72 M1 - Term: 2, Round: 1 (1/2)

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: 1

Daedalus Operating Capital: 60,000 bitcreds

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The last Friday of the round had crept up on the cadets before they knew it. At 0600 all of Thoth Squad Zero who used weights removed them and pushed for their best times. It was Picards last chance to improve her time, as she had been chaperoning Kang all week. Today she swapped with Vannier who pushed Kang while the rest of the squad ran their guts out. The results were as follows.

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Obstacle Course Results: Term 2, Round 1

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Cadet, Time, Rank in M1

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Barran, 34.44, M1: 2

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Picard, 34.52, M1: 3

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Mace, 35.49, M1: 9

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Vannier, 39.25, M1: 57

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Daedo, 41.15, M1: 90

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Axelzero, 43.10, M1: 122

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Kang, 53.31, M1: 694

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It was the very first time they had three cadets in the top ten. Barran had placed second on a few occasions but still was denied first. It frustrated him that it was either Rauoult or Lazard who achieved first as he was able to beat both of them on occasion, just not in the same round. It was the best result of the year for Picard, Mace and Daedo.

It was also apparent that Picard was breathing down Barran's neck. She was only eight seconds behind him on the highly technical course.

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Later on the same day, 1330, and Vannier removed her helmet to quickly survey the common room. She then sent a quick message to Daedo and Barran.

*Vannier: Barran are you topside?*

Three minutes with no response.

*Barran: was in a meeting in the cafeteria. Need me?*

*Vannier: meet me and Daedo topside, the courtyard of heroes.*

The courtyard of heroes was an awkward name for a central, grassed area surrounded by buildings on the topside. There were busts of the outstanding cadets from previous years with Karine's Father, Xavier, featuring twice. The courtyard's perimeter was four hundred metres in length when all four sides were added together. Busts featured for one hundred and fifty metres, there weren't enough heroes to cover the entire length apparently.

*Barran: what's up?*

Vannier, Daedo and Barran continued the conversation as they made their way to the courtyard.

*Vannier: I was just contacted by one of Fortescue's lackeys, Paget-A. They want a meeting and when I asked why she said it was a business type meeting, and Karine didn't state the reason.*

*Barran: then tell her to ask pompous face and get back to you. Don't let them push you around Vannier.*

*Daedo: Paget-A is the most reasonable person from that squad. Let's not yell at her.*

*Vannier: let me see what I can find out in the time we have left.*

*Daedo: let me try.*

*Vannier: really?*

*Daedo: yeah. I want to expand my horizons.*

*Vannier: go on then. We're running out of time.*

Daedo wanted to message Paget-A, not because he wanted to expand his horizons but because he thought that may evoke a response if he reached out to her. She had been the most friendly and open during their last meeting.

*Daedo: Hi. It's Daedo.*

*Paget-A: oh. Hi.*

*Daedo: I'd like to know what the meeting is about. That's a reasonable request don't you think?*

*Paget-A: I wasn't specifically informed. But, if I had to guess it might be about Barran selling exos to anyone with creds.*

*Daedo: Thanks. I appreciate your understanding.*

*Paget-A: For what? I didn't inform you of anything it is merely a guess.*

*Daedo: ok.*

Daedo sent the obligatory goodbye symbol and went back to the squad channel.

*Daedo: ok she told me that it's about the exo sales. She made it sound like Fortescue isn't happy about it. Or the unlikely scenario she wants to purchase them. I would bet on the former.*

*Vannier: she just told you? What did you say?*

*Daedo: I just asked nicely.*

*Barran: you are a dark horse alright!*

*Daedo: a what?*

*Barran: in my experience, she would only give up info like that, that she wasn't supposed to, if she likes you.*

*Vannier: your vast experience?*

*Barran: hey. You can't deny I get things done.*

*Vannier: what has your persuasion skills and confidence got to do with experience?*

*Barran: you'll understand when you're more experienced.*

*Vannier: O.o. Are we even in the same argument? Argh. We are wasting time. Do you have any ideas for a plan Daedo?*

*Daedo: I don't think we need one. Just be yourselves.*

*Barran: oh this will be fun!*

*Vannier: um, that wasn't permission to go rogue.*

*Barran: oh? I will just be myself.*

*Daedo: we're here Barran.*

Daedo and Vannier waited in the outer courtyard for Barran. They could see the Horus Zero squad sitting on a couple of benches near the centre of the courtyard, but they didn't approach until Barran arrived.

Fortescue sat in the centre flanked by the Paget twins. Raoult stood with her helmet on, engrossed in a VR activity. The rest of the squad sat on another bench.

As Daedo, Vannier and Barran approached Fortescue stood and took a few steps forward. The Pagets followed, flanking their squad leader.

Barran chuckled and sent a message.

*Barran: an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other.*