By the next day, word had made its way around Transcendence. What it entailed was not very endearing. In essence "Transcendence had drawn the short straw this year by being Pravda's first opponent in the season. Public support was more of a polite facade than honest faith. Due to this stroke of luck, whether bad or good, the school's staff deemed that the Senshado team and especially its officers were under excessive stress.

In the short time frame leading up to the faceoff, the cadets were pressured by classes, increased training, and Kaiser being even more strict and spartan with his teammates that the school staff felt pity, therefore, deciding the cadets could be exempt from certain classes so long as they were passing. Not willing to let an opportunity pass, Kaiser had dragged his fellow officers into the school's weight room to work on their neglected physiques.

Kaiser had implemented a personal regime where their tankery practice would undergo a curriculum change depending on their opponent. Knowing the federation he wouldn't be surprised if Pravda was given an advantage and their match was held in Siberia where he was sure his teammates wouldn't hold up. It had been a long time concern of his in regards to the team's overall fitness, the most athletic usually being commanders or loaders, the laziest the ROs or drivers. Unfortunately, this had to remain on the backburner. It did not mean that he wouldn't find out his immediate peers' schedules and then drag them along under peer pressure, however.

The sight before him was concerning. Nearing the end of their workout the sound of exertion and heavy breathing filled the room. Kaiser finished his set, catching a breath and looking blatantly disappointed. Virtanen struggled to pull himself up a pull-up bar as his face turned red. He had shown an adequate performance as their commander yet fell far behind when looked at closer. Regrettably, the other three staff officers were even worse.

Sokolov was smart, the thought of becoming physically fit never crossed his mind and it showed. Knight paid dearly as Sokolov was his spotter and struggled to get a barbell of 150 lbs off of his chest. Knight himself was an adamant runner yet lacked in strength perhaps even more physically than mentally. Kaiser sighed, walking over to rack the bar with ease as his peers greedily sucked in air.

O'Diveley was rather fit himself. Kaiser watched on, impressed as he bragged about his deadlifts. Throwing on three plates he bragged it was a warm-up and immediately jerked it upwards before dropping it with a loud grunt and passing out. He wasn't injured and was left lying where he fell for the moment.

Shaking his head, Kaiser dismissed Knight and Sokolov telling them to shower and drag O'Diveley with them, or to the nurse's office if he didn't wake up soon. He and Virtanen would finish their workout.

Exhausted the two left with the corpse of a friend who began gaining consciousness. "Ah hid it tho, did'n I?" he said as the door closed.

Going through the motions, Kaiser began to bench with Virtanen spotting. Watching over him Virtanen broached the uncomfortable topic. "So then, I suppose now's as good of a time as ever to have that conversation?"

Racking the weight, they switched places. "Perhaps Virtanen, or should we prioritize speaking with the Pravdan commanders? You are the commander after all. Should we allow personal emotions to leave any subtle weakness in our defense?." It was a genuine concern yet Virtanen felt Kaiser's tone was condescending despite being its usual monotone.

The two increased the weight and switched. "I suppose you're correct, but we will not ignore this." He firmly stated.

Kaiser snickered upon the remark, standing after his set. "Implying cowardice Virtanen? You?"

Already tired, Virtanen began struggling with the weight as he focused on looking up he could see Kaiser's eyes, their piercing gaze seemingly weakening his mental fortitude. Kaiser frowned and gently placed his hands on the bar. Slowly he applied pressure onto the bar preventing Virtanen from being able to raise it above his chest.

"I taught you how everything and yet you still haven't learned, I said we needed to talk, you agreed, and here you are taking the path of least resistance. Where is all that grandstanding of change? This is how you're preparing for our first match?" His eyes bored past Virtanen's sweaty silver-framed glasses, into his shaky blue irises.

With a quick exhale, Kaiser pulled the weight up and racked it. Virtanen let an exhausted, shaky breath out as Kaiser stepped away. Virtanen refused to make eye contact, sweaty and struggling for breath he moved to lean against a wall. Kaiser increased the weight of the bar finishing his set and cleaning by himself. Virtanen couldn't help but give a spiteful sideways glare.

To show his physical weakness was one offense, going the extra mile and insulting his mental weakness, as well as his moral standing, blew a hole in Virtanen's pride. The fact it was nearly as insurmountable as Kaisers worsened it.

Now both fairly tired, the two stayed quiet as they entered the empty locker room. no gym class was ongoing and their peers had already vacated the area. Both prepared to shower and begin preparations for practice as they had no mandatory classes for the rest of the day.

"So what do you make of Pravda?" asked Virtanen from across the room.

"Unsure, not much data for us to go off of other than simple forums and previous match recordings. One wild card is that transfer student of theirs that's gained some fame. A Russian girl named Clara. Another 'rare' genius beauty" he specified, feigning exasperation.

"What about this meeting with Pravda you spoke of?" asked Virtanen.

"It's nothing more than pleasantries encouraged by the federation. Most likely seeking to start some interesting drama if anything. We'll arrive, have a brief chat, shake hands, then be on our way".

"You're not going to play into it?" asked Virtanen sarcastically. "How are we to arrive?" he wondered aloud.

"By plane. Since our ships are on a similar course we'll hop on over with one of our own."

"Our own?" asked Virtanen casting a suspicious look.

"My Stuka" answered Kaiser. "Specifically a JU 87 Stuka lent to us from the aviation department. Due to the limited space and me only being certified with lighter aircraft it will only be us attending"

"Poor Sokolov" commented Virtanen. Kaiser's attitude hadn't relented so Virtanen felt the need to lighten the mood. "O'Diveley was able to force some info out of him. Apparently, Pravdan girls are his type" he laughed. Still, no response came so he continued. "Those two have become quite close friends you know?"

"Is that so, an introvert and extrovert. Who would've guessed" commented Kaiser.

"You could say the same with us. Although you weren't always like this huh?"

Kaiser closed his locker. "And exactly which one of us is which? I changed out of necessity. Yet you stagnate." he snipped Heading for the showers

Bitterly Virtanen changed the subject. "Any fears?".

"Nothing but fear itself. Failure is inexcusable from this point on" replied Kaiser taking his leave.

With his head hung low, Virtanen sighed. He missed being able to speak on friendly terms. Remembering their old conversations from years past made it worse. So much had changed within the past year. It was a small comfort that he knew he could rely on Kaiser to act professionally during business.

-Transition-

And so the days took on their usual rigorous routines as the two commanders prepared to take off to Pravda. At the school's airfield, both commanders wore present in their black dress uniforms and covers. This time they were dress shoes and far fewer awards. The only eccentricity was the sidearms once again lent to them. They had wished to present the most professional image possible without being overly flashy as during the drawing.

The Stuka had been prepared by the school's aviation and Naval departments with clearance from the school's staff. For the day it was theirs to use. No sooner had they arrived than a few figures in white scuttled about the hangar, moving gear and conducting last-minute checks on the aircraft before standing in a row to salute the two. Virtanen returned the gesture while Kaiser provided his own inspection of the craft. Once all was set they were taxied out and cleared by the radio tower for takeoff.

The engine loudly sounded as they closed the cockpit, still feeling the vibrations within. Up ahead a flag bearer waved to Kaiser signaling him to go. With increasing throttle the Stukas angled wings elevated off the ground before taking off and pulling to the left. Soon Transcendence was a speck on the horizon.

The ride wasn't exceptionally long nor uncomfortable the only real discomfort was for Kaiser in the form of Virtanen's boredom as he sat in the rear gunner's seat. Preoccupied with flying Kaiser attempted to placate Virtanen's attempts at small talk. His peer's childish attention span grinding away at his patience. The tension climaxed when Virtanen, attentively observing the mechanisms around him fiddled with the machine gun and discharged a burst of tracer rounds.

Turning in his seat and popping Virtanen in his head, the two argued for some time until their destination. Accusations of "You idiot stop touching things" and defenses of "Why would they even load it?!" were followed by "Why are you playing with it?!" Eventually, the large school ship Pravda came into view.

"They sure got it nice with a carrier of that size," whistled Virtanen as he turned to look in his seat. As they circled the vessel, Kaiser announced their arrival to the receiving tower Virtanen continued looking below as he noted something. "Aren't we too high for an approach?"

Finished with his conversation over his radio Kaiser answered. "That we are. Now listen carefully. From here on out play along and make sure you're ready for the G forces."

Virtanen agreed but couldn't help but seek clarity. "G-forces?" asked Virtanen.

Onboard Pravda a mass of red and green-uniformed students peacefully mulled about the eastern European themed buildings. The students although mostly female held a surprising amount of male transfers. It was another day for most who did not know of their Senshado team's guests.

Unbeknownst but soon known. Every inhabitant onboard heard if not saw the strange aircraft hovering above the carrier before doing half an aileron roll to its right. The aircraft proceeded to dive straight downwards. Its loud Jericho sirens set off, screeching as the craft pulled a sharp turn upwards and avoided a collision. Having alerted its presence to all it circled back around, leveling out and landing on the airstrip. Though the sirens had died down after they began to circle, the sound was unforgettable and became a hot topic of discussion for the day onboard.

"We're gonna get an earful from them and back at school griped Virtanen holding his head as his vision still blurred. Placing his cap upon his head he pointed at the ground crew of Pravdan students rushing towards their now taxied craft.

Popping the top hatch, Kaiser shook his hair loose with a smirk. "I've been meaning to test those out, I'm sure the federation will be happy with any waves we make this early on, and besides it's a part of the plan. I need you to get some attention, although I don't know how happy the Pravdans will be."

Sure enough, a female ground crew leader shouted up at them about 'their' stunt as a Ba-64 armored car turned into the hangar.

"I'm sure you're giddy over the commotion we just caused now aren't ya" complained Virtanen as what seemed to be a disciplinary student of sorts exited the vehicle.

Kaiser shrugged nonchalantly as he placed his cover on his head and calmed down the excited ground crew. The disciplinary student scrambled out of the armored car and opened the rear doors for two female students who then approached.

Casting a glance, Kaiser was ready to get a move on. "Let's get down, it'll be rude to speak down to our hosts Virtanen." With the ground, crew standing at attention for the two females, Virtanen and he descended. They were met with two girls dressed sharply in their school uniforms but with armbands and minor alterations. They were clearly some form of disciplinary group aboard the ship.

"Are you the ambassadors from Transcendence?" asked the taller girl, sneering at them.

"That is correct" responded Kaiser engaging in his usual fake politeness.

Virtanen was uncaring for her attitude and looked about. Noticing his distracted attitude the second girl stepped forward. She was as abrasive as the first but considerably bolder as she stood with her hands on her hips. "You're lucky our leader won't send you to the gulag for the commotion you caused!"

Kaiser gave a cold glare, insulted by her words. They seemed familiar with the look he gave as the two froze up, the shorter one shrinking back and averting her eyes. Fleeing to their vehicle she ushered them to follow. "A-anywho, come on then, you shouldn't keep lady Kayusha waiting!"

Casting a sly grin to Kaiser, Virtanen mocked their welcome party. "Not that I can blame them for being upset but what kind of hosts don't greet their guests upon arrival?"

Kaiser snorted at the comment. "They're clearing disrespecting us".

They were certainly correct about the hospitality. Perhaps their arrival warranted the ride they received or perhaps it was simply how Pravda treated future opponents, but the ride over to the school building from the airfield was none too comfortable. Crammed inside of the Ba-64 with vigilant eyes boring in on them. At least for Virtanen, it wasn't, once more Kaiser surprised him by somehow taking a nap during the short ride.

Kaiser stretched his limbs, refreshed as he hopped out of the vehicle while Virtanen attempted to rub a crick out of his neck and followed suit. the Pravda school building stood before them tall and imposing. It would have given off a dull appearance with its brown walls was it not for the centerpiece standing atop. The Pravda school symbol standing proud with its bright scarlet, white, and yellow colors adorning the building's center and on banners across the school.

Their escorts conversed quietly while one ran inside to announce their arrival to their higher-ups. Kaiser and Virtanen muttered to each other as they watched the masses of students moving about.

"Do you feel as if our every move is being watched?" asked Virtanen glancing about, swearing others would avert their eyes if he looked in their direction.

"Glad to see you're being more perceptive than usual" snarked Kaiser. "They haven't allowed less than two sets of eyes on us since we arrived. Let alone the excessive surveillance they've placed across the school. More so did you see how they reacted once we got on the truck and began to leave?" Virtanen shook his head. "Their ground crews rushed into our plane as we left."

Virtanen cocked his head, thinking it wasn't unusual. Ensuring that their escorts were distracted before continuing, Kaiser explained. "They were searching it, most likely for Intel."

Virtanen was surprised at the claim. Searching their vehicle would be a blatant cause of friction between the two schools. however, it wasn't as if they were sister ships as with Saunders nor had the benefit of their vice commander and enemy schools commander knowing each other. Saying that they were on average terms was putting it nicely. They were against an unknown, Kaiser may have instigated but Pravda had made the first move.

Kaiser took the opportunity to bring Virtanen up to speed. "I've heard of schools performing reconnaissance upon each other, some to the extent that they have entirely separate units dedicated solely to espionage. I've even heard that St. Gloriana's is infamous for its GI6 division"

"So what do you think we should do about this? I don't think we have anything vital to us here" asked Virtanen, throwing a random smile in to throw off anyone watching. His paranoia started rising, leading to extra caution.

"Nothing for the moment," responded Kaiser. "As you've said we have nothing vital. We are currently visitors from a new school sent to speak with our latest advisories out of professional interest. We'll pretend we aren't aware of their intentions even if they are blatant"

"Well that'll be hard" quipped Virtanen. "These fella's are hardly covert."

Kaiser nodded as he changed topics, throwing on a deceitful smile shockingly fast. Their escorts approached from behind. "I'm looking forward to today's events, Sir". he commented as they turned to their hosts.

"Follow us and don't stray away! commanded the smaller girl as she turned on her heel ensuring not to make eye contact. Two male students had joined them and walked behind their guests. Virtanen grinned as he noticed even the new males refused to make eye contact with Kaiser let alone physically usher them along.

The walk through the building, although obviously staged to show them only what they wanted to show. Neither of their guide's eyes wandered as they proceeded through the halls. Rumor was it that budgeting was tight for the school due to its heavy investment in recreational activities namely Senshado and male integration. By no means was it ill-used. The school was large and expansive, housing the large student body with its booming applicants, the new disciplinary committee guiding them may have been a cause for the public order apparent onboard.

Only a few Pravdan students gawked at their black uniforms. Namely, those who didn't have a class period or coincidently passed by. The environment painted the familiar picture of an average school as the males and females were nearly one to one. This was all that could be observed as they walked, Nervous eyes avoided them as if they had been told not to. It wouldn't have been a surprise if it were true.

The group of six entered a large elevator located near the center of the building. As the doors closed, the few silent students on the outside could be heard at a murmur. It seemed the average students were more interested and not as well tamed as they led on. It was a reassuring sign to Virtanen who reminded himself that they were after all high schoolers too, even if it was just the average student body.

The silence in the elevator was stifling, no one making eye contact except for Kaiser and Virtanen. They exchanged glances as if speaking to one another before Kaiser broke the silence.

"I must say your school is well behaved, the distribution of co-ed classes and population is especially impressive" complimented Kaiser.

The small girl turned with a raised eyebrow "Huh?" she asked thinking he was mocking them.

Kaiser held his temper as he turned to Virtanen. "Wouldn't you agree? I think we should emulate their efforts to reach the same goal back on Transcendence".

Virtanen gave a short "huh" before Kaiser's eyes sharpened, leading him to catch on. "Oh, of course, I was just lost in my thoughts on how we could do such a thing. In fact, I would love to hear about how you all enjoy Pravda"

The two boys seemed surprised and shifted their feet unknowing of what to do, they were clearly told to attend and remain silent. The two girls however seemed surprised by the change of tone. They cast wary glances at Kaiser, unsure of how to respond.

He quickly tackled their worries. "I'm terribly sorry for my earlier attitude. I have not been in the best of temperament lately. My friend here relies on me a little too much and in preparing for the upcoming match I have been rather stressed. The event with our arrival was also by no means offensive we simply thought we'd put on a show for our hosts. I never intended such a bad impression".

His excuses came quick and reasonably, his face not betraying his true thoughts. The four escorts seemed to relax, if not slightly awkward at not knowing how to act now. He didn't stop there, as the elevator doors opened and they walked out he took a moment to halt their tour to praise them. "I'm sure it's just as rough on you all. Tasked with escorting us on top of your usual duties, I'm sure you'd like some leniency like any other teenager".

His words seemed to have grasped at their thoughts. As he gave a charming smile their escorts took nervous glances around and allowed their masks to slip. The two boys slouched slightly, stretching themselves as the taller girl placed a hand on her face and let out a tired sigh. The shorter girl had the sharpest transition in which she slapped a hand against Virtanen's back. "You've got no idea!"

Virtanen gave a nervous laugh, surprised at their reactions as Kaiser continued his pandering. "The senshado here has certainly fulfilled its purpose in building beautiful young women, hasn't it? Asked Kaiser turning to his male guides. The two were surprised by his words and gave shy agreement while looking away or at the ground. 'They're no use or threat' he thought dismissively behind his smile.

With a quick remark of the shorter girl elbowing her friend and commenting on Kaiser's sly compliment the two males who were told to return to their classes. Virtanen began to engage in talk with the shorter girl who was far chatty than they had presumed as Kaiser spoke with the taller girl, helping her conversate more.

They had slowed to a far more casual pace, it seemed the girls were enjoying their talk. "May I ask your names?" requested Kaiser.

The taller girl turned out to be shyer than her professional demeanor led them to believe. She was at a loss of words before spitting out a panicked reply. "O-oh I'm Kristina and she's Nika!"

Kaiser hummed at her reply, she seemed to squirm under his curious gaze. "Appropriate name's for such elegant girls". Kristina's cheeks seemed to grow a tinge redder as she turned to Nika for support. Her short friend cast a small "Fufu" at her before shooing her back. It seemed she was enjoying speaking to Virtanen. Even if she was the only one talking as he followed along lost.

"Kaiser pressed on, they were probably nearing the end of their escort he felt pressed to earn some intel for his efforts. "Are you a senior?" he asked.

"No, I-I'm a junior" responded Kristina.

"So you're my peer, I'm surprised. You seemed rather mature so I only assumed." He felt he was laying it on too thick himself yet he couldn't stop, a little bit more and she may be flustered enough to spill something while Nika was distracted. "Personally, I wish you were at Transcendence. I'd offer you a transfer if it wasn't clear from listening to Nika how much you love this school, it's a shame really".

Kristina was surprised at the inadvertent offer. It almost pricked Kaiser's conscious how she clearly didn't know how to respond. It would have if it weren't for the fact that he now realized his flattery had worked.

Luckily for Kristina however, they were interrupted by a female who had exited a pair of large wooden doors with banners adorning the walls next to it at the far end of the hall. The sound of the doors shutting grabbed their eyes and the presence of the girl had their hosts stiffen up. As the girl approached she glanced over at Virtanen and Kaiser. The soft icy blue eye's intrigued Virtanen who was enraptured by her beauty. Kaiser however felt unease, he recognized the girl from his digging.

The girl held eye contact with Kaiser for a moment as she approached before turning to her schoolmates. "Comrade Kristina, Comrade Nika. What are you doing?" she asked in a calm, friendly manner.

At the mention of their names, the girls stiffened further. "Ah! Comrade Clara!" spouted Nika. "W-we were just escorting the guests to lady Katyusha!" Clara eyed them once more.

As their escorts explained themselves to their superior Kaiser observed Clara's demeanor. Virtanen had been awestruck by her looks as the realization of Kaiser's previous warning resounded at the mention of her name. She stood tall and proud with her platinum blonde hair and pale icy eyes. She held little regard for them as she questioned their guides.

She even spoke in Russian at times to the confusion of her peers, presumably over sensitive topics. They watched the exchange, Kaiser picked up a few words she spoke as he had an interest in foreign languages. He noticed her accent was certainly domestic, unlike Nika and Kristina who held it as a second language.

The brisk conversation continued seeming more like an interrogation. Nika and Kristina struggled to communicate under the pressure she exerted behind her kind smile. Kaiser was impressed by her skill. While pretending to be clueless with Virtanen he attempted to listen in to their conversation while catching Virtanen up.

"That's one of three large concerns we have" muttered Kaiser. "So I'd recommend to stop staring and act uninterested".

"They're our hosts and I don't understand what they're saying. So what if I use being confused as a reason to enjoy a pretty sight?" defended Virtanen.

"Besides the fact that you're gawking got you called out in that online blog for staring at Cadet Cartier, it's because I can make some of it out. The strange thing is that they're only talking about mundane things. Daily activities and personal habits. Now, why go through the trouble of speaking another language that your peers struggle with, let alone in front of visitors over the mundane?"

"Don't you think you're being far too paranoid?" asked Virtanen suspiciously.

Kaiser shrugged. "If I am you can demote me to corporal and place me in the Kubelwagen".

Virtanen snickered at the response. "Tempting, but I'd rather not resort to that yet. I suppose you aren't always paranoid for nothing anyways." Before any more could be said Clara had finished her interrogation.

"Comrade Katyusha is waiting for you in her office," she said gesturing to the large wooden doors she had emerged from. Their escorts nodded with a "Yes Ma'am" and hurried past her with a bow and the boys in tow.

As they passed she spoke after going through the effort to effectively ignore them before. Tilting her head elegantly, with closed eyes and a smile she beckoned them "Welcome to Pravda". She had turned and began walking away before either could respond.

As an unexpected confrontation had ended, Kaiser and Virtanen prepared themselves for the real matter at hand. They had heard of the pompous attitude of their leader which preceded her at times even without intention. Kaiser fueled this expectation even more by showing Virtanen video evidence of the girl's haughtiness from last year's matches before being defeated by Oarai.

As their guides grabbed the door handles with notably shaken nerves they took a moment to steady themselves before knocking. A muffled "enter" was said.

They were greeted by an interior design that projected Pravda's true value's in senshado. The room stood large, perhaps two stories tall itself. Gold trim decorated crimson and orange wallpaper that spun the entirety of the room as a fireplace crackled slowly in the background. Above the centerpiece stood a large ornate picture frame with none other than Pravdas symbol in a large 3 ft by 3ft construction. Cabinets and books lined the walls along with glass cases of old memorabilia and furniture.

The Senshado may have been based on a Soviet aesthetic but this room certainly gave a feeling that one had entered the palace of the Tsars. In the room's center, a small girl sat at an ornate table having her face wiped by a much taller attendant. They gave the appearance of a royal being spoiled by their advisor.

"Ah! Come, Come!" greeted Katyusha gesturing to the table before her with both arms spread out. Both walked over to the table slowly with their covers under their left arms and hands on their belts. On the table were two teacups on saucers, a small cup of jam, and a plate of Sushki, a small tea bread shaped like donuts. With only one seat across from Katyusha, it was clear who it was intended for.

As They emulated their hosts, Kaiser noticed why Katyusha had not left her seat. Hers was higher than Virtanen's. It didn't help since Virtanen was six feet tall and still looked down at the girl.

Kaiser took place mirroring Nonna who presented another clean napkin before Katyusha before pouring tea. Virtanen began their chats with a thank you and small talk. "Thank you for having us. Your reception was kind and I enjoyed catching a glimpse of your school." Taking a sip he continued. If I'm not mistaken that was Clara we had passed on our way in. She's made quite a name for herself"

Katyusha hummed to herself as she tasted the tea herself. "Ah, Clara was not needed here so I, Katyusha dismissed her". Virtanen was lost at the way she spoke. Glancing at Kaiser he saw he had a brow raised himself. "Why was she speaking in the third person? She gave them no time to ponder her oddity, however.

Holding the large teacup in her small hands she cast a sharp look at them. "Katyusha has heard a bit of your school as well. Not that it's anything outstanding. Placing down her tea she raised an indifferent hand. "Saunders is nothing more than a footnote compared to our glorious school".

Virtanen was irked by the comment from the small taunter. He cast another glance at Kaiser, who he expected to feel twice as insulted since he was acquainted with their commander. His indifferent expression proved him wrong.

Nonna who had stood with her eyes closed, politely interjected. "Katyusha did not intend for her phrasing to be so callous. She means to say that we are aware of your achievement but you would be wise not to compare us. As for Clara, she is a comrade but does not hold a title, therefore, is not required here." her words eased Virtanen slightly, even if Katyusha was still acting smug hiding behind her explanation.

Kaiser cast a condescending look at him, however. He could practically read his thoughts. 'A pretty girl tells you something and you'll eat it up won't you?'.

Taking a gulp of his tea to distract himself, Virtanen sought to continue their talks. He could tell that it wouldn't be easy under the pressure of their hosts and his own vice commander judging him. It was a small relief that Nonna was seemingly reigning in her leader, although he felt the irony that Kaiser was doing the same to him.

-Chapter End-