Hangar bay area, storage facility for vehicles.
The Senshado cadets were standing at attention inside of the school's hangar, where various extracurricular groups and their respective activities took place. From plane maintenance for the fledgling force of air-capable vehicles to the storage and housing of land vehicles and armor, and the numerous students partaking in maintenance or engineering courses throughout the school week.
From an SD KFZ Variant to the prized Heavy tanks, vehicles were lined in neat, orderly formations while the aircraft sat on the opposite side of the hangar bay with a vast empty lot in the center for meetings, maintenance, and general classes.
Though the aircraft could only be maintained by certain trained and qualified students taking specialized courses, a few individuals had been cross-trained in both air and ground vehicle maintenance. Such individuals included the schools leading adult and student officials. This would include Virtanen as he was to set an example, yet he had only become certified with the bare minimum of aerial vehicles, and Kaiser who had volunteered for the opportunity over the summer prior just before school had begun, quoted saying "he had enough spare time" and proceeded to gain credentials for all vehicles.
The air budget, opposed to the Ground, was more focused on quality craft rather than quantity. Due to its smaller size, in comparison to other schools that is, cross-training flight hours were minimal for individual pleasure outside of necessity, and certifications on the ship were more of a rarity.
The land vehicles had tarps laid, strewn about in front of each vehicle with fresh equipment to replace damaged or degrading piece's as crews of cadets from the Maintenance branch of the school sought to initiate immediate repairs. Though a task usually accomplished by the crews manning said vehicles, it was a part of the maintenance students curriculum and thus nothing would stop the eager repairmen. Not that anyone was seeking to, Kaiser however ordered the cadets to assist in order to know their own vehicles better. This was eagerly accepted by the maintenance students.
As the Senshado team lumbered out of the last vehicles being towed in by tracked retrieval vehicles a little over an hour after the practice ended, Virtanen had entered to see Kaiser propped against a welding machine, finishing his book. Noticing his presence Kaiser began to walk alongside Virtanen as he made his way past.
"Running from your debt?" Kaiser mockingly asked, closing his book with a dull 'thud'. Virtanen didn't look back but with a minor instinctive flinch at the mention, showed Kaiser that he indeed hadn't.
Knowing he was being judged, Virtanen with a sigh begrudgingly turned around to slap a bill into Kaiser's hand. "Happened to forget the Panzer IVs squad didn't you," Kaiser asked, pocketing the bill.
"The sly kid hid in the denser area of the training field, not making a single sound, then struck when everyone else's strength had been exhausted" Virtanen informed, praising the assault.
"Predictable," Kaiser replied, looking over the Maintenance crew's work as the cadets chatted amongst themselves.
Virtanen, now irked, began to stare holes into the side of Kaiser's head. "You know..." he slowly began.
"Yes?" Kaiser responded uncaring for the caution in his peers' words.
"You could look at me and speak without the condescending tone for once in the oh, four, five years we've known each other? You know, seeing as I'm in charge and whatnot" Virtanen asked sarcastically
"Why" came Kaiser's blunt reply. "No ill intent but we've conversed like this for years and besides with your constant 'delegation' I have to multitask practically everything I do. And due to the season beginning, you'll probably never see me reading in my free time anymore let alone happy enough to oblige each little request of yours.
"Wait, you've been happy before?" Virtanen asked, feigning disbelief, stopping to prod Kaiser in the chest.
"Oi, don't be rude," Kaiser said, swatting the offending digit away. "I'm just as human as you.
"Well, that foresight and planning of yours still seem to amaze me." Virtanen complimented deviating from his mockery.
"Fine, a better human than you" Kaiser sneered.
The two made their way into an office, located in the corner of the hangar. Virtanen immediately sat behind the large desk present in the rear of the room, leaning the seat back and turning it to the side so he could still interact with the desktop's surface. He then began moving around the papers and files that cluttered its surface.
Kaiser meanwhile slapped down a few more pages before Virtanen who looked up at him with disbelief. "Don't look at me, I've done all my work, now you have to simply sign it all off" he remarked, doing little to ease Virtanen's worry.
A few minutes of silence filled with only the scratching of Virtanen's pen, the muffled machinery outside their walls, and the occasional flipping of a page and transcribing onto a notebook from Kaiser filled the room.
Despite the peace Kaiser soon broached a necessary topic. "About that matter, we need to discuss". Virtanen hummed his acknowledgment as he continued writing. "Do you agree with the appointments of the aforementioned students?" Kaiser asked as he continued his own task.
"You are the one who designated them, as little input as I gave I believe that I could have had no say at all and it would probably change little in the matter" he conceded.
Kaiser let a sigh interrupt Virtanen's rhythm of paperwork. "Careful your confidence is showing" he snipped.
Virtanen's eyes flicked up from the paperwork, his lips pursed in annoyance. "Anywho I believe we should-"
"Groom the selected students into their positions and focus on specialty training." interrupted Kaiser, his eyes steadfast on his own writing.
Virtanen stopped in place, tapping his finger against the desk in annoyance. "...Yes and then-"
"Follow up with cross-training for positions for the cadets then prepare them to succeed positions of responsibility in the future to secure a stable base of knowledge after we're gone" Kaiser again interrupted robotically.
Virtanen slammed his pen firmly against his desk. Regardless of the loud sound Kaiser didn't look up and continued his work. Virtanen opened his mouth and slowly enunciated his words "STOP-"
"Interrupting you? Certainly," agreed Kaiser. Virtanen's face went stiff only releasing a small hiss of breath, most likely internal screaming. Not one to give Virtanen a break, Kaiser closed his book and picked up his belongings. With a small sigh of relief, Kaiser glanced over his notes, then turned to Virtanen. "Now that I have caught up on my reading I can officially declare that our season has started".
Virtanen raised a brow at the claim and looked at Kaiser's hand. "Infantry attacks by Erwin Rommel" Kaiser answered in reply to the stare.
Virtanen responded to the book's title. "Infantry? We're not in InfanterieKampf anymore. Isn't that counterintuitive as to our purpose here? Virtanen asked, confusion blatant on his face.
"I never said it was the only book I was reading. I read this before when we were in Infanterie Kampf but a refresher of this and other useful readings will help me focus on every possible avenue of approach that we can take. After all who better to learn from than those who wrote today's doctrines themselves." Answered Kaiser.
"If you're that confident then I suppose I'll have to place even more faith in you" Concluded Virtanen.
Kaiser's lips tinged downwards slightly at the response. "Are you sure about that? After all, I'm not the commander here yet it seems I do more and more of your work lately, strange isn't it?" he asked, staring down at a fidgeting Virtanen.
"That so?" Virtanen awkwardly chuckled. "I hadn't noticed". Kaiser kicked the desk in response, turning away and letting out a sigh, causing Virtanen to jump.
"Your excessive delegation aside, you'll have to redo those forms" Kaiser stated gesturing over his shoulder. "The format has been sent to your email for future use so please finish them quickly."
Kaiser then left the room to prepare the cadets and materials needed for the appointment of their official billets. As Virtanen watched Kaiser leave he looked down to see he had inadvertently scratched across several pages in his surprise and indeed, needed to redo the lot of them.
-Transition-
Once Virtanen had hurried the paperwork he emerged from the small office to see all the damaged vehicles under repair as well as the cadets in formation. Transcendence's first "appointment of command ceremony" had begun.
The only cadet's not present were those who were a part of the maintenance branch and therefore clambering among the vehicles, fast at work to get them operational once more.
Five rows of fifteen personnel in each row. Each consisted of a squad leader at the furthest right or in Virtanen and Kaiser's second-highest appointed personnel after them stood at the formation's front. Following to the left of the squad leader would be their personal crew then the next tank's commander and crew, repeating with the final team within the squad.
This separated the squads into teams of three vehicles and their respective crews. As it stood, Kaiser had already appointed all positions below squad leader and arranged the cadets accordingly with ranks ranging from cadet second Lieutenant to cadet Lance corporal. The squad leaders themselves would be given higher billets with an array of ranks.
Currently, Kaiser stood in front of the formation with Virtanen behind him. "Atten-tion!" Kaiser ordered. The cadets snapped stiffly into a posture of attention at his word. A comforting reminder that even though their field performance was subpar they remained disciplined students from academies far and wide, as well as new students eager to learn.
Kaiser pivoted on his heel, turning to face Virtanen, and presented a salute. "Transcendence Senshado Team, all present and awaiting orders sir" he reported.
Virtanen returned the salute with a brief response of "Carry on" and both students lowered their arms followed by Kaiser marching past Virtanen and pivoting once more to face the formation beside Virtanen.
Virtanen cleared his throat. At first, glance, preparing to speak. However, Kaiser could see the nervous tick. 'Still shaky with the talk even when they're all fixated, quietly awaiting your order' He mentally critiqued with a roll of eyes.
"First off I would like to congratulate everyone on their performance" announced Virtanen, attempting to praise them despite the lackluster results. However, the gentle lie was betrayed by Kaiser's condemning look right behind Virtanen and showed in the students uncomfortable shuffling.
Despite the response, Virtanen pressed on. "Now due to the performance and a strict grading system we have decided the most capable cadets before us to appoint as major leading figures." Virtanen began explaining.
"Now then for the three positions in the chain of command after Kaiser and I. Cadets Sokolov, O'diveley, and Knight front and center!" The three cadets marched up to the front of the formation, presented a salute before returning to a stiff position of attention.
Brandon Sokolov, a male standing shorter than average at 5ft 7in and with a quiet demeanor. Short brown hair and blue eyes framed by thin glasses. He stood rigid and still. His area of excellence was apparent in ambushing and long-range attacks as portrayed in his performance with the Stug IV.
However, he had refused to act in accordance with his team unless given precise and accurate information. An understandable quirk but in the fog of war action becomes necessity, not to be replaced with inactivity and indecisiveness.
Next was Quentin O'diveley, seemingly destined to be a bane to the team at first glance. Standing slightly more slouched than his peers, shifty-eyed, and most apparent, erratic in most of his daily actions. O'Diveley stood an average height but shorter than his commanders at 5ft 8in with a strange cut of dark brown hair with bright green eyes.
Though Kaiser and Virtanen had argued for hours, over separate days over his mere appointment to the team Virtanen had been firm in O'davey's appointment to a high billet. Kaiser had relented only when reminded of O'Diveley's tactics in the Hellcat and how they proved effective despite being highly unorthodox. Something Virtanen reminded Kaiser he was accused of a few years back in InfanterieKampf.
His apparent lack of order and discipline aside he seemed adept at rallying his men in an almost rebellious-like demeanor. The final words on the discussion between the commanders were ended with the words "We need someone rough around the edges to lead from the front as well".
Finally the third before them was Alexander Knight. Standing in between both commander's heights at 6ft and an apparent amount of pride in his posture. Equally apparent was how nervous he was, even more than Virtanen at the fact that he couldn't hide it. Hands clenched white and wide eyes straining themselves to look straight and not make eye contact. The boy had lengthy black hair and soft blue eyes. Added to the fact he was rather lean he seemed more suited towards crafts rather than senshado.
Both commanders knew he wasn't InfanterieKampf material due to his physique but his leadership ability showed its use in Senshado. A surprise, especially given his recent performances upon looking at his school transfer record. A failed attempt at his middle school's Infanterie Kampf team and a very short stint with St. Gloriana's Senshado before being practically rejected from their summer training.
After some inquiring with his parents it had turned out he had failed nearly every entry-level position in Gloriana. Getting the vehicle stuck on debris as a driver, short-circuiting the radio as an RO, Missing nearly all shots as a gunner, and dropping every other shell in the vehicle as a loader. The boy simply had no talent for them but as Kaiser was seeking information for potential tank commanders he was approached by a close friend of Knight.
Diana Frost who had perhaps oversold the boy but Kaiser had deigned to give him a chance as a commander. There would be no harm. And now Knight had performed well redeeming himself slightly in his own eyes to be sure, and no one other than Kaiser and Frost knew of their exchange.
No one would call Knight a prodigy but it was admitted he had potential after his performance in commanding the Panzer IV and seeing his grades. He may have performed poorly in a rough field environment and in another school's tank, but given command for the first time he had performed exemplary.
"Cadets Sokolov and O'diveley!" Announced Virtanen. "These two have shown capable leadership and in doing so have been entrusted with the duty to lead their fellow cadet's in even more strenuous and trying times. As such we present to them the ranks of Cadet Captain and Cadet Sergeant Major!" said Virtanen, projecting his voice to the formation."As such their positions are assigned as the commanders of the Fourth and Fifth Squads.
"Next, Cadet Knight in regard to his strategizing mind and potential for future endeavors for Transcendence Academy is to be promoted to Major and the commander of the Third Squad. Finally, I, for those of you still unacquainted, Cadet Colonel Virtanen will take charge of the first squad and Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Kaiser the Second!" Both officers presented the cadets before them with new ranks and shook each individual's hands. Virtanen stepped back from the trio and spoke once more.
"Upon my command congratulate your peers and you are dismissed. Fallout!"
"Yes Sir!" Came the formations resounding response. Immediately cadets ran up and congratulated each other while others stood idly by. Not out of spite nor jealousy but rather it seemed they hadn't formed a personal clique within the team yet.
Of note to Kaiser was the reactions upon promotion. Sokolov showed signs of a smirk betraying his usual demeanor, especially when a couple of his crewmates came to congratulate the self-proclaimed loner. O'diveley on the other hand acted as if it was to be expected and ran towards his teammates boasting with arms extended outwards.
Knight was the outlier. Virtanen and Kaiser looked at their newest peer placed just below them in the pecking order. "I'm worried about him" spoke Virtanen quietly over his shoulder. "With each word he grew tenser and tenser until I said Major and then, well I think he broke. He's just standing there now" Virtanen said, nudging Kaiser. He then pointed at Knight "See?" urging him to quickly address the situation.
Knight stood in place seemingly shocked while the other cadets had formed clusters of erratic circles, no one had walked up to the baffled boy. Virtanen glanced at Kaiser, who remained still. Virtanen took a step towards the lone boy until Kaiser's hand shot in front of him. Quickly Kaiser raised a finger to his lips and pointed at Knight.
A girl with white hair braided into a single ponytail running over her left shoulder ran up from behind Knight and wrapped her arms around his neck from behind surprising him. With a gentle smile next to her was a male who undoubtedly was her brother, due to the fact they shared the same hair and eye color, albeit his shorter and with a firmer gaze. Behind the two siblings trailed a few stragglers of presumably Knight's new squad.
Cadets, Diana, and Gabriel Frost" Kaiser answered quietly. Twins fresh from the shore. Kaiser glanced to his left to see Virtanen relax slightly seeing the three laugh together as if it was already an age-old friendship. Kaiser closed his eyes and sighed. "Remember they are our subordinates but we can't possibly know everything that goes on in their lives nor can we solve all their problems. Besides we're all young, things tend to solve themselves lest we make it worse" he informed
Virtanen gave a quick hearty laugh with a roll of his eyes. He quickly dismissed his hasty assumption of having to quickly adopt Knight into their personal circle seeing as he already had friends to associate with. 'If we are to grow into friends due to our jobs then let it be' Virtanen thought cheerfully. However, his attitude turned dismissive facing Kaiser.
"As if you are one to chastise me about that. You complain about being overworked yet you go the extra mile for events outside your jurisdiction. Better yet I would say you tend to make things your problem" Virtanen snipped.
Kaiser turned around and began to leave. "Only if I deem the problem necessary enough to force my hand. He responded. A mere "Pfft" was all Virtanen could muster with his disbelief of the answer.
As the two took their leave and exited the Hangar a cadet called the attention of all present students within with a shout of "Attention on deck!" Not stopping as he walked Virtanen being the senior rank of the two responded "Carry on" and made their way out.
Just behind the closed door, however, was an unforeseen obstacle in their path. Virtanen had bumped into the back of Kaiser who had stopped still, causing him to speak "Kaiser?" he asked, glancing over his peer's head. Virtanen grew quiet as he saw a female figure with a slender but strong frame standing before them blocking their way.
"Excuse me, sir..." she asked hesitantly. Kaiser looked down at the figure wearing faded blue overalls with a white long sleeve shirt beneath and a welding mask down.
"Yes, Miss Cartier?" Kaiser responded with a wavering amount of suspicion towards her. Virtanen stepped beside Kaiser and looked on at the masked figure wondering what the holdup was. Ms. Cartier finally lifted her mask to speak clearly, seemingly having found the words she wished to say.
Kaiser remained distasteful towards the girl as Virtanen became stunned. Underneath the mask was a pair of bright hazel eyes and a small face with freckles decorating her nose and cheeks, along with a bright smile. Opposed to Virtanen's reaction Kaiser, on the other hand, frowned at the girl's appearance. "Let me guess. Another favor" Kaiser replied slowly with suspicion.
"Ehh...I did say to just call me Piper sir and I'm sorry to ask this but some of these damages will take all night if not a couple of days to repair. We were wondering if you could lend a hand again?" she asked sheepishly.
Kaiser contemplated the decision drawing her attention, thankful she was focused on him and not the petrified fool next to him. Feigning exhaustion, Kaiser dragged a hand down his face stopping at his mouth. A moment of silence ensued before he asked her a question in turn.
"I am a bit tied up in terms of time, are you sure that your team is too incompetent to finish on time?" He asked leaning in towards her, hoping that she would rescind her plea to maintain her pride. Sure enough, the blow to her pride hit hard as Miss Cartier averted her face. A light hint of red adorning her freckled cheeks barely noticeable amongst the freckles.
Taking her distraction as an opportunity Kaiser discreetly and violently elbowed the literal air out of his companion's right lung. Virtanen grasped his side silently, gasping and in pain, taking a few steps away with his back turned to regain his composure. None too soon, Miss Cartier spoke up facing Kaiser once again.
"I..." she drew her words out slowly, feeling for the appropriate approach so as to not insult herself nor Kaiser. "I understand you are busy sir but we are short on experienced body's and you are one of the only people we know who has experience in welding and heavy machinery. I wouldn't normally insist so much but there are certain things we need help with. As it seemed she would draw on giving reasoning for assistance Kaiser stopped her, placing a finger before her.
A small sigh escaped Kaiser whose eyes had remained closed during her explanation. Opening one eye and through a sideways glance he gave a short answer "I do have my work to attend-"
"He'd love to" coughed Virtanen rejoining the conversation. Kaiser glared back at his teammate still clutching his side but now holding a smirk. Shifting a normal gaze at Piper he was disappointed to see she held a smile of hope. Before Kaiser could dismiss the statement both Virtanen and Piper proceeded without his input.
"I'll finish off whatever he has to do so don't feel guilty about asking for help" Virtanen insisted.
Piper followed with glee turning to Kaiser. "Really? Thank you! I know you're always stuck assisting us sir but we really can't thank you enough. Some of the girls were beginning to complain of losing sleep and whatnot." she shyly informed.
"I. Can't. Imagine." Kaiser ground through his teeth. Rubbing the bridge of his nose Kaiser began taking off his Military jacket. "Alright, I'll make some time. I'll be back with a change of clothes in a half-hour and assist once I arrive, I will see you then".
"Yes sir!" Piper saluted excitedly before running off inside. Before the door closed she turned to them once more winking then lowering her face shield as the door shut.
"Who was that?" Virtanen demanded facing Kaiser.
"Piper Cartier. I am sure her name was announced several times between us this summer. Anywho she has been appointed as a staff sergeant and quite the bright girl. Meaning, you better stay away." Kaiser hissed.
"Wha-what? Are you saying you're making a claim on her?! Virtanen asked indignantly.
"I'm trying to train our peers and subordinates, not create a sodding drama" stated Kaiser digging his index finger into Virtanen's sternum.
"What are you insinuating?" Asked Virtanen in disbelief.
"Did you forget your last relationship?" Kaiser asked sarcastically. The mere mention of it sent Virtanen's attitude spiraling downwards, along with his posture into a slump. Kaiser placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I'm not saying you shouldn't try, just not yet. We have to make priorities here and the school's success is number one. After all, that was a condition of our installment in these positions". Kaiser's encouragement seemed to work as Virtanen's attitude shifted once more albeit slightly.
Virtanen depressingly asked, "Then are you-"
"No, I have no romantic feelings for miss Cartier." Kaiser corrected rolling his eyes.
Again Virtanen tried to clarify. "So then your-"
"I am not seeking romance with any of our peers nor do I doubt I ever will. I'll be the same as always, waiting to pick up the pieces of your failures as always." Kaiser smirked condescendingly.
Virtanen gave a solemn laugh "You're right Adam"
"Last names" Kaiser grimaced, killing the friendly atmosphere.
"Er, Kaiser" Virtanen corrected awkwardly.
"Three years and you still can't remember simple things" criticized Kaiser.
"Well Like you said. I doubt either of us will ever change" agreed Virtanen.
"Perhaps but maybe you should work on the whole romance thing and make sure it doesn't end in a misunderstanding that causes property damage and assault" amended Kaiser.
"Ah-hem. I'll try on that." agreed Virtanen. "...But it's not my fault, others agreed she was practically cheating, and she then assaulted me and my property" he defended.
"We are not getting into that subject matter again, just leave it" Kaiser demanded, ending the subject. As they left, Virtanen, full of vigor at future endeavors of romance while Kaiser's mind was relieved. 'That should at least keep him off the subject for a couple of months.' he thought.
"Besides Virtanen." Kaiser menacingly informed. "Since I'll be busy tonight it was so gracious of you to volunteer yourself for my workload. How gracious of you, to take that on for me." Virtanen shrunk at the implications behind Kaiser's words.
"Don't worry, I'll make sure it's all manageable within the time frame but be assured it will be done, or else it's on your head," warned Kaiser. Virtanen stopped in place biting his lip in frustration. Kaiser ushered him to follow however insisting, "Come on we both have work to do" in a sinister voice.
The two then made their way to the commander's office attached inside the school proper down the opening the office door, the interior revealed a squared room thirty feet across and 20 feet long. By no means a large office but suitable for the small staff they intended to invite every now and again as well as its location being preferred by the two.
It sat on the third floor facing the sections of the Transcendence schoolship essentially under their jurisdiction. The training grounds making up the vast majority of the area in sight but the school's hangar as well being split between them and the aviation wing, as well as even the firing range, which was licensed for their use whenever allotted by the school marksmanship team.
Within the office, the first object to meet your eyes would be a dark wooden desk at the room's back. Two flags, one an American flag, and one with the school's crest adorning it crossed over each other at forty-five degrees were behind the desk.
The large desk held various trinkets and personal valuables belonging to its owner as well as stacks of paper waiting to be filed. Small medals from Virtanens past exploits as well as pictures from when he was a participant in Infanterie Kampf adorned its surface as well.
Thanks to Kaiser's touches the room was astoundingly symmetrical, Walls adorned with an even number of paintings and photographs on each side, along with citations of awards for various soldiers and their acts of valor from multiple nations.
Each corner of the room also held a bookcase, two facing parallel to the desk and yourself as you walked in. In the room's center was a large three-foot by three-foot glass table with a slot for inserting and exchanging the map that lay underneath the surface, intended for observation and planning. Couches were located to the left and right of the low lying table for small gatherings and two individual chairs with their backs facing the entrance and their fronts to the commander's desk.
Finally behind the ornate flags was a large window encompassing a third of the wall behind it and providing the grandiose view of the ship. Virtanen didn't take a moment to appreciate the scenic view of the sun beginning its descent on the horizon as he plummeted into his seat, however. His body went limp as he released a sigh foregoing any impression of the professional he wished to portray to his other peers and subordinates.
Reaching under his desk the sound of glass clinking could be heard. "Want a cold one?" Virtanen asked as he pulled out two cola's from the desk.
"Sure" Kaiser agreed, giving a small nod of thanks as he received the beverage. Kaiser sat on the edge of the desk pressing the cap of the bottle into its edge and noticed familiar notches there. Kaiser looked up in surprise. "Still don't have a bottle opener?" he asked Virtanen.
"Why would I bother when this is simpler, besides why would you show me if I'm not supposed to do it?" Virtanen replied, placing his own bottle on the corner and slapping it twice to remove the cap. "Still can't get it right sometimes" He dismissed, clicking his tongue. Kaiser huffed a breath of amusement and slapped his hand onto the bottle cap against the desk's edge popping it off in one hit. Tossing the cap into the nearby bin Kaiser sat on the desk next to Virtanen who reclined his seat.
Looking outwards to the scenery Kaiser took a swig of his drink. "I figured you would have something to say about me installing a mini-fridge under here" Virtanen laughed after letting a breath of satisfaction out.
"You know I haven't been a goody-two-shoes in years" Kaiser replied, not diverting his attention from the skyline.
The short moment of respite between the two was a rare moment of peace void of any bickering nor work, something they hadn't had in months since being assigned to Transcendence. Instead, both gazed solemnly away with their backs turned. Kaiser was lost in the horizon's view whilst Virtanen Gazed at the centerpiece of his desk. "You ever think we should have stayed?" Virtanen asked, drawing Kaiser's attention over his shoulder. Both then stared at the old photo Virtanen held before him.
The picture was of Virtanen himself grinning ear to ear after the victory of the national InfanterieKampf finals three years ago. Dirtied and roughed up by the violent play he leaned on one leg with an ammo can at his feet and his USMC uniform dirtied, one arm holding a slung M1918 BAR and the other ruffling the hair on the back of his head.
Next to him was Kaiser reluctantly taking part in the picture with an indifferent frown. His clothing was similar if not for being more burdened with extra InfanterieKampf grade ammo and grenades. One hand held his helmet against his hip while the other grasped at his Thompson slung across his chest.
Two other, younger boys posed with their similar gear and rifles next to Virtanen holding up peace signs towards the camera. In the background students of similar age in Soviet-era uniforms covered in red paint, signaling their defeat were dejectedly walking about while their school flag was at the feet of the Virtanen, Kaiser, and the other boys in the picture's forefront.
The picture was reminiscent of more comforting times as the two felt at home within the sport, especially at that specific point of having trained together for almost two years and then securing the finals win. "At times I look back fondly, of what could have been if we stayed in it for all four years of high school instead of just two" Kaiser answered.
Virtanen gave a small grimace as Kaiser continued. "I don't regret what we are doing. You always complain about being second fiddle back then in our 'glory days' but now you are in charge and it's time for you to shine just like you wanted. And I'm going to help you along the way." said Kaiser encouragingly.
Virtanen grinned at the sentiment before laying his head against the cool wood of the desk. "This is going to be such a pain" he groaned.
"Agreed," said Kaiser. "But then again the condition for our installment as commanders was to "Bring recognition and achievement to Transcendence, to bring about a revolution to Senshado" or so the federation's representatives said. As if such a task would be simple" Kaiser complained.
"Personally, I expected to get a team of professional students who were as intelligent and skilled as us if not more so" Virtanen muttered.
"Rather wishful thinking" Kaiser mocked. "Do you think you and the others in that photo back on land were that competent on the infantry lanes?" he Inquired.
"Yes." came Virtanen's confident answer.
"No" corrected Kaiser. "You weren't, in fact, you all took a lot of work, dare I say even more than what we have our hands-on here. This provides the opportunity for us all to grow, however. Even I learned some new things as we progressed as a team in InfanterieKampf. You just have to lead them to the best of your ability. After all, that's what we agreed on when we came here, right?"
Upon Kaiser finishing his small speech of encouragement Virtanen seemed to grow more uneasy until he finally sat straight and spoke. "I suppose so." He concluded as he spun in his chair, stretching. "Well then," Kaiser announced, ending their conversation. "I'll be heading out to help the mechanics. I'll see you in the morning."
"Put in a good word for me!" Virtanen yelled after him. "Not in your dreams" Kaiser called back as the door closed behind him. A late-night had begun for Kaiser but for Virtanen, the dread of the future and the course his leadership would take their team assured him of no sleep that night, the paperwork his mind had conveniently put to the side wouldn't help matters either.
-End Chapter-