"Awfully bold of 'em to suddenly demand a meeting. Especially after that stunt they pulled" stated O'Diveley, loosening his tie with a cautious glance thrown at Kaiser.
Virtanen snickered. "You can say that again. Caught red-handed and the next day they're sending a request to meet."
"Isn't it a little audacious for those girls?" asked Sokolov.
"From my experience, I'd say it's more daring. They're bolder than prior years from what I've heard but this is strange. Why risk having us aboard?" pondered Knight.
Turning to his companions, Kaiser dismissed the thought. "It's not a risk, they're taking preemptive action. Rather than give us a chance to counter spy, they're going to invite, monitor, assess, then feed us false information before sending us back while preparing to tighten their security."
"Then why the hell did we accept this? And why drag all five of us?" asked O'Diveley.
Kaiser turned to look out the aircraft window. "We won't back down from their obvious gestures nor lose face by seeming impolite. No need to arm any gossipers or dissenters in the Senshado federation. Besides I have a plan to compensate them for their spy stunt. Something that'll show them not to test me."
"You forgot to pretend it wasn't personal" quipped O'Diveley as the other three chuckled.
Silently, Kaiser turned to his peer and tightened his tie until he was hacking for breath. As the group enjoyed the moment, the plane began lurching as it descended towards the large school ship below.
The large ME 323 Gigant transport plane touched its wheels atop Gloriana's airfield with a slight bounce before coming to a stop. A short taxi to the hangar and the female Radioman stood from her seat, waving his hands and signaling the five guests crammed in to unbuckle themselves.
As the five Senshado cadets straightened their uniforms the pilot descended from his cramped cockpit, calling down to them. "Good luck boys, don't get eaten alive out there. I hear St. Gloriana's one of the hardliners with relatively few men aboard. Must be nice to run around huh?"
As always, O'Diveley was the first to respond with his quick chatter. "We'll see about that, you may have to pry me off this ship with this here bird of yours."
The pilot and radioman laughed as Kaiser 'insisted' that he shut up and head to the aircraft front with Sokolov and Knight. Kaiser followed along the tight quarters while Virtanen thanked them.
"We appreciate the ride and transport."
"Don't mention it, pal. Thanks for letting us take out this new toy of ours. The air wings only owned it a week and I finally got to fly it thanks to this little escapade. We even had a little flight test the other day to see who would be the first, though it got delayed due to a mishap I'm sure you know all about."
"All too well" laughed Virtanen. "I'll let the others know but it was Kaiser who requested you be the one to fly us."
The pilot's face seemed surprised as he glanced at Kaiser who was undoing the straps to the two vehicles locked within the plane. "Ya don't say…"
Grinning, Virtanen walked towards Kaiser as he mounted the motorcycle placed behind the small car. "I do. We'll try to make it fast so you're not waiting on us too long Jacob."
Jacob scratched his dark auburn hair as he smiled. "I'll hold ya to that."
Virtanen entered the Kubelwagon as Kaiser started his BMW R75. With a sputter of fuel, a ray of light shone on their faces as the three others finally unlatched and opened the front of the ME 323. The plane's nose opened wide as they lowered a ramp and slowly the box-like car and motorcycle descended the parked plane with a stern group of Gloriana air wing girls watching from the side.
With the vehicles offloaded, Kaiser dismounted and approached the group of locals. He soon returned, his usual semi-scowl apparent. "I've been given the directions by the flight commander over there. We won't have an escort but are expected not to deviate in our route." He exhaled through his nose. "I'm sure they'll have their eyes plastered to us regardless."
With their destination known, they took a moment to once over their uniforms again. O'Diveley was given the most leniency as he wore a simple Garrison cap on his head along with his dress shirt and tie without the coat. His trousers were tucked into his black boots which he reluctantly shined before arriving. While he still wore a medal and a few ribbons it was clear he had no fancy for the ornaments.
Adversely, Sokolov wore his officer cover but the less presentable 'crush cap' version with the same getup as O'Diveley. His explanation when pressed was that he valued comfort and ease of movement despite the irony of him never being active ringing hollow. As for Virtanen, Knight, and Kaiser, the latter wouldn't allow the other two to look any less than their best.
From their freshly pressed covers with the school eagle to the shining calf-high parade boots they wore, their black Senshado uniforms hadn't been scrutinized like this since their first meeting with Saunders. Eppaulettes, cords, belts, ribbons, and medals. All were to be for the obvious show of professionalism that Kaiser intended to deliver.
If only his peer's attitudes would reflect the severity he held in every encounter. The uniforms were pristine but as he looked over his peers, he was less satisfied. O'Diveley had an arm around Sokolov, chatting loudly as his friend nodded along to his nonsense. Knight seemed petrified at the familiar sights around him, judging by the wide eyes he was recalling embarrassing memories from his previous tenure. Virtanen all the while held his usual smile, seemingly at peace with it all.
"Divs, let go of Sokolov and get in the car. Knight, you're driving. Virtanen let's get a move on." With nods, they set on their way.
As the five loaded the two vehicles, O'Diveley blurted out another query. "Hey, If we're trying to make an impact. Why did we bring this old box instead of that shag wagon?"
"The Mercedes Benz?" asked Sokolov, deciphering his question.
"That's the one."
As Kaiser revved his motor, he answered despite the crude name. "We want impact, not flashiness. It's also much longer and most of all, Virtanen was worried about the paint job getting scratched."
The three others turned to Virtanen who nodded as if it was the most natural and understandable concern. "Right-" said O'Diveley turning to Kaiser again. "Last question."
"Is that true or a lie?" asked Kaiser sarcastically.
"Last question for now" amended O'Diveley as Kaiser rolled his eyes. "Why bring the bike?"
Kaiser shrugged. "Didn't have to but air wing wanted to see how the ME 323's fuel efficiency ran with a loaded bay and some weight. Didn't want to risk our plane going down and losing a tank so I chose this."
"Don't believe him" quipped Virtanen. "He really likes that bike." Not willing to deviate in talk any longer, Kaiser slowly drove out the hangar with the Kubelwagon following close behind, Virtanen laughing within.
The two vehicles proceeded along the calm streets as students were still in school and the adults at work. Aside from specific activities and groups, only they and their counterparts would have any reason to be traveling around the ship. A few of St. Gloriana's more notable sights were seen in the distance but as they remained on route despite O'Diveley's curiosity at a Ferris wheel next to a large clocktower.
It took Knight assuring him it wasn't that grand and it was soon forgotten as they pulled up to the school grounds. A large wrought iron gate lay open for their vehicles as they pulled into a stunning courtyard with a Victorian-esque theme influencing the architecture of the school buildings.
A single female student in all red with a squared cap waved their vehicles over to park alongside the wall. As the boys dismounted, she simply waited quietly at a distance. Turning off their engines, Kaiser approached his peers muttering quietly. "Be on your best behavior. We have more than a few eyes on us."
It wasn't hard to notice the reason behind his sudden tension. Out of the multiple floors of classroom windows, the heads of students could be seen. While none were making it glaringly obvious, the noise of their vehicles and the appearance of their black uniforms opposed to the school's red, drew many covert stares.
Even O'Diveley who often chose to play ignorant felt pressured into an unusual hush. A glance over to whom they assumed was their guide within the school showed her with a flat expression. Unable to decipher if she was growing impatient or not with their prolonged whispers, Virtanen approached her not wanting to be rude. Blinking and with a small nod, the girl began walking ahead of the five boys.
It was clear she was keeping them at a distance as they entered the doors. More than five meters away she guided them throw the intricately decorated halls. The pressure on the boys within was far greater than outside. As they took their covers off indoors, they felt the stares intensify.
Instead of walls separating the classrooms and halls, windows lined every single room. Every student and every teacher cast a glance at the entourage of boys who proceeded through their halls. It felt like a gauntlet, forced to endure the scrutinizing stares that ranged from curious to dismissive.
With their escort no less than five meters ahead of them, the boys shared small whispers of their thoughts as they weathered the looks and kept their eyes straight.
"What did you say the percentage of women was here Knight?" asked Kaiser, himself feeling unusually uncomfortable.
Ei-eighty eight percent sir. However, since my transfer, I've heard that the male population has decreased and the females are at ninety percent."
"I'm guessing you were one of the first to take flight then?" asked Sokolov unintentionally striking a nerve with Knight who quietly nodded.
"The co-ed relations here are… strained to say the least."
"You don't say?" asked Virtanen sarcastically. "I can count the number of boys in red on two hands and we're on the second floor already."
"Aye, the estrogens so thick here, ya can hardly breathe. No wonder the lasses have their noses upturned" snickered O'Diveley.
Suddenly their guide stopped, causing him to freeze as his peers looked on in condemnation. As the guide turned around with her professional demeanor, O'Diveley prepared to be told off as she opened her mouth.
"Please enter when you are ready." With her left hand, she gestured to the large oak doors next to them. It appeared they had arrived. Seeing that the girl wouldn't depart until they entered and with the large number of eyes transfixed on them from behind, the boys looked at each other before giving small nods.
Virtanen stood at the forefront as Kaiser stood to his right and behind with O'Diveley behind him. To Virtanen's left was Knight followed by Sokolov. "We are ready" announced Virtanen to their guide.
The girl stepped ahead of them and opened the two large doors before stepping to the side as they followed her in. Once the five entered, she bowed her head and exited, closing the doors behind them.
Within lay not the relaxed atmosphere of Kay with Saunders. Not the stern intimidation of Katyusha and her entourage within Pravda. Nor the open friendliness of Ooarai or the quiet professionalism of Kuromoromine. Instead, a large mahogany desk lay at the far end with an elegant blonde girl behind it.
To her left and right lay two adjacent curved desks, joined with her own. On the right was another blonde who was all too familiar. The spy that Kaiser had relentlessly pursued. Their eyes met momentarily, narrowing before breaking contact to observe the others.
On the left was a girl with a diminutive stature. All three sat yet this one, breaking formality, sat atop her feet, knees close to her chest. Her ashy blonde hair was tied into a side ponytail as she hugged a plush teddy bear that again Kaiser recognized by chance.
Before them sat Darjeeling, Assam, and surprisingly Alice Shimada. The layout of the desks and seats intended for the boys betrayed any semblance of a meeting and portrayed the more likely image of a tribunal.
An eery and pressing quiet prevailed over the room as Assam and Alice watched the five boys standing behind the open seats. Not breaking courtesy, knowing it would upset the ladies, the boys awaited for an invitation to sit. Yet as they stood in silence Darjeeling took a long, silent sip of her tea with closed eyes.
Finally lowering the elegant cup, she gave a small satisfied smile as she opened her eyes. The change was small but noticeable. Though the smile remained it quickly became insincere. "Why, good day. Please take a seat."
Despite her forced pleasantry, only Virtanen and Kaiser seemed to notice it. This being their first command-oriented meeting, Sokolov and O'Diveley were unaware of the nuances. Knight, however, seemed unusually cowed. His confidence had risen sharply in recent weeks but seemed suddenly absent. Once the five were sat, he didn't even look in the same direction as the girls, instead finding false fascination with the room's decor.
Hoping that he had misread the subtle body language of his adversary or that Kaiser's pessimism had rubbed off, Virtanen attempted to introduce themselves. He was quickly interrupted by Darjeeling who boldly and confidently spoke in his polite tone.
"Do not fear, your drinks will be here shortly, we have not forgone decorum. For now, let us begin with introductions." Standing from her seat, Darjeeling curtsied. "I am, as you may know, Commander of St. Gloriana Girls College Senshado team. Darjeeling, pleased to make your acquaintance."
The lack of sincerity again was only caught by Virtanen and Kaiser as Assam stood and introduced herself with a small curtsy. "Assistant Commander of St. Gloriana Girls College, Assam." The girl's lavender eyes shifted to Kaiser momentarily. Seeing her glance he tilted his head forward and smirked. His pursuit and knowledge that she was more than just an assistant as she claimed had led to her giving him a well-earned frown in dissatisfaction.
A soft, shy voice then spoke from the side. As eyes all turned to its source, the girl seemed to grow quieter as she overconsciously focused on the proper way to curtsy. "Current transfer and temporary assistant commander to St. Gloriana Girls College. Alice Shimada.
Seeing the younger girl try her best, even Kaiser relented in his usual frown. Next came their turn. Standing up, Virtanen placed a hand on his chest and nodded slightly. "Transcendence Academy Senshado commander. Cadet Colonel Austin Virtanen. An honor to meet you."
Taking his seat he turned to Kaiser who copied his motions with a small jingle of his medals. "Transcendence Academy vice-commander, Adam Kaiser. May this meeting bear fruit for us all."
Kaiser then turned to Knight who shot out of his seat, a nervous mess. Tense and hitting thumping his chest a little too hard he struggled for his voice. "T-Transcendence Academy Vice-Commander, Cadet Major Alexander Kni-"
His shaky words were then interrupted by three knocks on the door. As he faltered for words, Darjeeling took hold of the conversation. "It seems your refreshments are here. Come in" she announced to the doorway.
The door opened a crack as a small cart with a kettle, pot and five cups on saucers entered first. Pushing the cart a petite girl with ginger braided hair followed. As she closed the door she turned around and with closed eyes curtsied and introduced herself. "Apologies for the interruption. I am St. Gloriana Girls College Senshado student, Orange Pekoe. Good day to you." Opening her indigo eyes, they widened a fraction as she saw a familiar face. Quickly recovering she served the five males their tea.
With her back to her schoolmates, a surprising scene unfolded only for the Transcendence boys. As she reached Knight. A gentle smile unfolded as she passed his saucer and cup. Her hands lingered on the tableware as his did. When a small smile eased onto his face hers seemed to bloom slightly as she finished her task and joined Darjeeling's side.
A quiet atmosphere arose as all within slowly sipped the hot tea presented to them and inevitably, Darjeeling prodded their knowledge over tea. The easier questions were left for Sokolov or Knight to answer, O'Diveley wisely keeping quiet. As their difficulty rose, however, it was soon Left to Virtanen and Kaiser to stand firm against this unusual assessment for sizing them up.
It was expected the girls would pry into their manners, knowledge of courtesy, and etiquette yet to this level was unusual even with Kaiser's doubts and Knights warnings. As Assam began joining Darjeeling in her nonchalant quizzing, Kaiser felt that the end goal wasn't to assess them but instead humble them in an attempt to make them feel inadequate. It was with this he attempted to take a semblance of control and deviate from the topic.
"My, my, I hadn't expected you to be so knowledgeable about tea," said Darjeeling, her hollow compliment offering little.
Kaiser gave an equally fake laugh, ensuring that they would notice he was only feigning politeness as much as they, already irate at the false pretenses at play. "I must confess I don't know much. I actually studied quite intensely since I was looking forward to this meeting."
Darjeeling raised a hand and elegantly waved away the comment. "You're certainly adept at flattery" she smiled. A glance at Assam showed that the assistant commander wasn't buying his words of anticipation either.
Ignoring their indifference, Kaiser looked down into his cup with a small contempt smile. "I've had a similar blend before. I was lucky to experience such rich leaves only thanks to my prior meeting with the NIshizumi family."
The mention of such unknown information had all ears prickling to know more. Most of all was the small girl who had remained quiet until now. "You know Miho?" asked Alice, leaning forward in her chair.
With the bait set, Kaiser obliged her question, hoping to become friendly with Gloriana's latest high-value asset and force them into at least step down from their high and mighty attitude. "Why I'm a friend of hers actually."
The small girl retreated behind her plush bear temporarily before looking up from behind it. "She never told me that… did she ever mention me?"
Kaiser gave a more sincere smile, the thirteen-year-old girl's pouting face having reminded him of his siblings. "I asked her as a friend to keep quiet about it, after all being friends with the Miho Nishizumi is a big deal right?" Alice nodded her head although it was clear she didn't fully understand.
"But she did talk about you a lot. She even told me how much she enjoyed discussing Boko bears with you." As he pointed at the plush in her arms, the info seemed to make her day as her eyes sparkled.
"You know about Boko too?"
Although Kaiser felt the urge to fib his way some, he noticed the irate glances of Darjeeling and Assam. So he relented slightly. "Not much aside from what Miho told me but it must be really interesting if you two love it so much."
Boko in arm and sitting atop her knees, Alice leaned over her desk and gave a beaming smile. "He is! He is! Boko is the bravest and never backs down. He-"
"Excuse me, Miss Alice" interrupted Assam. The small girl caught herself and gave an embarrassed look at Darjeeling before slowly returning to her seat.
Darjeeling gave an encouraging and understanding smile to the prodigy as she placed a hand upon her shoulder."It is all well and good to be enamored with something but there is a time and place. It is as they say, "Man conquers the world by conquering himself."
"The Hellenistic philosopher Zeno of citium correct?" asked Orange Pekoe, already knowing her answer to be correct.
Seeing that she wasn't being chastised for her enthusiasm, Alice eased up but notably had a more interested look towards Kaiser, wanting to talk more about her interests and mutual friend. As much as his kinder side wanted to entertain the thought the sharp side glare thrown his way by Darjeeling showed that she knew what he was doing. Not that it would stop him from derailing their one-sided show.
"Perhaps we can talk some more another time in another professional setting. Miho spoke so highly of you I'm sure we could trade interesting stories." offered Kaiser.
Alice excitedly nodded as Darjeeling forced her hand. "Well, then I'm sure we've deviated enough. Let us speak properly about our oncoming match."
The talks then became dry as usual. What was heard once before by all numerous times as rules, regulations, locale, and times were confirmed. The only information that garnered Kaiser's interest, however, was a statement from Darjeeling.
"We expect you to behave in accordance with the original and intended purpose of Senshado."
If Kaiser recalled correctly and he did, the statement declared Senshado's purpose was for women to grow their self-esteem, assist them in becoming professional and efficient citizens, and develop the characteristics necessary to become good wives and mothers. It brought a small laugh within him as it would be difficult for the males in the sport to comply.
There was a similar message behind InfanterieKampf as well. The education and physical training of males to become good citizens in peace and soldiers in a time of war. Harsh men for a harsh world, yet stern fathers for orderly families. Yet unfairly, Senshado had changed due to a lack of funding and a need for interest. Yet that didn't mean its original mission for women had to change.
It was clear Virtanen drew the same connection but misunderstood the meaning behind it. Darjeeling and her school were essentially telling them not only to behave within their match, foregoing their unorthodox methods but to essentially "get out" as well.
Funnily enough, Knight seemed to pick up on this even without prior knowledge of InfanterieKampf. The reason that he couldn't look at his old commanders as obvious now, he wasn't wanted even when he was on their side. Yet from behind her commander, that Orage Pekoe girl still smiled at him encouragingly.
Darjeeling soon asked the girl to collect the cups and take them to be cleaned once the tea had run dry. Feeling mischievous, Kaiser knew things would soon turn sour due to his actions yet he couldn't resist the temptation. So he gave Knight an out, less he became a target.
"Knight please assist the young lady."
"There is no need" insisted Assam before Pekoe could politely refuse.
"Of course there is. How could we as guests allow you to host us and then leave just a mess? Please, I insist, lest we be rude." The clear indication he meant "we" as in both parties left Assam at a loss, turning to Darjeeling who allowed it with a small caveat.
"Miss Alice, I'm sure you're bored with this meeting. If I recall correctly, you must learn how to care for our tableware correct? Please accompany them." The small girl hopped out of her seat and nodded, noticeably calmer as she gave a small wave to Kaiser before joining Pekoe.
With a pleased expression, Pekoe approached Knight who fumbled behind her and out the door. As the two girls politely bowed their heads and left, Knight attempted and failed to mimic them as the door closed.
False smile still plastered, Darjeeling asked "Why the insistence?"
Matching her, Kaiser answered "The juniors should be absent when there is unwelcoming company. Isn't that why you sent little miss Alice along?"
"Pekoe is an empathetic person but despite Mister Knights' discrepancies, neither she nor Alice should be around the likes of you for long."
The insult rolled off of Kaiser as he snickered. Virtanen gave a cautious glance, wondering where this was all going as his peer fluently played along. "Come now, Knights not that pitiable anymore. He's even snagged a pretty stunning girl at that. Isn't that right?"
The remark, seemingly asked to no one was quickly answered by O'Diveley. "A damn right call if there ever was one" he chuckled. Darjeeling and Assam's faces twisted from placid to embittered frowns at the nonchalant remark, something Kaiser called out.
"I'm glad all the pretend is out of the way. Let's get to the meat of the matter and how we really feel at that."
His taunting attitude didn't go over well with the two girls, whose attitudes remained calm and condescending as if they held all the cards in their hands. This apparent belief of superiority, no matter how well The boys maintained their composure, Was starting to prickle even the reserved Sokolov as he sat and listened only to be quelled when Kaiser would sarcastically reply.
"We've been observing your 'escapades' throughout the season" began Darjeeling. "If you're wondering how long since Saunders. You gave them a terrible fright when you approached overly friendly and tested to if they'd react as Saunders students."
Kaiser vaguely recalled when he was aboard the ship. Was it before or after they had eaten at the diner? He did remember a group of students taking pictures but never would have guessed they were foreign spies observing him on a visit.
"I remember" he fibbed only recalling one individual, the mousy-haired petite girl he had taken the selfie with. "Although if you want better performance I could offer some acting lessons at a discount for them."
A glowering look from Assam was followed up by a small snicker from Darjeeling. "Charisma is a valuable trait wasted on many." The fact she followed his backhanded offer up with a backhanded remark garnered a wider grin from Kaiser.
"I'll be sure to give you my number once we're done here."
"Kaiser-" reprimanded Virtanen, worried that he was dragging the conversation to unsalvageable waters. It was true but Kaiser felt he wasn't dragging them, they had arrived there.
With a disappointed sigh, Darjeeling moved on. "In war, the traits of character weigh more than those of reason. Do you know who said this? Forgive Pekoe for not being present to explain if you don't.
Surprisingly, Sokolov answered. "Helmuth Von Moltke. A Prussian Field Marshall."
"So they can talk" chided Darjeeling. "The way you fight your 'war' as you InfanterieKampf males say. To us, we call it our Senshado, our way. You come to our sport, our way, and pollute it with what you call combat. What is nothing more than barbarism in a sport of refinement."
The boys sat in silence at her remark, the elephant in the room now addressed. Sokolov and O'Diveley shared a confused glance, this situation virtually unknown to them. Virtanen gripped his armrests tightly, the pressure of the more veteran girls making him unsure of how to respond.
Yet now, slightly irate, Kaiser kept firm eye contact. "Nothing forms the human being so fast as war.' Do you know who said that?"
As Darjeeling kept a fastidious glare back at Kaiser, Assam answered. "August Niedhart Von Gneisenau, another Prussian Field Marshall."
With a small smile, he nodded. "St. Gloriana just like all other schools and our opponents has a long history of combat, tradition, and knowledge passed on. Yet despite your histories, the federation saw dollar signs dropping and wanted a catalyst to create something new. That catalyst is us. Our way, our Senshado, our 'War' is guided by our knowledge of gritty combat. Necessity and desperation to win. Lucrative and possibly delirious at times tactics for success. We aren't here to be tested by you. We've proven ourselves to arrive at the finals against you."
A short pause arose, tension mounting at his audacious words as he took a breath. "We are here to test you and see if your mettle withstands it."
Again a pregnant pause came. Tension so thick in the air it was suffocating. Finally, Darjeeling responded as if he were pitiable. "Aren't you embarrassed performing in a female sport against females?"
Kaiser shrugged a shoulder. "I have my deals with the federation and I get to improve myself along the way. I've faced teams with males and females within legal measure."
"I am talking to your commander-"
"And we were talking before you rudely shifted to him. Finish one argument before starting another dear."
Darjeeling shook her head to the side, showing disappointment. "Pride comes before the fall. You remind me of a certain dog-like vice deputy from Kuromoromine who is all bark and no bite." she insulted.
Kaiser retaliated with mockery at her attempts to shame him. "And like a child who cries wolf while puffing their chest, no one will pity you when you're hand gets bit by that same dog."
The two held a lengthy glare, her polite frown opposed to his mocking grin.
Darjeeling then slowly shifted her look to Virtanen. "You're cadets as you call them perform well. The girls in your team are dazzling, to say the least. Refined and well-trained. But that is all the praise I can afford you. Simply put, you 'boys' dont belong."
Virtanen stood abruptly, his seat skittering back slightly into O'Diveleys knee and startling all around. "We will be taking our leave now. Thank you for the drinks and your time" he briskly said."
"M-Mhmm" replied the two girls as the four boys left. Even more, eyes were on the boys as they abruptly left the school building, curious expressions ranging on their faces as they followed their commander out to the courtyard where their vehicles lay.
Out of the building and earshot, O'Diveely finally demanded an answer. "What the hell was all that? OI, 'V' say somethin'!"
Pulling Virtanen by the shoulder, Kaiser, Sokolov, and O'Diveley were surprised to see Virtanen holding back tears of frustration in his eyes.
"Dammit Div. I didn't want you all to see me like this but I was about to lose my calm in there. Who the hell does she think she is insulting my cadets? As Virtanen suppressed his anger and raised a sleeve to wipe his eyes, Sokolov batted his hand away and offered a pack of tissues he kept on himself.
Stunned, O'Diveley looked to Kaiser for an explanation. Kaiser himself gave a short sigh. "Things really don't change easily I suppose." he turned to whisper to O'Diveely. "He's always been prideful in his friends, family, and work. I thought he had grown out of it but insulting any of those three let alone combined is like shooting his dog in front of him."
Now understanding, O'Diveley was instructed to help calm Virtanen while they awaited Knight to return and Kaiser started the vehicles. As Kaiser stepped away, he remembered Virtanen once asking him how he kept his calm. His answer was the same now as that day, it was a facade. Underneath his calm, he was angry and intended to get back at this verbal strike as well as the espionage before.
Kaiser then started the Kubelwagon, letting it idle as he kickstarted his bike. As the engine came to life he heard an unexpected voice at his side. Turning to the feminine voice he saw a head of red hair and amber eyes. He looked down and noticed she was in Gloriana's gym uniform and seemed to have made a detour during her class run to speak with him.
Before he could even ask who she was, she had already begun rattling off questions at him. As she asked who they were, were they transferring? Did they like racing, bikes, if it was his bike, etc. He could tell there was an honest and earnest interest in them if not their unusual vehicles, he just wished the girl would let him speak.
As he withstood the questions, Knight arrived to a freshly calmed Virtanen and peers with a renewed confidence and smile. Not wanting to ruin their junior's mood, Virtanen immediately asked him the good news.
He briefly explained his past with Orange Pekoe. How she had tutored him in Senshado despite being the same grade and how even after his failures and transfer she treated him with respect. She even applauded his girlfriend, something he had bashfully bragged about as he told her of his new ventures as Transcendence.
Seeing how he had gone from an awkward reunion to a satisfying meeting and the others endured the mess of their own meeting, The three seniors began to tease and taunt their junior relentlessly.
Finally, the boys calmed down with a fresh sense of laughter gracing them and Kaiser was relieved of the one-sided conversations the redheaded girl's classmates pulled her back to class. The two-vehicle convoy then headed back to their transport plane unable to wait to return home.
Yet amongst the wishes to relax and wear comfortable clothing, Kaiser had already begun concocting his first step in revenge.
-Chapter End-