"We are going to be late," Zephyr stated, again, in an increasingly annoyed tone.
"You are going to be late," Braxton answered with a grin. "Our class is just down the hall."
"You are the most inconsiderate-"
"Oh no," Braxton interrupted Zephyr before he could finish his sentence. "I have considered this quite well, and I decided that it is much more entertaining to make you be late."
"Braxton, maybe don't antagonize the person who's responsible for reporting on your behavior? He did agree to let this morning's infraction slide," Matt set a hand on Braxton's shoulder. "I would like to have you stick around still."
Braxton sighed, but stood up. "Oh alright. But only because you asked, Matty."
The other boys were either ready to go or already gone. 628 leaped up onto Braxton's shoulder and settled onto his usual perch. All of the other first years, and Varian, had left together a few minutes ago. Jim was a little surprised that Sy had left with them, but he had seemed rather into the conversation they were having. It just was unusual that Sy hadn't stayed to help facilitate conversation between Zephyr and his friends. Without Sy here, Zephyr hadn't said anything except to remind Braxton of the time.
Honestly, Jim didn't blame him. They clearly had nothing in common with the older recruit, and no one seemed willing to bridge the gap except Sy. Without Sy here, everything fell apart.
But Jim knew how important it was to Sy that they get along. So, without him here to make the effort, Jim knew he would have to step up. He loved Sy, after all. Even if they hadn't gotten to the point of saying it to each other, they could show it through their actions. And since Sy cared about Zephyr, Jim cared about making Zephyr feel welcome.
"So, how long have you known Sy?" Might as well start with common ground.
Zephyr gave Jim an odd look. "His whole life. Most literally. His parents were staying with mine when he was born."
Jim nodded. "That does make sense. Sy did say you were a family friend. Must be a close relationship!"
"You could say that," Zephyr answered cautiously. "Has he not elaborated?"
Jim shook his head. "No. He's rather private about his personal life. He's sort of implied that his family is a bit intolerant and wouldn't approve of his choice in friends."
Zephyr snorted and crossed his arms. "I don't approve of his choice of friends."
"Well good thing you're not his family so your opinion doesn't matter," Jim responded irritably. Who was this guy to insult them like that anyway? "I'll have you know Sy is excellent at picking friends, and we don't need your approval."
"I don't approve of anyone being friends with Rudforest." Zephyr stated bluntly. "He's an irresponsible menace."
"Why thank you!"
"That wasn't a compliment," Zephyr snapped.
"And yet you flatter me anyway," Braxton purred back.
Jim just groaned. How was he supposed to help Sy's friend feel included if they couldn't even go six sentences without everything dissolving into insults? At this rate all his efforts to make things better would only serve to make it worse.
"What's your favorite class this year, Zephyr?" Matt placed himself between Zephyr and Braxton as he asked his question, a friendly smile on his face.
Zephyr drew in a deep breath, visibly settling himself before he answered. "I believe my favorite is Naval Officer Prep. I have been enjoying learning about the psychology that goes into leadership as well as the skills and techniques they have developed to become a better leader."
"Is that a required course?"
Zephyr shook his head. "Specialty. I took the officer's route, and it is a required course for that path, but not for graduation."
"I think they're expecting me to do exploration." Matt shrugged casually. "I don't mind. I don't think I could handle the pressure of being an officer, though I am going to insist on something a bit more home based. I will happily review footage from the exploration team and create maps from that, if needed. I just don't know if I can be away from my family that long."
"Unfortunately, you may not have a choice," Zephyr stated gently. "We only get a few choices in the service. Where we're stationed is not frequently one of them."
"I know," Matt admitted, his voice soft. "All I can do is try."
Braxton squeezed his shoulders gently. "I'll just hack the system and change your data if needed, don't worry."
Zephyr shot him a glare.
"I'm kidding, I'm kidding. Relax. I wouldn't do anything dumb enough to get caught." Braxton laughed.
"Your delinquency record bespeaks otherwise."
"I didn't care about being caught for those things." Braxton retorted with a smirk.
"Zephyr, have you gotten your graduation mission assigned to you yet?" Matt interrupted their bickering quickly.
Zephyr shook his head, allowing Matt to once again redirect the conversation. "No. Not yet. But thank you for asking. I should be receiving mine sometime this week. My grandfather said they were planning several exploration and recruitment missions, though, so it is very likely that I shall be sent to a planet to help navigate a budding relationship with a new culture."
"That sounds stressful. I hope my mission is something a bit moreā¦routine than that." Matt admitted. "I think I'd be scared to represent the entire intergalactic empire. I come from a simple background, how can I possibly represent the queen and all her galaxies?"
"The same way you represent yourself." Zephyr offered Matt a smile. "You're a good man, you have good values-" Zephyr paused and glanced at Braxton. "For the most part. The point is, you're going to do fine. Senior missions are meant to test you, yes, but also to work with your strengths and to show you, as well as the university, that you're ready to graduate and head into the navy as a right and proper sailor."
Matthew smiled. "Thank you, Zephyr. You're right. I'm sure they'll pick something that's right for me."
"Thanks for walking us to class." Jim didn't mean it, but he had a feeling Sy would appreciate that he extended the courtesy anyway.
Zephyr nodded shortly. "I will be back to transition you to your next class, Braxton. Try to follow your instructions this time. I will not be able to forgive you wondering the halls unsupervised a second time in one day."
Braxton rolled his eyes. "Yes dad."
Zephyr's jaw tightened. He ignored the barb, however, and merely turned his back on the small group before proceeding down the hall at a jog, still hoping to get to his class before eight.
Jim led the way into their classroom. He was unsurprised to find Gru at the front of their half of the gymnasium, and the second years grouped together near him. What did surprise him, however, was the bunch of third years hanging out on the sidelines beside what appeared to be a brain with eyes encased in a clear jar on top of a robotic body.
"Good morning, students. Unless you do not want a good morning, in which case I say bad morning to you instead." Gue opened class in his usual unique fashion. "Today we shall be practicing with something a little larger than handguns. I shall be instructing you on hand cannons. That is hand cannons, not head cannons. We have tried that before, it does not go well. Very messy."
"As for my class," the brain spoke up. "You will be calculating several factors based on the information your scanners give you. Keep an eye on them, you will be expected to record the data, calculate the projectile's force and momentum, the amount of power needed to achieve that trajectory, as well as if the actual collusion was the result you expected."
Gru clasped his hand behind his back. "Second years, I want you to pay no attention to those other students. They are irrelevant to your mission of blowing things up. Now. Come. We shall head to the field!"
