Authors note- Due to a heavy reorganizing of notes and planning, updates will take up to two weeks for the foreseeable future. Personal affairs may inhibit updates as well. I am sorry for the inconvenience and am thankful for your understanding. I will continue with the goal of every two weeks and if possible, up to a week. I hope you all continue to enjoy.
Having returned to Transcendence near sundown, Virtanen waited patiently atop a miscellaneous crate as Kaiser went about the safety checks for the Stuka before turning it over to the naval studies students. Virtanen watched as they exchanged salutes and Kaiser walked in his direction.
Hopping off his seat as Kaiser strolled past, Virtanen inquired about what came next. "I assume you'll be heading out to prepare the briefing for the Cadets?".
"Correct" responded Kaiser gruffly.
Unsure of how to follow up, Virtanen mulled over what to say. Kaiser was aware of his distress and wanted to get on with the day's work, addressing him."What is it, Virtanen".
Annoyed by the tone he had taken Virtanen looked around trying to think of how to calmly broach the subject. His eyes landed on their vehicles. The Mercedes staff car and Kaiser's motorcycle which had been dropped off before their arrival, no more than ten meters from them. Taking a slow breath, Virtanen looked Kaiser in the eye. The exchange he dreaded began. "I think we should speak as we agreed before leaving."
"For once you're correct, I had completely forgotten what with the 'fun' on Pravda and my workload bearing down" agreed Kaiser. Placing his hands in his pockets, he spun about and shifted his weight to his hip. "Well then, you have the floor, what is it?".
Feeling unconfident in what exactly they were supposed to speak of, Virtanen deferred opening. "You're the one who messaged me. Why don't you start?"
"Stop hiding. You have something to say, I've known since I sent that message. Now out with it or wait until we deal with our Pravda problem. I, well we, don't have time. I'd rather not be overwhelmed by an 'ally' as well as our enemies". As Kaiser's brow creased thinking of the future, Virtanen's frown settled in concern with the present.
Virtanen clicked his tongue feeling berated by the judgemental yet rational statement. "Fine then Kaiser. Let's carry on from last time. From our battle with Saunders."
Raising a brow at the statement was the most emotion Kaiser showed, his indifference to their talk apparent. He let out a small breath as if he expecting as much.
"Things can't go like last time. Someone's bound to get hurt. It was a fluke the first time I know that even if others didn't but you've hardened yourself too much since then".
Despite Virtanen frantically beating around the bush, Kaiser grew impatient. "Are you suggesting that my capabilities are lacking, that I am making some mistake here?"
"No, no!" stated Virtanen firmly raising a hand. "But you might, you can't do this alone, no one can. I've noticed how you're becoming more cynical than usual. Once Pravda was announced as our opponent you got a bad look in your eye like back then. If you just repeat everything then it'll happen all over again. You'll lose the whole meaning of this sport!"
"The meaning of this sport?" spat Kaiser. "What about our purpose, your purpose. Why we were chosen for these positions? We were selected to make the introduction of males an irrevocable success. To bring all doubts asunder. To bring a new type of combat into this sport."
Kaiser's last words sent a chill down Virtanen's spine. "If you lose the sense of honor in Senshado you'll lose everyone else just like in InfanterieKampf. Your peers, and subordinates, I was the only one to stick with you through it all! I don't know if I can again."
Kaiser gave a solemn snicker. Raising his right shoulder he gave an indifferent, bitter chuckle. "Stuck with me? Is that it? Virtanen they all left me because they weren't capable of success, they feared obtaining victory. And you?" Virtanen gulped at the eyes directed at him carving away at his confident bearing.
"You simply stayed because you knew I'd provide you an opportunity. An opportunity for success. When the directors of the committee and the sponsors wanted a capable leader for Transcendence, they didn't even consider you until I refused and recommend you."
Kaiser's brown eyes seemed empty as Virtanens blue's eyes glared back furiously. He knew that already, it was a secret between them but used with such distaste it stung.
Kaiser narrowed his eyes accusingly. "You realized that you could accomplish more with me."
Virtanen's hand clenched, he wished to strike his friend but knew nothing would come of it except further fighting and relented. 'Kaiser doesn't know anything' he assured himself. He calmed himself to speak as Kaiser continued.
"You used me for personal gain just as you accuse me of using others to accomplish goals. You merely hide behind a facade of moralistic views and judge others. Face it I've helped train you and you've taken after me."
Virtanen took another moment to calm himself from the hurtful tirade. Was Kaiser right? He couldn't straighten his thoughts. Amidst the silence, Kaiser turned to mount his bike. Virtanen lurched forward, grabbing his wrist to stop him. With a sharp glare, it was clear Kaiser was prepared to fight.
From under his cover, Virtanen's eyes showed defiance even if he knew he wouldn't win.
"You're under a lot of stress. Stress from work, from having to perform, from expectations, and I know I'm a part of the blame. I don't know how to feel myself after everything you've said but I know you're wrong. Come the end of this match you'll see that. I'll prove to you that relying upon each other is our only chance of success. I'm the commander. I've grown since we met and I'll be directing this operation."
Kaiser's glare was as intimidating as always, the possibility of him resorting to violence even more unnerving. Surprisingly he broke eye contact. Looking at his wrist he ripped his hand away from Virtanen and started the engine. "Intuition or wishful thinking?" asked Kaiser.
"Does it matter? You may have skill and knowledge but my guts never been wrong" answered Virtanen.
"So be it then. I'll look forward to seeing what truth lies ahead of us on our path. Either way, failure is not an option." rebutted Kaiser.
The two were then interrupted by both of their phones ringing. In sync, both gazed down reading their messages. Together both sighed loudly in exasperation. The message read "Please send help" and an image of O'Diveleys Hellcat stuck atop a mass of trees in the training grounds.
Before either could comment or process the terribly timed antics of their subordinates another video was received. Within the short video, Sokolov and Knight were in the Panzer IV slowly approaching the mass of trees and trying to dislodge the tank by shooting at it, despite cries of anger from O'Diveley's team.
"I'll handle it. we've said what needed to be said," announced Kaiser as he revved the engine. "Please do" groaned Virtanen, his face shifting to annoyance. "And Adam… the past is in the past."
Without another word, Kaiser was off. Virtanen was confident in his gut, he just hadn't mentioned how uneasy it felt.
-Transition-
Knight had been waiting in the staff car for his commander's return to escort them back. He had brought Kaisers BMW R75 as per his orders and remained there until he caught sight of them approaching. It was when he realized the clear tension between them he refrained from leaving the vehicle, let alone catching their attention. He incidentally heard the entirety of their argument. Only when Virtanen opened the rear passenger door did he remember the fact the staff car always had a driver. Knight gave an awkward smile at the blank stare Virtanen gave.
Without missing a beat Knight began to drive as Virtanen discussed the recent events on Pravda. It was when Virtanen made a request for food that Knight took a leap of faith in an attempt to satiate his curiosity.
When Virtanen had told him "anywhere would be fine" Knight pulled into a small restaurant and ordered for his somber-looking commander. As they ate a fair portion of their meal, Knight sought the appropriate timing to speak.
"Sir, what exactly did Lt Col Kaiser mean when he said he refused to be commander?"
Virtanen chewed slowly and took a slow drink. "Exactly what he said" answered Virtanen, looking down into his lap.
Seeing the look of hurt and resignation on his face, Knight attempted to apologize. "I-I'm sorry sir I shouldn't have asked."
Virtanen let out a deep sigh. "No, I suppose you have a right to know if anyone. After all, you're our protege in a sense." This was the first Knight had heard of being a protege but touched at the sentiment he nodded in anticipation, waiting for him to continue.
"As you may already know, Kaiser and I attended middle school and our first two years of high school together, participating in InfanterieKampf throughout." Knight nodded, indeed knowing this. "Well, as you'd expect he was just a team leader at first, a corporal at that." Knight seemed surprised by the obvious.
Thinking Kaiser was ever anything less than an officer or some leadership seemed farfetched. The impression and experience he showed made the revelation seem almost blasphemous to his character.
Virtanen chuckled at Knight's expression. "Well, he was my team leader and a damn good one in the field. In fact, he was rather popular in every other way. He acted much differently back then. He was rather normal, shocking I know." Virtanen took a moment to laugh at the joke expecting Knight's surprise once more. "Well as normal as you would expect a prodigious middle schooler to act."
"His exploits got him to be the commander of our school by the time we were in our final year and due to a lack of qualified personnel he also was second in command for our first year in high school. He didn't have any high expectations or family honor to live up to, only the insane ones he set himself. He even indulged in the attention of others and some adoring females from time to time". Virtanen sighed remembering the joyful antics as Knight was stunned by what he had perceived impossible. 'Kaiser? Really?' he found himself thinking.
Gathering himself, Virtanen continued now more serious. "He gradually became more mature as you'd expect, more quiet, more stern. Friction was growing in the team along with dissent. He garnered enemies within and without. Then in our sophomore year, last year, something happened. He just cut himself off completely. I'm sure there's a bit more to it but I never pried. He always was reliable and could handle anything. I felt as if I made the wrong choice once I saw he stopped having fun all around. Now, he's even more diligent, skilled, and somehow just as popular if not more for some odd reason but he's shut off and isolated."
Knight's curiosity was bursting as Virtanen hung his head in self-contempt. "As for your question, it started at the end of last year. We were both leaders of our school's InfanterieKampf program, Him as commander despite being a sophomore and me as a platoon leader. We had just made waves in the region with our national victory when the Senshado federation came with an offer to Kaiser's doorstep".
"Join our new sea school, lead its Senshado, and take history into a new era."
"Or so they said." recounted Virtanen.
Knight seemed surprised at the revelation but it brought another question. "Then why are you leading the school and not Kaiser?" Though an innocent question, Virtanen responded bitterly, remembering Kaiser's scornful words. "He accepted the enrollment but refused the position. Instead, he gave them a recommendation."
"An acquaintance of mine, Austin Virtanen has performed by my side for years he would be a suitable candidate for leadership. If he's willing I'll assist him."
"It took some more bargaining but he landed me this position. They came with the offer soon afterward. Before that, I was never approached. I was never even considered for enrollment here. "
Silence overcame the two. Both were pondering as to why Kaiser had done so much for Virtanen when he seemed to despise his abilities. Knight thought perhaps he had done it out of friendship although it was despicable to hold it against Virtanen in an argument. Neither felt they knew the entirety without Kaiser's part of the story and that was surely next to impossible.
It was then a head of dirty blonde hair that caught Virtanen's eyes as it walked past the window next to them. Virtanen stood slowly excusing himself from Knight. "I'll walk home from here, return the car, and thanks for the talk!" He said as he rushed outside.
Knight watched him leave in a hurry and thought 'I didn't do anything. I'm more confused now than before.' He then realized with a huff that he was stuck with the bill.
Unintentionally dashing out on his peer, Virtanen jogged after the familiar face, calling out to her. "Piper!" Sure enough, the freckled mechanic turned to see him down the sidewalk. School hours had long since ended after his return from Pravda and she wore a white hoodie and sweatpants for the brisk evening. Her usually braided hair fell free and gave him a new impression. One that made him feel timid as her green eyes recognized him and gave him a sunny smile.
As he closed in he noticed her freckled cheeks were heated a slight pink. "I'm sorry you gotta see me like this, I didn't expect to run into anyone" she explained shyly. Er, Austin? You okay? And why are you still in uniform?" she asked trying to detract from her embarrassment.
Having been caught gawking at her normal attire, he shook his head defensively. Snapping out of his trance he hurriedly explained himself. "I just returned from Pravda."
The mood shifted positively as Piper showed interest. "Really? How is it? How did your meeting go? I had completely forgotten about it."
Seeing as it would be a long explanation, especially skirting around his drama with Kaiser, Virtanen offered to walk her home. He eased into his edited retelling quickly, relaxed at the rare time alone with her. She seemed extremely impressed by Kaiser's detour which became his latest regret, however, he still agreed and laughed with her. The simple act made him feel better.
"Due to his stunt and his theory on intel gathering we're thinking of creating a new espionage unit. I'm thinking of placing Kaiser at the head."
Piper giggled into her hand. "Really? Assigning him more work? He's going to kill you ya know."
Virtanen rolled his eyes. "If only you knew." The dismay in his tone alerted her.
Stepping ahead of him she turned to look him in the eye. "What's eating you?" she asked.
"W-what do you mean?" he responded, caught off guard.
Piper stepped closer, pressuring him to cave. With a flushed face, he sighed and bared his thinly veiled frustrations while withholding vital information. With a pleased smile at his cooperation, Piper listened. Piper pouted at his vague references but understood his preference for privacy. It didn't mean she couldn't surmise what he was hiding to an extent, however.
"It's Kaiser, isn't it?".
Virtanen didn't refute and instead groaned. "It just seems that he's always right and no matter what I do I can't catch up to him, let alone beat him. As if everything about me, everything I am, is wrong." Virtanen cast a forlorn look away, displeased at his show of weakness.
Piper hummed to herself in thought as she processed his admission. "Then just win".
Virtanen looked at her dumbfounded. "What? I just said-"
"Don't speak as if it's impossible, he's not invincible, even he knows that. I've worked with him a bit this year and he's surprisingly down to earth. Even told me he was ashamed of his prior hubris whatever that meant. No matter how much it may seem, he's a teen like us." Virtanen seemed just as surprised as Knight had been moments ago. Piper snickered at his dumbfounded expression and waved it off.
"Besides, I didn't mean beat him, beat his view, prove yourself especially to yourself. Stand strong and prove to him that you're not wrong. I may not know exactly what this is about or your pasts, but I and the rest of the team have gotten to know the present you. Our commanders. Show him your way of leadership can be just as effective."
As she spoke her cheerful expression in turn improved his mood. His resolve was strengthened or perhaps he had finally been given one. He didn't have to beat his long-time friend, even if he didn't want to admit they were such. He just had to prove Kaiser wrong and it was right to recommend him as the commander. More pressingly at the moment, he felt certain about his feelings regarding Piper.
She began walking once more, thinking aloud. "Although I still can't believe how negative you two are being towards one another. I can't imagine either of you being bad people." She quipped.
Virtanen laughed nervously. "I don't know what to say about your taste in people if you don't think Kaiser doesn't have the capability to be mean". Though he joked with her he clenched his hands in distress. His lips felt dry, his throat itched, and his stomach had turned itself inside out. It felt as if he was the only person to ever feel such discomfort. Had anyone he knew ever felt this way. Knight? no. Sokolov? O'Diveley? Kaiser? another bitter chuckle of jealousy rang in his mind. He doubted he ever felt this way.
He couldn't formulate the words even though he knew what he wanted to say, to confess.
"There's my house," announced Piper. Virtanen awoke from his stupor to see where she was pointing. True to what she said an older man waved at her and gave a judging glare at Virtanen. Any shroud of courage he was mustering dissipated. "Thank you for walking me home again Austin, remember what I said, alright?"
Virtanen smiled and nodded. "You really saved me today. Just like back onshore". He recalled when he had run into her with Kay of all people. How he had been reassured then as well, even if it had been Kay's doing, Piper's presence had elated him.
She laughed awkwardly, recalling her lack of help that time. "Hopefully I've made up for then. Oh and If you haven't heard yet the cadets were planning a Christmas party after the upcoming match. All cadets are invited but I wasn't sure if anyone had been brave enough to approach you yet."
Surprised Virtanen shook his head before fervently accepting. "Kaiser's invited too, even if ya'll haven't patched things up by then. Win or no win the party will still go on, it just maybe a little dour at first".
"I'm sure O'Diveley will change that quickly" laughed Virtanen.
With a quick and hard swat to his arm followed by a grin Piper smirked. "That's more like it".
After their goodbye, Virtanen felt reinvigorated. He would show that he had taken her words to heart. That he was just as capable and deserving as Kaiser, and if it all went well… maybe he'd have the courage to ask her out.
-Transition-
In the blink of an eye, the day had come. After days of grueling workloads and training, everyone had done what they could. Cadets stayed late to improve themselves and their teams, and even the average students and civilians did their utmost to give support.
The student council under Daniel or as Virtanen referred to as "Danny" seemed to be at odds with him and Kaiser yet showed an increase in support and cooperation. Most notably was the raised awareness of the program's efforts and support through schoolwide fundraisers to help with the purchasing of repairs and ammo among other fees. The funds would be carefully "appropriated" by Kaiser who would organize them for future use.
As expected, stress had been mounting on the junior and even some senior cadets. It was everyone's first official seasonal match together. More pressingly for the officers, it was the school's first. Kaiser, Sokolov, and O'Diveley had been a source of newfound hope for their peers who flinched at the mention of the upcoming goliath. Virtanen hid it well, only letting out the occasional stutter or nervous rant. Knight was perhaps the worst off. At the very least Lt. Frost was there to kick him into gear.
On the morning of the battle, everyone had gathered at the vehicle garage. The cadets had formed up and taken roll call. All cadets intended for combat under Virtanen, Kaiser, Knight, and Sokolov's teams stood present in their black uniforms. The first time all were gathered uniformly, chests empty of awards but eager for awards and glory despite the knots in their stomachs. Prepared to depart, all twelve vehicles roared to life, forming a single column outside with O'Divelys squad riding a half-track. First off, their farewell as they made to debark the ship.
A parade had been planned for the cadets with crowds of civilians forming a colorful mass behind the rows of grey-clad student uniforms lining the road. Nerves were temporarily forgotten amidst the cheers of encouragement and individual names shouted in encouragement from family. The younger cadets seemed overwhelmed and showed it well as they enthusiastically returned waves with glee. The more composed or reserved cadets such as gave gentle smiles as they looked for familiar faces in the crowds.
There were even some such as Sokolov and his crew who shrank back in his tank reluctantly keeping only the top of their heads out of the hatches for appearance's sake. Virtanen still unused to the attention from being at the parade front barely held his composure. Kaiser chalked it up to a small panic attack. Standing in his hatch, Kaiser returned waves with nods of acknowledgment. The simple gesture excited many who received it. His crew chuckled at the reactions as he only paid a small amount of attention, his mind occupied.
The school staff along with Naval and Air students sat on a platform to the right of the main road they proceeded down. Once they passed the platform all cadets appeared out of their hatches and the commanders gave salutes. The SDKFZ with O'Diveleys squad, then Virtanens, Knights, Sokolovs, and finally Kaiser's vehicles.
Once past the stage of important personnel that prayed for their success as it would be reflected in their school's funding and personal pay bonus's no doubt, the crowd's excitement burst as they threw confetti and flowers at the crews. Some students reached outwards grasping at them, others such as Virtanen even grabbed one to smell before throwing it back, playing at being eccentric. Kaiser merely ignored what he perceived to be hindrances as they proceeded. His crew was not him however and they collected some tokens, Westhoffen especially adored the attention, almost forgetting he was the driver.
Finally, they reached the large cargo elevator to transport them onto the dock. Kaiser sunk into his vehicle as the naval students began to lower the vehicles in groups by weight. Patiently waiting, he noticed the mess inside his vehicle from the parade. Confetti was all about the interior and the odd flower here and there. Some even had thrown candies or other confectionaries such as chocolates. Without a second thought towards the small pile of carnations and sweets, Kaiser placed them to the side and out of the way.
Kaiser wasn't dismissive of the encouragement, he was concerned over the field of combat. The match had been decided to be held in Vladivostok, Russia. Like with Saunders, the match was to be held further inland and required the team to take a train. This slight delay in their arrival gave Kaiser and Virtanen opportunities to brief the teams one last time before they arrived, however, once offloaded there would only be time for last-minute preparations such as refueling before the match.
On the train, the squads were separated into different cars with vehicle leaders in front while their squads were assigned to others. Virtanen took the initiative due to his still burning resolve and ordered everyone to gather in the centermost car to await a final briefing. Despite his peer's sudden enthusiasm, Kaiser still led the officer briefing with only Virtanen, Knight, Sokolov, and himself in the car. O"Diveley's squad was noncombative and enjoying their time in the rear car.
"Here is the current situation regarding Pravda, namely enemy commanders, their strengths and vehicles, tactics, and possible changes in their doctrine," Kaiser stated monotonously. All four nodded in understanding.
"First off the enemy commander Katyusha." Kaiser presented an open file before them. On it was pertinent information including the vehicle she would most likely drive.
Each spared a glance at the profile before turning their attention back to Kaiser. Only Sokolov seemed immersed in the file. "She is of short stature with an unusually large ego. In layman's terms-"
"Short man syndrome." finished Virtanen through grit teeth.
Kaiser nodded in acknowledgment of the statement ignoring the interruption. "We had experienced this first hand. She speaks highly of herself and tends to look down on others. Literally, as a matter of fact, true to the rumor, she rides on her seconds in commands shoulders"
Virtanen gave an annoyed look, recalling her antics as Knight let a light chuckle out at the childish thought and Sokolov remained silent. Kaiser continued the topic on her personality. "She is usually found riding in a T-34-85, the backbone of their forces, and plays an aggressive role in operations. However, she and her second in command easily influence each other's decisions to the point of calling it blind trust wouldn't be too far off."
Kaiser opened up a second file revealing a tall poised female. "Vice commander Nonna, second only to Katyusha herself and to none in skill at Pravda. She is a figurehead for the school serving as the face of discipline as well as admiration for underclassmen. She boasts a one hundred percent hit ratio. She has the patience to ensure they hit one way or another." He warned.
"Her intuition and skill place her as the highest threat among enemy forces. Paired with the fact that she has been seen to drive an IS-2 in important matches, leading us to believe she will be operating one against us. Due to gathered information that Pravda has secured excessive funds this year, this is liable to change for the worst. If we believe that they recognize us as a suitable threat then there is little room for doubt for either."
Knight's hand shot during a pause. "Sir you said that the enemy commander thinks little of us before. That they seemed to dismiss you and the commander. What makes you believe otherwise?".
Kaiser hesitated to answer as he recalled the meeting. "Because I saw the same look in Katyusha and Nonna's eyes that I've seen in Kays. A look of discernment and anticipation of a fight. Whether or not we would be worthy was irrelevant. It seemed what one saw in us forced the other to acknowledge us."
Knight leaned back into his seat, unsure how to respond to this answer yet accepting it along with the rest. "Onto the next profile. She is a bit of concern," said Kaiser presenting one last file, this one much thinner than the others.
"The next female is a bit of an enigma. Fact is 'Clara' as she is called, has a father who works in intelligence in Russia and a mother who is a general. Naturally, her family history is a bit muddled, to say the least."
Betraying his previous attempts to remain unimpressed, Virtanen looked through the file in surprise. Virtanen knew of Kaiser's tenacity but this was a new level. "How did you?"
Kaiser raised a hand silencing him and promptly moved on, ignoring the unasked question. "There wasn't much to find. Only a short track record of reference in Pravda and the fact she seems fond of Katyusha. She is a polite girl, often with Nonna, and holds a fearsome repertoire of skills". Seeing his peers lean in awaiting more, he sighed.
"All we have on her is just basic information. The only thing relevant is the fact that she previously drove an 85mm variant of the T-34 as well as being self-sacrificial to ensure Katyusha's success. She quickly became the school's third most successful student shortly after her transfer and entered Katyusha's inner circle. Needless to say, she is a high threat."
Clearing his throat Kaiser moved to the most pressing information. "Under Katyusha's recent leadership it seems that freshman and sophomores are usually assigned T-34-75 vehicles, juniors, and seniors the 85 variant. Certain teams may be assigned the SU-85 or ISU-125 series tank destroyers" based on skill."
"As for specialized vehicles such as heavy tanks the usage of the KV-2 has become normal for their operations as Katyusha's trademark. KV-1 models have also been issued as vanguard units but never exceed three units per engagement." The description of their enemy's loadouts furrowed a few eyebrows but was nothing unexpected. The small gathering of Cadets seemed prepared for what they heard so far.
"The newest vehicles they have added to their arsenal are by far more of a cause for concern." Virtanen's breath hitched at the mention of new weapons as Knight's shoulders tensed and he waited with bated breath. Sokolov seemed relaxed but his blank stare betrayed him. "The Pravda Senshado team seems to have purchased two new vehicles. An IS-3 and KV-5 heavy tank." The mood of the room immediately soured at the mention of the vehicles.
"Though these two vehicles prove to be disadvantageous for nearly all of our vehicles this does not mean we are defeated yet. Depending on who they have selected to operate them and their familiarity it may even favor us." He then presented two thin laminated sheets. Schematics and information on the fearsome vehicles lay before their eyes, certain information in red detailed their weaknesses.
"Regardless of the situation, Katyusha's morale for her troops, her secondary's intuition, and skill, along with Clara's unknown factor are all necessities we must negate. The major factor behind why I am presenting this information so late was confirmation on whether the information was true."
"I'll leave these schematics and profiles to you three. Review them and decide on personal engagement scenarios. Remember if all falls into chaos, secondary and tertiary tactics should not be neglected. Ensure that you are prepared for the mental and physical strain."
Kaiser turned and picked up a stack of papers to his side and exited the room declaring that he would brief the entire team and provide handouts, so long as 'Virtanen would excuse his absence'. Seeing the verbal taunt for what it was, a jab at his authority, Virtanen played along. With a strained smile, Virtanen watched his peer leave.
"I always end up saying it but the sure is something isn't he?" remarked Knight.
"He even impresses me and I don't often speak highly of people" commented Sokolov as he adamantly scanned through the papers left on the table taking notes from the portfolios. Virtanen allowed a resentful grunt of agreement and no more. He was busy frantically thinking of what-ifs and thoughts of success. All so that he could prove to his school and most importantly to himself, prove his value as a leader.
-Chapter End-