93 M1 - Term: 2, Round: 5

Attendance at Fortescue Military Academy M1 Y:2142

House Thoth, Squad Leader, Squad Zero

M1 Rank: 1/1275, Tier 3 M-Rank: Null

Term: 2, Round: 5

Daedalus Operating Capital: -1,650,000 bitcreds

<break>

"Daedo!" Barran yelled at the top of his lungs outside of the door to Daedo's room. He proceeded to bang on the said door. "Daedo, you gotta see this," Barran spoke extremely loudly.

It was 0430, and the cadets didn't usually rise for at least another hour.

The door slid open with Daedo rubbing sleep his eye, "What?"

"The Japanese pro league," Barran said excitedly.

"What about the Japanese pro league?" Daedo asked with a hint of irritation in his voice.

"They know about us!" Barran did a little dance, and after spinning around, he announced, "One of the teams want to purchase a Mech by the company that built Dead Beat."

Daedo put on his helmet and unnecessarily said, "Noise Cancelling, all frequencies." It was for Barran's benefit. The door promptly slid shut, and Daedo disappeared.

Vannier stormed out of her room, "Seriously Barran!"

"What?" He said.

"Not only did you wake everyone up, but don't you think he may need his sleep? He's been working himself to death after you made that stupid bet!" She said angrily.

Vannier didn't view the bet as stupid, she saw it as Daedo backing himself. It scared her, but she admired him for his chutzpah.

However, right now, at 0430, a cranky Vannier let Barran have it both barrels. "It's four thirty!"

Barran looked guilty for a record time of two-point-nine seconds.

"But Japan." He said in an elongated fashion stretching his arms out theatrically.

Vannier hit him with her best death stare. Barran had survived death stares which were several orders of magnitude more deathly. After holding the stare for a good fifteen seconds, her door slid shut, and Vannier went back to bed.

**Mace: if you're up, we need to talk. Or we can talk after the obstacle course if you like.

**Daedo: no, I'm up now. My powernap superpower doesn't work at this time of day apparently.

**Mace: let's go to the cafeteria and get a sneaky shake.

**Daedo: no way! I'll die on the course. But we can go there. I'll just have water and see if they have any bananas.

**Mace: you're dreaming. They only had bananas once last term, and they lasted for an hour.

**Daedo: ahum. And when did they have them last term?

The pair had now met in the corridor and were walking towards the cafeteria.

"Um, let me check," Mace said. "Oh! It was during the tournament week."

It was the second week of round five, the tournament matches were beginning today, including M1 group matches.

The pair raced to the cafeteria only to be disappointed.

"There was only a point-zero-four-seven percent chance there would be Bananas," Daedo said sadly.

"You got my hopes up!" Mace accused him.

"You were dreaming so don't blame me," Daedo replied, and he changed the subject, "What was it we needed to talk about?"

Mace looked around to ensure no one was in earshot and she checked her frequency sensors.

Daedo waited patiently intrigued by the measures she was taking to ensure they weren't overheard. Next, she would want a secure VR room like Master Nader.

"I'm worried about you,' She said finally.

"Yes, I got that message loud and clear. We are on schedule, and I should be able to return to a more balanced timetable soon," Daedo replied.

Mace paused for a moment, she looked at him seriously, "I'm not stupid. I see what's happening with Master Nader."

Daedo panicked for a moment, how could she possibly know? She noticed him panicking and looked a little concerned. Daedo's mind began to review all possibilities, it was possible she didn't know but suspected something due to the time he had been spending with Master Nader. And although she was insightful, she wasn't an all-seeing oracle from the fantasy streams.

"What do you see?" Daedo asked, calling her bluff.

Mace smiled, "We don't need to play games. I trust you. But do you trust me?"

"I do, but there are things I can't tell you," Daedo said honestly.

Mace nodded solemnly. "I've tried to crack her security since the first week of term one, and I've never seen anything like it," Mace admitted.

Daedo panicked again, he wasn't worried about Mace finding out, he was worried for her life. "She will know! You know what happened to you know who. Don't test Master Nader!" It was sufficiently vague, but the pair knew exactly who Daedo was talking about. Master Ustinov.

Mace shook her head, "Oh she knows. I think she even encourages me to try, she has sent me subtle messages when I have broken through layers."

Daedo looked stricken, "Mace you have no idea."

"Then tell me," she said looking hurt.

"I can't," Daedo said stricken.

"Fine," she said angrily.

Daedo had not been educated on the meaning of the word fine when spoken by the opposite sex with a specific tone, he was still young.

"Good," he replied. "And stop trying to pierce her defence, even Fortescue couldn't."

"Fortescue are amateurs," Mace said and then she looked like she wished she hadn't.

"What aren't you telling me?" Daedo asked.

"I can't," she said honestly, but with a little satisfaction that she was holding back just as he was.

"I knew you were a superb coder from the first week. And I know you're cunning and insightful," Daedo stated the truth.

Mace blushed slightly.

"You worked out the thing with you know who and you weren't even at the meeting with me, Vannier and Master Nader," he continued.

"Even Vannier didn't put two and two together, and she was at the meeting!"

He looked at her, she had hung her head down and wasn't making eye contact.

"Then you produce that tiny spider drone, you've never used it before, well, I've never seen it. And you said you had it all along." Still no reaction from Mace so Daedo continued.

"And your parents, I know they travel all the time, but what exactly do they do?" Daedo listed all the facts he had gathered regarding Mace she slowly lifted her head and met his gaze.

She stated with all seriousness, "We are at a stalemate, and I will warn you just as you warned me. Don't think or talk about what my parents do again, it's not safe to speculate on such topics," Mace said mysteriously and ominously.

Daedo wondered for a moment.

"They are trade brokers, that's all you need to know," Mace said. That was the cover story, and she knew Daedo would see right through it. That's why she didn't try and convince him.

"Agreed stalemate," Daedo said finally. He would not push her any further no matter how disturbing her background was. He began to wonder about her. Did he really know her? Did she have an agenda other than what they all took for granted?

And as if she could read his mind she said, "Don't. Speculation will only build distrust. If I say I am your friend and I am with you, then believe me." She said earnestly, her eyes were watering. She wiped her face before a tear could fall.

Daedo nodded and said, "Fine." He stood, it was time to head to the obstacle course.

<break>

Despite not completing all his work last round, despite many M1 squads renting the two-point six exo, despite ranking sixth on the gauntlet because as he only completed it once in round four; Daedo was still rank one cadet in M1. But the leading margin must have narrowed, and he would certainly lose it if he didn't complete all the activities by the end of the week.

Performing well in the tournament would also help solidify all M1TS0 rankings including Kang. Unlike term one, M1TS0 were only competing in M1 with the additional match on Friday with Siderus' squad. The Academy admin had placed it in the premium slot, as the main exo match, with the M1 and M3 finals moved to earlier in the morning.

Term 2, Round 4

Rank, Cadet, House

1, Daedo, Thoth

2, Mace, Thoth

3, Vannier, Thoth

4, Paget-A , Horus

5, Fortescue, Horus

6, Lazard, Shu

7, Raoult, Horus

8, Barran, Thoth

9, Picard, Thoth

10, Moreau, Horus

11, Almeras, Osiris

12, Delcroix , Amun-Ra

13, Gallois, Osiris

14, Axelzero, Thoth

15, Gaumont, Thoth

192, Kang, Thoth

Daedo considered the importance of the rankings, in the scheme of things even his competitive spirit was not a motivator to keep rank one. If there was an urgent priority, it would come before Academy studies and competitions. The only reasons he could think of to retain it, even from Mace or Vannier, was the morale of Daedalus and the stature it granted him in negotiations.

It had proven useful on more than one occasion that he had held a stranglehold on rank one, whether it was dealing with admin, Fortescue or even sales completed by Barran. Daedo had unwittingly created an air of preeminence surrounding his persona.

How others viewed him was far from reality, but it did have its advantages.

Daedo looked up and down his squad, they were in three-point-two exos and the only other squads to possess this version was the Inter-Academy teams. It gave them an advantage over the rented exos, which he would rectify next term, there simply wasn't enough time this term to upgrade everyone. The machines at the workshop were working overtime manufacturing Mechs now the design was stable.

Which reminded Daedo of the early morning wake-up, "Barran when does this pro league team need the Mech? I have your message, but it lacks a deadline."

"I told them they had to wait, and they said as long as they had it before next season, they don't want to tip their hand this season anyway," Barran answered.

That told him little, Daedo wasn't across Asian or Japanese pro league season schedules. "When does the new season start for them?"

Barran quickly looked it up and replied, "Six weeks, tons of time."

"How much did you sell it for?" Kang asked Barran.

"Ah, fifty-k," he replied smiling.

"Is that all?" She said surprised

"Rental, per season,' Barran qualified.

"Oh," Kang said. "Nice." She thought for a moment, "Make sure you determine the Asian Champions league as a different season or competition."

"Got it covered. I'm a pro Kang," Barran grinned evilly, and she didn't doubt him. The shonky business Barran reminded her of her Father who was a master businessman before he decided to be a mech pilot in the pro league.

"Did you do special training for business Barran?" Kang asked intrigued, she knew her Father had studied special courses in Korea when he was young.

Barran's face went dark for a moment before he brightened again to his usual jovial self, "I had special tutors just for Business and Worldliness," he said the last with a wink.

"But," he said, "It's not as easy as I make it look," he sounded arrogant before adding, "When you have a unique product, that kicks the competition's arse, it makes channel creation and client acquisition extremely easy."

"We need to get our heads back into the game," Vannier interrupted. "We have Horus one up first, they aren't easy beats, and they have the two-point-six exo."

"Oh, I love them!" Barran said excitedly.

Picard titled her head at Barran and asked, "Eh, love?"

Barran looked at Picard seriously and said, "One word," before dramatically pausing, "Moreau." Much to Picard's disgust, he made a sound which indicated he thought she was hot.

"If we didn't have a match in four minutes I would stick my fist in that mouth," Picard threatened.

Barran opened his mouth wider inviting Picard's fist in.

She shook her head and made a disgusted sound before closing her eyes and beginning a breathing exercise.

"Any last minute instructions?" Vannier asked Daedo who was off somewhere else in his imagination.

He looked at her and then the ground, shaking his head, "No. Everyone knows their role."

As he finished, Moreau walked past them towards the Corral, "Aw," she said, "I was hoping to hear your tactics." She smiled sweetly looking at Daedo. "Will you go easy on us in today's game? We're your customer after all."

Daedo met her smile with a deadpan stare and a single shake of his head, "Sorry, this isn't a game."

"Oh, Daedo, are you always so serious. How are you going to get a girl like that?" Moreau said flirtatiously before bounding off to their starting positions.

"Fark me Daedo," Barran said jealously, "How do you do it?"

"Do what?" Daedo asked Barran. He had an idea what Barran meant, but it was fun to tease him by acting totally ignorant.

"Don't worry about her," Vannier scoffed, "Focus on the match."

Thoth Squad zero lined up shoulder to shoulder. Barran and Picard were the Vanguard. Daedo, Mace and Axelzero where the Liberos. Vannier and Kang were providing cover fire at maximum range.

The stands were packed with cadets and alumni, they had all come to see Thoth squad zero. Spectators who had not come to the first term were here, they wanted to see the much talked about M1 squad who had effectively taken over the Academy. Nothing official had been announced, but rumours had spread from cadet to cadet, then from cadet to parent, and lastly from parent to the wider Fortescue community including sponsors and alumni.

The lights counted down from ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, amber and finally green.

It was over in four minutes.

<break>

"I can't wait 'til Friday," Picard stated, "That was way too easy."

"There is too much of a gap in tactics, skill and the new three-point-two makes it even worse," Axelzero observed.

"Are you going to do the Gauntlet tonight?" Picard asked.

Axelzero shook her head, "I need to finish off my coursework and the four group matches today ate all our time."

"They didn't go for long, why didn't you work in-between?" Picard asked. Picard had worked every spare second between matches, the combat was ten times easier than drilling with Siderus' squad.

Axelzero shrugged, "I am focused on my performance, and all the time-wasting standing around, I find it hard to concentrate for short bursts."

"You're still worried you're not good enough for this squad?" Picard asked kindly.

"Shh," Axelzero replied, "Vannier might hear you." Vannier was walking ahead of them guiding the hoverbin which contained her exo and equipment. She was chatting with Kang, who was her sniper partner.

Axelzero looked at the ground and then back up to Picard. Without speaking a word, her demeanour spoke volumes. Her confidence was lacking. Her self-belief was at an all-time low.

"Axelzero," Picard said seriously, stopping and grabbing her friend. "You are amazing. You are handling finance, which is not only critical, it's very difficult. Your drones rock, and that's on top of being an excellent libero and squad member. Not to mention everyone loves you. I've never heard you say a mean word, you're never jealous and always supportive of everyone. I'm actually upset with you being neg' on yourself. You're the best-damned squad member!"

"Really?" Axelzero said emotionally.

"Listen," Picard said aggressively, "If you don't stop with this neg' crap I'm going to beat some sense into you." Picard only knew tough love.

"Okay, okay!" Axelzero surrendered. "I rock!?" And she attempted a smile but ultimately sounded unconvincing.

Picard examined Axelzero's face and looked deeply into her eyes. "Okay, you escaped a beating this time," she jested.

They walked together for a while longer, but before they entered the common area, Picard stopped her friend again. "I've been thinking," she said, "What you need to work on Axelzero, and it's not times, or studies, performance or ranking. It's here," Picard tapped her head and then her heart, "And here."

Picard continued her rousing speech, "My first week I was all over the place. I didn't trust or like anyone. I was worried about creds, and that because I lacked them, I couldn't join in. Remember? I didn't even want to come to the workshop because I couldn't afford a single share, let alone five thousand creds worth. But it was you. You Axelzero who got me out of my slump. Yeah, Vannier helped, but you inspired me. And look at me now!" She put her arms wide.

"You are insanely good," Axelzero said honestly.

"And it's thanks to you getting my head straight. Don't put yourself down again,' Picard gave her heartfelt opinion.

Just then, Barran exited the common area he had put his exo away already and was heading somewhere.

"What are you two doing standing out in the corridor?" He asked.

The two girls blushed but were otherwise silent.

Barran tilted his head to one side, lost in thought before he exclaimed, "Oh I know! Don't worry girls, I'll pretend I didn't see a thing." He walked off whistling happily to himself a little jig in his step.

Picard looked at Axelzero and said softly, "What'd he mean?"

Axelzero blushed again and looked down.

"No," Picard said crossly and then louder, "No! He didn't think?"

Axelzero nodded.

Picard's voice thundered down the corridor, "The last person on earth we'd be talking about is you!"