An hour after the Match ended, the disabled vehicles had been mounted and shipped back to their ships. The last disabled vehicle, the Pershing, was loaded, Transcendence's surviving Panther and Tiger proudly drove themselves before the crowd. Cheers and congratulations came from the locals as they shook hands with the students who leaned out of their hatches.
Saunders had set up a treat as their school marching band sat in hastily made bleachers and began playing music. It was most likely intended for their own victory but regardless they played on cheerfully. The Panther and Tiger even had the honor of driving by as they played "As The Army Goes Rolling Along". Saunders even went an extra mile for their sister ship by preparing a large barbecue for all attendees present. Both schools representatives met onstage, shaking hands and exchanging short words as celebrations began in earnest.
Kaiser silently observed the festivities with a simple bottle of coke which was fervently pushed onto him by a bubbly Saunders student. Students chatted away as dusk began to set while small lights and fires were sparking up to prolong the occasion. Everyone was enjoying themselves yet he felt restless.
'Perhaps I should just head back to the ship' he contemplated. 'There's always more work' he reasoned. A glance at his Tiger showed local children playing on it as his crew ate and spoke with their parents. Westhoffen was trying his luck with a young mother or two. 'That's out' he dismissed realizing his only other transport was the train that wouldn't leave until later. Aimlessly wandering, he felt a vibration in his pocket. Pulling out his phone he read a short text and made his way to the now-abandoned stage.
He was intercepted by the Frost sister instead. "YOU!" She scolded.
"I believe it's pronounced Sir". he sighed.
"Oh! Er- Well then Sir, Alex is even worse than before and you're going to correct it!" she demanded, grabbing him by the arm and pulling to no avail. Seeing her exert herself so heavily, he sighed again before allowing himself to be pulled along. They soon came upon a dreary-looking sight. Knight was poking at his plate of ribs half-heartedly, deep in his thoughts. Frost's grip went weak as she looked on.
Without further coercion, Kaiser sat next to Knight. "What's eating at you?" He asked. Knight jumped to attention, surprised and nearly spilling his plate had it not been for Kaiser catching it. "At ease," said Kaiser as he took off a glove and began to eat a rib off the plate.
Confused, Knight slowly sat down and hesitated before speaking as he glanced at his commander wiping his hands. " Sir, I failed the task you gave me, Completely. I failed to disable the enemy commander's vehicle. I couldn't protect Colonel Virtanen and even worse I was disabled myself". Kaiser hummed as he listened, placing the plate on Knight's lap.
"Really now? As far as I'm concerned you fulfilled my orders completely." Knight gave a doubting glance as he continued. "You successfully disabled her entourage and routed her, even keeping her on defense. You prevented her from providing support to her team and once Virtanen was on his own you assisted in the defeat of Arisa as well as prolonging the Pershing from gaining a kill on both you and Virtanen.
Knight gave an abashed grin at the hindsight but kept his gaze low at the ground. Kaiser placed a hand on his shoulder. "Not all orders can be completed flawlessly. At the least, the core objective needs to be completed and you did just that." Putting his glove back on, he stood to take his leave. "For a first-time commander, you performed adequately Knight."
Knight's gaze was still averted but his smile was apparent in the nearby fire's glow. "Thank you, sir," Knight said meekly as he began to eat with vigor.
As Kaiser left he saw Frost smiling behind clasped hands. She looked charming as the fire made her white hair and skin seemingly glow. Kaiser leaned towards her as he passed. "Now's your chance" he whispered tauntingly. In the moment he looked her face turned as red as the flames illuminating it. Kaiser didn't watch any longer, he could hear her flustered footsteps approach Knight.
Passing by he saw his peers enjoying their youth, as always some more than others. The fatherly feeling Kaiser felt watching his peers was interrupted. To his left, a group of adults was cheering on O'Diveley as he began chugging a drink. Sokolov was vehemently trying to escape but O'Diveley wished to spread the love and opened Sokolov's mouth to force the rest of the drink into his gullet.
As Sokolov heaved, O'Diveley was carried by his new entourage, making their way towards him. Kaiser averted his face from the rambunctious group as they uncaringly bumped past those around them, even knocking someone into himself who he helped steady with a hand.
Gagging, Sokolov ran to Kaiser. "Done with that?" he asked pointing at Kaiser's bottle.
"Have at it" Kaiser said, offering the bottle by its neck. Sokolov emptied the bottle before raising a thumb in the air and closing one eye. Quickly he tossed the bottle and a loud smashing sound was heard as it impacted with the back of O'Diveleys skull. Amongst the merriment no one noticed the unconscious boy being carried along.
"Thank you, sir," said Sokolov as he jogged to retrieve his unconscious companion.
A voice near him spoke up. "Um…..Sir?"
Looking down, Kaiser saw the surprised face of Natalya. She was the one knocked into him and he was still holding a hand on her shoulder. Retracting his arm Kaiser gave a hesitant "Oh." Natalya cocked her head in curiosity with a raised brow.
"I suppose now is an appropriate time, I am sorry Prokov." apologized Kaiser with the nod of his head.
"Sir?" asked Natalya confused.
Kaiser removed his cap and ran an awkward hand through his hair. "Though I didn't think I would be able to keep my promise indefinitely, I didn't expect to fail our first match. I said I wouldn't abandon you and yet I left you at your most vulnerable on the field. I'm sorry"
Natalya brought a hand to her chest, surprised at his words. They were in his usual indifferent tone but he was once again oddly sincere. She was more so shocked he remembered his words and showed remorse at them. Despite it being only a week or so she thought it was just wordplay.
Kaiser had expected her to shout, to voice her knowledge of his failure. Instead, a warm hand placed itself on his cheek. Looking up he saw Natalya's smile. "Thank you, you kept your promise to the finest detail, I trust you."
She did after all remember his words verbatim. 'I promise I won't betray you, I can't afford to lose someone as valuable as you". Her cheeks burned a bit, it was surely just the glow of the fire, she was sure.
"Besides" she leaned in to whisper. "I heard from your team that you were injured right after I detached." She tapped his loose jacket draped on his shoulders injured limb beneath.
Kaiser tried to defend his statement. "It was my mistake" he reassured.
"May I see?" She asked. With a nod and a glance around, Kaiser slid off his jacket's right side. She couldn't see past the bandaging that had been hastily applied but ran her fingers across the appendage. "Why haven't you been seen for it?"
"Waiting to get on ship" he answered. Deep in thought, she stared at the white cloth with responding. Clearing his throat Kaiser interrupted her. "It still hurts you know".
Surprised, Natalya looked up into his eyes apologetically as the sound of a camera's shutter drew their attention. The culprit was none other than Valerya, holding her cell phone with a devilish grin. Luckily she couldn't see his bandages from the angle.
"Whoops~ must've forgotten the sound," she said, her expression all too telling of her lie.
Kaiser glanced at the troublemaker putting his jacket back on. A sinister tone came about him. "If I find out that you're the one behind that new gossip blog, may God help you" He warned.
Valerya flicked her wrist back and forth sassily dismissing the idea. "Perish the thought," she said. "Besides this is more of leverage against sis than you" she teased with a wry grin.
"A single photo isn't enough to cause a misunderstanding" huffed Natalya crossing her arms. "Oh? What about pictures and a dimly lit video without audio?" asked Valerya rhetorically swiping through her phone to reveal the photo and a peek of said video.
Natalya lashed at her sister succumbing to the taunt. "Dammit Val give me that!" she shouted, grasping for the phone.
Despite being shorter Valerya's agility kept it away "It's my property" teased the younger sibling. " I have the higher rank anyways so I order you to stop~"
"I'm your elder and I'm warning you!" retorted Natalya.
"Hmm, doesn't count were in the same grade after all" teased Valerya, dancing away from her sister's grasp.
Seeing his opportunity to exit, Kaiser quietly slipped away towards the now-empty stage at the outskirts of the festivities. Past its wooden platform, he walked to see his old acquaintance. Kay leaned against the stage supports, gazing at the sky as he approached.
"You wanted to see me?" he asked, raising his phone.
"Well… yes but first things first." She said, gesturing to her side. Kaiser saw a figure that had been sitting behind Kay rise up, their height dwarfing her. It was Naomi emerging with an impetuous look on her face.
Kaiser raised a brow as he spoke to kay. "Am I being jumped now?" he asked sarcastically. When no reply came he thought it may just be as Naomi seemingly steeled herself as she strode towards him, looking into his eyes. He knew she was used to towering over her peers, seeing him standing there lax, returning her intensity with a softer gaze of disinterest must've been new to her. Despite the stern features on her face, he could just make out a tinge of red on her freckled cheeks amidst the dull light.
"You" she spat, hesitating to speak more. "-Have shown you're capable. Perhaps as much as Kay says. And. I'm sorry" she said her words turning quiet.
Kaiser glanced at Kay who simply grinned. As Naomi spoke her eyes shyly averted themselves. Letting a short pause commence to ensure she was done, he responded. "Well thank you. You were impressive yourself. Even as foes I could feel your skill and Leadership. It left quite a mark on me. I must ask, however, what brought this all on?"
As Naomi grit her teeth, pouting at her position of apologizing, Kaiser felt reminiscent, as if speaking to one of his younger sisters. He clarified a bit to ease the question. "In regards to your inherent dislike of me. I'm not liked by many but usually, they get to know me first." he jested.
Naomi took a calming breath before darting back to her usual self. Calm and composed albeit much mouthier now. With a new tenacity behind her gaze, she vented her reasoning. "For the longest Kay would only talk about that summer camp and you!" she groaned.
Though not breaking eye contact, Kaiser could see Kay behind Naomi, fervently crossing her arms and shaking her head. Naomi continued her tirade despite Kay eventually trying to get her attention.
Not satisfied Naomi pressed on. "And then you strut around on our ship acting as if you've been friends longer than me! It was frustrating as if you were gonna take her away!" The confession was clearly unexpected as silence quickly set.
Kay had stopped trying to attract her attention, looking on sadly at not knowing. Kaiser and Naomi maintained eye contact, the lack of sound and movement only reinforced Naomi's confidence.
"What on earth are you going on about?" Kaiser asked with a cocked head and half-lidded eyes.
Naomi was stunned by his response. "W-what?"
"This little show you put on" Kaiser replied leaning forward. "I'm flattered you think I'm capable but I don't think Kay would be joining me or my school"
Kay stepped between the two trying to edge in her own words. "Now that I think about it Adam and I-"
"Kaiser" he interrupted.
Ignoring him Kay proceeded. "This isn't the first time this kind of misunderstanding happened is it?"
Kaiser rolled his eyes upon remembering the event. "We were extremely competitive with each other. All of our college student instructors were trying to play cupid" He scoffed.
Kay held her stomach, chuckling at the memory. "Perhaps that's why we were always on a team or perhaps you personally asked?" she taunted elbowing him.
"Regrettably I did the first time. I knew nothing of the sport so I tried to learn. Little did I know it would trap me with you…"
"Eh?" Kay sounded surprised at the revelation. "It wasn't that bad besides you ended up being on par with me by the end of camp". She leaned in and began poking his cheek giving a challenging glare. "Don't pretend it wasn't fun competing".
Kaiser snatched her hand away. "That attitude of yours is exactly why I knew you wouldn't refuse a challenge if I showed up." He replied returning with a sly grin.
Naomi was blindsided by the sudden shift to a friendly atmosphere. She couldn't help but ask. "Is this really just competition? What exactly are you two?"
Kaiser turned to Naomi. "Acquaintances," he said firmly.
As Naomi processed his words, Kay jumped up wrapping an arm around both their heads, leaving her feet to dangle in the air.
"Could you not" requested Kaiser gruffly.
Naomi made to agree before noticing his jacket shift and the bandaging beneath. She felt a pang of guilt. Had she actually hated someone for nothing other than petty jealousy?
Noticing Naomi's silence, Kaiser and Kay turned to her. "Sorry," she said once more. With a quick apology, Naomi walked away leaving Kay hanging onto Kaiser by an arm. The two peeked around the stage, watching as she beelined to her peers.
"She seriously sees you as a sister, huh?" asked Kaiser.
Kay nodded gently. "What can I say? When everyone thought she could handle her own, I was there for her. Even her own older sister left her to her own devices. She's not so simple that you can understand her at a glance. Not that you try" retorted Kay, sarcastically rolling her eyes with a grin.
"I beg to differ" disagreed Kaiser. "That aside, shouldn't you go after her?" He asked.
Kay shook her head. "No, she just needs time to cool off. Besides I'm not the only one who understands her anymore."
FollowingKay's eye's he saw Arisa run to Naomi with food, drinks, and a warm smile, accompanied by peers to bring her into the festivities.
"I see," said Kaiser. "That said, can I put you down now?" He asked glancing at her as she remained hanging onto him.
"Why so shy all of a sudden? She teased.
"I'll drop you on your head you know" he threatened.
Kay stuck her tongue out as he lowered her. The two quietly observed each other. Kaiser looked down at the blonde head of hair aglow in the moonlight knowing of the daring and fun-loving personality behind it. Kay looked up at his stern and indifferent expression, whatever she saw that was so amusing eluded him.
Kaiser broke the silence first. "I take it your little brother and sister are fine?
Kay gave a vigorous thumbs up at his question. "Your younger siblings?" she asked stretching.
"Unfortunately all four of them are still causing my parents headaches". He quipped.
"I know, your mom tells me from time to time" boasted Kay.
"How… did you get my mother's number?"
"End of camp, she was ecstatic to trade numbers" she laughed.
Kaiser shook his head, it was a believable tale. "Speaking of, I'll assume that's where you got my number. You bombarded me with texts mid-match after all. I'm surprised you weren't defeated sooner" he jibed.
Kay gave a light jab at his shoulder. "Sheesh, you were the one who suggested we stay in contact during the match. And who could blame me, I was curious as to how you were fairing with Naomi. I thought it best if you two faced off."
Kaiser's cocked his head at her comment. "I thought it was overtly suspicious you would ask where I was heading. You're not the type to abuse your 'friendships' for gain let alone a friendly scrimmage."
Kay puffed her chest at the compliment. "Of course not" she reassured with a wave of a hand. "Although I didn't think you would hold out so well."
"You shouldn't underestimate me, Kay, we did work together not too long ago" he deadpanned.
Kay shrugged raising her hands in indifference. "Well, everything worked out fine. Now my school knows you aren't to be trifled with."
"Is that the famed bragging of me Naomi spoke of?" taunted Kaiser.
Kay cast a sharp glance at Kaiser as she leaned to one side and took on a calm and sultry tone. "You wish it was, I was speaking of your school. I warned my team but hubris got them in the end" she explained dragging a teasing finger across his jacket.
"I'd be more inclined to believe you if you hadn't been embarrassed when Naomi was here" reflected Kaiser as he flicked her nose lightly. "You've gotten better at your poker face, however".
Kay wrinkled her nose before rubbing her head. "Ehe, well I did warn them you'd be a threat, and look where that got us. It's a good thing everyone had fun in the end." the momentary lapse in her calm demeanor was gone as she returned to her rarely seen competitive side.
Kay was perhaps the one peer he had met with the least over time but he had learned during such that she was fiercely competitive. Fun was always the priority but she never backed down against him. He found it admirable.
He was thankful she acted more composed in private. "Still though, the prestigious Saunders defeated by a startup academy? It's almost heartbreaking" he taunted.
Kay's eye's sharpened at the remark. Perhaps I shouldn't have gone easy."
Kaiser returned the challenging glare with his own. "That would imply you had some skill left to throw into the match. Allow me to apologize for ending your little comeback at the end. But I have a few cadets that I can't let you run into the dirt."
"I assume it's that shaky boy? Knight wasn't it?" she asked.
Kaiser nodded. "His confidence was supposed to be reinforced with his performance in this match but in the end, he was defeated. So I needed to stop you before it became a one on one. My risk of leaving him to command alone was almost for nothing".
"That so? With those books you were sneaking out from Saunders I figured you'd have plenty of leeway." Kaiser glanced at her seeing her bright blue eyes glinting cheekily at him in the moonlight.
"So you did notice" he commented.
"Wasn't hard seeing as how I've filled most of the recent ones out myself" she confirmed. "It's almost as if you were afraid of little~old~me."
Taking a step forward with each word, she stared into Kaiser's eyes. Her Knowing attitude irked him. He leaned forward inches away from her face. "Always playing the spirited party girl. I know you take this sport as seriously as I or any other commander out there only difference is I won't be cowed by you."
Kay's smile returned as she leaned back. Playfully swaying as she paced in a small circle. "Half true Adam. I am serious about this sport, but my juniors are more important. If I can enrich their lives while teaching them to have fun then I'm okay with losing once in a while. Especially if my foe learns from it as well. I hope you learned something too." Her signature smile was back but held traces of her competitive persona.
"Perhaps, just try not to act like you did when we first met alright?" Kaiser quickly changes the subject not wanting to broach the topic of personal philosophy. It had landed him in hot water before."Already half of my team fears you".
The comment caught Kay off guard. "What?" she asked confused.
"You couldn't imagine the fear on their faces after the match. I heard the tales of how you showed your sadistic side and savagely attacked, showing no mercy." Kaiser raised a hand to his mouth, milking the act. "I had flashbacks to when you would go all out against me at camp".
"Bu- I did no such thing! I was just naturally competing!" She argued.
"So you admit it's second nature to act so brutishly? You're far more terrifying than I imagined" provoked Kaiser.
"T- they don't actually think I'm some brute do they?" she asked worriedly.
"Don't worry your name is sure to strike fear now," he said, continuing his act and refusing to face her. Kay huffed, giving him a shove from behind. Kaiser caught his balance seeing the conversation had turned lighthearted as Kay usually preferred.
"You better be ready to face all of Saunders might this season" declared Kay.
"If you can make it to the finals with us then I'll be sure your defeat is honorable again" he rebutted.
"KAY!" Shouted a few voices from the large crowd surrounding Naomi. Both turned to see a couple of girls running up to them.
"Seems you're needed elsewhere" stated Kaiser.
"Well, then before I head off remember that favor you owe me for accepting the scrimmage?
Kaiser recoiled at the memory. "Yes," he nodded.
Stepping out towards the oncoming students Kay gave a simple demand. "Stay in touch this time"
"Kay" he called after her. As she turned he nodded. "Just don't bug me too much.
In the dim light, she was sure she saw it. "There's that rare smile I saw at the camp." With a brief hug and a wave as she joined her schoolmates in the festivities. The two girls sent to retrieve her giving a slight bow to him as they left.
Kaiser's face instantly relaxed into a more comfortable indifferent expression as he looked to the sky and felt the cold night air. A small vibration brought his eyes to his phone.
It was Kay sending a selfie of herself and another girl. The text read "remember her from the library? She wanted me to thank you for that day. When she ran off from you she got confessed to by another guy! He didn't want to lose to ya and went after her!" the message was followed by a few laughing emojis along with a followup picture of the girl and her newfound lover reading "better luck next time". Kaiser snickered at his phone as he heard a familiar voice.
"You know it's almost like you're trying to get caught".
"I figured You were lurking around. Looking over his shoulder he saw Virtanen approaching with a grin. "You act as if I'm trying to hide something" retorted Kaiser.
"Then why out here away from the crowd?"
"Take a look," said Kaiser gesturing to the growing group around Kay. She attracts attention like bait. She knows I hate that. It was her being considerate while wanting to talk.
Virtanen nodded in understanding. "She's quite amiable. I suppose that's why you were grinning after she left."
"Don't be daft. We have our first recorded win, of course, I am in a pleasant mood responded Kaiser.
"Oh, of course, apologies. How could I mistake your expression as anything but the epitome of delight" quipped Virtanen.
Kaiser began walking, ignoring the jab and ushering his commander to follow. His hands resting behind his head, Virtanen joined.
"I suppose I should preface this by informing you that I already apologized to Arisa. She didn't take kindly to me and with insistence from both sides finally accepted."
Kaiser sighed, shaking his head at the ground. "What did you expect to come of that?"
Virtanen coughed awkwardly. "Anyways, what was that I overheard about you texting Kay during the match?"
Kaiser tossed his phone to Virtanen. Fumbling for it, Virtanen saw it was unlocked for him to read. 'Typical Kaiser, he didn't explain himself, he'd rather just presented the evidence.' he thought. Scrolling through it briefly he found nothing he hadn't expected. Joyful messages from Kay and short replies demanding to be taken seriously by Kaiser.
Virtanen joined Kaiser's side, returning his phone. "Remember when you said you wished we'd have a hard time?" Kaiser hummed in response. "Well, I believe the saying is 'break a leg' not break an arm" he snickered.
He had anticipated his peer to swat at him with his good arm, instead, Kaiser remained stoically silent. Giving a short reply. "This was due to my lapse in awareness. It won't happen again".
Virtanen groaned at the awkward air between them. "This isn't like our old schools. You can't run solo anymore and-"
Kaiser interrupted. "I did it to preserve our victory. We need any and every advantage possible, even at the risk of my health".
Virtanen glanced sympathetically at Kaiser "Even so is it appropriate to manipulate the situation to test Knight?" Kaiser didn't respond. "We agreed that we would train these cadets so that they could lead after us. But on the condition, we both supervised it. At least tell me what you're reasoning behind assigning Knight to attack Kay was for, you promised that much on the train here."
Kaiser stopped, taking a look over at the festivities before turning to Virtanen. "The first reason was to keep a promise with Kay that we would not face each other unless necessary. We wanted to test each other's peers. The second was to use him as bait to lure her out and expedite the end of the match."
"What about helping Knight?" Asked Virtanen.
"An expected result but secondary in purpose" responded Kaiser coldly. "Everything went more or less as I expected."
Virtanen shook his head in distress "Kaiser you can't do this again! You know that! You are not in control."
"You're right, instead I'll help guide everyone as necessary" corrected Kaiser.
"Just like Prokov? Lure them into a comfort zone maybe throw some shots to leverage some answers out of them?"
"Those sisters are rather talkative aren't they".
"Of course they are! They want to reciprocate your kindness but instead you act closed off. As if everything's just business."
"I've done nothing wrong," asserted Kaiser. "Despite some manipulation, the end justifies the means. Or do you think that half-hearted attempts will gain us victory?"
"People aren't tools Kaiser. For heaven's sake, we're High schoolers. Just because you're more mature doesn't mean others can comprehend what you're doing!" argued Virtanen.
Their dispute went unnoticed by the crowds. The ambient singing and talking dully hummed around them as an intense glare settled between them.
"Perhaps they can't comprehend me or my decisions but what I do makes our job easier don't you agree?" It was clearly rhetorical, both knew the answer. "For tonight let's agree to disagree. We have bigger challenges to face rather than a small moral dilemma between two old guards."
"Then promise me no lies" demanded Virtanen.
"We have mutual respect whether it be low or high. I do not need to hide anything" reasoned Kaiser. "Besides I know you won't stop me if it meant endangering your chances of success Virtanen."
Virtanen stood still, gripping his knuckles white, not disputing the claim. "You don't have to be like this."
Kaiser returned a look of indifference. "People don't change within years Virtanen let alone days. Remember?"
"Not if they don't try" agreed Virtanen "Less they fail themselves and those around them." he recounted.
Kaiser turned away having no response for his own words thrown back at himself. Familiar faces came to mind as he remembered his failures.
A large glow began to illuminate the boys from a distance. The two glanced to see a large bonfire being erected. All students, Transcendence, and Saunders, along with townsfolk were joining together in wishing for a successful school year.
Virtanen nudged Kaiser. "At least join your fellow students."
Kaiser glanced at him before dismissing the offer. "Perhaps another time." Without another word, Kaiser walked away from the fire's glow until his black uniform meshed into the darkness.
Virtanen sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Always hard to speak to. If only he was the same as before." Virtanen joined the bonfire putting on the best facade he could muster.
-Transition-
The night would wrap up late with some carrying on past midnight. O'diveley went beyond expectations and pulled a small shenanigan, hijacking a retrieval vehicle from Saunders. It was quite the effort to stop him.
Every student present for the match had either caught trains back to their ship or camped outside. The tankery crews of both schools' were kind enough to drape tarps off their vehicles and lend other supplies as they slept inside the armor.
Morning started early and began with both schools loading onto separate trains. Transcendence was the first to take off as the students peered out their windows to see the waves and farewells of the from Saunders, who gave one last gift as they departed.
Their band played "Anchors away" as loudly and energetically as they could until the train carrying their foes was out of earshot.
The entirety of the student body on board soon fell comatose except for a few who remained awake. Kaiser looked around to see across from him Natalya and Valerya sleeping, their heads on each other. To his left was a similar sight. His Radio operator, Katya's long red hair draped across the front of his blouse as she stirred in her sleep. She hadn't realized she dozed off next to him. Gently, he shifted her and made his way to the lead car. Entering the next car he saw Knight and O'Diveleys squads.
O'Divelys squad was spread all about, sleeping wherever. Knights team remained confined to a quarter of the car sleeping peacefully. Kaiser made his way through and over the strewn about bodies to Knight. Said boy was sleeping with his head on Lieutenant Frost's lap.
Across from them, Kaiser saw the sleep-deprived eyes of Damien Frost watching the two with a small grin. Kaiser greeted him with a nod before smacking the back of Knight's head. As Knight instinctually jumped, Kaiser placed a firm hand on his mouth holding the startled boy in place. Kaiser held a finger to his lips and pointed at his gracious pillow provider before mouthing "follow me".
Knight followed Kaiser as Damian Frost struggled to retain his chuckling before nodding to sleep. A stroll through the Carriage containing Virtanen and Sokolov's squads revealed Sokolov and Virtanen were not to be found and were waiting ahead. Kaiser opened the door with Knight behind to see Virtanen sitting in the same pristine carriage with Sokolov at his side.
"Gentleman," said Virtanen, groggily gesturing to their seats. A half-hour of open conversation was held over various topics as they debriefed yesterday's match before the four agreed upon a satisfactory stopping point.
"I would like to wrap this conversation on a new development" added Virtanen."I would like to see Sokolov in the Next match, our first official match that is."
"Understood," said Kaiser. Knight, however, was curious.
"Why not O'Diveley? No offense." Sokolov held a hand up to show there was none taken.
"Upon our deliberation, I believe our defenses were broken too easily despite our attacks shock value" answered Virtanen without hesitation. Knight deflated slightly, remembering his performance.
"Very well" agreed Kaiser. "I believe the discrepancy in your training reports has been dealt with?" He asked Sokolov.
"It has" Sokolov nodded. Virtanen raised a brow at the statement but ignored it as Kaiser assured him it was minor.
"With this, our meeting is over all that's left is personal training for the upcoming Season. Before which, Kaiser, Knight, and I shall depart for the federations drawings to decide who we will compete against."
"What of me and O'Diveley while you're gone?" Asked Sokolov.
"You two will continue practicing with your teams and hold order the day we are absent. Please keep O'Diveley in check," begged Virtanen. Sokolov seemed dissatisfied having to babysit his rambunctious cohort but agreed nonetheless. Sokolov knew there would be no ease of trouble
Clearing his throat Virtanen continued. "Remember to keep grades, Health, and skill up over this next month. We will have Company practice once a week on Saturdays while weekdays will focus on squads and personal crews, Sundays off of course."
The three opposite him nodded and stood to be dismissed. Salutes were exchanged then Knight and Sokolov departed. Kaiser sat across from Virtanen once more. Both removed their Jackets relaxing with loosened ties.
Virtanen slid a small flask from his jacket in hand. "Just coffee" he assured. "Train attendant provided some and I saved a bit. Flask from O'Diveley of course," he said taking a sip.
"So any hopes?" Asked Kaiser.
"Praying that our first opponents are easy and predictable" stated Virtanen. Kaiser nodded understanding the sentiment.
Kaiser decided not to remind Virtanen of the old superstition of jinxing yourself before combat.
-Transition-
The next day the Transcendence was leaving port. Kaiser sat next to Virtanen whilst Knight prepared coffee in their office. As students walked about the schoolyard below The two commanders went about business. The usual scene was only different by sling and few bandages Kaiser now wore. He was due to heal quickly and despite protest was still training at full capacity
"Oh? Look at this" Virtanen announced. A link had been sent from an unknown email. Titled "The Transcendence Daily" the E-mail garnered all threes attention as they leaned closer to the screen
As Virtanen clicked the link within a blog page popped up titled "Transcendence daily" as the email was. Kaiser's face fell into a deeper frown than usual.
"They have a permanent section for us already?!" asked Knight astounded.
"Rather unexpected being this quick isn't it?" Virtanen said scrolling through it.
"Looks like our beloved vice commander is a fan favorite." grinned Virtanen scrolling through the images of Kaiser.
At first glance, it seemed the attention was due to him having defeated Naomi and Kay with his vehicle. At a deeper look it was apparent they were looking to seek out any drama gossip around him. A picture from the train's security cameras had caught the moments Diana Frost had bumped into him on the train ride making it seem like they were embracing at the moment. Just after that cherrypicked image was another of when his RO Katya had fallen asleep on his shoulder.
"I-I had no idea you two were so close," Knight choked awkwardly.
Kaiser ran a hand through his hair in annoyance. "Knight don't be so stupid this News site is more of a tabloid than anything"
"According to this, it's a reliable news source from both Transcendence and Saunders confidants," snickered Virtanen with a sip of his drink. "Boy are the comments mixed on you again. From favorable to straight-up threats. Even got some pics of you with Kay and what not" Virtanen sipped satisfied with himself as Kaiser took the mouse and scrolled.
"Ugh. Why?" Kaiser asked aloud. Despite his grievance at being a center of attention, a grin grew upon his face. "Well look at this".
Virtanen looked at the screen and nearly spit his coffee. The picture showed him in his vehicle's cupola secretly staring at Piper Cartier's rear as she bent over on her tanks turret.
"A Commander's secret admiration?" Kaiser read the picture's title aloud.
Knight took Virtanen's cup from him sparing the mess as Virtanen sputtered to defend himself. "So. An ass-man huh?" shrugged Kaiser cheekily.
Virtanen hid his face "We have to do something about this" he groaned.
Kaiser sighed "I'll see if Sokolov can assist in that. Regrettably we'll have to hold off. There are other matters we need to attend to" he informed.
Knight continued scrolling through the articles hastily erected overnight. He soon came to choke on air. His commanders peered past him to the monitor. On the screen was the video of Kaiser talking to Natalya seemingly intimately, a recording of Frost lying on Knight's lap and Virtanen dancing wildly amongst the crowds around the bonfire namely some Saunders girl. The title this time read "Scandalous Senior Students".
"This may be a bigger problem than we thought" muttered Kaiser. Rubbing his temples.
-End Chapter-