ARC 3 Part 1

The scrimmage with Saunders had proven fruitful in many ways to the team of Transcendence. Officially it had proven a way to judge their strength as a team and their individual skills. However, Virtanen and his staff had taken much more from it. They now were tracking that although skilled, their crews lacked proper reaction times and judgment. These were the focal points of their training over the weeks following the scrimmage as well as intense personal training for all vehicle, commanders. This training, needless to say, was led by Kaiser Who seemed unchanged to most since the event, however to Virtanen who had known him the longest, he could see the strain in his eyes from lack of sleep and overexertion.

With the International drawings coming up soon it seemed he had been overworked. In a rare act of sympathy, Virtanen had granted Kaiser a day of leave so as to rest while Virtanen took a substitute in his place. At least that was what he intended to do.

Kaiser had stayed late the previous night so as to help Piper and the mechanics club once more. He had figured that with a day off he could sleep in without any problems They had fallen behind on last-minute preparations for vehicles that were to be used for the first official match of the season. The team had opted to finish their work a few days early so as to have some free time. Having an overload of work, however, caused the need for them to ask for Kaiser's assistance, seeing as how he finished work faster than half of them did. The preparations naturally were to maintain superior performance and for more recent purpose's to be aesthetically pleasing for the short parade the would precede their first sanctioned match as decided by the school staff to promote support for the team.

Kaiser went to sleep as soon as he arrived home late in the night. His mind at ease knowing when he awoke they would be docked in Japan and Virtanen would return with information of what team they were to face. He had no fear of having to reprimand any students who went out to port either.

Naturally, due to the size of the ships, only one school ship was allowed to dock at an individual port and due to their school's smaller size, they received a smaller port to dock in. This meant that with no other schools present Kaiser had no worries of inter-school incidents occurring, whether it be violent or inappropriate acts.

All these events combined gave Kaiser the premonition of a Saturday morning he could enjoy. "I'm glad Virtanen's overcome that stage fright of his now…" his final thought of the night drifted off as he entered a deep slumber.

A familiar ring occurred it was his doorbell. Kaiser rolled over to check his phone. It read 06:00 on its screen. "There better be a child or a dead relative otherwise there will be a death," he muttered as he emerged from his room to greet the visitors at his door. He had gotten no more than three and a half hours of sleep after staying later than the actual mechanical club to finish up their share of work.

As he walked towards the door stretching his muscles Kaiser glanced at a mirror next to the door. The sight was less than admirable. Still in a pair of grey mechanics trousers that the club had given him a set as a gift for being an "honorary" member as they put it. With a black tank top that was half tucked in. A quick glance upwards revealed his normally styled hair disheveled and a mess in all directions showing its length as it pointed to and fro.

Not caring for his appearance for once he opened the door figuring that only school staff or personnel who knew him well would ever visit him in his home seeing as they were the only ones who knew where he lived. Leaving early and late at night nearly everyday left few to witness you arrive home.

The sight that met his eyes was something that he would have highly approved of on any other day besides this one. Before him stood Virtanen and Knight. The former with a beaming smile that secreted a forced happiness and the latter with his usual awkward half smile.

The two wore their standard black dress uniforms, however, this time they were dressed for an obviously important occasion. They wore their black trousers bloused into recently shined black boots instead of their typical dress shoes. Upon their chest, they wore awards from their junior high years, or at least Virtanen did as he participated in a junior school and more recent events.

Virtanen chest eclipsing Knights with a myriad of colors and his silver commander's cords draped across and medals to boot. On their blouse's were dress belts of course but in accompany with them were a ceremonial saber worn by the two with both blades on their left. Their right's held their personal sidearms. Virtanen possessed a Colt .45 while Knight preferred a Smith and Wesson revolver.

The sidearms were one of two items that the two held that drew his eyes along with the barracks cover they held under their arms. Kaiser was the only student who regularly wore that specific cover. The regular club members were not allowed to wear sidearms unless for event's and they opted to wear the more comfortable and easier to carry Garrison caps as opposed to the larger barracks cover and it's "crush cap" variant. The student staff, of course, were allowed to carry if they chose to, in fact, it was encouraged.

The final piece was Virtanen was wearing contacts for a change instead of his signature silver glasses and Knight had his usually long disheveled hair neatly combed to the side and back. Kaiser took all of this in an immediate notice and knew that it was too early for them to have returned.

"HEY! Why aren't you around yet?" Asked Virtanen leaning in towards Kaiser. Kaiser didn't respond but merely looked back at Virtanen with a gaze that was more despondent than his usual stern glare. "Come now we'll be late if you don't hurry, we have half an hour till we-" Halfway through his sentence Kaiser attempted to slam the door shut on his peers. His Door, however, found itself stopped with a foot wedged in its place. Kaiser released his hold on the door slightly expecting to see Virtanen's pained face after all he had slammed it exceptionally hard even if one was wearing boots. Instead, he saw Virtanen with a frown and Knight's foot which had conveniently been kicked into the path of the door by an unknown or perhaps unashamed assailant. "Well that wasn't very nice, you'll scuff his boots," commented Virtanen as he attempted to push his way inside. Kaiser ceased his resistance and let his troublesome peer push in tripping over himself at the sudden lack of resistance. Kaiser watched Virtanen cough awkwardly as he straightened once more only to crash down into a recliner while Knight hobbled in to seat himself nursing his foot on the couch.

"No," said Kaiser cutting to the point.

"What do you mean?" Responded Virtanen averting his eyes attempting to be evasive.

"To your presence" snapped Kaiser. "But you are an essential part of our team! we can't attend the ceremony without you after all even with your personality you are still our best chance at retrieving intel and forging friendships! More so with these mostly female schools!" Announced Virtanen praising his peer.

Kaiser narrowed his eyes at Virtanen giving him a look that clearly translated to "Cut the BS" Virtanen Shrunk at the gaze knowing he had been caught in a lie. "If this is because you got last minute stage fright," warned Kaiser.

"Alright! Fine I wouldn't have believed it either but speaking in front of a couple of dozen peers and underclassmen is completely different from being in front of thousand's! Let alone those watching on television!" Kaiser simply continued his gaze that was losing its ferocity not due to sympathy but to this speech. The same plea with different material inserted that he had heard multiple times. "Come on! Please, you've always done this kind of stuff, I need you to be there." Kaiser sighed and crossed his arms thinking "isn't this why we placed you as commander?" The thought would no doubt sting him so Kaiser retained it for the moment. A moment of reflection and he gave his awaited response.

"Is this an order?" Sighed Kaiser as he loosened his posture and closed his eyes. This question drew a response of surprise from both Virtanen and Knight who was over his small foot injury. With open eyes, Knight looked towards Virtanen who after eye contact looked towards Kaiser. He himself was now leaning on a wall.

"Umm pardon me?" Asked Virtanen after a short pause.

"Is this an order?" Repeated Kaiser. "From Superior to subordinate, are you giving me a direct order to attend?"

Normally this wouldn't be a problem for most others but Virtanen actually loathed superiors who forced their subordinates into awkward or stressful positions. If there was any other alternative he preferred to make his allies safe and comfortable. He normally placed a large sum of work on Kaiser because he had more trust in his work capability than his own and would never ask anything if he vehemently refused. So asking a third time for his attendance was unappealing. It was even less so because it was of someone he considered a friend even if Kaiser would never have admitted or refer to it.

After an extended pause Kaiser cracked open an eye and looked at Virtanen in toiling with his inner turmoil. One more sigh escaped his lips before he spoke.

"Virtanen I've told you about hesitation before if it is an order then so be it. After all, soldiers follow orders and that's all there is to it." However, it wasn't really all there was. After their previous argument, Kaiser had decided to show Virtanen his perspective no matter how small. Forcing him to give an unwanted order that would go against what he stood for and went against his subordinates wishes was something Virtanen never wanted to do. Kaiser would see he would.

Virtanen looked up from his seat at Kaiser whos gaze had eased up now to a noncaring expression. Kaiser knew Virtanen wasn't the most perceptive of people but he seemed to have caught Kaiser's true intention. Virtanen couldn't back down from Kaiser's slowly nodded his head once. Resigned to the fact that he had no other choice now.

Kaiser did not sigh nor argue for his sake he simply raised an open hand signaling five minutes and stepped off towards his restroom. One last glance shared and the two shared the same thought "people are not tools." The same line Virtanen had said weeks ago. Both staying adamant in their decisions.

Knight who had been observing the entire Conversation up to its conclusion sat slightly confused. Through Kaiser's talk of soldiers following orders, he had thought that this was just a case of one individual forcing a friend to admit he needed help and then assisting him. He had completely misread the two's subliminal messages.

-Transition-

Surely enough Kaiser was impeccable with his timing. As five minutes had passed Kaiser stepped out of his room freshly showered shaved, dressed in attire that was closer to Virtanen's considering the minute details excluding he wore his personal luger and saber just as Knight did. He luckily had multiple uniforms and one was designated as his inspection uniform that was always prepared for last minute events such as this. Cleaned to his personal acceptance and his numerous awards that even eclipsed Virtanen were placed precisely. The only thing he lacked in comparison being the colonel rank his peer wore.

"Well then gentlemen," began Kaiser as he walked past the two other students to open the door. "Let's be off," he finished grabbing his cover off the nearby rack to place atop his head. The two caught off guard by his expediency sprang up from their seats finishing their drinks that Virtanen had "liberated" from Kaiser refrigerator and rushed outside and immediately down the building's stairs. Kaiser followed suit to hear a short series of honks and a familiar voice shout upon seeing the bodies hurrying from his doorway.

"GET YUR ARSE'S DOWN ERE!" Kaiser looked down over the catwalk railing to see O'Diveley and Sokolov leaning out of the driver's and passenger's seat of the Mercedes staff car. A response came but not any of the familiar peers. Instead, it came from another sleep-deprived student two floors above Kaiser. "SHUT! UP! IT'S SIX IN THE MORNING!"

O'Diveley ran up to just underneath the catwalks of the building to where he could get closer without actually entering it. "OI, WHY DON'T YOU STOP SHOUTING THEN YE IDIOT!?" To one listening from inside the apartments, it would seem that O'Diveley's response had shut up the arguing student but Kaiser was fortunate to see the entire infraction playout.

As he had shifted his attention between O'Diveley and the origin of the opposing voice after one had spoken. Kaiser had seen The student lean over the terrace to shout back only to be struck in the head by a seemingly full bottle. At least it was full until it impacted sending a cascading waterfall of amber liquid leaving a reverberating "thunk" and an unconscious victim. The student fell backward unconscious as O'Diveley danced below to catch the open but rather unscathed bottle. Now hurrying himself downstairs so he would not need to explain to the apartment manager why there was a ruckus and why one student was unconscious outside his home Kaiser made his way to the staff car so they could evacuate the promise.

The five students ran into the vehicle and left as quickly as possible to depart from the ship. The last departing words Kaiser heard before they pulled out as Virtanen's low chuckle as O'Diveley muttered "Prick" underneath his breath. Even Sokolov spoke up even if only to congratulate O'Diveley on his shot and touch knuckles at O'Diveleys insistence.

As they drove off they noticed the lack of students departing to explore the town which was understandable due to the time of day. after a few minutes through the relatively small town not diverting their attention except for a few passing waves from the locals. The small group began their two hour trip towards the designated arena for the lottery drawing. Naturally, the location was designated by the Federation so as to appeal to all schools no matter where they had docked in.

-Transition-

Around 0830 the group had arrived at the arena pulling up to see the parking lot filled with cars of various sizes. The reason is evident but it also paid Virtanen a stark reminder of the number of people present.

Their vehicle drove through the rear entrance for reserved parking that held a spot for each school and their respective vehicle. On the ride there Sokolov had remained glued to his seat frozen stiff while Virtanen and Knight had struggled to not grab the steering wheel from O'Diveley who had broken at least Five laws on the way there. Kaiser as he was infamous for had slept through the entire ordeal as if he was in his own bed.

As they pulled to a stop Kaiser awoke and stepped out of the vehicle to stretch his limbs. As he turned around hands above his head still stretching and stopped midway to gaze at his comrades. Their reactions as the entourage felt solid ground once more varied, to say the least.

Virtanen was looking at O'diveley as if he was impressed and yet fearful of his reckless driving nature. "He'll probably ask for lessons..." deadpanned Kaiser mentally.

Sokolov at a glance seemed unfazed but upon closer inspection, his white-knuckled fists gripping onto his seat cushion showed he had succumbed to a near-death experience.

Knight perhaps was the most dramatic. Knight was hunched over leaning onto a pillar raising a single finger towards his companions to signal he needed a moment.

O'Diveley meanwhile was leaning back in his seat, hands behind his head, obviously proud of himself drinking from a coke bottle but the liquid seemed a tad bit... incorrect for soda.

Kaiser finished stretching and walked over to the now relaxing Sokolov who's poker face had not changed but finger's now with blood flow returning.

"Sokolov" whispered Kaiser. "Knight and I will attend the ceremony with Virtanen meanwhile I want you and O'Diveley simply to watch the car and how do I put it, perform espionage upon the other school's students through your own charms and capabilities."

Sokolov had a look of confusion on his face as he gazed at Kaiser. "Are you?..." trailing off Sokolov picked his words. "Saying that we should hit on high school girls from other schools to get information?"

"I prefer the term seduce. Perhaps crude but it sounds more eloquent," stated Kaiser going on a tangent as a quick distraction to upset the current pace of the conversation. "Here lies the situation," said Kaiser his eyes now locked onto his seated subordinate as he leaned onto the car door. "While each school has its own representatives for this event it still has a vast amount of regular students and those who are apart of their senshado programs." Kaiser paused so that Sokolov could give a single head nod to show he was following. "Now many of these girls and boys will be exploring the town before and after the event."

Sokolov's face paled slightly at the mention of males after Kaiser's previous use of the word Seduction. Kaiser picked up on this and raised a palm signaling him to cease his thought process.

"As for the males I intend for you to simply befriend and if need be for O'Diveley to outdrink them." Some color returned to Sokolov at the explanation. "Any and all information from all schools will be helpful for our future endeavors so I am leaving this to you understood?" A single resigned nod came from Sokolov as Kaiser finished speaking

"Well to be honest sir I think you're better suited for this line of work," stated Sokolov without a hint of dishonesty. Kaiser refused to compromise, however. "Sokolov, look around at the leadership here. Knight is too shy for this task, Virtanen is perhaps too confident to the point where we have had talks about the past." The mention of the two before the current school year caught Sokolov's attention as neither really spoke much of it however he shelved his question as Kaiser continued. "And as for me, I'm hated by practically everyone my age." Sokolov attempted to interject but was shushed by Kaiser. "Don't think that I haven't heard the nicknames and rumors," muttered Kaiser. "Apparently not all of them" commented Sokolov mentally as he discreetly rolled his eyes. "O'Diveley is naturally charismatic and I trust that you will make the most logical decision on how to chat a few students up," finished Kaiser. Sokolov seemed to understand the logic behind this conclusion more so because he felt complimented at being acknowledged for being highly logical and nodded. Sokolov then stood out of the vehicle and saluted before walking over to O'Diveley to brief his new "wingman."

Kaiser caught him by his shoulder and whispered one last bit. "Don't forget to keep an eye on O'Diveley." Kaiser and Sokolov shared a moment of hesitance before the latter nodded his agreement and continued on.

Sokolov began to chat with O'Diveley and as the two loaded back into the vehicle Kaiser ran a worrisome thought through his head. "I hope he believes my reasoning for their abilities more than I do. It would be troublesome getting little to no information out of this event." Worried Kaiser as he joined an ecstatic Virtanen and less so Knight. As Kaiser walked into their conversation The last words he caught from Virtanen "he even agreed to show me how to drift!" showed no positive prospects. Seeing the worry arise on Knight's face Virtanen turned and saw Kaiser to ignore the silent plea.

"Finally, are you ready to head in?" Asked Virtanen.

"I should be asking that of you." retorted Kaiser. Virtanen let out a nervous laugh as the three proceeded to the elevator that would take them to the main floor.

-Transition-

The trio took a short ride and arrived at the main floor of the arena. As they checked in with a few officials they had learned that each school had been assigned a room to wait in and get any last minute preparations for personal attire completed. Naturally, they were encouraged to explore and mingle with others at their own discretion and naturally for high schoolers warned not to cause disturbances.

With a rather large excess of time, they had agreed to explore before returning back to their designated room a half hour early to prepare themselves. The entire arena went without saying was large encompassing the main stage with thousands of seats surrounding it stacked multiple stories high. the glass exterior exposed the multiple floors and walkways as well as vendors and some souvenir stands. These however numbered relatively few compared to an actual match's festivities but were still present to accommodate the attending crowds.

The rooms that the students would reside in before the ceremony were on the top floor that had entrance to the V.I.P booths overlooking the entire stadium. Currently, at 0845 the arena stood practically full excluding a few empty sections here and there. At 1000 the ceremony was slated to start on the dot. The transcendence team currently sat in their room briefing each other before giving themselves time to explore.

"So That's the game plan," finished Virtanen as he scanned the mini fridge seeing to his disappointment that there was no Coke and sadly only Pepsi. He chose instead to grab a carton of milk that resided next to the canned soda's. Virtanen popped the straw in and started to slurp the contents of the small box dry as he glanced toward his peer's.

Inside of the small but spacious room were two light tan couches. One a three seat and the other a loveseat with two matching footrests. The curtains match the furniture as they rested against white walls and the ground held ornately designed white and tan tiles. Along with the standard seats came a mini fridge and rather large T.V. placed on the wall. A restroom with similar design stood one door away off to the entrances left.

Currently, the three males had taken their dress jackets and covers off. Kaiser had kept his tie fastened as he sat looking over the schedule of events and layout of the arena while Virtanen loosened his own tie undoing the top button leaning against the sofa, Kaiser sat on peering over his shoulder. Knight had followed Virtanen and taken his tie off and undone the top button as well. He sat quietly across his two peers thumbing through his phone and smiling at the screen. Perhaps from his "dear friend" Diana sassed Kaiser mentally before growing bored and turned to cleaning his pistol.

"Umm, sir?" asked Knight sheepishly after a putting away his phone.

"Yes Knight?" responded Virtanen promptly.

"You didn't say anything. We got out of the elevator, looked at the arena's inside then you went code black and retreated here immediately looking for a drink before saying, So that's the game plan." Knight felt as if he said too much about before his superior yet the dumbfounded look Virtanen sent towards Kaiser begged the question "That so?"

Kaiser closed his eyes and nodded as he wiped down his pistol grip with a small rag.

"Sorry Knight," apologized Virtanen. "I'd forgotten you're new, Kaiser and I kind of have a mutual understanding about these kind of things." Knight looked at Kaiser who had returned to his sidearm for confirmation.

Kaiser knowingly shook his head in disagreement without looking in Knight's direction. Virtanen not noticing this threw his trash into the receptacle at the far end of the room.

"So the plan is that Kaiser being more experienced with these situations takes over for me without the populace knowing." Kaiser knew better than Knight that Virtanen was just repeating this fact so as to express the importance he found in it so as to justify his reasoning. "So once our school is called up we will march out onto the stage and face the audience. Kaiser reports to me we salute and he will draw for us express his thanks and then we shake hands with whoever our opponents are and bug out!" At the end of his plan, Virtanen gave a grin with his hands on his hips waiting for feedback. All he got in return was a cough from Knight and a sigh from Kaiser.

"Come on!, Nothing?!" Inquired Virtanen expressing his displeasure.

"Of course lets not forget the fact that this should all happen before you faint," snarked Kaiser. Kaiser and Knight made eye contact and then sighed in unison.

"Knight you go first," offered Kaiser leaving the floor to Knight.

"Umm okay then, your plan though evasive in a sense still places you in front of everyone Sir." The comment hit Virtanen and blew through his defenses as he was stuck with his grin frozen in place. Knight didn't stop, however. "And if you are going to give control to Lt Col Kaiser then you will have to face the crowd and even more so shout out your order to him so as not to appear weak-willed." This seemed to shatter something else in Virtanen's poorly supported facade. Then the final blow came from Kaiser.

Kaiser raised a hand for Knight to stop and picked up where he had left off. "Virtanen I respect you intellectually and strategically you are superior to many. This is not simple praise coming from me it is founded in fact, however, I believe your fears are playing too large a part in your decisions." Virtanen tried to defend himself but Kaiser wouldn't allow him the respite. "Now I understand that this has been a problem for you for some time so we shall continue adapting you towards it slowly." Virtanen had begun to build a small sweat after hearing the counter argument to him being built but thankfully his friend had agreed to support him. However, we do this my way seeing as all other avenues have failed." Kaiser finished his statement with a rare wry grin. Once again Knight felt somehow left out of the loop but smiled along realizing how comedic he interpreted their act to be of course hiding it behind a layer of confusion.

The three had stayed inside of their room up until 0910 when Virtanen had entered and exited the restroom. Upon his exit, he saw that Kaiser and his belongings were gone while Knight was laying on the couch watching the ongoing setup for the ceremony on the mounted television.

"Where'd Kaiser Go?" Asked Virtanen. "Oh, he said he was just going to explore," answered Knight as he tossed Virtanen his phone to show a short series of texts explaining the same. "Well as long as he is back before we are up for the ceremony," muttered Virtanen a small bead of sweat forming.

-Transition-

Kaiser had slipped out of the preparation room to do as he usually did which was to explore. It had been no more than 10 minutes and Kaiser had already explored a fair amount of the stadium and had even met with a fair amount of students from other schools. Not that he had no faith in his peers however he found no problem in a small amount of overt espionage. Normally Kaiser was rather reclusive preferring to be by himself and away from large crowds however his situation found him unable to be comfortable in any which way.

To start with, the stares were the first offensive to assault his iron bearing. No stranger to being eyed up or stared down a fair amount of students and regular citizens gawked at the dazzling awards and equipment hanging off of his pristine uniform. Some made the honest mistake of believing he was a male student of Kuromorimine while the majority acknowledged he was of another program if not completely unrelated. The Saunders scrimmage was written off as just that, a scrimmage so the defeat was not broadcasted outside of the local area except for a few personal recorded video leaving the new academy still in secrecy.

As more stares mounted and more confusion followed over who he was affiliated with Kaiser sighed internally before catching a black mass moving amongst the crowd. A small group of Kuromorimine students had passed his view after leaving a small food stall serving bratwurst and similar food items. Noticing the group of three girls and two boys Kaiser found them to be a decent source of intel and opportunity to dispel some confusion over his affiliation.

The eldest girl with a garrison cap on top of her shoulder-length straight brunette hair made eye contact with Kaiser first. She had bitten into her food taking a greedy amount of the meal as he approached her group with a charming smile catching her off guard. The fact that it had taken Kaiser a moment to actually place the smile on himself went unnoticed by all those around the students as she turned coughing in surprise.

As her fellow student checked to see what was with her sudden commotion and if she was alright Kaiser made his appearance known.

"Hello, there are you okay?" Asked Kaiser feigning a believable amount of concern for the still coughing girl. The female in question let a small "eep" out as kaiser prodded her shoulder. She then dashed behind her junior and peered around her shoulder shyly without a further word.

After eyeing her friend questioningly the smaller female spoke up.

"Ah she's okay now, I'm sorry for that little episode Mr?" The question was sent with two dirty looks from the males, two of suspicion from the younger girls and one of honest curiosity from the shy senior.

"Kaiser, Antonio Kaiser. My peers and teachers refer to me as Kaiser but call me as you wish after all were all around the same age." Kaiser ran the answer off his tongue smoothly even though it was a half lie. He really didn't like people using his first name if they were not family or as close.

The remark of them being the same age sent a unanimous look of surprise across all five faces as they assessed him with a look up and down. "Do my looks betray me?" Asked Kaiser with a small chuckle.

"N-No we just assumed with the strange uniform and your appearance you might have been from a college or even an instructor," responded the junior once more.

"Sadly I don't have the privilege of being a prodigy to be at the college level and most disappointingly not to be the instructor of such lovely students." The remark gained to small chuckles from the junior girls, a small blush from the senior, and two disgusted scowls from the males.

"I am actually from a new academy called Transcendence," stated Kaiser announcing his official affiliation. Through his peripherals, he noticed looks of surprise and revelation amongst the overhearing crowd. This achieved his first goal of claiming who he was. Slowly word would spread through the arena of this new "Transcendence" academy. Now, however, the students were somewhat on guard.

Though acting this much already pained Kaiser he decided to add another trope to his false character he was presenting. "I'm sorry to interrupt your fun I just thought that you were some of my schoolmates and came to converse. I realized my mistake only to catch your friend choking and that garnered my concern." The senior girl couldn't even face Kaiser anymore as she faced away from him out of embarrassment. "May I know who I am speaking to, however?" Asked Kaiser tired of not being able to address the individuals.

"Uh-Oh sure I'm Hannah," stated the junior who was really the only one to speak so far. "The one behind me is Larissa our senior by one year, forgive her speakings never been her strength, however, she's one hell of a driver." Kaiser gave a small nod of acknowledgment and a short "Wow I'm sure I'd love to see her perform." Larissa shook Hannah in embarrassment at the remarks being exchanged before her.

The tallest male who stood even a few inches taller than Kaiser matching Virtanen's height interrupted at this point. "Larissa has even been selected as one of the candidates to drive our newest prototype vehicles." He must be competing for Larissa's affection hence him trying to jump on the compliment bandwagon noted Kaiser mentally. The boy's comment earned an elbow to his ribs from Hannah. "The lanky loud mouth here is Eric the short quiet one is Jared and he's a freshman. Finally, this flamboyant little one is Jessica." Each short summary got its own response to shock or pouting if not a mixture of the two. Eric nursed his side as Kaiser chuckled at their friendliness.

"I have to admit you all are a friendly bunch," commented Kaiser.

"You seem rather friendly yourself," responded Jessica with a grin. Kaiser continued for a few more minutes exchanging small talk and compliments easing into their guard, even refuting that he was a commander and though it pained him going as far as to say that his hard-earned awards were merely given out like candy. Larissa even eased into the conversation speaking casually with him. Limited on time Kaiser had to cut the conversation short taking with him what knowledge he was able to squeeze out of the group.

With a passing wave from Kaiser, he received reluctant ones in return from the males as well as the picture scene of Jessica and Hannah harassing their senior of her behavior as she blushed. Once the group of black uniforms meshed into the multi-colored crowd Kaiser pulled out a small black handbook with his initials in silver on the cover with a matching black pen. Quickly he wrote down the information he had gathered.

-prototype vehicles

-new maneuvering doctrine

-elastic defense practice

All these amongst other small information he believed to be useful Kaiser fervently scribbled. After he had finished he placed the book away before rubbing a hand over his face and a hand through his hair. That was thoroughly exhausting thought Kaiser before pulling his pocket watch out of his jacket. 0926. And still, many more schools to hit within the next half hour. With reluctance, Kaiser made haste to a smaller more easily manageable crowd of three females in black skirts with white shirts and leggings.

-Transition-

By 0950 Kaiser had performed a small amount of reconnaissance on several schools such as Anzio, Pravda, BC, Maginot, et. His small venture for Intel even offered him a chance at getting to speak with a blonde from the famed Oorai high school who commented on his cap. She had stated that it didn't look half bad and thus began quizzing him incessantly over war trivia. Though one of the more enjoyable conversations he sadly was out of time and left without gathering much info from her or her sparkly eyed peers interested in quizzing him as well no doubt. As they parted she had neglected to exchange names however he doubted he would never see her again.

Kaiser noted the time as he put his watch away and avoided making contact with anyone who seemed interested in talking to him or he had already spoken to and perhaps thought they would like to conversate some more. Kaiser kept one hand on his watch as he quickly paced to find some staff personnel to guide him backstage.

-Transition-

Meanwhile already behind stage Virtanen was pacing to and fro feverishly even biting his nails a truly characteristic trait that proved how nervous he was. Knight watched this scene repeat itself before he offered some words of comfort. "I'm sure the LtCol is on his way don't fret about it," however the words fell on deaf ears as Virtanen looked out from the curtain that encompassed the back piece of the stage.

The stadium was filled to the brim with bustling viewers chattering about happily. the only empty seats being those directly behind the large stage that sat in the center of the Colosseum. Virtanen's eyes scanned the small crowd moving about. Passing over the Pink shirted staff wearing the vibrant color to stand out, passing over blue, green, white and only stopping for black uniforms to ignore an instant later to verify that it was either a female or not covered in awards. true to his fears Kaiser the man he had placed his faith in to come to his aid was nowhere to be found.

1000 Finally hit and the announcer on the other side of the dark crimson curtain began his joyful introduction. Virtanen pulled his head back in and glanced at his immediate surroundings. Some girls from Maginot academy were applying last minute touches to make up on their commander, the Pravda leader clearly awoken from a nap took her place atop her vice commander, and the Kuromorimine commanders touched up their uniforms. Everyone began getting into a line preparing for their turn to draw their duel.

Virtanen's heart began to hammer. The Vigens high school leaders went out first to draw to a rambunctious applause. This forced Virtanen's guts into a knot. Knight helped usher his stiff commander into line thankfully not drawing too many eyes to the awkward moment. The line proceeded slowly forward drawing him closer and closer to the curtain and the roaring audience of thousands. Knight offered some water to which Virtanen downed instantly and tossed for Knight to catch.

No one stood in front of Virtanen and knight at last. "I can't do this," announced Virtanen. The remark earned a sneer from a passing St. Gloriana student. Knight took notice of this and lowered his voice keying Virtanen to do the same.

"Sir, you have to do this. If not then how will we be allowed to participate in the season?" Virtanen's eyes widened in a small epiphany.

"Why don't you try it then?" He suggested. Knight was taken aback by the remark. Virtanen pressed, however. "Yes, Yes if you do it then it'll help shape you into even more of a suitable commander!" Knight had lost track of what his leader was speaking of but was growing worried. He grabbed his commander and shook as hard as he could. Which due to his thin frame wasn't very hard.

"Sir isn't this for you? as Kaiser said he would help you right?" the statement snapped Virtanen out of his stupor.

"He had agreed to help...did that mean he'd force me to face this head on? To help me by leaving me out to dry?!" Virtanen's brow furrowed as he thought of the betrayal he thought he should have foreseen. Knight noticed the change in attitude and stepped back. "If that's so then I'll take his challenge head-on." Virtanen's mind became set. He would not back down from Kaiser's indirect challenge at himself.

"Next to draw is the newly sanctioned Transcendence academy!" At the announcement of the rather unknown newest schoolship, there was a quiet murmur that still found itself resounding through the crowds. Virtanen swallowed a lump in his throat as he grasped the curtain. The crowd continued to murmur and some even began to voice amazement at some unknown theatrics. "Let's go, Knight," ordered Virtanen. "Y-Yes sir," and the two stepped into the blinding onstage lights.

They were greeted by a surprising sight. Kaiser stood at parade rest next to the smiling announcer as cameras panned around and snapped pictures or video of him. The two stood dumbfounded at the appearance of who they had given up on. Kaiser taking note of their lack of movement marched up towards Virtanen. Flawlessly he snapped to attention and saluted with his right hand. "The stage is prepared for your participation, sir!"

Virtanen had no words and simply saluted back. Both lowered their arms leaving only Kaiser to speak. He observed his commander and Knight who had snapped to attention next to him. observing both their faces he could guess what they were thinking. "I won't abandon my men, least of all the only one to stand with me." The sentiment was unheard on camera and lost on Knight but surprised Virtanen. "Now then sir as directed the stage set for you to draw." Before the camera panned to Virtanen's face he regained his composure and responded

"Understood Lieutenant Colonel." The audience and cameras ate the militaristic professionalism up. Kaiser took a step to his left then two forward. An about-face and another step forward and he was on Virtanen's right side opposite Kight on his left.

"Detail, present arms," the command was given unexpectedly but as Kaiser had drilled into the cadets over and over during white space training and especially at the week-long training camp Knight had instantly drawn his saber in sync with Kaiser. Both raised the hilts to their face's. "Order arms," then both rested the blunt edge of the blade against their shoulders. "Forward March" and the trio began marching towards the lottery box holding their fates. they stopped a few paces before it as Kaiser called a halt.

Virtanen stepped on his own turning towards the box. if one peered close enough they would see his whole form shaking with anxiety, luckily they were immersed in their performance. Virtanen's white-gloved left hand dropped into the box grasping a ball from its insides. Slowly he withdrew it before glancing at the symbol drawn on it.

In Kaiser and Virtanen's minds, the words they exchanged days prior rang in both their minds. "Who do you want us to face first?"

"Does it matter I just hope they are easier to deal with." Virtanen spun on his heel presenting the ball's symbol to the audience with his left and a salute with his right.

"AND TRANSCENDENCE FIRST OPPONENT IS PRAVDA HIGH SCHOOL!"

The announcer's voice boomed and was followed by a raucous cheering from the crowd. Virtanen marched one step past his entourage halting for them to about-face and then join him in marching backstage once more as the crowd's applause followed behind them.

The few moments backstage passed in relative silence. No words were exchanged between the three commanders as other schools bustled about. As the drawings drew to a close all schools were called onto the stage and stood next to the opponent they were to face. Kaiser had the "fortune" of being the one to stand next to the Pravda commanders. he used the term lightly as he would have rather not been anywhere near the dreaded school but he knew he would fair butter next to them as opposed to his comrades.

Even as he stood at attention with his hands pinned to his side and his cap low covering half his eyes and his commander to be the only one of the three waves, he could see the Pravda girls standing unhindered. Katyusha the young looking commander sat atop the shoulders of her ever capable assistant Nonna. The former sat arms crossed talking robustly to her peers a freshman boy and girl to either side that timidly nodded in agreement. The latter meanwhile gave a cold far-off gaze that she was ever famous for.

The audacious commander Katyusha and Nonna "The Blizzard" two females who had earned respective monikers and backed by an equally brutal force of steel and manpower. With the new male recruits no less. Kaiser rattled off all knowledge he held the school and its leadership since Virtanen had drawn their foe. As the lights of cameras flashed at the cyclic and applause followed suit Kaiser held one thought at the forefront of his mind. Virtanen, perhaps you have even worse luck than I.

-Transition-

The ride back in the staff car had an eerie silence about. O'Diveley sat in the front with a rather fresh red handprint on his face while Sokolov held an ice pack to his head. The cause for these effects remained untold at the moment for as soon as Virtanen and company had entered the parking garage they took one look at their allies and sighed. Kaiser rubbed the bridge of his nose and told them to write a report to give him the following day and the conversation ended.

They were the first to arrive at the parking lot so as to avoid any reporters or individuals who wish to interview them. The two failed spies sat in the drivers and back seat as Virtanen sat in the rear left seat, Kaiser in the rear right sight and Knight in the center anxiously looking about.

Virtanen held his face in his hands his cover on the flooring of the vehicle as his hair was a mess. "Pravda" was all he said. Knight hadn't directly heard him and leaned closer.

"What sir?" The meek question was responded to with Virtanen shouting

"Of course it had to be one of the highest ranked!" Followed by him kicking O'Diveleys seat. The outburst caused Knight to recoil in surprise with an annoyed O'Diveley shouting back "OI!"

Though holding an ice pack to his head Sokolov chose to participate in the conversation.

"So we face off against the behemoth right off the bat huh?" No one responded leaving Knight feeling compelled to.

"T-that's right," Sokolov had returned to his usual grumpy demeanor with a small hmm of interest as he looked onto the road. Awkwardly Knight looked down at his legs feeling he had failed to salvage everyone's moods.

The ride proceeded this way until O'Diveley surprisingly spoke the first bit of calm and common sense. As he focused on the road letting the gentle hum of the engine coerce him to yawn he looked in the rearview seeing Kaiser looking out the window possibly asleep, Virtanen distressed, and Knights posture unchanged.

"I don't see why ya all got yer knickers in a twist but if they're as tough as ye all er crying about then beating them down will only be sweeter. Both personally and officially." Though his words were as butchered and quick as ever Virtanen latched onto the words. A small spark of hope ignited in him.

"You may be simple but by no means unwise O'Diveley," chuckled Virtanen.

"I'll mark that down as a compliment," spat O"Diveley back with a grin. Virtanen sat up straight and fixed his hair as he placed his glasses back on his face.

"I'll need all of you to help even you O'Diveley though you won't be participating in this match. Can I rely on you?" Knight was the first to hop on the bandwagon seeing it as a revival of morale.

"Of course Sir! Anything for the school that's given me so much!" O'Diveley rang next

"Wouldn't be here if I didn't plan on helping ye out, though I may see a break necessary now and then" Virtanen made eye contact through the rear view mirror and exchanged grins with his mischievous cohort.

Sokolov diverted his eyes from an online news update to give a thumbs up and a glint of confidence in his eyes. "A man of few words is appreciated on every team," joked Virtanen glad to have the support of all his peers. It left only one who they all presumed to be asleep at least all but Virtanen who knew better.

"Kaiser?" asked Virtanen cautiously. All eyes set upon his motionless self as they awaited a response.

"What did you expect me to say?" The first words to be spoken by Kaiser since the ride began were certainly unexpected. Before any of the stunned audience began to even think of how to respond he continued without turning his head from the window.

"While you all sank into despair I've been thinking, planning how to attack, defend, and retaliate. We are here to show dominance and supremacy not to cower at a ruthless foe. Keep your wits and continue to train as well as follow orders. We can win however it can only be achieved my way."

Virtanen's eyes narrowed at the last remark.

"What do you mean your way?" However, no reply came Kaiser had ceased talking. The conversation finished there for everyone. Unbeknownst to them though was Kaiser's reflection in the mirror that only Virtanen had seen. After Virtanen's question, his eyes had open conveying a clear enough message that they both had known what he meant. The conflict in their beliefs was by no means over.

-Transition-

Before they crew had returned to ship they began passing a larger town than the one they had docked in and planned to pass through via the highway. As they passed through the town it seemed that the local populace was also celebrating the commencement of the senshado season and was taking advantage of the docked scholarships as added revenue for their sales.

"Hey, let me off here," Virtanen asked glaring out the window.

"What why?" O'Diveley asked.

"Just let me off," Virtanen responded grumpily.

"How will you get back then?"

"I'll find my own way back." His responses grew shorter and aggressive. O'diveley listened and let Virtanen off close to the nearest entrance to the festivities. No words were exchanged between the group as Virtanen exited the vehicle to escape his current plague of negative emotions.

-Transition-

"Dammit Kaiser!" Virtanen cursed as he stood what he perceived to be alone at the end of a lake at a nearby park. The final remark Kaiser said had pushed him past his breaking point. The ride back would have only soured his attitude further had he remained in the vehicle. "I need some food, maybe that'll calm me down."

He scoured the festival grounds scanning the various stalls for any food that "spoke to his stomach" as he put it. He knew he was not as perceptive as his peer in certain ways but he did notice the many eyes placed on him. Many looked in awe at the awards and silver cord draped across his chest as he nonchalantly walked through the festivities.

Virtanen continued to scour about enjoying the adoring views sent his way even some of the attraction from a rare stranger now and then. A T.V. caught his eye as it replayed the events in the stadium once more recapping all the new information in a sports network type of format. A gentle smile had inserted itself on his face as had calmed down but it was quickly erased. Not many would have noticed but it didn't matter because he did. The sweat on his brow, the tense body, and movements, even the slight tremor of his hand as he reached into the box. No one may have noticed but he had and the camera captured it all. No, he was foolish of course Kaiser had picked up on it all as well.

The pit in his stomach only grew from this. Knowing how bad his stage fright vexed him but seeing the pitiful look he had imagined upon, Kaiser's face pissed him off more than anything. Even if it was hardly different from his usual expression, it was the principle that mattered right? Growing up he always wanted to be the one people look up to, admired and strived to be like him. But as he grew older he realized he had a long way to go, perhaps too many flaws to be anything close. It all changed when he had met Kaiser which had made it even stranger seeing as now Kaiser was his antagonist. Virtanen ignored his negative thoughts and pressed on seeking a distraction.

For an indiscriminate amount of time, Virtanen couldn't find a single stall to satiate his hunger which seemed to fuel his anger and in turn his anger into hunger. That was until he caught a pair of beauties standing in front of a BBQ stand. A head of golden locks animatedly expressed herself holding back no emotion as the more reserved set of freckles shrank back from her rather vocal company. It seemed that Kay had stumbled into Piper who she had recognized from the scrimmage match. However, Kay was an afterthought as Virtanen stared at his crush. I can't let them see me like this! Before they noticed his presence Virtanen threw on a patented poker face he had practiced. Not impervious under pressure but should deceive them until he could escape. Seeing his crush and the very attractive Kay laughing and talking raised his spirits, however, as it did many of the passing by males, and influenced him to approach them. "Hey!" Virtanen shouted out.

"Oh! Hello sir!" Piper greeted saluting. "

"You don't have to be so cold Piper was off after all." Reprimanded Virtanen.

"Oh sorry bout that Austin." Said Piper beaming a warm smile. As the two conversed Kay stayed uncharacteristically quiet looking between the two before sighing.

Only Kaiser really knew how perceptive Kay was and she could see right through these two. She closed her eyes and ran the apparent facts through her head. He clearly likes my southern pal here and she may harbor the same but… More importantly, something is deeply disturbing this guy.

"Kay?" Her name being called snapped her eyes awake to see Virtanen looking at her with concern. "You alright?" he asked. Kay looked at the plate of pulled pork she held before speaking to Virtanen.

"More importantly are you alright?" the words shocked him but the sharp gaze accompanied by them sent a shiver down his back. Her eyes though a brilliant blue compared to brown was near to Kaiser's level. Noticing his shock and Pipers worry at his hesitance Kay sighed and reverted to her more comfortable personality. I knew only Kaiser liked "that me." Kay then took a vigorous bite of her food before slapping Virtanen on the back. "You seem troubled! Have something to eat and tell us about it!" Encouraged Kay.

Virtanen laughed the scenario off awkwardly but agreed nonetheless. Slowly he ate and conversed with the two women before Kay began her interrogation. "So Kaisers not with you?" inquired Kay. Though expected Virtanen was unprepared and responded quickly. "Oh-you know how he is. He's heading back to ship."

Looking slightly disappointed Kay nodded "Boy do I, probably to plot somewhat and train like crazy, after all, you do have a juggernaut of an opponent up first." responded Kay rolling her eyes at the parts referring to Kaiser. Virtanen shrunk back at the comment as he inferred it meant that he was shirking his duties because of his own emotions while Kaiser did all the work. As usual. Though the voice in his own head it still hurt as if his another had said it.

Kay noticed his distress at the mention of Kaiser and jumped on it. "So Antonio's the one who upset you?" Piper and Virtanen looked at Kay in surprise. "Not that I'm surprised he caused me grief for quite a while at first but it begs the question why's he bothering you, I thought you've known him longest?" Kay hummed with her hand behind her hand as she pondered openly. Before Piper tried to interrupt.

"U-uh Kay perhaps we shouldn't here.." Virtanen interrupted assuring her it was okay before responding to Kay seriously.

"I see Kaiser was right in saying you're far more perceptive than you lead on," he chuckled. Kay shrugged with a satisfied smile as Virtanen continued. "Kaiser and I have not been seeing eye to eye, least of all in how he sees certain viewpoints." Kay nodded in understanding. Allowing him to relieve some of his burden Kay agreed.

"Kaiser had been like that with me too however you know how I got him to accept me?" her company raised their eyes encouraging her to continue. "I stood firm and proved that how I went about things worked just as well as his if not sacrificing efficiency for ethics."

Virtanen laughed to himself quietly hearing the explanation.

"He was never like his back in middle school though. This time Kay raised an eyebrow she had never heard of Kaiser before she had met him. Piper who had stayed quiet until now seeing as she did not know Kaiser outside of work voiced her curiosity

"What do you mean, what was he like?"

"For starters, he was a lot calmer and expressive." This grabbed the girls attention. "Not to mention when he was my squad leader back in seventh grade then suddenly became the school commander for the infantry team he always was smiling or joking nonchalantly. This caused the girls to lean across the table in interest and awe. "Let alone the following of fans he had he even went as far as being open of himself in front of others." This final statement caused piper to look shocked and Kay to be slack-jawed.

"It all changed near the end of the infantry season in 9th grade last year, before we were specially transferred here to Transcendence."

"Wait, Wait, Wait! Are we talking about the same person?!" Shouted the girls in unison. With a small nod at the two girls leaning across the table at him then fell backwards slouching into their seats. They seemed mentally exhausted now.

Virtanen looked at his watch and noted the time. "It's gotten quite late let's all find a way back," he encouraged. Taking note of his suggestion the two girls contacted their teams. "My teams back at the ship they got a ride from those Jatkosota boys that hit on them," informed Piper. "My teams paired up and gone as well," added Kay. Virtanen nodded and hummed as he thought of how he was to get back to ship. Once again Kay noted his distress and sent him a lifeline.

"I have a jeep here, I can take you two to your ship if you'd like," offered Kay. Virtanen and Piper made eye contact before nodding and smiling towards the offer. "It'd be appreciated." The three walked down a block onto a side road where Arisa was slumped over the steering wheel of the jeep as Naomi popped the bubble she had made with her gum and scrolled on her phone. Virtanen and Arisa made eye contact first "Y-YOU!" They shouted pointing at one another. "I thought your team left Kay?!" Shouted Virtanen. "They did Arisa and Naomi are close friends who aren't in my team, WE need to give these two a ride to the port 30 min south of ours are we clear you two?"

Arisa was speechless but looking at Virtanen's shocked face and the confused girl next to him she nodded with a grin "Crystal" she hissed.

At first, the ride was normal as Kay made small talk with Virtanen organizing another scrimmage after the season to everyone's delight except for Naomi who shirked away from the idea at the mention of a rematch with her "foe." it was when Virtanen started dozing and Piper fell asleep on him that Arisa acted. No sweet moments for these two she laughed in her mind as she jerked the vehicle around corners and began speeding all the way to their destination. All the while Kay was laughing while Virtanen experienced the second "best driving he had experienced next to only O'Diveley.

-Transition-

Before Kay's crew had departed she left Virtanen one last piece of advice. "You said it yourself, whatever happened occurred in that timeframe of your freshman year so dig around a little or don't and try to deal with the present if you two wish to win this year you'll need to pull together," and like that they were off speeding towards their dock.

Virtanen escorted Piper to her dorm and made sure she made inside okay. It certainly wasn't to spend more time with her, not at all. As she entered her doorway she turned and bowed.

"I'm sorry I didn't notice you were feeling bad earlier. I should've noticed." Virtanen waved away her self-demeaning comment frantically.

"Nonono I didn't want to upset either of you! A-anyways I should get going. Work to do and what not. Before he departed Piper briefly embraced him causing his brain to crash. "Stay strong Sir I'm sure you'll figure a way out," quickly Piper entered her dorm as Virtanen stood stock still. System rebooting 1%

A half hour later he had made it down the building after resetting and walked home. As he pondered his dilemma he thought over the day's conversations with Kaiser and Kay alike keeping his time with Piper for his foolish daydreams later on.

With a sigh, Virtanen unlocked his door and stepped inside his home "His way...no our way. We need to discuss this and figure out a strategy we both can agree with." Nervously he looked at his phone anxiously questioning if he should message Kaiser or not when he received a message.

From: Piper- Don't work too hard tonight :)

The message gave him the strength to follow his resolve when a second message followed through.

From: Kaiser- We need to talk.

"H-he beat me to it," stated Virtanen as he slammed his head on his bead. Virtanen went to sleep partially ashamed of how pathetic he felt he had formed throughout the day. I'll need to rest for tomorrow if Kaiser is needing to speak with me anyways.

-Transition-

Earlier that day after Virtanen had left the vehicle.

Before Kaiser had even left the vehicle to go to his room Sokolov had finished his written report of their mission. Taking it with a resigned look on his face that showed how much he dreaded reading it Kaiser saluted the two cohorts off as they went about returning the staff vehicle and to their own homes.

Kaiser entered his home placing his cover and coat on the coat rack as he walked by. Slowly he undressed himself as he cleaned up and began making food for himself. Kaiser went about his day as normal. He worked out, went over reviews and work while watching the news and if he had the time messaged family while playing a game or two. It was after he was prepared for slumber that he noted the small red folder Sokolov had handed him.

Not worrying or perhaps not caring if Virtanen made it back in time to get on the ship Kaiser decided to read the review before he racked out for the night. He grabbed the small folder to open it and upon doing so noticed it held an electronic tablet inside. On a piece of paper taped next to it read in Sokolov's handwriting "Password is 1941 detailed description of our reconnaissance inside."

Kaiser nodded his approval. Sokolov has always been good with electronics" however as Kaiser accessed the device he quickly learned that perhaps it was the only thing he was adept at. As he scrolled through the photos and videos as well as recordings of conversations that had been made he realized how audacious O'Diveley was and how socially awkward Sokolov could place himself. Kaiser stopped paying attention to the autoplay list of tragedies as he was messaged.

Anonymous once more was the sender. "Interesting little headline" it read mocking him as it presented a picture of an online news article by student volunteers of the senshadou federation. The title of this article read "Transcendence academic new powerhouse? Or perhaps a school of fools?" below it held side by side comparisons of six pictures. The first being a picture of the Five students exiting their Mercedes staff car arriving in the parking lot as opposed to the photo next to it of O'Diveley walking around with his jacket over his shoulder. Kaiser noted in one of the video's he explained to Sokolov "that it was too bleedin hot."

The second set of photographs showed O'Diveley and Sokolov flirting about making apparent nuisance's of themselves as opposed to the Photo of Kaiser smoothly chattering away to multiple students of multiple schools.

Perhaps the most provocative photo was the one last set of Kaiser standing firm and professional with his saber on the stage as opposed to a secretly taken photo of Virtanen backstage during his mental breakdown. Kaiser noticed the hint of a red sleeve that was caught in the lense before he grunted. "Gloriana took that one huh?" Kaiser leaned back in his chair turning off his devices not caring for the gossip on the news article nor the horrid report Sokolov had left him. He needed some sleep. But first, he sent a message to Virtanen.

-End-