It was well known Kaiser was stern, unwilling to lose, and at times willing to take drastic measures. Any one of these traits made for an interesting person but it was the combination of these three along with his own unique blend of personality and the contacts that came with his position as the commander of a scholarship Senshado that created such frightening rumors that circulated him and his peers.

It was this exact blend mixed with the dual slights of attempting to escape him during the espionage escapade and their unpleasant meeting. St. Gloriana had wanted to bruise their pride, humble them, that mistaken wish of theirs led to his latest and perhaps most audacious plan to yet to rectify this. The first step was finding extra funding.

He had squeezed what he could from the school board and its treasurer with the excuse of it being pertinent to the finals. There wasn't much resistance after that. Not having lost himself to his vendetta however he could only allocate so much to his plan while the rest was requisitioned for the team. The final scraps that allowed him to purchase what he needed were from the sale of their now-decommissioned Pz sfl IVc.

It took haggling and finding the right buyers but the vehicle was dissected for parts and sold individually. The Panzer IV chassis was sold to Blue Division High School to construct their own for cheap and the 88mm gun to Anzio in a private call for their own experimental project. The remaining odds and ends were then sold to museums for their own reconstructions or showrooms. With this, he had just enough to purchase the largest asset for the operation.

"You bought a what!?" asked Knight, staring at the vehicle behind Kaiser. Next to the two, O'Diveley was inspecting it with a gleam in his eye as he listened in.

"A submarine, well a small submersible to be exact."

"Looks more like a torpedo with three seats" quipped O'Diveley as he hopped atop the machinery.

"A human torpedo could also be a proper term" nodded Kaiser.

"How did you get the approval for this?!" asked Knight in shock.

Kaiser raised a brow, showing an expression that seemed to ask if he really thought such a thing was impossible for him. Despite it obviously was not, Kaiser obliged the question. "I kept this operation and its assets to very few due to its clandestine nature. I went to Virtanen and the school principal. The latter took little to persuade as my record is flawless. The former granted emergency approval."

Knight stared for a moment at Kaiser as a small grin rested on his face. He had begun to think it was nice his superior had started to smile more but now he could tell the difference between the slight variations of his grins. "You forced him to agree didn't you?" asked Knight in awe.

"I'd never force anyone to do anything" replied Kaiser as his smirk widened.

"You're lying! You- Wait, if this is so secret why are you telling me and Divs?"

Knight's epiphany and sudden caution were well warranted as Kaiser turned to him and his grin blossomed into a deceivingly charming smile. "Because you two are coming with me of course."

Knights skin bristled at the words as he turned to leave without a word only to not move an inch as he felt a strong grasp on his collar. Despite being slightly taller than Kaiser, as he looked down at his commander, he felt an overwhelming pressure.

"W-why do I have to go!"

"Because I said"

"There must, no has to be someone better qualified!"

"True, we have one other transfer from Gloriana in the team but they weren't even in the starting lineup for their Senshado team. You on the other hand were on good terms with Orange Pekoe and navigated the school easily when you joined us to leave. Your attendance is necessary and non-negotiable."

Knight trembled as he quietly pouted. The frustration of having nothing to say against the logic and the fear of being underwater on such an untrustworthy-looking device forced his old shaky habits to show.

Kaiser sighed at the small display. I don't want to go either, I hate water in fact, and hate being under it even more. But I've spoken with someone trained with this machine and I know how to use it. Being on this will be the shortest part of the operation alright?"

"Suddenly I'm not feeling alright" moped Knight.

"You could try being more like DIvs over there, he's practically drooling to give this a run" suggested Kaiser.

"Only for one reason!" Shouted O'Diveley. "I wanna give those preppy snobs what's coming to them. And if I get the chance before we whip them in our match, all the better."

"Let me reiterate that this is a covert op."

"Oh I got a few ideas."

"So long as you stay with the plan" warned Kaiser as O'Diveley flapped a nonchalant hand. "Now you know why he's coming along."

"Is there absolutely no one else? What about Virtanen?"

"He'd drown" answered Kaiser blatantly.

"And I won't?! What about Sokolov?!

"He's not the spying type. I mean he can barely hold a conversation before losing interest."

"What about the Prokovs? Natalya and Valerya? Aren't they close enough for you to trust with this?"

Kaiser's immediate replies ceased at the question, a short hesitation as his eyes widened a fraction. Breaking eye contact he replied. "Valerya isn't capable of strenuous tasks and Natalya" Kaiser let a heavy sigh out. "Just accept you're the best man for the job. Like I said there's no getting out of this. I'll give you the details later. Be prepared and brush up on your swimming.

Kaiser left Knight to mope a little longer as he glanced at the submersible. Thankfully his junior was more worried about his attendance than his aversion to the topic. In reality, Kaiser was fearful the mission would get sidetracked if she was brought along. Close quarters and sneaking around. He trusted her but couldn't trust her not to take advantage of the situation either. Especially as Valerya seemed to be coaxing her lately.

His mind recalled the sensation of that day. The dry heat, cold night, and soft warmth that his skin felt. Shaking the thoughts out of his head, he couldn't believe his mind was being distracted by that for the umpteenth time since. Soon it would be time for action and seeing who he was taking with, he had to be extra careful.

-Four days later-

Small research vessel deployed from the Transcendence.

Kaiser, Knight, and O'Diveley stood on the deck of the small school research vessel. The boat's purpose was intended for naval studies students and their marine biology program. Yet with approval from the principal, Virtanen, a generous recommendation from his new friend in the aviation studies, and a slight immission of specifics to others, Kaiser had procured close relations with the naval students and teachers.

The boys and their unusual transportation that was rigged to the small boat were given a free ride with the small caveat of not disrupting their hosts and the class. Yet as the three sat in wetsuits, idly chatting with bags at their feet and the submersible drifting in tandem with the boat, even the hosting professor couldn't help but gaze curiously let alone the students.

Enjoying the clear sky and gentle breeze on their faces, Knight attempted to force himself into calm as O'Diveley picked at his suit, stating his discomfort and surprise with Kaiser in a laugh. "Getting close to having the whole school at your disposal aren't ya?"

Knight, fighting to sound calm, voiced his concern at the very prospect. "No offense but that thought terrifies me."

"Afraid there'll be no one to save you from these 'daring' missions' snided O'Diveley.

"Yes" answered Knight bluntly, feeling no embarrassment at the obvious.

As time was running short, Kaiser interrupted them by giving one last debrief.

"Enough squirming. Naval Studies was nice enough to taxi us here and even kindly offered us a pick-up so long as we get back on time. Gloriana's ship is slowly cruising in nearby waters for the time being, their course has them essentially circling the area. Our hosts here will retrieve us when their courses are at their closest interception."

Just then a female leaned out from the porthole on the second deck calling down to them. "Hey, boys! If you're gonna go, you better go now! You're 'target's North, NorthWest, bearing 340 degrees and on course 120 degrees."

Kaiser waved his thanks at the girl who smiled before slipping back into the cabin before turning to his peers. "You heard her, mount up we've got no time to lose."

Knight was the first to board as Kaiser and O'Diveley lowered the craft into the water by its hoisting cables. Once released, the two clambered down a rope ladder and boarded the vehicle. A teacher then came over to pull up the ladder.

"You boys be safe alright? You have that emergency transponder in case something goes wrong?"

Kaiser patted a square back strapped to the craft. "Primed and ready. You've reminded the other students to keep their phones away and lips shut right?"

"Bit of crude speech there but yes. Their phones are locked away for the day's class and we have no internet as we'll be observing local populations. Be sure to return on time, we have a schedule to keep."

"Will do, see you then," answered Kaiser nonchalantly as the submersible started quietly and propelled away.

The teacher watched as the craft continued on the surface as the boys attached their masks and slowly dived just beneath the surface of the water as they sailed to intercept the St. Gloriana. As the older man watched the three boys go under he shook his head with a chuckle. "Ahh, kids. Always looking for a thrill."

Eventually, with some slight corrections to their course, the boys came upon the port side of the St. Gloriana school ship. The small submersible approached at an angle, intercepting the moving ship and magnetically locking itself to the aft port side. Here the vehicle would be hidden from view due to the ship's flare obstructing any view from lower decks. Along with this was the hope that the ship's modern systems wouldn't notice the extra weight and drag introduced by their vehicle's presence.

Just above the boy's position was an open deck with capstans for docking. Though it took two tries, they were able to fire a rope up and lock it onto the railing. Climbing up one after another, with Knight almost falling into the sea below, the three caught a relieved breath when they clambered over and onto the solid steel deck.

As O'Diveley checked in on Knight, Kaiser stepped to the hatch and gently pulled the locking lever up. It was unlocked as the mole had promised. Turning to his compatriots, he nodded. "We're in business get dressed" he ordered pointing at the bags they had brought up.

Unzipping their wetsuits and opening the bags, the boys dried off with small towels and began sliding on pristine copies of the male Senshado uniforms. Black dress shoes, polished to a shine with light blue slacks, white button-ups, black ties, and a navy blue sweater atop it with the school's teapot logo.

"Awfully comfy, maybe we should take a similar design" lamented O'Diveley as Kaiser tossed something at Knight and began styling his hair.

"What's this?" asked Knight looking over the blonde wig in his hands.

"Your disguise" answered Kaiser as he made a mess of his hair changing it from the usual clean-cut style. With the unexpected length of his brown hair, he partially obstructed his eyes and gave off a reserved, introverted impression. Yet as he explained to Knight his usual domineering tone contrasted it sharply.

"Everyone here saw me and I've been making a name for myself amongst the sport, unfortunately. You attended this school and I'm sure more people knew of you than you care to admit, especially since you made it onto their Senshado team.

"But I-"

"Regardless of whether or not you were kicked off, benched, whatever, that's more than enough to get noticed. I've done enough sneaking to know eyes are on you at all times. Once we step through that hatch, Divs disappears, I'm an introvert, and you're gonna pick a personality and stick to it. Got it?"

Knight's brain seemed to have crashed yet he nodded instinctually. "Good. Divs, you know you're assignment right?"

"Believe it or not sir, I'm quite qualified at sneaking into places I don't belong. I'll do my part and hopefully have even better news for you when I'm done."

Kaiser snickered. "We'll see about that. You know when to return here don't be late."

O'Diveley waved his hand uncaringly. "I should say that to you. Hopefully Knight there doesn't get nostalgic and stay overstay our welcome." With that O'Diveley stepped through the hatch and went off to complete his enigmatic tasks.

"What's he mean?" asked Knight.

"You're with me. We'll be doing the groundwork for this operation." Kaiser grimaced and adjusted Knight's wig slightly. "Got your new personality?" he demanded.

"Huh?"

Kaiser coughed and fiddled with his hair, showing a sharp glare from beneath the strands.

"I-I mean yes!" replied Knight stiffly.

Taking a deep breath, Kaiser's tone suddenly shifted. He now sounded unsure and timid, a completely unexpected performance to Knight. "Good… let's go."

Past the hatch their first test came in the form of two girls wearing pristine naval uniforms. As the two approached the boys, they gave small gestures of elegant waves. Kaiser retreated behind Knight, playing to his new persona as Knight faltered. Averting his eyes and giving a weak wave, the two came off as intimidated and shy.

The girls passed by with smiles and giggling as they walked down the hall. Once they were gone, Kaiser grabbed Knight by the shoulder and demanded an explanation. "What the hell was that?"

"I panicked! You did it too!"

"I don't know the customs and courtesy here and was following your lead, hence me pretending to by introverted. This doesn't work if you don't use that faulty head of yours!" hissed Kaiser.

Sensing his anger, Knight gave in, fearing his commander's wrath back at home as opposed to the discomfort of sneaking among his old classmates. "Okay, okay! I'll try to act more natural."

Kaiser shook his head and shoved Knight to continue while grumbling. "I never should've listened to Frost requesting your attendance."

"Wait what?" asked Knight.

Rather than play innocent, Kaiser doubled down. "Don't act like you don't know. Your girlfriend harps on about you in more ways than one. Doesn't help others see talent in you."

"Does that include you-"

"The. Mission." Grit Kaiser through his teeth.

"Right! Right!"

With the short time limit on hand, no further time was wasted as the boys set about reaching the top deck. As sunlight hit their faces Knight directed Kaiser to the school proper. Despite it being school hours, it wasn't too unusual for a pair of students to be walking about as the ship itself was used to educate the students.

Within the bag Kaiser carried were pieces of more modern technology that he had procured. O'Diveley himself had taken a drone and was surveying the school's training grounds for whatever vehicles and tactics may be in use if they were lucky enough. For Knight and himself, a small parabolic microphone and thermal camera. Along with personal reconnaissance, these would hopefully prove handy in gathering harder-to-reach information.

Unfortunately probing students and Gloriana Senshado team members may raise an alarm so the first order of business was to retrieve a dead drop. Trying their best to appear as unknown and unnoticeable males, the two entered the hornet's nest.

A few glances from female students left the hair on their necks standing for a short tenure as a couple of males seemed confused at their unusual faces. A heart attack was near experienced as A teacher stopped them in the hall.

"Where are you two going?" asked a woman wearing a pair of cream-colored pencil skirt and blouse.

Knight felt his heart jump into his throat as he glanced at Kaiser who, just under his new bangs, sent a sharp glance back at him. Turning around, Knight placed a hand on his chest and bowed slightly. "Afternoon Ma'am. We were just heading to the school supply office. My friend here needs a new pair of overalls."

With a suspicious raise of her eyebrow, she looked at Kaiser. "Is that so? And what happened to your issued pair?"

With a flawless act, Kaiser mimicked Knight's gesture and intentionally stuttered as he answered. "I-I was repairing one of the school's logistical vehicles, using an acetylene torch to loosen a bracket when the slag fell atop me and melted a hole… I don't mean to be an inconvenience."

The teacher turned her nose at them, scrutinizing their explanation with a lingering look at Knight. "Very well, be on your way then."

Simultaneously the boys said "Thank you Ma'am" with another bow. Following Knights' lead, Kaiser and he watched the teacher take a few steps away before they turned and went their way.

Unwilling to pique the teacher's curiosity in case she turned around, the boys spoke to each other in hushed words as they looked ahead.

"I can't believe how well you played that off" commented Knight,

"I almost want to hit myself" quipped Kaiser, distasteful at how he had to pretend to be feeble.

"Still, to fool Ms. Withers isn't an easy thing."

"We almost didn't" rebuked Kaiser. "She looked like she was a second away from recognizing you judging by that stare of hers."

The statement sent a shiver up Knight's spine as he remembered the dissective stare she had given him. He twiddled a strand of blonde wig in his fingers, thankful Kaiser had the foresight to bring it. Finally, the boys found reprieve in one of the few safe havens within St. Gloriana. The boy's bathroom.

Within lay an ornately decorated restroom that one could expect no less of Gloriana. AS Knight stood near the doorway keeping an eye out, Kaiser went to each stall and opened each door, ensuring there was no one else. Thankfully St. Gloriana's students were infamous for their dutiful habits and the two were alone.

Kaiser stepped towards the second faucet from the far wall and reached underneath its left side. The sound of duct tape ripping briefly came as he pulled out a small square envelope. Without hesitation, Kaiser slid the creased paper into his pocket and ushered Knight to follow. "We'll take a look somewhere it will be less suspicious for us to be reading."

The two then circumnavigated the school halls, being sure to avoid any path they had already taken so as to not run into anyone twice while also avoiding any of the Senshado team's more prominent areas. Eventually, the two settled into the school courtyard momentarily.

A couple of classes had taken to private study and an art class outside for the day, leaving two more students discussing the contents of some crumpled paper innocuous enough. Despite the assurance that they wouldn't draw any eyes, Kaiser kept the paper close to his chest as he read.

Knight fought to nonchalantly glance but had no luck when Kaiser thought aloud. "So that's how it is…"

"What? What's going on? Who even delivered this?" asked Knight in anticipation.

Folding the paper again and pocketing it once more, Kaiser explained while keeping an observant eye out. "Paper had plausible info on Gloriana's latest purchases and team composition. Though nothing solid to present. So we need to dig deeper."

Kaiser then pointed out to the classes doing their work before them. An all too familiar scene lay before Knight. Whereas one would assume friends or even cliques would join together for such a leisurely activity, it seemed a sense of classism was instilled. The girls, senior students of the prestigious school sat in large circles animatedly talking and exchanging mannerisms.

Whereas the boys, the newest introduction aside from freshman, lay in small clusters of two or three or even by themselves off to the side with more determined looks of performance class-wise.

As the two infiltrators observed, Kaiser shrugged. "There are many of the boys here who are disgruntled if not downright disillusioned that the "girls college of beauties" isn't the haven of women they imagined. Fewer still feel no loyalty and want some of the more prominent girls to have their comeuppance. Such as Darjeeling."

Knight turned in surprise. He had attended the school himself but never thought outside of his personal experience. He understood how they felt. Pressured, and constantly watched, as if they had to prove their worth despite already attending the same classes. To them, it was an all-new environment in every sense. "How did you get in contact with them?"

"I, initially didn't. Anna and her team did. Acting anonymously, the boys left the information for an unnamed individual to pick up in hopes that it would rectify what they felt to be unjust treatment. Even at the risk of possible expulsion."

"That severe?"

Kaiser nodded. "Of course without confirmation it's from them, it could be a plant, or even a setup if Gloriana got word but I doubt that."

"Why?"

"I feel that if Assam had caught wind of me she'd be turning the ship upside down to apprehend me in person."

Knight let a somber chuckle out. "That sounds about right. But, how do we know none of our students on Transcendence won't feel the same way towards us?"

"I took a book out of Maho and Nonna's books for counter-espionage prevention. Frankly, I made the punishments too extreme to be worthwhile to any student. It took some leveraging against the school staff but they eventually came to reason."

Knight felt a slight tension in his stomach at the casual implication that his schoolmate held enough clout to change school doctrine so simply but soon forgot his unease as Kaiser stood and took off.

"We've sat long enough, we have two more drops then we'll have an idea of where and what to dig through."

-Chapter End-