"Good work today, boys." Puss waved at the pair as they trudged their way from the magical and exceptional animal department. "I'll let Maximus know, again, that you're sorry you disturbed him this afternoon."

Braxton flinched at the name. Jim openly shuttered. The horse didn't need a voice to make it clear exactly what he had expected of the young recruits. Neither of them wanted to see another frying pan ever again in their lives.

Puss left them at the door. Hoisting his bag up onto his shoulder, Jim paused to watch it shut. He wasn't sure he would feel safe from Maximus until he was locked back in his own room, but the barrier certainly helped. "Do you want to message Matt? I didn't bring my-" Jim turned to talk to Braxton to find nothing but empty hall.

Braxton was already several feet away and still going. Jim's anger swelled back up in his chest. He might have let it go during their hours of scrubbing, but clearly Braxton had not. And if he wanted to hold a grudge, that was fine with Jim.

The young cadet was steaming as he stepped into the matching shower. The heat did nothing to cool his mood. He dressed in brooding silence. Matt and Sy were waiting at the table for them. Both had trays, but neither was eating. Matt was sketching something while Sy watched.

Jim slid his tray onto the table beside Sy. "Hey guys. Bowed out of your family time again?"

Sy looked up at him with a bright smile. "Hi!" Jim relaxed. He loved the way that Sy looked so genuinely happy to see them. Sy turned more towards him as he continued, "I did, but only while you have service duties. Is Braxton on his way as well? We were waiting for you guys to start eating. How was your service duty by the way?"

Jim cut into his potato. "It was tough. I've decided I don't like any equidae and I never want to see one ever again."

Sy giggled. "That's going to be tough. The exploration branch works pretty closely with them. There's a whole program devoted to using them as tacticians and spies in worlds where we can't otherwise involve ourselves without the locals becoming alert to our presence."

"There is?" Matt was clearly interested. "I haven't heard of that before! Is it new?"

Something close to panic flashed across Sy's face before he got it under control. He smoothed on a smile as he turned towards Matt. "Oh, it was just a conversation I heard in the station I initially signed with. Before I was transferred here, I mean. I think I see Braxton."

Braxton indeed was heading their way. 628 held onto his back with his legs and two arms. His other two arms held his dinner tray carefully. The two boys passed by table 8-B. Braxton didn't even spare them a glance. 628 growled at Jim on their way past.

Matt watched them go, obvious confusion on his face. Both he and Sy turned to look at Jim. Jim's face had gone dark again. He was not inclined to answer their questions, no matter how intently they stared at him.

Sy touched Jim's arm gently. "What happened?"

Jim stabbed his meal again. "He's being overly sensitive about a joke. If he wants to act like that, I'm not going to beg him to come back."

Matt stood up. "I'll go sit with him." He explained himself quickly before Jim could say anything. "Maybe he'll be willing to talk about it and I can help fix things over. I'll join you guys for breakfast." Matt picked up his tray and headed in the direction Braxton had gone.

Sy still had his hand on Jim's bicep. Jim didn't mind, it was nice to have a solid reminder that someone was on his side. He drew in a long slow breath and tried to curb his anger. He was painfully aware of Sy's hand slipping from his sleeve. It felt wrong and awkward for just the two of them to be sitting at the table together.

This wasn't how meals were supposed to go.