HMA – MED TECH BARRACKS – 2100
Aki was exhausted. She could barely move towards her bed as she walked into her room. Just as she crossed the threshold a large mass hugged her from behind.
"Did ya miss me?" Devon whispered in her ear, then gave her a big sloppy kiss on the cheek.
"Devon! Get off me!" Aki yelled, but laughed at the same time. Obviously his enthusiasm had not been quelled. That was a good thing. Aki turn towards him with a sly smile on her face.
"You can't be in here. Its against the rules."
"I know but I had to see you, I've missed you."
"We've only been apart of 48 hours. Give me a break." Aki laughed.
"Well, I still missed you."
"Okay, we've established that. Now get outta here before…." Aki stopped mid-sentence as she noticed a figure in the doorway. "Oh, God," Aki thought, "They've caught us." Aki knew what this must look like, but she hoped it didn't look that bad. Devon saw Aki's expression change, turned towards the door. Gray Edwards stood in the doorway holding an electronic "clipboard." His expression was calm, but obviously annoyed.
Devon cleared his throat, "I'll see you tomorrow, Aki… I mean Ms. Ross. Nice to meet you." Devon made a hasty exit, brushing past Gray, who stared at him as he retreated from the room.
Gray walked further into the room noting several things on his "clipboard." "You know that liaisons of any kind are not permitted here, Ms. Ross." Gray spoke as he surveyed the room, noting things as he went along.
"I know what it must of looked like, but…" Aki stammered.
"And what it sounded like too. You two seem to know each other very well."
"It's not what you think, Mr. Edwards"
"Lieutenant. Lt. Edwards." Gray corrected.
"Well, Lt. Edwards, It's still not what you think."
"What I think is irreverent, Ms. Ross. It is what others will think that matters. For your own sake, just keep it to a minimum." Gray sounded annoyed. "I'm not always on night check, and won't be able to cover you for long." Gray adjusted the controls on the lock system, testing it.
"You mean you 're not going to report me?" Aki sounded a bit surprised.
"No. I'm not. But don't think that if the shit hits the fan I'll not say something."
"I don't expect you to." Aki stated crossing her arms across her chest. "Does someone check every night if we are in our rooms?"
"Yes. And there is a watch that patrols the hall. Apparently Hein doesn't like just motion monitors" Gray turned to leave, but stopped. He turned towards Aki, a half-cocked grin on his face.
"Tell me that guy is related to you."
Aki saw her chance out of the situation Devon had created and took it. "YES! Yes, he is. He is a ….a cousin." Aki half smiled back at Gray for his quick thinking. "I'll make sure its noted in you file. It seems to have been missed under your family history. Good night." Gray closed the door to Aki's room and continued down the hall, smiling to himself. He had asked the question out of sheer hope that it was true, but it wasn't. But the lie was good, and people would believe it – for a while that is. A few seconds later Aki stuck her head out of her room, "Good night, Lt. Edwards." Aki quickly shut the door behind her. Gray continued down the hall.
"Whew, that was close!" Aki thought to herself as she leaned on the door. She really must talk to Devon about his exuberance, for both of their sakes.
HMA – NEXT MORNING –0500
"Aki? Aki, wake up. Aki!" Maria shook Aki to wake her up. "C'mon, you have to get up. We have to be in formation at 6 a.m."
Aki winced as the bathroom light came on. "What time is it?" Aki asked groggily.
"5 a.m., now hurry up, we don't have much time." Maria clapped her hands a few times as she walked by the bed. Aki threw back the blanket and stumbled towards the shower.
"Shower on. Water on 7." Aki called to the electronic shower operator. The shower came on and the steam from the water soon filled the room. Aki quickly discarded her clothes and opened the shower door. The water felt wonderful on her skin. She hadn't strength to take on last night, go she felt even filthier. Aki completed her shower and exited quickly. She didn't want to be late to the "formation," whatever that meant. She was determined to make a better impression with Lt. Edwards. She didn't want him thinking the wrong thing about her. For some reason his opinion of her mattered in Aki's eyes.
Aki donned the clothes she had worn last night to dinner. They were comfortable, if a little scratch because of their newness. Aki tidied up her room and made her bed. Just as Aki was brushing her teeth, Maria walked in.
"Oh, good. You're ready. I thought you might have fallen asleep again."
"Do we have a formation every morning?" Aki mumbles with a mouth full of toothpaste.
"Yeah, every morning – 6 a.m. sharp."
"You didn't say anything about it last night. I would have been up if you had told me." Aki wiped her mouth and exited the bathroom. Aki checked the clock; it was 5:30 a.m.
"Yeah, I'm sorry, I forgot about it, but alls well. C'mon we catch some breakfast before the formation." Maria and Aki exited her room to go to breakfast.
HMA – Morning formation –0600 sharp
The cadets were all neatly aligned in each of their respective divisions. About 1000 cadets stood outside waiting for Major Hein. The plebes had the most, over 400 cadets in its ranks, but that is because over half won't make it their 1st year. The 2nd year cadets had about 250 cadets, and the 3rd year cadets had about 175. The seniors had about 125 cadets plus 29 med techs. They stood front and center of the podium. The med techs were to the left of the senior cadets, separated but equal with them. Gray Edwards was at the front of his division, with Mark Sutton to his right. Both were at the position of attention.
As Aki and Maria quickly made their way into the formation, Aki tripped over something and went sprawling into Mark Sutton's way. His reaction was lightning fast as he caught her.
"I'm sorry, so sorry. Damn feet" Aki apologized profusely. Gray watched from the corner of his eye, not at all amused with Aki's "performance." "Obviously," Gray thought, "she's one of those type women." Specifically Gray thought Aki was deliberately trying to get the attention of the men. Judging from what he had seen last night, she already had a "following." It wouldn't be hard for her; she was very beautiful. "Just what he, and his men didn't need: a new distraction. A very potent one at that." Gray thought to himself. Gray had seen it before, the havoc that a single woman could wreak on a military unit. And with her looks, she wouldn't have to try very hard at all. He would have to have a talk with her later.
Major Hein stepped up to the podium, like some surreal reincarnation of Adolph Hitler. The senior professor stood behind him. Looked out at the formation, noting everyone. He looked down to Gray. Hein didn't like Gray Edwards, but he had to admit he was a good soldier. Hein had entertained the idea of offering Edwards a permanent position on his private division of soldiers. But Hein had dismissed the notion once he heard of Gray's complaints about the changes he had made upon assuming command of HMA. Hein bided his time, waiting for the moment Edwards would slip up, and Hein would have him at his mercy. He knew Edwards' aspirations to become a DEEP EYES operative. "Perhaps I should use that desire to gain what I want." Hein thought to himself, his eyebrow arching up further. Hein turned and left, without saying a word to the cadets.
The senior professor, Captain Jacob Riley, came to the podium. "At ease, cadets." Everyone visible relaxed. "I have a few things to say to you all. First, you all have done exceptionally well so far this year. In a few months many of you will departing HMA; DON"T GET LAZY! The next 6 months are going to be the toughest ever. Military command has indicated that more engineering escorts and patrols of the wastelands will be requested in the coming months. You 3rd years may even get into the act." Murmurs could be heard throughout the formation as the news sunk in. "Listen. Remember what you were trained for, and always remember what you're fighting for!" A collective cheer went up as the Captain dismissed them to their day.
"Is it always like that?" Aki asked Maria as they went back to their barracks room to get their things for class.
"Yes. Hein usually doesn't say anything, Just stands there, and then he leaves. I guess it's just to remind us that he's still here. You rarely see him around the campus. Expect when we have visitors, like the Phantom Council. Boy, I hadn't seen anyone fall all over themselves like that in a long time." Aki smiled as Maria and her walked.
Just as Aki was about to leave her room, Gray showed up at her door. "May I come in? I need to talk to you. Regarding a private matter." Aki backed up into her room. Gray walked in and shut the door quietly.
""I thought we weren't allowed to be here alone." Aki replied smartly.
Gray folded his hands behind his back, making is chest appear bigger than it already was. "Ms. Ross, I'm not going to beat around the bush. I don't want you distracting my men. They…" Aki interrupted him
"Distracting your men?' Aki asked questioningly.
"They are stressed as it and with this news about more patrols, I don't want you distracting them from their missions. I need them focused."
"I'm not distracting them, not on purpose" Aki stated.
"Oh, come on Ms. Ross. After what I saw last night and that stunt this morning with my assistant cadet leader, I'm sure you can see why I'm concerned."
"Why you son of… how dare you accuse me of.... of fraternizing!" Aki took a step towards Gray, her hands on her hips. Gray was impressed. She looked to be genuinely insulted, rather than defensive about his statement.
"Ms. Ross, all I'm asking for is your discretion. Keep it private, all right. I'm sure Lt. Sutton or any of the other seniors will be happy to oblige you. You're very beautiful." Gray turned to leave, not knowing why he had said the last thing.
"Hold on a minute! I've got a few things of my own to say!" Aki started to yell at Gray.
"Then say them, quietly." As Gray turned back towards Aki,
"First off, I'm not what you think I am. As to what you saw last night, well, Devon Stratfordshire has been my FRIEND for years. Both are parents died in the San Francisco attack. He is more like family than a lover. Second off, what stunt with your second in command?" Aki paused waiting for Gray's reply. Suddenly, she knew what he meant.
"Oh! I get it. This morning when I tripped, well, all I did Lt. Edwards was trip, that's all. No seduction was involved, nor was it intended. Like I could be even attracted to any of you low-crawling, bullet-for-brains jarhead military types!"
Gray started to smile, raising his hand to cover his mouth from laughing, trying to look serious. Aki continued to rail at him for a few moments, and then she saw Gray's effort to keep from laughing.
"What's so funny!?" Aki demanded
Gray couldn't keep it in any longer; he busted out laughing. He had a deep-throated laugh, with a genuine smile. "'Low-crawling, bullet-of-brains jarhead', now that's funny." Gray continued to laugh and couldn't stop. Aki tried to remain on the defensive, but Gray's laugh was infectious. Outside the door, people could hear Gray's laugh, and stared awkwardly at the door as they passed.
Aki chuckled a little, then Gray stood straight up from his bent over laughing position. He looked at Aki and smiled. "I'm sorry to have thought what I did. As I thought about it further, your fall did seem genuine. You would have fallen flat on you face if it hadn't been from Mark." Gray started to laugh both at himself and the situation.
"You're apology is accepted." Aki retorted to Gray, who was straightening his uniform. Aki watched as he brushed the sleeves and front panels of his jacket. Aki could well imagine what was underneath all that cloth. Gray glanced up at Aki, since she was quiet now, and caught her staring. Aki quickly averted her gaze to the ceiling. Gray smiled again, taking a step toward Aki, holding out his hand. Aki took his hand and shook it.
"I really am sorry. But you must understand what I was trying to do."
"I understand that you failed to get all the facts before making a decision. Not a good trait for a DEEP EYES operative."
"Touché, madam." Gray replied
Aki let go of Gray's hand, turned and started to walk out of the room. "And Lt. Edwards it's mademoiselle, not madam – I've never been married." Aki called over her shoulder. With that she left Gray in her room staring after her.
Later that night, Aki truly started to unpack her things. Most of her stuff she had brought couldn't be used here, unless Aki wanted to stick out like a sore thumb. But Aki was glad she brought it, made her feel less alone. As she unpacked each bag she realized that her personal journal, family photos, and leather-bond books were missing. Aki was fuming. She threw her bags down on the floor. "God damn it, Hein!" Aki screamed in her head. That was it, she'd go see Hein and demand her stuff back immediately.
Aki charged up the hall way, barely missing a couple of cadets. As Aki marched across the quad, she drew a lot of attention. Gray and Mark were jogging around the track, as Aki walked across the quad. Gray and Mark could see the look on Aki's face as she charged up the stairs leading to Hein's office.
"Oh, shit. She looks pretty pissed." Mark stated to Gray, who just nodded in agreement. Inside he hoped that Aki wasn't doing anything foolhardy.
Aki encountered Scruggs first. After a much heated debated as to whether the Major could see her, Aki charged past Scruggs towards Hein's office. She didn't knock or announce herself, she just threw open the door and charged right in.
"Sir, I'm sorry…." Scruggs stammered.
"It's alright, Scruggs. I've been expecting Ms. Ross. You can leave." Hein had his back to Aki, staring at the quad outside his office. "I watched as you charged across the quad. Drew quite a lot of attention to yourself."
"Where is my stuff?! I demand that you give it back to me. Now." Aki clenched her hands into fists at her side, showing how angry she was.
"Your 'stuff.' What specifically are you talking about?" Hein turned towards Aki, taking a seat. He deliberately ignored her demand and ignorance of his rank and power.
"My personal journal, my family photo album, and my books, specifically." Aki stood her ground as Hein stared up at her. Hein reached down and retrieved a small box containing the items she had just listed. Aki sucked in a shocked breath; it was obvious Hein had been reading her journal.
"These items are not needed here. You would not want the 'distraction'." Hein stated nonchalantly.
"They are MY things. They have personal value to ME. I want them. They are all I have left of my family." Aki started to sound desperate, begging for the return of her belongings.
Major Hein let out a deep breath and shoved the box towards Aki. "You may have your tokens back. But be advised, this is the last and only exception you will receive from me. And don't ever charge in here like you just did. I'm taking an exception since you are new here and obviously was not told beforehand of the regulations of this facility. Are we understood?"
Aki picked up her box of stuff and glanced at Hein. "Yes, sir." Aki left the room; her legs were shaking as she walked down the stairs. She had a feeling she had just made an enemy of Major Hein.
HMA – 1 week later – Wasteland Recon Lecture
"Okay, gentleman, and ladies, you all have been fitted and received you Halos. I expect you to get very familiar with it; it could well save your life in the very near future. You will have an examination on the last 5 lectures regarding detection, handling, and collection of wasteland materials tomorrow. Be prepared to discuss it – that will be your exam. Dismissed"
Aki collected her computer and headgear, and began to leave. Maria walked into the lecture hall as Aki was leaving.
"Here you are. I thought it was computer glitch that you were registered in this class. Why are you taking it?" Aki steered Maria out the lecture hall, but not before spying Gray walking across the room towards the door. As always he was in the lead, with Mark Sutton and his usual pack of cadets hanging around him. Gray seemed oblivious to the hero worship many of the young cadets showed him. Aki had caught herself glancing at him ever so often during class. And today she had caught him looking at her! She didn't know what to think. She didn't want to become a "distraction" as Gray put it, but there was something about Gray that attracted her.
"Hello? Anybody in there?" Maria waived her had in front of Aki's face to get her attention. "Don't play stupid. I can smell the pheromones. You like Edwards don't you."
"Sure I like him. He's different than the others – smarter."
"Not to mention handsome, chivalrous, and big. Or so I've heard." Maria wagged her eyebrows up and down at Aki. Aki rolled her eyes at the comment.
"Lt. Edwards is a smart soldier, and I respect him for that. But he's all about the DEEP EYES. I'd doubt that he would do anything to risk his assignment." Aki state wryly.
"Hey listen, I came her to ask you to join our study group tonight. We meet in the library. You want to come?" Maria decided to ignore Aki's declaration of noninterest.
"I'm not sure." Aki was so tired from all the physical training she had been doing for the last week; she thought she was going to die every night.
"C'mon, its fun. And since it's "command" sponsored, some of the senior cadets come to study with us." Maria reeled out her "bait." "Gray is usually there." Maria hooked the "fish" and began reeling her in.
Aki smiled at Maria, the way two women smile at each other when they know what the each is up to. "Okay, I'll come. But it's not because of Gray."
"Of course it isn't" Maria replied sarcastically.