all, it was probably a treasure that should be his or at the very least Red Angel's. With a wink and a grin, Peter motioned to Red Angel, and they flew to the crow's nest of the fearful pirate ship."
"You are so weird," said Vincent, hurling the journal across the hall, "Peter, the flying boy, who never grew up? For gods' sake, how old are you? Twelve!"
Alex watched the cadet who taunted him; he didn't understand. Hadn't they reached a truce? What had changed? With a contemptuous look, Vincent grabbed Alex' uniform collar and yanked him to a standing position. Alex let Vincent do this; he found to his surprise he did not wish to get kicked out of the academy for something as minor as fighting. However, expulsion for laying siege to Barracks A's bathing facility would send him packing in a blaze of glory.
"What a loser! How did you get into the academy? Your great-granny make a big donation?"
Sure that Vincent sought to get him in trouble; Alex did not take the bait. Instead, he remained silent, mentally repeating the mantra his master had taught him: I shall not fight. I shall delay retribution. I shall strike when the time is right. I shall not fight …
"You get creepier every year," Vincent snarled, "You're strange. The Academy would be a lot better off without trash like you."
Vincent walked over to Alex' books and kicked them, scattering them across the hall. The sound attracted the attention of the swarming cadets.
"Hold him!" Vincent ordered his retinue.
Vincent's companions never reached their goal as the cadets from Barracks H blocked their path. Ensign Packard had Stuart Hamilton in a head lock, his fist ready to punch Hamilton in the face. Alex signed negative, and Packard let him go. Surveying the crowd that had gathered, Alex noticed Ensign Zane picking up his journal. She smoothed the wrinkled pages so she could close it.
Alex couldn't stop himself from smirking. There was nothing Vincent could do that would make Alex fight under these circumstances. The appropriate time would come, and then he'd make pay Vincent.
"House Row is contemptible," Vincent continued, pacing as he talked.
Alex regarded Vincent with amusement; the cadet had miscalculated. Alex would never fight to protect House Row's reputation. That was a lost cause. Instead, he stood grave and silent, sensing he was under scrutiny. Scanning the crowd he saw they were under the intense observation of Commander Moody. Vincent seemed to be unaware of his presence.
"And what about that crazy bitch, your sister," Vincent fumed.
Alex eyes widened as Vincent inflicted damage with the malicious remark. Struggling with the intense urge to strike Vincent, Alex almost lost control. But Vincent made the error of grinning prematurely in triumph and this brought Alex back from the brink. Instead he focused his attention back to his mantra: I shall not fight. I shall delay retribution. I shall strike when the time is right. I shall not fight …
Vincent approached Alex and said in a hoarse angry whisper, "Stay away from Bassianus!"
Alex' smirk turned to a smile; all of this was about Euris? Misinterpreting the smile as mockery, Vincent grabbed Alex by the jacket and hit him. Alex absorbed the painful blow without flinching, remaining unmoved.
Infuriated, Vincent pulled Alex toward him, and Alex yielded. But the angry cadet lost his balance, falling back and dragging Alex with him. Using the momentum, Alex tore himself free and launched into forward flip. He landed in a crouch just a few inches from Vincent, who lay sprawled on the floor.
"That is enough!" shouted Commander Moody leaning on his cane. "Alzey and Row, front and center! The rest of you report to the classroom."
Commander Moody was the type of teacher everyone obeyed. He exuded authority, and yet his students loved and respected him because he walked the walk. Most of their instructors were either inscrutably ancient or untested academics, but Moody's reputation preceded him. He came to the academy a well known, highly decorated soldier who knew the rigors of combat; he taught because he had been severely injured. The loss of an eye and leg in battle made active duty impossible.
Alex wondered why Commander Moody had let Vincent strike him. Why hadn't Moody stopped the altercation sooner? Moody was usually pretty fair. Maybe he wanted Alex expelled from the academy. Alex felt sure that was it, and with that realization came the knowledge that he would get the blame. He lowered his head and prepared himself for expulsion.
"Ensign Alzey, I did not believe you capable of such reprehensible behavior. And you, Ensign Row, capable of such restraint."
Alex wondered if he had heard correctly. Was Moody taking his side?
"Ensign Alzey, because you are an elite cadet, I am limited as to the punishments available. But I will use everything in that meager arsenal to discipline you. Report to me at 1500 hours for your punitive duties. Now, apologize to Ensign Row."
"Yes, Sir. I'm sorry Ensign Row," said Vincent, insincerely.
"Accept his apology, Ensign Row."
"Yes Sir. Apology accepted, Ensign Alzey," Alex replied, reluctantly.
"Hmm…I suppose that's a start. Now get out of here, Ensign Alzey, go and take your seat in the classroom, Ensign Alzey."
Commander Moody waited for Vincent to leave, and then turned to Alex, looking at the young cadet with curiosity. Alex had a great deal of respect for Commander Moody, but such intense scrutiny made him uncomfortable.
"Ensign Row, I was ready to give up on you. In fact, I was going to recommend your removal from the Academy. Not because of your inability to follow the rules, but because I thought you a reckless, self indulgent loner. But today I watched as you interacted with your fellow cadets from Barracks H. Yow seem to have finally established a rapport with them because they protected you. They even picked up your things. It wouldn't have anything to do with break-in at Barracks A, would it Ensign?"
"Break-in, Sir?"
"Yes, Ensign."
"No, Sir."
"Alright, we'll put that aside – for now. I was pleased with what I saw today , Ensign Row - a leader with a clear head. Those cadets looked to you for direction and would have done whatever you wished. Fortunately, you stopped them from escalating the altercation. Even more impressive, you didn't respond to Alzey's provocation. This is progress I can't ignore. I believe I've changed my mind. Go to class, I'm going to get some ice for your eye."
"Thank you, Sir." Alex smiled; it was rare for anyone to receive praise from Commander Moody.
Finding his books stacked neatly against the wall, Alex felt gratitude to whomever had been considerate enough to do this. Grabbing them, he wished he could go hide in his room. Nothing Alzey said bothered him except the remark about Hestia. That would require retribution; Hestia had suffered enough.
Alex walked to the classroom with trepidation. There was no way to know how his fellow cadets would react to what had just happened. As he stood at the door watching the general mayhem, the Barracks H cadets beckoned him, pointing to a seat they had saved for him.
"What did Moody say?" asked Ensign Roland Packard the minute Alex sat down, "Are you going to be expelled?"
"No."
"Awesome! You'll be around to lead another raid."
"Shut up!" hissed Ensign Melissa Zane. "That's for Barracks H ears only."
The rest of the Hades cadets glared at Ensign Packard.
"You're a good man Packard, but Gods you're thick," said Ensign Julian Whelan.
Ensign Zane stared at Alex' blackened eye. "You're gonna have a major shiner. I thought for sure Moody would send you to the infirmary."
"It's nothing. It's better to avoid medical channels. They would insist on an official report."
The cadets stared at Alex obviously impressed with his knowledge of channels, and why it was better to avoid them. "I think I speak for everyone when I say that's why you're the commander, Row," said Ensign Zane.
Alex stared at Vincent's back with hatred.
"Where is Moody?" asked Ensign Sheila Donnelly.
"He went for ice."
Vincent turned and glared at Alex. Alex returned his glance with equal intensity, while thinking about all the ways he would hurt Vincent when the time was right. Commander Moody entered the room, handed Alex an ice pack, and went to the lectern.
"I remind you; the name of this class is the Chivalric Rules of Engagement," began Commander Moody. "What I saw in the hall earlier broke that code. When an officer quarrels with another officer, appropriate protocols must be followed to settle the dispute. Otherwise said officer keeps his grievance to himself. It is that simple. It is never appropriate to intimidate another soldier, or to insult him, his name, or any of his family members. If I could, I would suspend Ensign Alzey for this breach. I commend Ensign Row on his restraint."
"Now! Enough of my class time has been wasted on this. There is much to cover in regard to last week's extraordinary war game," Commander Moody continued.
Alex slouched as far down in his seat as he could. Vincent and his friends turned and stared pointedly at him.
"In the seven years I have taught at the Academy, I have never seen a cadet shoot his own field commander and take control, as Ensign Row did. This is, of course, expressly forbidden by the Chivalric Rule of Engagement. We can't murder our commanding officer whenever we disagree with an order. That would lead to chaos."
Vincent and his clique turned to Alex and signed the shame on you gesture as Alex cursed them under his breath. Meanwhile Ensign Packard flipped Vincent and his elite comrades the double bird while the rest of the cadets of Barracks H cadets doubled over attempting with varying degrees of success to stifle hysterical laughter.
"Give it a rest, all of you!" Commander Moody shouted.
"Yes, Sir," said the cadets in unison.
"It was unfortunate that we had to conduct this war game on land, but too many of you have been grounded for an air battle."
"You mean the dumbasses from Barracks H, Commander Moody, not us," said Ensign Stuart Hamilton.
"If anyone speaks without permission again, it will mean fifty demerits. Do you understand, Ensign Hamilton?"
"But, Sir…"
"If it were possible to ground elite cadets you could not make such a statement. Now, let's discuss the game."
Commander Moody went to the chalkboard where he had prepared a diagram based on the report of the "dead" commanding officer.
"At this juncture in the game, the members of this class, Team Resolute, seemed close to victory. Your Commanding Officer, Ensign Hamilton, had the situation well in hand, at least according to his report. This is precisely the moment when Ensign Row staged a coup, figuratively shooting Ensign Hamilton, and taking his leadership insignia."
"Ensign Row, would you care to tell us why you did that?" asked Commander Moody.
Alex did not expect to be called on to explain his actions. He hesitated; he hated giving reasons, especially when the justification was so obvious.
"Come on Ensign Row, you must have an explanation. Stand up, tell us."
Alex wasn't sure of Commander Moody's intentions, but he stood, saying, "If we had done as Ensign Hamilton ordered, we would have lost the game."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because it was clear that Team Steadfast intended to lure us into a trap."
"Continue, Ensign Row."
Irritated by everyone's denseness Alex stormed to the chalkboard. "May I use the pointer, Sir?"
"It's all yours," replied Commander Moody.
"Ensigns Zane, Packard and I were assigned scouting duties. After completing our mission, we reported to Ensign Hamilton that a Team Steadfast cohort hid on the spur, located here," said Alex hitting the board with a load crack.
Startled, all the cadets jumped, except for the Barrack H contingent. They knew what to expect.
"There is nothing on the map to indicate that, Ensign Row," commented Commander Moody.
"That's because Ensign Hamilton ignored our report."
Ensign Hamilton waved his hand vigorously.
"Let's humor Ensign Row and say that an enemy cohort did wait there. What difference would that have made, Ensign Row?"
"Note that we had seemingly good ground on the mountain in relation to this spur," continued Alex. "However, though the spur is located below our position, a narrow path from it circled up the mountain to a small clearing above and behind our camp. That path leads through a densely wooded area, making visibility impossible. If we had engaged in a straight forward attack on Team Steadfast's camp directly below us, as ordered, we would have been out flanked, and our flag would have been taken."
"Hmmm, so what did you do, Ensign Row?"
"I shot Ensign Hamilton and took his leadership insignia."
"No, what orders did you give?" asked Commander Moody.
"I formed three companies: the first to feign the direct attack Team Steadfast was undoubtedly expecting; the second to go into the woods and secure the path; the third to out flank Team Steadfast and take their flag."
"Then what happened?"
"You know, Sir. We executed the mission, and won. Ensign Hamilton filed charges against me, and the win was nullified."
"Who commanded the second company?" asked Commander Moody.
"I did, Sir," said Ensign Zane, standing.
"What happened?"
"We captured ten enemy combatants; no casualties."
"Yes, I saw that in the observer's report. So, Ensign Hamilton, there was an enemy cohort on the spur. Why didn't you listen to Ensign Row?"
"I have no excuse, Sir," said Ensign Hamilton, knowing when to quit.
"It's too bad you filed charges. It would have been a prestigious win. It's been a while since the Ensigns defeated the Junior Lieutenants. Of course it's true that the Junior Lieutenants were over confident and didn't try very hard, but a win is a win."
"But Sir, Row was completely out of line," said Ensign Hamilton.
"Ensign Row," said Commander Moody emphasizing the ensign.
"Sorry, Sir. Ensign Row," said Hamilton.
"Well, class, that is the question. Was Ensign Row out of line? For your homework, you will discover just that."
Commander Moody turned to Alex and motioned for the pointer. Alex could not believe what he was hearing; he might actually get out of this.
"You are to research under what conditions an officer can relieve his superior of duty? Did Ensign Row act properly? I expect a two page paper on this. Dismissed."
As the cadets filed out of the class, Commander Moody walked toward the chalkboard passing Alex. "Help me erase the board, Ensign Row."
Yes, Sir."
"Ensign Row, you are the great grandson of Lady Hippolyte Yokujin, are you not?"
"Yes, sir. I am."
"Then I assume you play chess."
"Yes, Sir," answered Alex, though he hadn't played since leaving Jiguzagu.
"Good, your punishment for shooting Ensign Hamilton during the war game is mandatory membership on the chess team. We meet Saturdays at thirteen hundred."
"Yes, Sir," Alex sighed. Obligations were eating up his spare time, but he knew he had gotten off easy.
Alex got his books, feeling that, given the situation things had worked out well. He left the room with confidence. Junior Lieutenant Wolf and his Barracks H classmates waited for him in the hall.
"Wow, that's a major black eye," said Wolf. "Does it hurt?"
"No. Did you contact Bassianus?"
"Yes," said Wolf with a wink, handing him Euris' response.
"Excellent, thank you," replied Alex as he eagerly opened it.
"Are you going to lunch, Row?" asked Ensign Donnelly.
"Yes, but let me read this first." The note was brief – 1300 hours on the roof of the engineering building. This better be good.-EB. Alex smiled; he found tough girl Euris irresistible.
At the cafeteria, the cadets of Barracks H had pulled two tables together. Everybody surrounded Alex to find out why he had a black eye, and if, given his record, he was going to be expelled. They plied Alex with questions, but they got nothing out of him. It didn't matter, though, Ensigns Packard, Zane, and Donnelly gave detailed, if somewhat exaggerated accounts totally biased in Alex favor. This was an unexpected turn; Alex had been sure Vincent's attack would turn the other cadets against him.
Alex fiddled with his spoon pushing the unrecognizable concoction the academy called stew around his plate, occasionally taking a bite. Though very hungry, he could not bring himself to eat the mystery food. Instead, he took an orange and some bread, and then pushed his tray away.
"If you're not going to eat that, can I have it?" asked Ensign Packard, "I'll trade you for my orange."
Alex nodded, accepting the orange. Not wanting to be late for his appointment with Bassianus, he grabbed his things and rushed for door. He was halfway down the hall when he turned around and went back to the table. He stood quietly waiting for them to acknowledge him.
"Hey, Row, you're back. What's up?" asked Junior Lieutenant Kosta.
"Thank you, for stopping Alzey's friends and picking up my books. … I'll see you later… at kendo."
The Roof of the Engineering Building
1300 Hours
As it turned out, Alex arrived early. Lying on the roof, he felt happy to be alone, gazing into the vast blue sky. He basked in the sun, glad he had only one more class that day, and that the Ensigns from Barracks A would not be there. He thought it odd that they attended all their classes together except for martial arts and kendo. Barracks A probably had a huge practice hall with mats, and equipment. Feeling drowsy, Alex closed his eyes and dozed, comforted by a warm, playful breeze and the clear, bright air.
Euris interrupted his sleep, "Hey, Row, what happened to you?"
Alex woke, sitting up quickly, not sure where he was. He looked quizzically at Euris.
"You're drooling," she laughed, handing him a napkin, "How did you get that bruise? Were you in another fight? Who with? Gods, I hope it's gone by the cotillion or you'll have to cover it with make-up."
"Thanks for the deep concern, I'm touched."
"Really, what happened?"
"Nothing."
Euris rolled her eyes. "Typical," she sighed in a lovely sing-song voice.
Euris waved a box wrapped in a cloth in front of Alex, "I brought you something good. You're getting so scrawny. Aren't you eating?"
"Bassianus, have you dined at any of the other Barracks' cafeterias since you've been here?
"No."
"Then have lunch with me at my dinning hall. I'm sure you'll find it very enlightening," said Alex.
"Ok, when?"
"Twelve hundred, Saturday. I have Chess Club at thirteen hundred; it's mandatory. So don't be late."
"Why is it mandatory?"
"No reason."
Euris frowned. "Gods you're infuriating," she said as she unwrapped the box and opened it. It contained beautiful, fluffy, white rice balls wrapped in dried seaweed, with three kinds of topping: fish, pickled vegetables, and pickled berries. The side dish was an omelet with broad beans and various pickled vegetables. The delightful aroma tantalized Alex with its promise, and his stomach growled in answer. Alex eyed the box with deep longing. He hadn't eaten any decent food since leaving Jiguzagu.
"You can have this, but first you have to promise tell me what happened," said Euris, waving it under his nose.
"It's clear to me, now; you have a sadistic streak," commented Alex, as he considered whether or not her bribe was an equivalent exchange for his explanation. "Where did you get this?"
"I had the cook make it."
"You have a cook?"
"Yes, of course, don't you?"
"No, Bassianus, I don't." said Alex, thinking he should say no to the food, too. But he couldn't stop himself, and, taking the box, he told her as little as possible while he scarfed down every last morsel.
"I'm sorry, Row," said Euris after he finished his tale. "I had no idea Alzey could be such an ass."
"Apparently he likes you. I suppose now you won't want me to take you to the cotillion. Alzey would be a more appropriate escort."
"You're my escort, Row. You're not getting out of this by pretending to be noble."
"But Noble is my middle name."
For some reason they both found this very funny.
"You know, Bassianus, I have no desire to attend the cotillion. You'd be better off going with Alzey."
A wounded expression flickered across Euris' face. "It's an order, Row, not a choice. I can have you confined to quarters for disobeying."
"And what good would that do you?"
Alex watched understanding dawn on Euris, as she eyed him with suspicion, "What's going on, Row? You're obviously up to something."
"Yukino's naming ceremony is today. Tomorrow she leaves for the Emperor's Enclave."
"You agreed you wouldn't see her."
"This is my last chance. I just want to say goodbye."
"And what does that have to do with me?"
"I need your help to get into the Enclave. In return I'll be an attentive escort at the cotillion."
"You want to break into a Courtesan's Enclave? Gods, Row, the trouble you'll be in if you get caught, and what about me if they find out I helped you. I don't believe being an attentive escort compensates me appropriately for the risks I'll be facing."
"Name your price."
"Hmm, let me see," said Euris. She clasped her hands behind her back while she rocked on her heels.
Alex frowned. She relished the power she had over him far too much. This confirmed it; she was indeed a sadist.
"What is your opinion of the routine we'll be performing at the cotillion?" Euris asked.
Alex didn't know how to answer her, but finally he decided honesty was best.
"It's awful."
"And what about the music?"
"Dull, at best."
"Then in payment for my services, you will help me improve the routine and the music."
"Done."
"What do you need?" Euris asked.
Alex handed her a list. She read it and looked at him with amazement, "You need one of my father's heavy transports?"
"Yes."
"Jeez, Row, aren't you grounded?"
"Can you get it?" asked Alex.
"No problem. But who will fly it?"
"Yukino will be sending our disguises this afternoon. They're addressed to you at Barrack's A."
"Our disguises?" asked Euris.
"Yes. Our disguises."