Kaiser's eyes widened upon meeting the multitude of eyes that stared at him from the two vehicles. The five sets of eyes, all equally wide and with varying expressions to accompany them, didn't utter a word.

Having stopped Kay from falling backward into the road he had pulled her back onto her feet to steady her. Yet his peers had just happened to drive by and caught the scene's end. Judging by their looks, they hadn't seen it unfold the same way.

After having reversed to a slow stop they saw Kaiser, a hand on Kay's right arm and the other on her shoulder, steadying her as he looked down with a stern expression and spoke to her.

With one hand on his chest, the other firmly in his grasp, and her footing barely found, Kay seemed to be leaning into him. Whatever he had said to hear having flushed her cheeks. Hearing the vehicles behind her she turned with an awkward expression, mouth agape. Kaiser knew she was embarrassed thinking she had been seen stumbling but to their audience it seemed more an admission of guilt.

Gabriel was the first to break the silence from his seat by letting out a loud protracted whistle and leading Kaiser to beg the question. "Why are you all here?" he asked, finally releasing Kay and stepping away from her and towards the cars. The stares didn't stop and behind the eyes boring into him and Kay he could tell their minds weren't either.

Knight answered first with a short stutter. "W-we thought you were lost at night having taken so long, he began before trailing off.

"But apparently we were mistaken for having believed you lost" finished Virtanen with a crooked grin.

Shifting to his side Virtanen muttered something to Gabriel and Goman who sat beside and behind him in the Cadillac. Slowly the two boys slid something that appeared to be cash into Virtanen's hand, a poorly hidden gesture he knew was intended to be seen.

Despite Virtanen's smug smile and Gabriel's calm demeanor, Goman seemed to be slack-jawed peering past Kaiser while Diana had taken to awkwardly exchanging polite nods to Kay and Knight seemed lost for words once more.

Virtanen's smile grew silently as his mind connected dots that weren't truly there. Kaiser noticed and stepped forward, trying to silence him with a warning. "Don't. Start." Virtanen shrugged his shoulders, keeping his smile plastered on. "Now why are you all here then?" Kaiser repeated for all to hear. "I believe I told you to meet me at the restaurant."

Diana, having cooled herself, spoke. "Well sir, like we said we were going to wait but it's unlike you to be late. So we thought we would save some time by coming for you. After all, you do fall asleep a lot..."She cut herself off mid-sentence, realizing her words might agitate him but was relieved to see he acknowledged the claim with a dismissive nod of his head. Virtanen was quick to grab the conversation by the reigns, however.

"Hopping out the vehicle and leaning against its door, he chose to jab at his comrade despite Kaiser's warning, as the opportunity to do so with impunity hardly ever arose. "And here we were all worried, yet we find you assaulting some poor girl out at night." He tauntingly chastised.

Resisting the bait, Kaiser gave a sharp glare at Virtanen who grinned knowing any response would fuel his remarks. It was obvious his peers wouldn't believe any claim until explained at length and opted to stay quiet seeing as the tension was now between him and Virtanen. Their subordinates knew the two were old acquaintances but had never seen Virtanen act so unscrupulously towards Kaiser.

"Let's just be on our way" dismissed Kaiser stepping up to the Cadillac, stopping just before the door, however, he turned to address Kay who had tried to get a word in but instead quietly watched their bickering. "Would you like a ride?" he asked out of courtesy.

She seemed to have been left dumbfounded by their arguing, for when Kaiser called her name she jolted and looked at the eyes again on her. Before she could respond, Goman erupted in his seat. As if a gear had clicked, he jerked up from his seat and grasped Kaiser by the sleeve of his jacket.

"KAY?!" The boy exclaimed. "The blonde beauty of Saunders?! The famous starlet who smiles no matter the adversity?! The commander of this very ship?! YOU, are with her?!" His voice going from a shout then dwindling into a hiss as it left a pregnant pause. Kaiser glanced from the shocked boy back to Kay as if to question if half of the exaggerated introduction was true.

Kay released an awkward chuckle at the praise, undoubtedly what she'd come to expect from others explaining her questions earlier in the day. Despite Goman being a clearly overly enthusiastic fan, she reacted as if having met many similar to him before. 'I'd be exhausted and annoyed at this too' Kaiser lamented glancing over to Goman.

Drifting his eyes down onto the hand that was balling his jacket up Kaiser reached down, grasping Goman's index finger at the base. Without any emotion, he spoke while wrenching Goman's finger away and prying it counterclockwise in a painful angle. "Yes, this is the very same girl or at least as far as I can tell through your strange Hollywood Esque view. But make no mistake, she is a commander and senior to me and Virtanen. As such, she demands your respect too."

As Kaiser calmly spoke his hand went further and further counterclockwise forcing Goman to painfully follow with his arm and body. A series of painful shouts were followed with a declaration of "Understood" before Kaiser released the digit and shoved Goman back into his seat of the vehicle.

Virtanen took the opportunity to catch Goman with a hand and wag a finger at Kaiser while clicking his tongue. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. Violence doesn't solve everything friend. No wonder you were getting forceful with Miss Kay over there. Her reputation proceeds her, just because she rejected your advances doesn't mean poor Goman needs to suffer" Virtanen taunted, trying to add fuel in hopes of a bang.

"No, but violence will solve the situation of you breathing" Kaiser snapped back.

Diana piped up next from the Mercedes with Knight chuckling along. With a gentle smile, her oncoming words betrayed her prior record of faithfulness as she joined with her own light-hearted teasing. Placing a hand on her cheek and feigning worry she tutted along. "Women don't like forceful men, sir..."

Sparing a single glance at her, Kaiser retorted in kind. "Don't worry Frost. Keep up the act and I'll be sure everyone knows of your little escapades in love, even the ones you think I don't know about."

Quickly Diana shrank in on herself, looking at the floorboard of her vehicle as Knight stopped his giggling and tried to console her amidst murmured apologies. Gabriel meanwhile hid his face and chuckled quietly. A glare from Kaiser quickly led to him raising his hands in defense and Goman obtaining a newfound silence.

The sound of laughter behind Kaiser caught everyone's attention as they turned to look. Blonde hair glowed in the dim streetlight as Kay, hunched over, hands on her stomach laughed aloud, wiping a tear from her eye. After what she had just witnessed. She didn't know what else to do.

These students. weren't the elites she feared Kaiser would have recruited, nor terrifying drones as some suspected in the Senshado community upon hearing their titles of Cadets and discipline, and rank structures. They were normal students as anywhere else. And these right here, before here. The core of that academy's leadership were acting more like a standup routine than well-disciplined "Cadets" as rumored. The fact they acted so after such a short time together showed how quickly they had bonded.

'Albeit some more so than others' She noted looking at the female being consoled by the lanky boy called Knight, then back to the defiant glare from one boy being talked down by the older male sibling next to him and finally Kaiser bickering with his aforementioned 'old acquaintance' Virtanen.

After regaining control of herself she found herself being stared at by the black-clad students. Coughing into her fist, she regained her composure. "It's great to meet some of Kaiser's friends outside of a professional environment for once" she greeted, giving a smile that dazzled the boys and even surprised Diana as Kaiser rolled his eyes.

"Pfft, they seem more like burdens each day." critisized Kaiser.

Ignoring his insult to his peers Kay walked forward and elbowed his side. "I'll take that offer, now let's go, it's getting late and I'm sure everyone would be at home now," she advised.

Nodding in acknowledgment Kaiser firmed his voice. "Lieutenant Frost and Knight get in the Cadillac. Virtanen, shut up and get in the Staff car. I'll drive you and Kay." Without any protest, everyone complied, shuffling about except Goman who voiced his disappointment at not getting to speak with Kay but was quieted by a shake of the head from Gabriel.

Virtanen hopped in the back seat, insisting Kay sat passenger while the Cadillac departed first. As the Cadillac head straight to the dock, Kaiser drove in the opposite direction via Kays direction. He quickly found that Virtanen's seating arrangement wasn't out of courtesy but rather so he could annoy Kaiser without physical reprisal.

Very little happened in the way of conversation between the three as Kay seemed on edge at no longer being seen as a figure of power to Kaiser's peers and was dropped off, leaving Virtanen and Kaiser to depart from Saunders after their peers. Both students' attitudes stood in stark contrast as the ship's loading elevator slowly descended to the dock for their departure. Kaiser sat patiently tapping on the steering wheel looking ahead with disinterest as Virtanen gazed out to the lights splattered across the dock and the islands.

"First the girl outside the diner" muttered Virtanen, causing Kaiser to stop his tapping. He could hear the grin adorning Virtanen's lips. "Then that librarian Kay mentioned on the way here," he continued. Kaiser's fist tightened, the sound of his glove gripping against the wheel his only response.

"And let's not mention the scandal we all just witnessed" Virtanen continued to chide.

"Is there something you're trying to say?" Kaiser finally asked. Neither turned to face the other, rather both continued looking out to the shifting horizon, speaking with calm tones, albeit with varying shifts between annoyance and mockery between them.

"Oh nothing," Virtanen answered, shifting his sight slightly. "Just been thinking." His voice lowered as he leaned in slightly towards Kaiser as if sharing confidential information. "Is it a natural thing or do you feel that you need to meet a quota of unsuspecting girls?"

Kaiser took his free hand and planted it onto Virtanens face, shoving him away, still not refusing to look at him. Kaiser then wiped his hand on his trousers as if he touched something filthy to show his disdain for Virtanen at the moment before explaining himself. "I'm sure you won't be able to tell but I don't do any of 'that' for pleasure. I had my reasons."

"Such as?" Virtanen asked disbelievingly.

'This lift is taking too long' Kaiser mentally complained shifting in his seat and leaned his head against his arm. "Seeing as how I already explained them to you after dropping off Kay, I would surmise it's all far over your head." he insulted.

Virtanen huffed, leaning back in his seat and crossing his arms. "You know, I could have given you some advice on romance if you were this desperate to get out there," Virtanen said, continuing to seek another rise out of Kaiser.

Kaiser straightened himself for a moment before giving a single, mocking "HA".

"As if you have any credible experience to draw from." he chastised, returning to his relaxed position. His insult hit its mark.

Defensively Virtanen rebutted. "I've dated more girls than you-".

"A. You've dated a girl and we've already said we wouldn't discuss that disaster ever again." Kaiser interrupted, shooting down Virtanen's gesture at arguing. "Besides just because I never told you I've dated doesn't mean I haven't" Kaiser grinned.

Virtanen's head snapped left at the insinuation. "You're bluffing". Kaiser's poker face was unreadable as ever, unfaltering except for a short glance to his right. Briefly looking at Virtanen in the eyes he gave a slight tug of a grin.

Trying to wrap his head around the possible bluff Virtanen took his defeat in the clash of remarks unwilling to be proven wrong. Virtanen went bitterly quiet. Sighing with his head drooping down, he snarked at Kaiser. "You're just irritated as usual."

The platform stabilized and shook violently as it leveled with the pier. A dock worker then waved their vehicle forward. Kaiser put the Mercedes into drive before rebutting. "With you and the other cadets, I have reason to be."

As they drove home Virtanen reclined his seat. "For what it's worth I know you're doing a lot, despite what I may and may not know.

Kaiser kept focused on the road, giving a nod in understanding. "I know Virtanen. I know".

-Transition-

The morning after their return to ship the announcement of their upcoming scrimmage spread throughout the entirety of the team and perhaps a bit further into the general student body as the ship's predicted course was changed last minute.

Plans and preparations were soon underway in the following days. Naturally mixed reactions were given and received from those below Virtanen and Kaiser's positions as well as those out of the loop such as the majority of the school staff. A convenient fact Kaiser had left out.

Within the team, however, individual thoughts formed along the lines of individual crews. Knowing that calm minds taking the lead would need to prevail the focus for training was quickly diverted from skill enhancement to interpersonal relations. With less than two weeks now to smooth out whatever talent they had, the need to create an efficient base of cadets with no quarreling and teamwork was prioritized. It was an early baptism by fire but Kaiser had convinced Virtanen and the school staff it was necessary to kick the team into gear less they lose their first match.

Initially, the lack of conflict between crews was miraculous itself yet naturally with time some began to grate the nerves of others and as always hot-blooded youth refused to see reason. Rather than full-on conflict, however, bickering, slight confrontations, and rumors had taken occasional place out of the commander's eyes. Especially after the knowledge of what would happen after being caught. Though having little effect on their current efficiency it still raised tensions and under Virtanen and Kaiser's command, that would not fly.

The first week of their departure then began as the training camp in Hawaii did. With team exercises and practice to raise their communication and cohesion when performing under stress. Now back on school days, the schedule was better received as a break from the more physical exercises of the camp itself with the only demerit for some being that they were forced to spend extra time outside of school hours and regular practice hours.

The cadets couldn't have been forced to comply with activities outside of Senshado in reality yet the understanding that their position within the team could be tossed aside by Kaiser with no more than a sigh and his signature, they were more than willing to attend personal outings with their crews. Whether they deemed it detrimental to their pride, school record, or even rarely to a place they felt comfortable within, they all began to form acceptable relations amongst their crews raising morale and companionship.

After the first week, reports were made for Virtanen. Fingers interlocked and leaning forward, he listened intently to them with high hopes after seeing the more prevalent smiles and chumminess of his subordinates. Standing straight and to the left of Virtanen's desk with the thick stack of papers in his hands was Kaiser reading off the summaries of each report.

Another day had passed with relatively little physical training and in-vehicle time to retain efficiency as the students were released early for the weekend. Kaiser had completed each Squad commander's assessment and now was reading off the entirety of the squad commander's reports.

"Sergeant Major O'Diveley's report." Kaiser read. " Good starting base achieved, however disparaging views within a few crew members arose. Mainly between O'Diveley himself and a junior cadet as well as with a female cadet. The former male cadet was found to be too accepting of orders outside of the chain of command. Fears of bullying arose but were dispelled and the realization of anxiety and fear of performance were the main factors and proper tact was exercised to encourage improvement on the situation."

Looking up from the papers Kaiser glanced at Virtanen's reaction. Virtanen laughed at the words "proper tact" referring to O'Diveley and nodded for him to continue.

Kaiser nodded, picking up where he left off. "The second primary incident was from a crew member in an adjacent position fearing O'Diveley held sexual gazes at her 'busty' acquaintance who served in his vehicle. Though the 'victim' herself dispelled the claims her friend was adamant and feared she was being silenced. O'Diveley dispelled worries by encouraging time for all fifteen crew members within his squad and offering the 'victim' to transfer out of his vehicle."

"His endgame was the rental of school property in which he held a 'speak-easy as he called it and forced the participants to 'spill their guts' before him. Essentially forcing everyone to talk out their worries and issues. A friendly scrap, some bickering yet overall success was achieved." Kaiser noted.

"You wouldn't happen to have anything to do with setting that up?" Virtanen asked curiously.

"Just the scenery and required permissions, the credit lies on O'Diveley and his personality" Kaiser admitted, rolling on.

"Witness reports showed O'Diveley, committing none of the prior accusations and rather the opposite occurring. Intentions from the 'victim' are peculiar judging from her own clumsy interactions. To further clarify she never seemed to be as accident-prone outside of O'Diveley's presence"

Kaiser grimaced as the realization dawned upon the both of them before clearing his throat and summarizing. "Overall the team cohesion is said to be best within the Senshado team yet skills and field performance warrant they are poorest. Advisement to be withheld from the upcoming scrimmage."

"I'll take your word for it," Virtanen nodded, waving a limp hand. Kaiser then pressed on. "Next is Captain Sokolov's report. Despite initial worries from higher up, I.E school staff regarding the overwhelming similarity in personality between the entire squad's members. This main worry lies in how all members are of a quiet disposition and solitary demeanor."

Virtanen voiced his confusion. "Weren't you the one who organized the squads?"

Kaiser nodded, lowering the papers. "Yes, that was my intention in squad placement. Rather than bringing them out of themselves, I deemed it better that similar personalities took the lead and enhanced their growth with a mutual understanding. It seemed to work as the report says". Virtanen nodded, leaning in his chair, gesturing with an open palm to continue as he patiently waited.

Resuming his stiff posture, Kaiser went on. "Sokolov's team is credited with the majority of sharpshooters within our team. Their placement was desired to be that of designated snipers and provide support where needed on the field. It seems that conversation between all members of his squad has seen no significant increase but is within expected results."

"At my advisement, the team was encouraged to speak more often to prevent the dissolution of order on the field and prevent panic from setting in. After careful observation, Sokolov noted that the lack of speech and clarity amongst his peers may be distressing and if he would not change their personality then to form such mutual understanding that any implied orders would be understood."

"There is nothing significant to note as Sokolov has stated his squad is full of 'intellectual prowess' and quickly took to the concept to avoid speaking too much. As expected of him and in opposition to his lethargic attitude what he lacks in detailed reports he made up for in evidence." Kaiser placed a sheet of paper with varying times and stats before Virtanen who glossed over its contents.

"That sheet shows a steady improvement over the past week in their performance." clarified Kaiser.

"Impressive given the short time," Virtanen noted. Kaiser agreed, "Sokolov himself expressed relief at what he worried was a stagnating level of skill. Despite this newfound relief, advice of withholding his squad from the upcoming scrimmage is requested. He claims more practice is needed to be prepared."

Virtanen was absorbed in the times, continuing to gloss over them with the sound of paper slowly flipping followed by Kaiser clearing his throat once more catching his attention. Not waiting for permission to continue he began the last report. "Finally Major Knight's squad."

"Perhaps the most expected base of dissent within the team and to be expected. Though the majority of students played along with his installment it did cause the dissatisfaction of a higher than expected number of same-age peers. Even more so for senior cadets under his installment."

"It seems that after his explanations the majority of issues were avoided after his impressive performance in our first practice. Although his meek attitude has increased questioning of his skill it seems to be just luck that had led to most of his subordinates obeying without question. He then goes on to claim that it was not he who subjugated any doubt of himself but rather his network of 'friends' he had made."

"Claiming that with his positive attitude he was able to make allies who would defend his standing and quell disobedience. Through this network of assurance and peer on peer pressure, he was able to subdue all dissent." Finished Kaiser dropping the reports off on Virtanen's desk.

"Uhmm Sir? that's not at all what I put in the report," said Knight, speaking up from the couch's center seat, facing him. He lowered the tea he had made and looked at Kaiser in confusion. "It was stated in my report that little to no action had to be taken because I befriended the vast majority of my squad and there was a willingness to give me a chance," he corrected.

"Yes I'm aware" dismissed Kaiser. "Joking about how they were too harsh on you and can't expect you to be like Virtanen and me. Meanwhile, senior cadets similarly joke about how they shouldn't care so much as their graduation will come before yours so 'all the better you learn now' ." Knight sat speechless at the details he had foregone mentioning on paper came about anyways.

Snickering at Knights face Virtanen interrupted. "Alright, now Kaiser, don't terrify the lad. Not everyone knows of your own 'information gathering" advised Virtanen.

Kaiser scoffed as he walked to Knight, garnering a flinch. Kaiser ignored him and began making his own cup of tea before dejectedly responding. "Somehow, someway it still doesn't seem to be comparable to that annoying gossip page around here" he lamented taking a small sip of brew, nodding at Knight who responded with an awkward nod himself.

Virtanen took the moment of silence to voice his thoughts. Throwing his arms up in the air and letting out a single, dragged-out groan. "Things were never this complicated when we were on land. Let alone in the field!" he reminisced.

Kaiser lowered his tea then took a seat opposite Knight leaning into the backrest. "They don't exactly go through as much stress as we did during our InfanterieKampf matches'' he reasoned. "Add that along with co-education and at the rebellious stage of their teenage years, along with a variety of other nuisance's. It practically spells out difficulty. Just be happy we didn't have to personally experience all that grief in the reports let alone hold their hands in doing so."

Virtanen sighed in agreement. "True, thank god most teens are sociable nowadays."

Knight nervously sipped at his tea once again feeling left out of the loop by his seniors. Thinking of how he wished Diana or Gabriel would get promoted so they could join him or at least O'Diveley and Sokolov to show up from time to time in the office so he could have more relatable peers to speak to.

Listening in Knight spoke softly to himself. "May we sail strong and not sink to the depths of despair" The words though uttered quietly caught both of his superior's attention.

"A bit of St. Gloriana in ya still?" teased Virtanen as Kaiser's eyes narrowed suspiciously.

Eyes now beaded in on him, Knight stuttered out an explanation. "Oh, I, Uh heard it from the naval studies cadets. Apparently, it's the motto for the lower-ranked guys whenever they're tasked with overbearing work, though they say it jokingly, and it's even been picked up as the slogan for that unofficial school newspaper!" He quickly explained avoiding eye contact under his own delusion of pressure.

Virtanen raised a hand to his chin in thought as Kaiser leaned forward grabbing his tea taking a quick drink and responding. "I see, an interesting quote, to say the least. Back to you however Knight. I have to admit, that deception of yours and twisting the heartstrings of your squad to create compliance. Quite impressive and manipulative. There may be hope for you yet." he complimented raising his cup.

"But sir. I, that wasn't-"

"Oh speaking of which" interrupted Virtanen, Looking up as if he had an epiphany. "Now that you mention that seedy newspaper of ours, take a gander at this." Quickly Virtanen began typing on his desktop while ushering them over to look. Leaning back from the screen he gave a satisfied smile. "Seems we made the front page of Saunders."

As the two leaned in front of Virtanen their eyes were met with a flashy and eye-catching webpage. Its eccentricity however didn't detract from its professionalism as the two began to skim it slowly as Knight scrolled with the mouse.

The title announced the arrival of the mysterious new "students in black" and held almost more pictures than text. Within the first paragraph, most likely due to the need of putting information before intrigue, they announced who they were and what their purpose was. In a hastily set up meeting with Kay, it seemed she divulged all of the information she knew of them and their meeting with her.

'Freedom of the press as she would say' Kaiser thought as he read the unimpeded commentary.

To follow the explanation were attachments of photos and examples of rumors spread amongst the population at Saunders due to their presence. First was the photo of Virtanen, Kaiser, and Knight arriving aboard in the Mercedes gross 770 and then departing to meet with Kay. Following that was a separate photo of Diana, Gabriel, and Goman driving about in the Cadillac staff car that was presented as a gift. The comments beneath begged questions of 'who are they? What school are they from? and did they steal one of our vehicles?'

Virtanen leaned in having not read the article beforehand and traded a look of interest with the other two before continuing. The article quickly dropped its professional facade as it then broke down into separate sets of photos for the six of them. Kaiser seemed to be the only one to note that they were all rather well-taken. 'If Kay hadn't confirmed the spying for me this would have' he thought.

Though the pictures couldn't receive likes, the comments underneath each section revealed their popularity with the student audience. First off was a series of pictures of Diana Frost. Naturally, they didn't have much info on any of them, so other than descriptions of their behavior the photos were all the students had to judge off of. This lack of information didn't seem to dissuade most of the male population though. Comments ranged from a passing compliment of her looks up to others praying for her transferral and commenting on her figure in uniform.

Next came Gabriel with the same amount of swooning remarks and occasional jealousy. Goman's followed up with less of a response as if it was glossed over for the most part. Knight's images were well received as well commenting on his meek appearance. Virtanen read some comments condescendingly, forcing him to cast his head down out of embarrassment. Virtanen then quickly tried to reassure him by saying some women like his traits while Kaiser kept scrolling disinterested in the pep talk.

Virtanen came up next with not as many compliments and queries as Gabriel's profile but with a compliment to his blue eyes, leaving him seemingly content with that one compliment. Just as the scroll bar bottomed out, showing an image of Kaiser a phone rang.

All eyes went from the photo of Kaiser smiling next to the mousy girl he had confronted to Knight who hurriedly grabbed his cell phone. A small tune of the British grenadiers played as he raised a hand and quietly explained that it was merely "A throwback to his short stay at St. Gloriana".

The two awaited Knight to finish his call before continuing with their downtime observation of the article. Attentive to the call, Knight spent a moment nodding his head and saying yes repeatedly before finally ending the call.

"Excuse me, Sir," Knight said facing Kaiser. "Diana just informed me that a Ms. Piper Cartier is looking for you and it was deemed urgent." Kaiser let out a questioning hum, nodding his head and announcing he would return.

Not a moment after the door clicked shut Knight grabbed Virtanen "Run" he advised.

"Why," Virtanen asked perturbed by the sudden shift. Knight quickly made his way over and navigated the blog. Passing the comments on Kaiser's section of the article and questions about his presence and other inquiries, there was one comment that stood out. A link.

Virtanen gave a questioning glance as Knight clicked the link redirecting the page. A moment of reading and both sets of eyes widened as Virtanen gulped. "Yes sir, it's that bad". The page in question seemed to be an article directly dedicated to gossip about Kaiser and Kay.

"Generously co-authored by Saunders University and Transcendence Academy's News teams" read Virtanen. "Hmm, w-well it's not like this can be pinned on me right?" Virtanen asked, disbelief rising.

Knight hesitated before responding. "Kaiser's a sensible person Sir, but I wouldn't have warned you if we weren't falsely outed as informants..."

Virtanen's eyes narrowed at the declaration. Quickly Knight scanned the page to see the damning lie. Paragraphs insinuating a romantic affair, scandal, possible conspiring behind each other's schools for the other's favor.

The article was pieced together by seemingly unreputable newsgroups from both schools over the two major players but unfortunately for Virtanen and Knight, seemed heavily skewed against Kaiser. Support seemed to rally for Kay in her defense and criticism rained on his existence. None seemed important as most were just naturally rumors and an interview with Kay quoted her having laughed it off as "Impossible" and that she knew "He'd never betray his loyalty's".

This defense of his character only seemed to rile the fans more and more against the 'mysterious new individual' known as Kaiser and those few who found themselves on the page from Transcendence didn't know what to make of it as he had a conflicting reputation of admiration and intimidation amongst his school.

Virtanen hadn't brokered any information to anyone about their trip to Saunders, the paranoia sent his mind racing. 'What could have done it, who?!' Glancing at the article again he noticed the pictures. Kaiser and Kay at the library, walking together and dropping her off. As if Saunders had been tailing them the entire time.

That thought was irrelevant as Virtanen noticed that the information was credited to a Mr. V and a Mr. K who were stated as 'close acquaintances' with both parties involved.

"This looks bad," noted Virtanen immediately regretting his teasing from the week prior. It certainly wouldn't make his case look any better.

Knight spoke up from across the room, locking the door and peering through its blinds. "It seems Diana and Piper stumbled across this page and were worried for our safety. That white lie of needing his attention was to buy us time and hopefully talk him down."

"Then why lock the door?" Virtanen asked, near hysterical.

"Because I just received a message that a group of females approached him asking if it was true. And he's almost back" Knight replied, a cold silence ensuing.

"Well, then my dear Knight" Virtanen announced, slowly standing from his desk. "It seems there is only one option." before Knight could ask further Virtanen pulled out a long rope from inside the drawer of his desk. With a face of complete resolve, Virtanen answered himself. "Knowing Kaiser for so long I learned one thing for sure and that's always be prepared. I knew a day like this would come."

Knight starred with his mouth agape before cautiously responding. "Sir I understand the terror of the situation but… tying a noose and offing yourself isn't the right way." Virtanen's eyebrows lowered in disappointment as he tied the rope to the desk and threw its excess out the window. "Normally you have to be on the other end, Sir.." Knight informed.

Shaking his head in disappointment Virtanen corrected Knight. "No, you fool. It's a tactical retreat." as Knight approached from the door at the correction, he heard virtanen mutter. "What you suggested is plan B if he catches us and he won't let us explain."

"Then shouldn't we explain immediately?!" Knight pleaded, now unnerved. Virtanen grabbed Knight but the collar of his school uniform. "You think he's willing to listen right now?!" At his shout the slow, quiet rattling of the door handle caused both to pause. Virtanen was already halfway out the window at the first sound.

"Virtanen~ Knight~" sang Kaiser's voice, full of malice. "Let me in now or it'll only get worse~"

Virtanen immediately began descending the rope not waiting for Knight who, never having rappeled before, doubted his capabilities. His hesitation was long enough for Kaiser to kick the door open and march in to see Knight haphazardly out the window.

"U-um Sir, nice to see you back so soon" greeted Knight as Kaiser made his way over.

Grabbing Knight by the collar, Kaiser pulled him in before looking out to see a sprinting Virtanen, not even looking back, dedicating himself to his sprint. Knight quietly stood by seeing Kaiser's narrowed eyes and sinister expression. "The idiot" muttered Kaiser. "I know where he lives. Though I can still catch him before having to break and enter. Perhaps, no hitting him with a vehicle would be just as bothersome."

Having heard the self-contained conversation, said with a straight face no less, froze Knight in place. Not wanting to attract any more ire he attempted to blend into the background hoping and apologizing mentally, that Virtanen would attract all the attention. It didn't work.

With a smile void of the usually polite facade containing a modicum of emotion and warmth, Kaiser turned to Knight and gave an order. "Get a replacement lock for the door and be prepared for a message from me on when to meet. I'll bring Virtanen. Don't miss it. We'll have a long talk" With that Kaiser left as quickly as he came, however descending the rope faster than Virtanen had and followed the same direction at a walk. His departure left an emotionally depleted Knight to crash in Virtanen's chair thanking God that he hadn't ran. The apparent action making Virtanen seem guilty in Kaiser's eyes and therefore even more wrathful.

-Transition-

After the course of events that would take place namely the intense interrogations Kaiser had made following the article, the unofficial paper of Transcendence went into deeper hiding to cover their trail. They would then amend that any article with Mr. V and Mr. K stood for Mr. Victory and Mr. Killroy as aliases for confidants, not cadets Colonel Virtanen and Major Knight. Though they didn't retract their statements of being close acquaintances and gossip articles this did absolve Virtanen and Knight of any crime.

As for Kaiser's reputation. It gained as much credit as it lost. Rumors of being with a starlet such as Kay herself gave him a small surge of popularity amongst male students and seemed to make other females think he was off the market. Kaiser had no need for the attempts at small talk, students he had no need to converse with or even be polite to. Cold and curt he dismissed them along with any remaining rumors, deciding to do what only he could. And that was to focus on what was in front of him.

-End Chapter-