Hangar bay, Storage facility for vehicles.
The Senshado cadets stood at attention inside the 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, including the numerous students partaking in maintenance or engineering courses throughout the school year.
From an SD KFZ variant to prized Heavy tanks, all vehicles were lined in neat, orderly formations while aircraft sat on the opposite side of the hangar bay and a vast empty lot lay 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, few individuals had been cross-trained in both air and ground vehicle maintenance. Such individuals included the schools leading adult and student officials. This included 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 the years start and gained credentials for all vehicles.
The air budget, opposed to the Ground, was focused on quality craft rather than quantity. Due to its smaller size in comparison to other schools, cross-training flight hours were minimal outside of necessity, and certified personal on the ship were a rarity.
The land vehicles had tarps laid about, in front of each vehicle with fresh equipment to replace damaged or degrading piece's as students from the Maintenance branch of the school sought to initiate repairs. A task usually accomplished by the vehicle's crew, it was a mandatory part of the maintenance students' curriculum and thus no one sought to interfere, not that they wished to in the first place. Kaiser did order the cadets to assist so that they would become familiar with their vehicles.
As the final Senshado cadets lumbered out of the last vehicles towed in by the tracked retrieval vehicle's a little over an hour after the practice ended, Virtanen saw Kaiser propped against a welding machine, finishing his book. Closing the final pages, 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 but a minor instinctive flinch at the mention of their bet showed he indeed remembered. Knowing he was going to have to cave eventually, Virtanen begrudgingly sighed and turned around to slap a bill into Kaiser's hand.
"Happened to forget the Panzer IVs squad didn't you," asked Kaiser, pocketing the bill.
"The kid hid in a denser area of the training field, not making a single movement, then struck when everyone else's strength had been exhausted" Virtanen recounted, praising the tactic.
"Predictable," Kaiser replied, looking over the Maintenance crew's work as the cadets chatted amongst themselves.
Now irked, Virtanen stared holes into the side of Kaiser's head. "You know..." he slowly began.
"Yes?" responded Kaiser, uncaring for the hiss in his peer's tone.
"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" reasoned Virtanen sarcastically.
Kaiser's reply came bluntly. "Why? No ill intent but we've conversed like this for years and besides with your constant 'delegation' I have to multitask practically everything. With the season beginning, you'll probably never see me reading in my free time either, let alone happy enough to oblige each little request of yours".
"You? Happy?" Virtanen asked, feigning disbelief as he stopped to prod Kaiser in the chest.
"Oi, don't be rude," snipped Kaiser, swatting the offending digit away. "I'm as human as you.
"Well, that foresight and planning of yours still amaze me." complimented Virtanen, deviating from his casual mockery.
"Fine, a better human than you" Kaiser sneered with a grin.
The two made their way to an office located in the corner of the hangar. Virtanen sat behind the large desk in the rear of the room, leaning the seat back and turning it to the side so he could interact with the desktop. He then began moving around the papers and files cluttering its surface.
Kaiser followed by slapping down a few more pages in front of Virtanen, who looked up with disbelief.
"Don't look at me, I've done all my work, now you have to simply sign it all off" Kaiser remarked, uncaring for Virtanen's worry.
A few minutes of silence ensued, filled with only the scratching of Virtanen's pen, the muffled machinery outside their walls, and the occasional flipping of a page and transcribing from Kaiser, filled the room.
Despite the peace, Kaiser broached a necessary topic. "About that matter". He announced. Virtanen hummed in acknowledgment, still writing.
"Do you agree with the appointments of the aforementioned students?" asked Kaiser as he focused on his task as well.
Virtanen gave a short hum "You're the one who designated them. As little input as I gave I believe I could have had no say at all and it would probably be for the best" he conceded.
At the depreciative response, Kaiser released a sigh, interrupting Virtanen's rhythm. "Careful your confidence is showing" he snipped.
Virtanen gave a weak chuckle at the remark. "Anywho I believe we should-"
"Groom the selected students into their positions and focus on specialty training." interrupted Kaiser, his eyes steadfast on his work.
Virtanen's eyes flicked upward, his lips pursed, and finger tapping against the desk in annoyance. "...Yes and then-"
"Follow up with cross-training for positions for the cadets, preparing them to succeed positions of responsibility in the future to secure a stable base of knowledge once we're gone" Kaiser again interrupted robotically.
Virtanen slammed his pen firmly against his desk. Regardless of the sound, Kaiser continued his work unnerved. Virtanen opened his mouth and slowly enunciated his words "STOP-"
"Interrupting you? Certainly," agreed Kaiser. Virtanen's face went stiff, releasing a small hiss of breath, the only escape of his internal scream. Ignoring his commander, Kaiser picked up his belongings with a small sigh of relief. Glancing over his notes, he faced Virtanen. "Now that I have caught up on my reading and notes, I can officially declare the start of our season".
Raising a brow at the claim, Virtanen looked at Kaiser's hands.
"Infantry attacks by Erwin Rommel" Kaiser answered in reply to the gaze.
The book's title caught Virtanen's attention. "Infantry? We're not in InfanterieKampf anymore. Isn't that counterintuitive to our purpose here? He asked, confusion blatant on his face.
"I never said it was the only book I've been reading. 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 place even more faith in you" Concluded Virtanen as he reclined in his seat groaning as he stretched.
Kaiser frowned 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 Virtanen turning away in his chair.
"That so?" Virtanen awkwardly chuckled. "I hadn't noticed". Kaiser kicked the desk in response, causing Virtanen to jump as he sighed at their conversation.
"Your excessive delegation aside, you'll have to redo those forms". Kaiser gestured at the paperwork. "The format has been sent to your email for future use so please print and finish them quickly". 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 hurried through his paperwork he emerged to see all the damaged vehicles under repair now quiet and the cadets in formation. Transcendence's first "appointment of command ceremony" had begun.
The only cadet's not present were those of the maintenance branch, clambering among the vehicles, working to get them operational by the next day.
Five rows of fifteen personnel. Each squad leader at the furthest right and in Virtanen and Kaiser's squads, the second-highest personnel after them. To the left of the squad leader would be their crew then the next squad's and so on.
Divided into teams of three vehicles and their respective crews, each position below the squad leader was already appointed and arranged. The cadets held rank accordingly with their billet, from cadet second Lieutenant to cadet Lance corporal.
Currently, Kaiser stood between the formation and Virtanen. "Attention!" he ordered. At his word, the cadets snapped stiffly to the position of attention. A reminder that though their field performance was subpar they remained disciplined students from academies far and wide.
Kaiser pivoted on his heel, turned 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". Both leaders lowered their arms followed by Kaiser marching past to face the formation, standing at his side.
Clearing his throat, Virtanen at a glance, seemed to prepare to speak. However, Kaiser could see the nervous tick. 'Still shaky even when they're all fixated, quietly awaiting your order' He mentally chastised, rolling his eyes.
"First off, I would like to congratulate everyone on their performance" announced Virtanen, attempting praise despite the lackluster results. The gentle lie was betrayed by Kaiser's condemning look from behind Virtanen. The message was clear and was shown by the student's 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 leading figures," he explained. "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, then returned to attention.
Brandon Sokolov, a male standing shorter than average at 5ft 7in with a quiet demeanor. Short brown hair and blue eyes framed by thin glasses. He stood rigid and still. His excellence in ambushing and long-range attacks was apparent, 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.
Then there was Quentin O'diveley, seemingly destined to be a bane to the team at a first glance. Standing more slouched than his peers, shifty-eyed, and most apparent, erratic in most of his daily actions. O'Diveley stood at 5ft 8in with a strange cut of dark brown hair and bright green eyes.
Though Kaiser and Virtanen had argued for hours, over several days over his mere appointment to the team, Virtanen had been firm in O'divley's appointment to a high billet. Kaiser 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 himself of being accused of before.
His apparent lack of order and discipline aside, O'Diveley seemed adept at rallying his men in an almost rebellious-like demeanor. The final discussion between the commanders ended with the words "We need someone rough around the edges to lead from the front as well".
The third and hopefully not least was Alexander Knight. Standing at 6ft and a desperate attempt in his posturing. Most noticeable was his abated breath and puffed-out chest as he began to sweat standing before them. With his commander's eyes on him, he grew even more nervous. Hands clenched white and eyes straining themselves to look straight and not make contact. Granting him mercy the two commanders looked over him. Lengthy black hair and soft blue eyes. Added to the fact he was rather lean he seemed more suited towards crafts rather than Senshado.
He wasn't InfanterieKampf material but his leadership ability showed its ability in Senshado. His skill came as 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 rejected from their summer training.
After some inquiring with his family, it seemed he had failed each entry-level position in St. 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 any position but as Kaiser was seeking potential tank commanders he was approached by a close friend of Knight before the school's opening day.
Diana Frost perhaps oversold the boy and requested he be given the chance. She stated "knowing he was capable" thus Kaiser deigned to give him a chance as a commander. There could be no harm if he wasn't operating anything. Then Knight had performed well, regaining his pride to be sure, and at Frost's request, he hadn't been told of her help behind the scenes.
Knight could not be called a prodigy but admittedly, he had potential in commanding the Panzer IV and seeing his grades. Having performed poorly in a rough field environment and another school's tank, he had earned a spot after being given command for the first time.
"Cadet O'diveley" Announced Kaiser. "Has shown capable leadership and... ingenuity, in doing so he has been entrusted with the rank of Cadet Sergeant Major and the billet of Fifth squad commander. Upon his new rank being given by Virtanen and a handshake, the cadets clapped before going silent for Sokolov's turn.
"For his skill in maneuvering and leadership, as well as his judgment we award Cadet Sokolov the rank of captain and the billet of fourth squad commander". Once again the clapping ensued and died off after the rank had exchanged hands.
"Next, Cadet Knight regarding his patience and strategizing mind has shown potential for future endeavors. Regarding his grade and skillset, he is to be promoted to Major and the commander of the Third Squad.
"Finally, for those of you still unacquainted, Cadet Colonel Virtanen will take charge of the first squad and I, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Kaiser the Second". Virtanen Then stepped back from the trio and spoke.
"Upon my command congratulate your peers and you are dismissed. Fallout" He shouted
"Yes Sir!" Came the response. Immediately cadets ran up and congratulated each other while others stood idly by. No spite or jealousy could be seen this early, rather some hadn't formed personal cliques yet.
Of note to the commanders were the reactions upon the promotions. Sokolov showed signs of a smirk betraying his initial impression, 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," said Virtanen quietly over his shoulder. "With each word he grew tenser and tenser, when I said Major, well I think he broke. He's just standing there now". Nudging Kaiser, Virtanen pointed at Knight, urging him to quickly address the situation.
Seemingly shocked, Knight stood in place while the other cadets had formed clusters of erratic circles, none of which had walked up to the baffled boy. Glancing at Kaiser who remained still, Virtanen took a step towards the lone boy. Even quicker, Kaiser's hand shot in front of him, raising a finger to his lips he pointed at Knight.
A girl with white hair braided into a single ponytail 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, undoubtedly her brother. They shared the same hair and eye color, albeit his shorter and with a firmer gaze. Behind the two siblings trailed a few stragglers, presumably Knight's new squad.
"Cadets, Diana, and Damian Frost" Kaiser said quietly. "Twins fresh from the shore". Looking to his left, Kaiser saw Virtanen relax slightly, seeing the three laugh together as if it was already an age-old friendship. Kaiser rolled his eyes and sighed. "Remember they're 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. He quickly dismissed his hasty assumption of having to 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' he thought cheerfully, however, his attitude turned dismissive facing Kaiser.
"As if you're one to chastise. You complain about being overworked yet you go the extra mile for anything and everything. Better yet, I would say you tend to make things your problem" snipped Virtanen.
Kaiser turned to leave, speaking as he did. "Only if I deem the problem necessary enough to force my hand. He responded. A mere "Pfft" was all Virtanen could muster in his disbelief at the answer.
As the two took their leave of the Hangar a cadet called the attention of all present students 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 a surprise. Virtanen bumped into Kaiser's back as he stopped in place. "Kaiser?" he asked, glancing over his peer's head, growing 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 lowered welding mask. "Yes, Miss Cartier?" he responded with suspicion. Stepping beside Kaiser, Virtanen looked on at the masked figure wondering what the holdup was as Ms. Cartier finally lifted her mask to speak clearly.
Kaiser remained distasteful towards the girl as Virtanen was stunned. Underneath the mask, a pair of bright hazel eyes and a small face with freckles decorating her nose and cheeks accompanied a bright smile. Opposed to Virtanen's reaction Kaiser, on the other hand, frowned at her. "Let me guess. Another favor" he replied slowly.
"Eheh… I did say to just call me Piper sir, I'm sorry to ask this but some of these damages will take all night if not a couple of days for our new crews to repair. We were wondering if you could lend a hand again?" she asked sheepishly.
As he contemplated the decision, Piper's attention was thankfully focused on him and not the petrified fool to their side. Feigning exhaustion, Kaiser dragged a hand down his face to his mouth. A moment of silence ensued before he asked her responded.
"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 towards her, hoping that she would rescind her plea to maintain her pride. Sure enough, the words hit hard as Miss Cartier averted her face in a grimace. 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 air out of his companion's right lung. Virtanen grasped his side silently, gasping in pain, and took a few steps away. Turning his back to regain his composure. None too soon, Miss Cartier spoke up to face Kaiser once more.
"I..." Her words drew slowly, feeling for the correct approach to not insult herself nor Kaiser. "I understand you are busy sir but we are short on experienced body's and you're 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". It seemed she would draw out her reasoning as she began to ramble. Kaiser placed a finger before her preventing her.
A small sigh escaped Kaiser, his eyes remained closed throughout her explanation, one eye opened to look at her through a sidelong glance as he gave his answer "I do have my work to attend-"
"He'd love to" coughed Virtanen jumping into the conversation. Kaiser glared at his teammate, who was still clutching his side despite his smirk. Just as quickly Piper held a smile of hope to Kaiser's disappointment. Before he 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" insisted Virtanen.
Piper raised her hands in glee as she faced 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 he took off his black uniform 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!" saluted the rejuvenated girl, running off inside. As the door closed she turned once more, winking as she lowered her face shield before the door clicked shut.
"Who was that?" demanded Virtanen grabbing Kaiser.
"Piper Cartier. I am sure her name was announced several times between us this summer. She has been appointed as a staff sergeant and is quite the bright girl. Meaning, you better stay away." hissed Kaiser.
"Wha-what? Are you saying you're making a claim on her?! Gasped Virtanen indignantly.
With an exasperated sigh, Kaiser shook his head. "I'm trying to train our peers and subordinates, not create drama" he clarified, digging his index finger into Virtanen's sternum.
"What are you insinuating?" Virtanen asked in disbelief.
"Did you forget your last relationship?" Kaiser asked sarcastically. The mention of it sending Virtanen's attitude crashing down, along with his attitude his posture became slumped.
Placing a hand on his shoulder Kaiser explained the reasoning. "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, remember?". His encouragement worked slightly as Virtanen's attitude improved.
Awkwardly, as if pouting, Virtanen asked, "Then are you-"
Kaiser rolling his eyes. "No, I have no romantic feelings for miss Cartier."
Again Virtanen slowly asked. "So then your-"
Disbelievingly Kaiser answered again. "I am not seeking romance with any of our peers and I doubt I ever will. I'll be the same as always, waiting to pick up the pieces of your failures as always" he smirked condescendingly.
Virtanen gave a solemn laugh "You're right Adam"
"Last names" grimaced Kaiser, killing the friendly atmosphere.
"Er, Kaiser" corrected Virtanen awkwardly.
"Three years and you still can't remember the simplest things" Kaiser criticized.
"Well, it's Like you said. I doubt either of us will ever change" agreed Virtanen defensively.
"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 tauntingly.
"Ah-hem, I'll try on that." nodded Virtanen. "...But it's not my fault, everyone agreed she was the one who assaulted me and my property" he defended.
"We are not getting into that subject matter again, just leave it" demanded Kaiser, ending the topic. Full of vigor at his future endeavors of romance, Virtanen cheerily strolled while Kaiser had a breath of relief. 'That should at least keep him off the subject for a couple of months.' he hoped.
"Oh and Virtanen." Kaiser alerted. "Since I'll be busy tonight, it was very gracious of you to volunteer yourself for my workload. How thoughtful indeed to take that on for me." He hissed.
Virtanen froze, shrinking at the implications behind Kaiser's words.
Kaiser gave a menacing chuckle. "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," he warned. Virtanen bit his lip in frustration as Kaiser ushered him to follow."Come now, we both have work to do" he grinned sinisterly.
Inside the school proper past the opening of the Senshado office door, a room reserved for them was an interior revealing a squared room. Thirty feet across and 20 feet long, by no means a large office but suitable for the minimal company they expected now and again.
Its locations sat on the third floor, facing sections of schoolship that were essentially under their jurisdiction. The training grounds that made up the majority of the area in sight, the school's hangar which was divided between them and the aviation wing, and deceivingly the firing range which was licensed for their use whenever allotted by the school marksmanship team.
Upon entering, the first object to meet your eyes would be a dark wooden desk at the room's back. Behind it, two flags, one an American flag, the second the school's crest adorning it, both crossing over each other at forty-five degrees.
The large desk held various trinkets and personal valuables as well as stacks of paper waiting to be filled. Small medals from Virtanens past exploits as well as pictures from when he was a participant in InfanterieKampf adorned its surface.
Thanks to Kaiser, the room was astoundingly symmetrical. The walls were 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 held a bookcase, two facing parallel to the desk and two adjacent as one would enter. In the room's center, a large three-foot by three-foot glass table lay with multiple maps rolled up, ready for inspection, observation, and planning. Couches were located to the left and right of the low-lying table for small gatherings along with two individual chairs, their backs facing the entrance and fronts to the commander's desk.
The most aesthetic however was behind the ornate flags. A large window encompassing a third of the wall behind it, providing a grandiose view of the ship. Virtanen didn't appreciate the scenic view of the setting sun beginning its descent on the horizon as he plummeted into his seat. His body going limp as he released all pent-up tension, foregoing any facade of the professional he wished to portray to his subordinates.
Reaching under his desk the sound of glass clinking arose. "Want a cold one?" asked Virtanen as he pulled two cola's out from under the desk.
"Sure" agreed Kaiser, giving a nod as he received the beverage. Sitting on the edge of the desk, he pressed the cap of the bottle into its corner and noticed familiar notches there. He raised a brow in surprise. "Still don't have a bottle opener?" he quipped.
"Keep forgetting, besides you showed me, am I not supposed to do it?" replied Virtanen. Placing his bottle on the corner, he slapped it twice, popping off its cap. "Still can't get it right sometimes" He dismissed, clicking his tongue.
Kaiser huffed a breath of amusement and repeated the same movements, 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. "I figured you would have something to say about me installing a mini-fridge under here" Virtanen laughed, letting a breath of satisfaction out.
Looking outwards to the scenery Kaiser took a swig of his drink. "You know I haven't been a goody-two-shoes in years" he replied, staring at the skyline.
The short moment of respite between the two was rare, a moment of peace void bickering or work, something they hadn't had in months since being assigned to Transcendence. Instead, both gazed solemnly away, their backs turned to the other. Kaiser, lost in the horizon's view whilst Virtanen Gazed at the centerpiece of his desk.
"You ever think we should have stayed?" asked Virtanen, drawing Kaiser's gaze over his shoulder. Both began to stare at the old photo Virtanen held.
In the picture was a younger Virtanen in middle school, grinning ear to ear after their victory at the international 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 replica uniform dirtied. One arm held a slung M1918 BAR and the other was ruffling the hair on the back of his head.
Next to him was a younger Kaiser reluctantly taking part in the picture with an indifferent frown. His clothing was the same uniform 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 submachine gun slung across his chest.
Two other, younger boys posed with similar gear and M1 Garand 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 lay at the feet of the Virtanen and Kaiser.
The picture was reminiscent of more comforting times as the two felt at home within the sport, especially at that specific point. Having trained together for almost two years and finally securing the finals win.
"At times I look back fondly, of what could have been if we stayed in it, finishing our last two years of high school there instead of transferring here" answered Kaiser.
Virtanen gave a small grimace as Kaiser continued. " We became lieutenants fast last year in our last school and came close to winning the high school championships both freshman and sophomore years. May have won the championships this year, maybe the next too. But I don't regret what we are doing. You always complained about being second fiddle back in our 'glory days' and now you're in charge. It's time for you to shine just like you wanted. And I'll help you along the way." Kaiser encouraged.
Virtanen grinned at the sentiment, 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. Pfft, as if such a task would be simple" he complained.
"Personally, I expected to get a team of professional students, as intelligent and skilled as us" muttered Virtanen.
"Rather wishful thinking" mocked Kaiser. "Do you think you and the others in that photo back then were that competent on the infantry lanes?" he asked.
"Yes." came Virtanen's confident answer.
"No" Kaiser corrected immediately. "You weren't 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'll just have to lead them to the best of your ability. After all, that's what we agreed on when we came here, right?"
Virtanen grew uneasy until he shook his head, sitting straight up. "I guess so." He concluded defiantly, spinning 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 both but for Virtanen, the dread of the future and the course his leadership would take their team assured him of no sleep, the paperwork his mind had conveniently put to the side wouldn't help matters either.
-End Chapter-
