Kuromoromine and Transcendence had reached a surprising level of closeness that was only surpassed by their sister ship Saunders. With fresh memories of the festivities and news around the ship of the thrilling match and those who partook in the after-party, many were left with bright outlooks for the season and their team's performance. What was most thrilling was that Transcendence had made it to the finals.

As rumor, fact, and everything in between were talked about on ship, the Senshado team itself was left in despair. To be more accurate, a small portion of the team was in overwhelming despair. As many students tended to do when fixating on sports, certain team members had spent their time training, working out, rehearsing, or hanging out with friends under the guise of "Team building." All this was favorable to a cohesive and effective unit except for those who let their grades slip.

As the standard rule in any sport, one needed to be passing all classes to play. Luckily due to the importance of the finals and a delay in the second semi finals match, there was an extra week along with the already allotted time before their final match. That extra week would be a hell unlike any other for those who made the mistake of failing.

Whereas they had grown able to withstand the grueling physical training, Virtanen and Kaiser were unrelenting in hunting down those who were failing and discussing with their teacher's backbreaking amounts of work. Their mental exhaustion would be replaced with physical exhaustion after they had caught up but only after would they get any reprieve. Such was the punishment enforced.

With the week progressing, practices were cut short to allow extra time for all cadets to study up. Some such as Kaiser who had no worries about such spent their free time as they wished. For him, it was cataloging inventory and equipment within the hangar. He preferred to do so alone yet as he scribbled onto the clipboard, his uninvited guest watched over his shoulder.

"Is there a reason you're here Natalya?

"It's Nat, or did you only call me that during that night?"

Kaiser frowned as he turned away from her teasing provocation. "Is there a reason you're here Nat?"

Satisfied with his amendment, she answered. "Nope. I just wanted to be here. More importantly, I'm curious what you're thinking about. We've made it to the finals. And our opponent is fighting as we speak. Saunders against St. Gloriana. Who do you think it'll be?"

Kaiser shrugged. "It'd be interesting if it was Saunders. Kay would love her rematch to come." As if intending to silence him, Natalya brushed up against him from behind. Kaiser stiffened as he shot a look back at her to see her dissatisfied expression. "What?"

Natalya smiled at seeing him react so much to her. "Nothing. What about St. Gloriana?"

Kaiser cautiously turned from her again as he thought aloud. "They would be an interesting twist to what we've fought against so far. Elegance and form is their motto after all."

"Unlike us?" laughed Natalya.

Kaiser snickered. "Suppose so."

The small talk persisted as Natalya brushed up against him once more eliciting another minor reaction from him. Slightly annoyed at her obvious joy in disrupting his work he began walking away as he tried to convince her to leave. "Don't you have anything else to do? If I recall you were in popular demand with the sports clubs."

Nat pursued and nonchalantly explained herself. "I'm not an official member with any of them and besides this is a nice change of pace. You'll have to try harder to shoo me away."

Kaiser glanced back to see her grinning at having seen through his attempt. "Could you leave me to my work then? I do have to finish this."

"You mean the inventory you've already done a dozen times and isn't even your responsibility? The adjutant officers work that you've rechecked plenty?" Seeing him remain silent at the obvious truth she snickered. "You know, you could just say you're scared. I'm just being friendly after all."

Kaiser looked over his shoulder and narrowed his eyes. "That's being friendly? I didn't know you were so easygoing-" Whatever his next sentence had been was suddenly cut off as he turned the corner of a vehicle and felt a strong pull from behind. Suddenly he was dragged between the cramped space behind one of the parked tanks and the brick wall of the hangar.

"I am not easy" hissed Natalya as she pinned him against the cool steel, a hair's breadth away.

Kaiser stared back into her eyes and hesitated in his response. Unwilling and too prideful to be caught off guard by her once more he stood his ground. "That's not what I meant."

She raised an eyebrow at his words. "Go on."

"Aren't you too relaxed about, this?" he asked nodding at their close proximity.

"Why would I? It's not any different from a tank now, is it? Is there something that would make you uncomfortable here?" Kaiser turned his cheek to her, eliciting a small laugh. It was an immediate mistake as she spoke, he could feel her breath on his neck. "Maybe you're frightened about being alone with your subordinate?"

Holding his composure, he faced her once more with a frown. In the dim crevice, they stood, only the skylights above illuminated the smug look she held as she watched his expression carefully. "Are you done with this?" he asked.

"Are you? We both know you're stronger than even me. So why haven't you left?"

In response, Kaiser's frown deepened slightly as he placed his hands on her wrists and pushed her away slightly. With a sigh and a shake of his head, he wanted to reprimand her if anything. Then quiet voices were heard by a small side entrance across the hangar.

The voices were quiet but carried in the still and dim hangar. At the attempted secrecy, Kaiser and Natalya froze, waiting to see just who had arrived and why. It would be damning if they were caught in place and just as damning emerging from the secluded corner but with the mental reassurance of having done nothing wrong and having official business, they sat in wait to discover who the new arrivals were.

Their breaths slowed as they stood side by side and the voices neared. Whoever it was seemed to be a pair and walking across the hangar leisurely. Their discussion wasn't as decipherable until they drew closer. That was when Kaiser recognized Virtanen's voice. Suddenly relaxing he prepared to step out and see why his acquaintance had come when Natalya pinned him in place again, retaining their stealth by pressing her body against him in an embrace to restrain him.

With a finger to her lips, she silently shushed him as a second voice arose. It was Piper. Both he and Natalya shared a knowing glance, both being privy to the relationship between their commander and head mechanic. Guiltily, even Kaiser was intent to sit and wait. Whether to eavesdrop or not interrupt the moment mattered little at this point.

"Thanks for helping me move that welding equipment across campus Austin. I 'preciate it."

Virtanen gave a polite chuckle. "Now worries Piper I'm always willing to help you but uh, don't you think you should've asked for more help?"

"Why? We handled it alright and I doubt Kaiser would like me or you being there to ask more of him."

Virtanen's tone noticeably shifted at the mention of his peer. "Yeah… I bet"

Natalya looked down at Kaiser with a questioning glance as he whispered an explanation. "He's always been a jealous guy. Even over something petty. He doesn't let it it ruin more than his mood though."

Natalya mouthed the word 'Oh' before adding her own opinion. "Probably not best she thought of his best friend first either. Even if it was without meaning."

Kaiser snickered. "That won't stop Virtanen's mood from crashing."

As the two deliberated in secret, Virtanen and Piper continued conversing. "Hey, Piper?"

"Yeah?"

"Don't you think it might raise some suspicion if we're always alone together?"

"Wouldn't that go for you and Kaiser or Knight for that matter?" she laughed.

"You know what I mean. Disregarding our situation, we're even alone in the hangar after hours. It paints a picture doesn't it?"

"Is lil' ol' you telling me I should be worried for my safety?" she giggled as the sound of a box dropping erupted.

Kaiser and Natalya glanced at each other before braving to take a peek from behind their cover. Their eyes came upon the side profiles of their unwitting peers. Standing still in silence under the stagnant lighting. Virtanen had taken a brave step forward past Piper's guard and caught her off guard as he softly spoke to her.

Intently listening, Kaiser and Natalya strained their ears to barely hear his voice.

"A bit of awareness would do my heart a little good" muttered Virtanen as he stared into Piper's eyes. The two held their breath, tension having reached a peak between them as Kaiser and Nat watched with bated breath. Virtanen slowly leaned forward.

The two unintentional voyeurs could practically hear their peer's heartbeats, perhaps in tandem with their own when suddenly, Piper turned away. Virtanen's lips pecked her cheek as she placed her hands on him and took a step back but still held tightly onto his arms.

Even in the dull lighting and from a distance, Kaiser and Nat could see the blush on Piper's freckled face. Virtanen meanwhile, was nowhere near stoic enough to hide the disappointment on his face at his perceived rejection.

Just as suddenly Piper kissed him on his cheek. "Not till the season's over. Remember?"

Virtanen looked up in surprise at the small kiss and received a hearty giggle from Piper. "You wear your heart on your sleeve don'tcha hun?"

Virtanen was unable to speak as a wide grin spread across his face. Piper laughed into her hand. "Come on, if you have that much gumption, there's plenty more work to do." Virtanen nodded spiritedly as words failed him and he followed his interest out the hangar once more.

As the doors clicked shut and silence returned to the still hangar, an atmosphere of slight unease settled between the two secret onlookers.

"I kind of feel bad for peeping on them" announced Nat.

"Same here" agreed Kaiser stepping out to clean up the box Virtanen had dropped. Natalya watched him in hesitation before stooping down and helping him pick up the small metallic parts.

Kaiser glanced up to see Natalya looking at him as she helped. A second glance showed her still watching him as he sighed. "Yes?" he asked.

"I never would have guessed you were interested in your friend's romances."

A prick of irritation arose within him as she looked at him teasingly. "What makes you say that?"

"You didn't seem surprised by all that or upset that our commander seems to have other priorities"

Kaiser shrugged a shoulder. "I know him well enough that when he gets infatuated he'll pursue it. I just make sure to give him a voice of reason and pick up the pieces if need be."

Natalya let out a small whistle. "Quite the friend aren't you?"

"It's the safest and most efficient way to keep him from making a mess."

A snarky expression from Nat showed she didn't believe his excuse. "If only you could be a little like him."

"I'd rather not be doomed to that fate, thank you. But if you're so keen on his lax attitude then you can follow after them."

"Nope" refused Natalya as she scooped up a handful of bolts. "I'm used to your callous attitude. Like I said. You won't get rid of me that easily." Topping off her declaration with a smile Kaiser clicked his tongue.

"Fine." Though the roles were opposite, Kaiser felt as if he was being dragged around by Nat just as Virtanen with Piper.

The day moved smoothly and quickly despite the extra company. Eventually, Natalya had to take her leave as she returned home with her sister who had a devious smirk and expectant look. Thankfully Kaiser was spared having to deal with Valerya as the two sisters soon took to walking and talking ecitedly.

With the day's duties done, Kaiser had one last obligation he had promised to four of his peers. Once again he returned to the hangar where dim lighting arose from inside. He knocked three times on the steel door when an obviously fake voice spoke.

"Whose knocking?"

"Let me in before I remove this door and you off ship" threatened Kaiser nonsensically.

The door clicked as it unlocked O'Diveley swung it open, greeting him with a wide smile and laughter. "Charmin as ever. Even when it's a private shindig."

True to his simplified response, there were only five people present as the door was locked behind. Virtanen, Knight, Sokolov, O'Diveley, and himself. As he and O'Diveley walked to join the others, the scenery had shifted once more within the hangar as O'Diveley had set up his small speakeasy solely for their private use.

Pulling up a seat, Kaiser greeted the others as O'Diveley offered a drink. "These aren't spiked?"

"Nothing you'll notice" snickered his peer, pouring himself a glass. "After all, how are we supposed to relax and unwind without even a smidgeon of drink? It's not like we get breaks often. In fact, I think this is the first official one we've gotten this year. Not to mention that the five of us are hardly ever together outside of practices. Why not share the sin together?"

Kaiser sighed. "Perhaps because we are the five highest ranking cadets in Senshado and aside from Virtanen and me, you three are in the top thirty on ship. It's called keeping up standards and appearances."

"Bah!" dismissed O'Diveley taking a swig. "Appearances will stand so long as no one here's got a loose tongue and a death wish. I'm sure you'd weed em out real quick if so. Distort the truth with your little news team then make the snitch disappear, simple yeah?"

"Blatantly suggesting I abuse my power?" asked Kaiser with a glare.

O'Dively raised his glass and leaned back. "Now you're getting it."

Virtanen interjected to save the pointless arguing. "Wouldn't be the first time we bent the rules after all. Besides, he is telling the truth. I barely feel anything."

Kaiser glanced over to verify and back to the liquid in his glass. "True" was all he said with a resigned sigh before throwing back the glass.

"Atta boy!" cheered O'Diveley pouring him another.

Knight then leaned over to Sokolov. "I don't get it. What are they talking about?"

Sokolov sent a disbelieving glance at his peer before realizing he was serious. "They were bickering over the alcohol in our drinks" he answered monotonely.

The small sip that Knight had taken was quickly sputtered from his lips as a mild panic set in. His mind raced to worries of punishment and if he was caught as he felt a hand pat his back. Sokolov checked in on his junior before pointing away.

Knight's eyes followed to see the other three casually talking in a relaxed manner. Relined in their stiff seating and sipping on the same drinks as he. Knight's face of mixed confusion and panic drew Sokolov to explain. "Don't worry. Even Kaiser's participating so no one is in trouble."

"...That is so long as nobody finds out" Knight gave a contemplative look at his glass. Sokolov snorted at his evasion. "No use now, you're complicit here. May as well enjoy the time." with his glass raised, Knight reluctantly clinked his own quietly against his.

And so the night of rare reprieve for the five squad leaders commenced. Talks were exchanged over previous experiences in their lives, the most interesting being Virtanen who spared no detail of his and Kaiser's adventures in InfanterieKampf. O'Diveley was competing best he could as Knight was tamer in his tales while Kaiser and Sokolov were expectedly quiet in their private lives.

Once tales of prior glory and experiences were tossed the boys shifted to speaking over the school year so far and their own experiences on the field. Virtanen was quick to grieve over his forced interactions with the student council. Again his unfriendly relationship with its head, "Danny" as he called him was anything but stable.

"O'Diveley dismissed the complaints with surprising backing from Sokolov. "We don't wanna hear about that old song and dance. Why don't ya tell us about them lasses from the other schools? You've seen em, right? Especially you Kaiser, sneaking around and doing what's all behind the scenes."

"Like the Pravda girls right?" asked Sokolov, unbothered by Kiser's knowing glance.

Virtanen temporarily deflated before thinking over the question. "Personally, I'd say I favor Miho the most so far. She caused the least problems for us and was great to be around. Although her tenacity in that match was terrible for my heart."

"She was really polite. Fun to be around too, especially with her friends" added Knight.

O'Diveley hummed while taking a drink. "Ah, so you're into the younger Nishizumi then, What of ya Kaiser?"

Virtanen shouted in defiance. "Wha?! No, I-"

"Div" interrupted Kaiser from behind his glass. "Don't taunt him too much or his heart really will give out."

O'Diveley burst out laughing, slapping his knee as he rocked in his seat. "Sorry, sorry. Just too easy with you all sometimes." he turned to Virtanen. " No ill intent here sir. Just trying to loosen ya up is all." He then turned to Kaiser again. "Now to pry out your opinion."

Watching him with blank eyes, Kaiser lowered his cup and thought over his answer now that it was established that there was no way to misconstrue their words. "If I had to say it's a toss-up between Maho Nishizumi and Nonna."

Interested eyebrows rose at his statement while he clarified. "It was a rocky start at first with Nonna but after the match, I came to realize she's similar to me in a lot of ways. Background work for her team with skill on the battlefield. Not to mention the support she provides for her commander despite her inordinate manner of doing so with Clara. Maho is for the same reason, we're very similar but in other ways, so much so that her sister commented on it."

Kaiser took a drink before continuing. "We seemed to understand each other rather well after our match. Something hard to describe, rivalry perhaps." He pointed his drink at Virtanen. "Of course, Miho was unforgettable as well. I'd say the first friend I'd made abroad scholarships. But in terms of relatability, it would be the first two."

O'Dively hummed in interest when Sokolov beat him to the punch. "Tell us more about Nonna, a-and Pravda."

Kaiser saw through Sokolov's attempt at discretion when O'Diveley turned to his friend with indignation. "What? Nobody cares about them fanatics, lets what about the elder Nishizumi? You two certainly seemed to get along well at the after-match banquet after all right?"

Sokolov argued with vigor. "No one cares about those hardasses, I'D rather hear about Pravda."

"Then why don't ya transfer there? I'm sure one of those runts in the KV-2 would be less annoying!" bit back O'Diveley. The two continued to argue as Knight interceded. Virtanen and Kaiser watched on with light laughter as they spoke amongst themselves.

"You know, I'm sure Kay would have something to say about your choices there" laughed Virtanen casting a wavering glance at his bickering subordinates.

"Don't get me started" groaned Kaiser. Earlier today she texted me complaints on how I hardly respond. That my own mother messages her more."

"Your mother does text a lot, doesn't she?"

Kaiser sighed. "The fact that she's messaged all of my acquaintances at one point or another is worrying, to say the least. If I know someone, she probably knows about them if not already finding out everything about them."

"That one reason you keep everyone at arm's length now? Among other things at least?"

Kaiser paused, the thought never occurring to him. "To be honest it's just easier not dealing with others and dancing around situational and social cues. I'd never even thought about mitigating her nosiness."

Virtanen snorted. "Sounds more like possessiveness."

Kaiser shrugged at the thought. "What can I say, it's in the family. Neither of us likes it when someone crosses our own."

"Speaking of crossing your own, Have you heard the news?" asked Virtanen. Kaiser raised an eyebrow, seeking clarity. "Apparently before their semi-final match, St. Gloriana girl's college released a statement. I don't remember it verbatim but the gist went like this."

Virtanen cleared his throat and summarised what he remembered. "Our success is due to the purity of the team and a focus on not diluting the skill pool due to recent 'changes' made this year. What is the norm for others is simply substandard for us." Dropping his journalist impression, Virtanen looked across to see he had garnered more than just Kaiser's attention.

"Aren't they just insulting everyone including themselves while blatantly disregarding their male students with that statement?" asked Sokolov.

"Nobody ever said the posh were smart" quipped O'Diveley as Virtanen added some exposition.

"It certainly fanned some flames. Now Gloriana has taken some male students but by far the least out of any school. Even raising standards across the board for those to get in tanks and perform on the field. You could probably count the males in tanks on one hand. I'm sure Knight could attest to that."

"I'd rather not talk about school pre-transfer" begged Knight meekly.

"Makes me want to root for Saunders in their match" commented O'Diveley.

"Shouldn't you be doing that by default as they're our sister ship and all?" asked Sokolov.

"I for one am rooting for Saunders" added Kaiser.

"Cause of Kay?" asked Virtanen snidely.

Before Kaiser could retort, Knight posed a question. "Wait, why don't we have any female commanders? We're all men here."

The four boys shared glances as Virtanen sarcastically asked "You just realized that?"

O'Diveley gave his answer first, however. "Imagine the scandal if we were caught drinking with a couple of gals. Or the one fella with a few gals, bet you'd like that ay Virtanen?"

As Virtanen jokingly replied, Kaiser gave the reasoning. "It was an audacious move with some controversy at first. New school, new staff, and top picks were male, our top picks just happened to be male too. Naturally, some heads spun. Eventually, the argument was resolved by declaring it would mitigate friction within the chain of command and allow males to become examples for others and prevent any attempts at saying success was only granted by piggybacking off the females."

Taking a quick drink he concluded the results. "Surprisingly, the female students didn't mind as much as the adults and those claiming to represent them. In fact, those I approached with offers for your positions declined or were somewhat apprehensive."

Sokolov voiced his surprise. "I thought you chose us personally. We were vetted?"

Kaiser nodded. "We wanted the best. So I thoroughly appraised every cadet applicant. In the end, we ran with those who proved themselves after our first scrimmage." He pointed with his glass. "The Prokovs were noticeable choices for both O'Diveley and your positions."

O'DIveley gave a sarcastic huff. "You sure are sweet on those lasses. Going after the pair are ya?"

The remaining onlookers turned to Kaiser to see his disappointing reaction. Unfettered by the question he proceeded calmly. "They just performed better than you is all, however, they weren't ready for the position."

"And now?" asked O'Diveley.

"Best keep on your toes before you're a corporal driving around." O'Diveley choked on his drink as Kiaser continued speaking. "The female Frost sibling, Diana was a candidate for Knight's position as well albeit without the billet of third in command."

Knight gave a flattered chuckle. "I have no doubt she would perform better than I have. I'm lucky you gave me the chance and that she's believed in me since we met."

Kaiser glanced at Virtanen. The two watched Knight in annoyance as he berated himself and praised Diana from behind their drinks. Speaking with their eyes, Virtanen insisted Knight receive punishment. Disparaging himself was to disparage their decision at his appointment after all.

"Speaking of which Knight." The younger boy stopped mid-sentence as he turned to Kaiser who lowered his glass with a light "clack" against their impromptu table. "How is the relationship with Diana? Now that you're dating and all."

Knight's innocent smile and flushed cheeks dissipated at the question. Silence enveloped their table as Virtanen grinned ear to ear while Sokolov and O'Diveley took on mischievous smiles. Their stares pressured Knight who was stunned Kaiser of all people would ask such an intrusive question.

As if reading his mind, Kaiser raised the bottle O'Diveley had presented their table, or the third one for that matter. Swirling its contents he topped off everyone's drinks. "Now don't be rude, we're having a casual conversation is all."

Knight wilted, turning inward and barely being able to speak as his seniors watched him intensely. "I-its good, sir."

Virtanen suddenly shouted "Don't go back to stuttering! And no mention of rank here!"

Knight stiffened in his seat with an immediate "Yes!" minding Virtanen's correction.

"Now go on! Tell us!" demanded Virtanen raising his glass.

In a panic, Knight shouted his heartfelt response. "She's wonderful! I was always lost at how friendly and forward she was with me until we started dating. Sometimes her brother even got onto her, I regret not asking her out sooner! She more than I deserve if I'm honest!"

"You're damn right she is!" replied Virtanen nearly shattering his glass against Knights and spilling half their contents before downing it in one go. With an empty glass slammed on the table, Virtanen bent over and groaned aloud. His spirit withering.

"What the hell was that?" asked O'Diveley.

Kaiser looked down at their commander and answered. "Not everyone experiences a fairytale romance like Knights. At least not for everyone here." He pointed at Virtanen who groaned again in agreement.

"Slow progress?" asked Sokolov.

"Like a T28 super heavy tank," complained Virtanen.

With a sly grin, Kaiser continued. "I find it strange he's complaining though, since he got a kiss earlier today."

Virtanen shot up in his seat and stared daggers at Kaiser. The stoic recipient would've been impressed by the glare, were it not for the obvious embarrassment behind it. Raucous cheering came from O'Diveley as Sokolov and Knight, now free from attention, added their own congratulations.

Virtanen's face turned a bright shade of pink as he began ordering them to shut up. Only to receive laughter and O'Diveley reminding him there was no rank here. Virtanen then sought to shift the focus onto someone, anyone else really.

"Shut up! Don't act like you don't have anyone you're interested in! So unless you admit that I don't want to hear any of it!"

Sokolov, with some liquid courage, bit the bullet and made a declaration. "I… I like someone."

"What?!" shouted O'Diveley as he began shaking his friend. "Ya never told me!"

"Who is it?" asked Knight enjoying the mild gossip.

Sokolov mumbled to himself that she went to a different school when Kaiser interrupted. "Oh. By the way Sokolov. It took some prying from Nonna and Clara but I got a message for you. Katyusha says congratulations on the victory against Kuromoromine. She also says that she knew you would aid in our victory and was impressed by your patience."

The unusual interruption caught the other three off guard as Kaiser nonchalantly sipped his drink. They turned back to press Sokolov for info when they noticed his cheeks burning red as he laid his face against the cool table.

"Seriously?" asked O'Diveley.

"Oh my" added Knight.

Virtanen leaned next to Kaiser and began voicing his confusion in a whisper as the other two pressed a now closed-off Sokolov. "Really?! You knew?! Since when?"

"I had an inkling since our match against them. He somehow got into contact with her after the match and now, thanks to his persistence are friends with Katyusha and public enemy number one to Nonna and Clara."

"I'd laugh if I wasn't bewildered right now," stated Virtanen. "Out of all the eye candy… especially with those two retainers of hers…"

"Not like they'd give anyone else the time of day. I'd imagine any guy to go after them would have to be superb, persistent, or similar in their tastes. Though the latter may cause competition."

After his jest, it seemed Sokolov had quickly reached his limit and shifted to O'Diveley. "Then what about you Divs? You're always gawking, there has to be someone who caught your attention. Alice maybe?"

"That lass would kill me if I even thought of askin' her out" laughed O'Diveley. "Nope, I'm keeping my eye open for a lady that can ride with me. Of the same mind ya know?"

"Unhinged?" asked Virtanen with a chuckle.

"That'll do it!" responded O'Diveley raising his glass. The table took a drink in solidarity with O'Diveley as he wiped his lips of the excess and began pouring another glass in one swift motion. The boy's eyes drifted with damning intent onto Kaiser.

"Now then. Let's be fair and amicable here. Everyone shared, everyone but one that is. Lets not hold out or lie" he insisted.

Kaiser stayed silent under the pressuring eyes of his four peers. An initial thought of violence as an excuse to evade the question arose, but even if they all were slightly inebriated he would struggle against four people.

Left to simmer, he thought of any possible stories he could tell them as it was clear they were all expecting something. Thoughts of Natalya filled his mind as she certainly fit the topic. Their recent interactions and her blatant flirting clouded his mind as he thought of what he could say that wasn't too damning. The times when she would be a little too close, need help with something mundane just to have him near, or when she would take on a sensual attitude…

"Aha!" shouted O'Diveley. "There is something, isn't there?! I can see it on your face!"

Kaiser instinctively brought a hand up to cover his face, solidifying O'Diveley's claim. Kaiser grew slightly frustrated. Not only would Natalya catch him off guard frequently, but simply recalling her acts had thrown him off in front of his peers.

Maintaining an even voice, Kaiser answered. "There is nothing. I was just trying to think back if there was any. But to no avail."

"Don't lie!"

"I'm not"

"That's your lyin' face!"

"Why would I wear that if I was going to lie to you?"

O'Diveley threw his hands up in the air. "Your such a waste~ Could be drowning in women if ya weren't so, so you."

Kaiser narrowed his eyes at the claim. "What does that-"

"Sokolov patted O'Diveley's back in camaraderie. "Sadly, I think that's what they like."

"Them gals do like to pick their poison huh?" asked O'Diveley, garnering laughs from the table besides Kaiser.

As the laughter died down, Virtanen turned to Kaiser. "Returning to his question, did you know that Mika wanted to drop by again?"

The others now had interested gazes as Virtanen and Kaiser focused on speaking with each other.

"Said she'd like to lean on our goodwill once more. I didn't know what to say so I put it off."

"Rude to keep a lady waiting isn't it?" asked Kaiser rhetorically before shrugging. "Do as you wish. You are the commander and therefore responsible for any mishaps. Just remember it's more work for me and others to ensure there's no info leaks or worse, theft."

"I'll keep that in mind. But would you be okay with it? With her coming again?"

Kaiser glanced at his peers. "Do they know?"

Virtanen looked at the three, their faces showing guilt at indeed being aware of Kaiser's personal affair in the matter. "Seems that way. I've heard it's limited to select students with political sway on ship but there's always going to be a rumor. Especially over a hot topic such as another school commander arriving all of a sudden. Add you into the mix and someone was bound to go digging."

Kaiser groaned slightly. "I'll be fine, thank you for the untimely consideration." Virtanen laughed guiltily at the remark as Kaiser continued. "We all mature at different rates with different experiences. I've realized that affection, love for some, can be infantismal or grand."

He turned to address the table at large. "For so many to obsess over it, to fantasize about it. This means that it's something to strive for and put effort towards. I won't allow one negative experience dissuade me from future experiences let alone current business affairs."

The table grew quiet as the other four turned to introspection, thinking about his words and their own relationships. Eventually, O'Diveley broke the silence. "I know I said there's barely anything in this stuff but I'm still too buzzed for this serious nonsense. Let's get back to drinking and make it a contest at that!"

Switching gears, the table was all too happy to partake. After all, this was a rare break.

-Chapter End-