"Welcome to Saunders!" The exuberant voice bellowed at their entrance. As Virtanen, Kaiser, and Knight stood in the room's entrance, the famous trio of Saunders Academy observed. A school famed for its funding, firepower, ingenuity, and to an equal extent the excitable attitude of the school's populace within. A student population of generally easygoing and friendly individuals with inviting atmospheres, a severe difference from the stoic impression Transcendence Set out to make.
The Transcendence itself was all but in name, Saunder's sister ship, hence why both ships were docked in Hawaii, albeit separate islands, at the beginning of the school year before going separate routes. The layout of the ships differed in size and facilities but each school proper held similar layouts albeit Saunders sporting much larger facilities and more expensive decor. It was to be expected however as Saunders, the elder of the two, was the age-old proven school and Transcendence was considered more of a currently running experiment.
Virtanen, who had neither cared to look into the relationship prior to the meeting nor thought of how to properly conversate with the girl's friendly and personal attitude. froze at the beaming smile directed at him. Despite the carefree grin and well-fitting uniform she wore that had Virtanen and Knight's eyes flittering about, Kaiser kept looking firmly at her eyes. They portrayed a domineering glare. Kaiser cleared his throat signaling Knight, both standing to either side of Virtanen, noticed his anxiety at which Kaiser stepped forward to aid his peer.
Stepping past Virtanen and towards the center of the room, he caught quick glimpses of their reactions. To his left against the wall was Arisa, arms crossed and standing as tall as she could while looking down her nose at Knight, who disappointedly to Kaiser, shrunk in on himself at her glare.
Second, he saw Naomi standing to the right of Kay and giving only a sidelong glance. Stoic as ever she leaned against the wall behind her commander's desk with both hands resting in her jacket as she silently chewed on, what Kaiser assumed to be gum. His guess was proven right as she quickly blew a bubble before popping it, only to reveal a small scowl directed at him.
Finally, there was Kay, sitting in her seat. The famous commander and poster girl of Saunders, who flaunted looks and a figure most girls would envy and most boys would gaze at. She simply was a starlet anyone who knew of Senshado within the past three years could identify. And now she was giving them an audience as she sat behind her desk, leaning her head onto one hand and giving a warm smile topped off with a challenging glare most wouldn't expect.
Kaiser groaned internally at how his cohorts had either frozen in the face of adversity or simply turned submissive. He had stepped forward in an attempt to initiate conversation but was silenced with a wave of Kay's hand as she spoke.
"Where are my manners? Would any of you like a drink?" She asked gesturing to Arisa. The girl did not make it audible but had clearly clicked her tongue at the boys as she nodded to Kay in response to the offer. Virtanen eased up at the offer, nodding in polite acceptance as Knight followed him. Kaiser denied the offer however as he felt Kay was observing their actions and had found Virtanen and knight submissive as well as complacent.
Arisa left the room shortly to grab the requested drinks for the guests as Kay and Naomi remained still and the trio of boys sat down opposite them. Before sitting, Kaiser leaned in between his peers and whispered a warning. "Don't act any further out of place. I brought you here without forewarning because I know you'd only act worse out of anxiety. They already see you as no threat don't make me regret this." He whispered.
Virtanen and Knight slightly glanced at the girls in question seeking to validate his claim. Kay was ignoring their presence as she quietly chatted with Naomi, who was still occasionally even glaring at Kaiser. The two gulped as their eyes turned back to an annoyed Kaiser. "Let me handle the talks and grow a spine. Both of you" He stated taking a seat.
Not long after Kaiser took his seat Arisa returned with a steel bucket of ice atop a small trolley, inside revealed glass bottles of cola surrounded by ice. Kaiser raised a brow at the unusual offering of drink, having expected coffee or tea, while knight meekly accepted one and barely caught it as Arisa tossed it at him. Virtanen, perhaps in an effort to seem in control of himself, grabbed four of the bottles and proceeded to quickly sip through one after another.
Kaiser refrained from slapping the two and show his disappointment. Kay awaited them to settle in with their drinks before speaking however, she did seem caught off guard at Virtanen's sudden binge drinking. Though unintentional, Virtanen had managed to at least be unpredictable to their observation.
Leaning forward and resting her chin atop one hand, Kay's grin returned in full strength as she started the conversation. "So what brings you, gentleman, here?" she asked raising a brow and glancing over each of them before stopping at Kaiser.
Virtanen, expecting himself as the commander, to be the one she was speaking to. He was halfway through his third anxiety-reducing cola however and choked slightly. Nervously he cleared his throat before speaking. "Eh-hem my Vice commander Kaiser here will explain our circumstances." Virtanen then gestured with his right hand to Kaiser who didn't seem too impressed with his deflection in fact near expecting.
Turning to Kay, Kaiser noticed she hadn't averted her eyes, not that it had mattered since Virtanen was too nervous to maintain eye contact with her regardless. Upon Virtanen's deflection, Kay's eyebrow once again raised itself as if asking "Really now?"
Unperturbed by his observation, Kaiser took the reigns. Looking directly into Kay's challenging blue orbs he firmly presented their cause. "We are here to formally propose a mock battle between the institution of Saunders University against her sister ship, our Transcendence Academy." As he gave the request Kaiser leaned forward and placed a folder filled thick, with paperwork and information regarding the event.
Perhaps simply placing it before the commander of Saunders rather than handing it was deemed rude as Naomi snatched the files from him before they even hit the desk. Kaiser couldn't help but think to himself. 'I may be wrong but isn't she being a tad too abrasive to someone she just met? She wouldn't be the first to have no clear reason to hate me but I don't believe someone I've never seen would simply choose to do so...' Dismissing the thought he turned his eyes back to Kay, she was now sitting straight and seemingly surprised.
"Really now? A match between our esteemed school and your upstarting academy?" Her words held no malice, instead seemingly curious, as if asking if they were serious.
"Yes," he answered without hesitation. "We propose a 9 on 9 match facing off in an area designated within that file" he explained gesturing to Naomi's hands. At his words, Naomi opened the file and reluctantly seemed amazed. Seeing her eyes widen at the contents, Arisa and Kay followed suit struggling to peer around her, the latter whistled her surprise.
As they looked Kaiser continued explaining. "We are currently in the process of securing the field but rest assured we have been guaranteed to get the area at the earliest convenience. The match will be of total annihilation. As you may already know this entails neither team winning till the other is out of operational vehicles." Finishing his explanation Naomi and Arisa glanced at each other behind Kay as if silently scoffing at him.
At their expression, he added the icing on the cake. "Finally this match will most likely be held in two weeks upon approval". At his final declaration, all heads in the room turned in surprise at him.
"Now wait a minute!" exclaimed Arisa slamming a hand down on Kay's desk with an annoyed face. "Two weeks is nowhere near enough time! We have to prepare our equipment, take the ship to port, gain the reservations to do so, let alone getting authorization from the Senshado committee and our school staff!" she exclaimed.
Calmly turning to face Arisa, Kaiser watched as she took a deep breath from her outburst before responding. "That would be true under normal circumstances. Let's not forget the inconvenience of repairing your vehicles in time for the Senshado season" at this Arisa grinned as if Kaiser was agreeing with her but with a shake of his head showed his hand. "If you look through the file you'll see nearly all of that has been prepared for and completed" He explained. Arisa was stunned by the statement and Naomi's bubble popped in surprise.
Both girls turned towards Kay who had began to hum to herself as she flipped through pages, glossing over the contents once more. Nodding her head she affirmed his words. "Hmmm, yep everything seems in order here" she agreed, laying the file down. Naomi turned to Kaiser unsure of how to react while Arisa, equally confused at his surprising capability compared to what his peers had shown upon arrival, let her staring, mouth agape.
"This begs the question," Kay said, interrupting the quiet tension. "All the paperwork is in order even on our side, signed by our school staff electronically. So why come speak to us if you just went over our heads and got permission anyways?" She asked flicking the file.
Her glare had turned sharper than before, the intensity was unexpected by Virtanen and Knight who only thought of her as what was broadcasted, a carefree girl. The look caused even Arisa to inch away slightly and Naomi to snicker, expecting Kaiser to falter or at least be caught off guard. Yet he remained unphased.
"Because there is such a thing as courtesy. If you deem it unfair, underhanded, or simply a waste of your time, I will dispose of that paperwork right now and call an end to this meeting. However I… ahem. We are asking you for this opportunity as our sister ships students. To help us train through this event."
The earnest reply was sudden and shocking to all. Now everyone but Kaiser and Kay had been surprised at one point or another and left nearly slack-jawed at the turn of conversation. Kay however returned to being bright and cheerful once more. Standing from her seat she extended a hand over her desk. "Sounds exciting! We accept." She exclaimed with an eager smile.
Kaiser looked down at her hand then nudged Virtanen with his elbow. Virtanen jumped at the sudden inclusion. Quickly becoming alert, he grabbed Kay's hand and fervently shook it thanking her for the consideration. Kay laughed at his excitement and a quick smirk at Kaiser's aversion.
Finished shaking Kay stood straight once more and turned to her peers. "Now then, if that is all, we have quite a bit on our plate all of a sudden. Naomi if you could please escort them out" asked Kay to which Naomi gave a single nod and approached the door. "You all may feel free to explore the ship during your stay here" she offered.
The three stood up as Naomi walked past them, opening the door. Each male grabbed their covers and nodded a farewell before walking out one after the other. As Kaiser followed after Virtanen and Knight prepared to scorn them for their actions outside, Kay gave a quick shout.
"You haven't changed, have you, Adam?" The words caught everyone's attention, stopping the three males in their tracks.
Virtanen and Knight glanced over their shoulders, eyes raised in confusion as Naomi and Arisa, still in the room, stood still. Kaiser shoved Knight into Virtanen and instructed the two "Keep moving" both taking a cautious step forward but not without their eyes trained solely on him. Rolling his eyes Kaiser prepared to turn around, shoulders tensed as Kay spoke again. This time speaking slowly as she stood from her desk and approached from behind.
"Here I was expecting you to say hi to an old teammate," she said tauntingly. Kaiser's head jerked slightly at the statement. He could feel the questioning glares from Arisa to his back, his peers ahead of him, and Naomi holding the door.
"Instead I come to find out that you're the vice commander of our sister ship. Transcendence~" She continued, exaggerating the name. "Imagine that. You certainly didn't mention it to me. Not even a single text."
Kaiser didn't respond, he could say any number of things but he knew her personality, he deemed silence best unless he fuel her and create a worse situation. Then again the silence was unbearable as it was.
"We'll just call this a favor you owe me" she whispered, leaning in next to his head. Spinning around at the sudden proximity, Kaiser prepared to retort but instead became enveloped in a strong and brief hug from Kay, still standing on her toes and grinning up at him. The taunting tone and fierce look with it, now gone. "You could have called," she said before releasing him and turning on her heel. Back still turned she gave a brief look over her shoulder.
Kaiser gave up his charade knowing all too well the looks his peers were boring into his back. "I told you to not act familiar with me Kay," He said, flicking the side of her cheek. Kay recoiled at the blow and laughed to herself as she backed away. "Yep, Same as ever, huh?"
Walking to her chair, Kay crashed into it still speaking as she spun around. "Well, we'll see you soon enough and this time you'll have to keep in touch" With that final comment Kaiser shut the door behind him. The sudden disruption was unexpected but Naomi was quick to escort them as she was instructed even if she was irritated.
An awkward silence reigned over the four as they were escorted down the long red and gray hallways to the front doors. Naomi opened the entrance for the three politely. Knight and Virtanen exited promptly whispering to each other and dramatically casting looks back at Kaiser who was dragging his feet at the oncoming storm of needless chatter.
As Kaiser passed Naomi he heard a faint mutter. "Watch yourself" the words entered his right ear so quietly he thought it was his imagination until the door slammed behind him with a loud thud.
Any retort he could offer in retaliation was left in his mind as he glanced back and proceeded down the steps. His internal gripes, cut short as he descended the stairs and upon looking up, was met with a maelstrom of questions and Virtanen violently shaking him by the shoulders.
Immediately Virtanen began shouting, unable to contain himself. "What was that?!" he demanded quickly followed by Knight, who was unusually assertive with his curiosity
"Why are you on a first-name basis?!" Knight began as the two started to ramble off questions, alternating between each other.
The back and forth questioning rained down on Kaiser for a few seconds before he attempted to answer the questions calmly and in order, that is, once Virtanen grew tired of shaking him interrogatively. With an annoyed twitch to his face, Kaiser watched the two huff and puff from their lack of breath.
Straightening his Jacket, Kaiser brushed himself off and sarcastically answered. "I'm not sure. Naomi's hostility was unpredicted, but, will be easy enough to adapt to" he answered bringing a hand to his chin.
Virtanen and Knight looked at each other amazed before slowly turning back to him. "What are you on about?!" they asked in unison as both taking a shoulder and shaking him once more.
"We're talking about how you and Kay, the commander of Saunders University are so friendly!" Virtanen demanded. "What happened to focus on extracurriculars and sports?! To put our priorities straight!" he pleaded as Knight nodded his head, fervently in agreement.
Kaiser's poker face finally broke as his eyebrows furrowed. Swinging his elbows up and out he broke both of their grasps before pushing both and grabbing their necks. The surprise chokeholds silenced both boys as they grabbed at his hands and the vice-like grip. Kaiser cocked his head to the side in a violent motion, popping his neck, and spoke slowly. "Have you two calmed down or shall or shall I resort to more drastic measures?" Both gave a quick series of nods, showing their immediate compliance.
Kaiser released them, looking away, hands-on his hips and a displeased expression, as he sighed, thinking of what to do as his peers uncomfortably grasped at their necks.
Knight let out a strained cough rubbing his throat with a wince and returning to his usually meek demeanor. "Um sir, I apologize but it was surprising, to say the least. I mean, after all, she did call you by your first name. Not even Virtanen does that often. And as far as we knew she was supposed to be more of a stranger than your teammates."
Kaiser looked down shaking his head in acceptance. "Yes, I suppose that would be a surprise to anyone," he conceded.
Still rubbing his throat, Virtanen cutting some words in edgewise. "Not to mention we don't see you with many female friends, if at all, certainly not someone like that." he snickered.
"Crude speech doesn't suit you, Virtanen, you look too lame to pull it off," Kaiser retorted. Virtanen sulked at the insult not wanting more violence as Kaiser crossed his arms and threw his head back in thought.
Having decided on his next course of action he lowered his head and looked at them both. "I suppose I should tell you after that... 'show' but let me tell you foremost that one, we are not intimate, certainly not in the way that you're exaggerating" He declared glancing at Virtanen. "And two, it is not some secret affair or something as grandiose as a long-lost friend" he stated turning his gaze at Knight.
The former seemed relieved and the latter deflated slightly. Seeing their reactions Kaiser continued. "I had hoped to not speak of this because it simply does not matter" he explained. Both Virtanen and Knight seemed as if they wished to rebuke that claim but Kaiser raised a hand to silence them as he continued. "But I suppose you have a right to know now even if it's not so important."
Rolling his eyes over at Virtanen, Kaiser revealed the truth. "Virtanen, remember how during this summer I wasn't present to assist you?"
Virtanen physically grew tired at remembering. "How could I forget. I was swamped with meetings about decorum, presentations, and a whole lot of other stuff for the schools opening by the staff." Virtanen then opened one eye at Knight. "And Knight had a short tenure at St. Gloriana before transferring here, correct?"
Knight shyly nodded his head while averting his eyes. He had stated before he didn't wish to speak of it but it wasn't as if his two seniors didn't already know besides it wasn't relevant at the present for the trio.
Kaiser nodded at both statements. "The reason that she was so friendly. Was because we both attended a cross-training event this past summer."
Confusion overtook the two questioning cadets as Kaiser leaned on his hip and sighed. He visibly made a show of how much effort he felt he was wasting at explaining but his peers stared intently, demanding more.
Straightening his posture, Kaiser expanded his explanation. "It was a camp held by a couple of colleges, their senshado teams, and a few sponsoring organizations. Needless to say, Kay had applied for her future collegiate interests and I applied for hands-on practical training with armored vehicles. More often than not, we were paired together and often ended up spending time throughout the camp. I don't know how or why myself but she warmed up to me"
Virtanen grew curious and began to ask for specifics. The first and foremost of which was "Why didn't you bring me?"
Kaiser replied easily, "you had other priorities".
Virtanen immediately grew irksome and stepped away for a moment allowing Knight to speak. "Well, what type of camp was it," Knight asked wanting details himself.
"A combined arms course in which Kay and I led our respective groups. What I assumed was a healthy rivalry between us, she must have interpreted as friendship. I believe she only did so as she didn't, and probably still doesn't, have many male friends. She most likely saw an opportunity to network. I didn't mind at the time as it did help to improve my skill after all." recalled Kaiser.
Knight seemed speechless at the reply a single thought hanging in his head. 'How could you overanalyze such a simple friendly gesture?'
Almost as if he had read his mind, Kaiser spat out a reply. You would do best to stop being a romantic Knight. Being in high school is well and good but don't have expectations for the impossible. It looks like Ms. Frosts has gotten into that daydreaming head of yours".
At the brutal observation and correction, Knight cinched his mouth shout being caught off guard giving opportunity for Virtanen to rejoin the conversation in a hurry. "Wait didn't you mention that camp to me at the beginning of summer?!"
Kaiser nodded. "Yes, you did say it was too much effort on top of everything else, so I left you to your devices. That's one reason why I had been partnered with her for various assignments. There were hardly any males." Virtanen took leave of the conversation once more with a deeper look of despair on his face.
"Is he going to be alright?" muttered Knight in concern. "He's kind of attracting attention." True enough, foot traffic among the campus was picking up and more than a few eyes wandered over in their direction.
"You just now realized that? You two were acting like madmen moments ago." Chastised Kaiser. Knight realized how foolish they must have seemed shouting earlier and lowered the brim of his hat, covering his eyes as a couple of Saunder's students passed them with lingering stares.
With Virtanen pouting and pacified from overhearing Knight who was now embarrassed, Kaiser neglected to tell what the real reason must have been. 'Our attire probably has more to do with it than your shouting though' he noted. True enough the three, dressed in all black uniforms along with their awards and sidearms to boot, stood out amidst the coming and going sea of grey, white, and red.
Virtanen cleared his throat in embarrassment, noticing the sudden attention. "Let's move on shall we." As soon as the three began to walk a voice shouted from behind in an unlikely vehicle. A cadet Sergeant under Knight pulled up along the road next to the three commanders in a 1942 Cadillac staff car with the Saunders logo on both sides. In the passenger seat and the back were two more students under knights command, the Frost siblings.
The three had been brought separately through public transport to tour the Saunders ship with other naval studies cadets as a means of goodwill, to learn from Saunders, and build friendly relations. The three were chosen by Knight due to favoritism, no excuse about it.
This occurred as they were some of his only friends and were allowed by Virtanen and Kaiser. It had gained their approval as it meant they didn't have to sift through potential candidates and therefore less work. Knight would, however, have to make excuses why if asked of their appointment to which he happily accepted.
Knights three peers stood out even more amongst the naval studies cadets they had arrived with since they were the first three to receive their black Senshado uniforms, specifically for the trip. Wearing their few awards, ranks, and garrison caps as opposed to the field grade officer caps. This adding to the fact they were driving a Saunders Cadillac staff car added to the confusion and looks they added to the already plentiful stares.
"For the love of god Noah, please tell me you didn't steal that!" Knight pleaded, running up to the vehicle.
The cadet Sergeant, Noah Goman, defended himself. "Woah, Woah, Woah boss, I was equally surprised too! About the time your meeting started, we were approached by a couple of their Senshado students and teachers who said they were impressed with the initiative of our leaders" the boy then relaxed and leaned on the driver's wheel shooting a finger at Kaiser. "I don't know what he did, but it impressed them enough to mention him by name and make us look good. Real good."
Knight and Virtanen looked back at Kaiser who held a blank expression uncaring for the unexpected praise.
Diana Frost leaned forward in the backseat, brushing her white bangs aside and underneath her garrison cap. "We were even told we had free reign of the ship today" she informed with a dazzling smile.
"So long as we stay in the public areas and out of trouble" her brother, Gabriel added.
"So we figured we'd find ya'll and go for a bite. What do ya say?" asked Goman. The three officers exchanged glances and a couple of words before nodding.
"Sure all this news is making me hungry" Vitanen agreed, glancing back at Kaiser.
"Now that, that's settled let's get a bite!" Diana declared clasping her hands together. "A couple of nice gentlemen here were kind enough to tell us of a diner around here on a 'Patton' street" she informed.
"More like they were trying to snag you for a date" her brother muttered rolling his head to the side.
Knight chuckled at the usual antics of the twins. "Another typical day for you huh? It must not be easy being as attractive as you two" he complimented.
Gabriel's eyes looked at Knight hollow and without sympathy. "My time would be a lot easier if some people could catch a hint" he scolded.
Knight froze at the statement, unsure why he had received a chilling stare as he climbed into the vehicle. Quickly a hand slapped Gabriel's head from behind and Knight came stumbling into the vehicle.
"That's enough Gabe." Hissed Diana as Kaiser simultaneously informed Knight to "Not think, if you don't understand then just act for once." upon the simultaneous chastising Kaiser and Diana paused realizing they had acted in tandem. Kaiser nodded his head while Diana giggled her thanks.
Curiously Virtanen spoke up. "Oh, what about the Mercedes?" he asked. "We came in the Mercedes gross 770 to be as presentable as possible and despite Saunder's generosity we can't just leave it".
"We could fetch it later," Knight suggested. Kaiser glanced at the Frost siblings, Goman, and Knight. "It's a bit cramped in here why don't we just take both. Knight and the Frost sister there are both officers. Those two can go retrieve it and follow us" he reasoned.
The two mentioned flinched slightly at the suggestion. Knight was the first to speak a refusal. "No sir! I am supposed to be escorting you two so just us would be, well-"
"Y-Yes" I agree we should at least divide the groups evenly don't you agree?" suggested Diana looking out the vehicle and giving a desperate attempt at steadying her voice. Despite all eyes on Kaiser at his suggestion, Diana was half-heartedly hiding her face. Kaiser could see a glimpse along with her brother, Gabriel, through the vehicle's mirrors. A soft pink was present to her pale complexion. The two males looked at each other and exchanged tired glances.
Eventually, upon Diana and Knight's insistence to escort the commanders both vehicles were divided with Virtanen, Goman, and Knight in the 1942 Cadillac staff car. While Kaiser, Gabriel, and Diana retrieved the Mercedes gross 770. The lingering embarrassment drove Diana and Knight to take separate vehicles for the time being. Knight escorted Virtanen the higher-ranking official and Kaiser supervised the Frost sibling's retrieval of the staff car.
As expected of a brother Kaiser witnessed Gabriel's relentless roundabout teasing of Diana who morbidly sat in silence. Despite Kaiser's actions she obviously was hoping he didn't know of her feelings. Respectfully, Kaiser let her keep that hope. Knight meanwhile was under a constant verbal assault of teasing by Virtanen who would give no respite in his tactless taunts as Goman drove awkwardly.
After the two groups had split and left the school proper, they arrived at their destination. A quaint little diner with a fifties theme and neon sign lighting its name. As their school was at port, the same as Transcendence, the students had the day off minus extracurriculars so the majority of customers were in plain clothing with a few in uniform. Some were even working despite the break, apparent as their waitress, going about in the diners frilly striped uniforms and roller skates was their age.
Arriving first Virtanen, Knight, and Goman exited their vehicle receiving stares from the surrounding customers along with the occasional peek. No longer unintentionally making a spectacle of themselves, Virtanen and Knight basked in the attention slightly while Goman puffed his chest out happily taking in the eyes their uniforms and vehicle drew.
Their excitement was short-lived however as the sleek black Mercedes pulled up next to them. Slowly Diana and Gabriel exited the front two seats, their slim figures, sharp features, white hair, and overall beauty heightened by the uniforms attracted far more attention. The two opened the cabin door for Kaiser who exited with his typical apathetic and sober demeanor while tightening his dress gloves. His addition to the two siblings was icing on the cake and an additional insult to the three who had arrived first as all attention swung to them with the locals not even attempting to hide their awe.
Naturally, the three didn't pay any heed as they entered the store casually without returning even a glance. As if upper class or royalty they proceeded without fault. Kaiser stopped to address Virtanen and his entourage as the Frost siblings held the door before him. "Are you coming or not?" he asked, taking off his cap.
Knight kicked a rock at his feet shyly while Goman averted his eyes with a pout and Virtanen gripped his knuckles white. Slowly Virtanen answered quietly so no onlookers would hear. "Shut it" Kaiser raised an eyebrow before dismissing the comment and walking in. The three still wallowing in their one-sided competition, trudged along after.
The burgers and shakes provided at the Diner tagged along with the waitress's stunning smile and politeness brightened the mood between the six. Even though Goman and Virtanen cursed the two opposite them. Kaiser and Gabriel were attracting far more female attention than preferred. Even from the waitresses adding to their petty ire. Knight meanwhile felt like a third wheel sitting next to Diana as she received plenty of stares from the surrounding males in force.
Casually though small talk filled the silence and the six carried on as if they were back on Transcendence. Inevitably, the comfortable atmosphere began to deteriorate once more as the meal finished and talk of what to do next arose.
"Where next?" Goman asked, having polished off his plate.
"We could continue sightseeing around the ship," Knight suggested.
"Shopping?" Diana chimed in.
"On ship or land?" Her brother inquired.
The exchange of ideas and details continued briefly before being interrupted by Kaiser placing down his empty glass and standing.
"For me, this is where we'll part ways" He simply said straightening out his uniform.
"W-what do you mean?" Virtanen asked after him seeming mortified.
"I'm not going to defect to Saunders, I simply would like to take a look at the public library aboard this vessel. It's far more expansive than our own and I may just find some interesting sources" answered Kaiser sensing the worry in Virtanen's voice.
"What?" groaned Goman.
Yet his interruption went ignored as Virtanen tried to reason Kaiser into staying with the group. "Come on, it wouldn't hurt to spend the day with us would it, you're always off alone somewhere anyways." reasoned Virtanen.
Knight and Diana also tried their hands in a vain attempt to include him yet all were denied. "Thank you for the concern but it is misplaced. I insist on going to the library" Kaiser replied standing from the table. "There is good reason why-"
A quiet and mocking "Pfft" came from the end of the table. Quiet enough to be disregarded yet Kaiser had heard and would not gloss over it.
"Is there a problem Goman?" Kaiser asked slowly. Goman who had been excluded from the group conversation temporarily retreated into looking out the window into the sunny scenery beyond. At the mention of his name his head perked up in surprise before slowly turning to face the table, all eyes facing him.
Seeing the stares and catching a glance at Kaiser before diverting his eyes he responded with a small "Nothing" before turning away once more. Nervously the table glanced at Kaiser who kept his composure. Past his facade of calm, however, was obvious anger.
"It sounded as if you were mocking me Goman" hissed Kaiser. No response came. So Kaiser decided to prod the boy. "Are you that pathetic that you threw a fit simply because your peers wanted my company?" he asked. The boy's shoulders tensed as the silent table exchanged anxious glances.
"Or perhaps you realized you're an unwanted extra here?" Kaiser taunted. He expected at least three taunts to get a reaction from the boy but instead caught a knee-jerk reaction with two.
Instantly standing to his feet Goman retaliated "You just think you're so much better, don't you! Here you have people who want to actually hang out with you and yet you just blow them off while acting like I don't exist! Acting like the center of attention and pretending you don't even want it!" barked Goman. The fuming adolescent directed a finger at Kaiser, leaning over the table anger in his voice.
Kaiser looked down at him and his finger disinterested. "A few holes in your actions here," Kaiser responded. "First we are in public. Normally that means there is no ranking structure outside extracurricular activities but look at what you are wearing right now." Goman's eyes opened instantly as he looked down and about in realization, their black uniforms. He was a representative of the team now and had just acted out against a clear superior.
"Two" proceeded Kaiser. "No one here is a 'friend' but acquaintances and peers, we attend an academy, not a social club." Goman was taken aback at the perspective he was given while Kaiser finished. "And third, try to improve yourself and that flawed logic before acting out of inferiority because you can't steal the attention of a girl, clearly not interested" Kaiser hissed, tilting his head at Diana.
At the unexpected insult, an eerie silence set upon the table. Diana, now the focus, was caught off guard and looking around in confusion. Goman stuttered in a flustered attempt to get a rebuttal out. Knight and Gabriel coughed awkwardly, scratching their heads. Virtanen meanwhile, with his sense of humor conflicting with his morality attempted to hide a sudden laugh as a cough.
Kaiser followed his taunt with a grand finale. A condescending and devious grin slipped across his face as if mocking Goman's existence. "What did you expect? She didn't even register your existence and yet you blame your inferiority on me?"
The embarrassment quickly grew to be too much as Goman slammed a fist into the table drawing the surrounding customer's attention. "Screw professionalism! What's stopping me from beating your ass right now?" demanded Goman.
Kaiser's taunting grin slipped away as he leaned forward. "Do you really want to embarrass yourself further?"
Goman stepped forward as Knight and Gabriel grabbed his arms and sat him down. Bewildered, he looked at both of them.
"Are you crazy?" Knight muttered in a hush followed by Gabriel whispering. "He'll do more than just rough you up, now sit!" Defeated before even starting Goman stopped resisting as Knight and Gabriel continued speaking to him.
There was little time for an awkward silence to settle in as Kaiser had already changed gears. "I will forget your insubordination and leave your punishment to the officers here" at his words he glanced at Virtanen, Knight, and even Diana as she was a Cadet Lieutenant. All nodded in return.
Kaiser tightened his gloves and placed his cap on his head before leaving payment for his portion of food on the table. "I will walk to the library myself and message you when to retrieve me." He informed. As he left the awkward atmosphere of the table he saw the rest of the diner quickly return to their meals and business.
Before he was out the door Virtanen chased him to have a quick word. "Kay was right, You really don't change huh? Look, thanks for not just laying the kid out in front of everyone but was that all necessary?" he asked.
Kaiser continued being indifferent as he answered. "The kid needs to grow up. He's ignorant, short-sighted, petty, jealous, and worst of all wasting his time. I picked him because he has potential in Senshado. He doesn't have a chance with Diana. You and Gabriel are the bad guys for letting him dream when she has another interest. Not me for delivering the message. Hell Knight's so obtuse he's probably known about Goman's feelings and been cheering for him."
Virtanen winced at the critique. "Touche, and don't worry we'll set this straight. Knight and Gabriel will make sure he doesn't do anything drastic like quit. And I'm sure Diana will let him down easy. Hopefully anyways" he amended.
Kaiser rolled his eyes. "As if that matters to anyone. Least of all me" he replied unpityingly.
"Umm excuse me..." an awkward voice rose next to them. The two looked at the source and saw one of the diner's worker's in the frilly uniform and skates meekly speaking from behind her thick-rimmed glasses and serving tray. "I-I-m so sorry but could y-you not stand in the way of the entrance. Virtanen looked back at a few customers waiting to get around them and quickly ducked away.
Kaiser stepped to the side and apologized for the inconvenience, tipping the girl for the trouble. A few quick nods and she quickly departed to join her fellow hostesses who were adamantly watching them.
With no more business here Kaiser departed for his true objective.
-Chapter end-