24 Book 3 - Chapter 82 (2/2)
”Don't be sad Siderus,” Matthias consoled him sarcastically. ”It's no loss we have your Thoth upgrade sitting right here.” He said pointing to Daedo. He then added mischievously, ”Who should be tactician for the first team?”
”Siderus,” Daedo stated immediately much to everyone's surprise. While Siderus had proved capable Daedo's tactics were one of M1TS0 unique strengths.
”What makes you say that?” St Claire asked genuinely. ”Your gauntlet results and performance would gain you entry into the first team.”
”With the rest of my squad?” Daedo returned the question with a question.
”Ah. No.” Matthias emphasized his rejection of the idea. ”Your squad would be lucky to get one more into the first team. Maybe Barran or Mace. That's it.”
”You would have quite a few cadets spread through the three strings,” Siderus offered as consolation.
Deimos was sorry she chased Kalman away. The other House Captains were all playing into Daedo's hands. ”Why did you ask that?” She progressed the conversation with a third question.
”Because our participation will be as a squad or not at all,” Daedo said calmly flooring the House Captains.
”That's ridiculous!” Matthias boomed placing his hands on the table and half standing.
”How does this help us win the Inter-Academy?” St Claire opined. ”It is a selfish request. All you will achieve is deny us a couple of exceptional cadets.”
”Can I talk you out of this?” Siderus asked seriously. He did not know Daedo well enough to know if he could be pressured. The only item he had ever seen the dark genius move on was the cost of exos upon St Claire's request. He never relented on Kalman's participation as House Captain, no matter the pressure, even when it came from Kalman himself.
Daedo shook his head.
”That's it? You shake your head. Do you have an explanation?” Matthias asked confrontationally.
”Yes,” Daedo replied.
Matthias was becoming infuriated. ”Well let's fuckin hear it!” He then mumbled to himself while shaking his head, ”Dumbass.”
”Our synergy and tactical response will be superior than a mixed team. It will also have the benefit of improving our skills and experience against strong opponents,” Daedo answered truthfully.
”No, it won't. Because you won't be going up against them,” Matthias said.
St Claire nodded, ”If this was the best strategy then Shu would be the first team.”
”Don't give them fuckin ideas,” Matthias bawled. This was the real reason he was upset. He had played the scenario through to its logical conclusion and St Claire, the idiot, just blurted it out. Because if it was a Shu squad, he would at best, be a bit player, and at worst, not be in the first team at all.
”This could work,” Siderus said thoughtfully. The statement infuriated the table, and he looked around at the angry faces. ”No. No. You misunderstand,” he said qualifying his statement and waving his hand in a conciliatory gesture.
”M1TS0 could be the fourth string team. We could practice against them, and this way we would improve in terms of teamwork against a tactically excellent team, and they would get their wish concerning competition against strong squads.” Siderus said smiling with a nod in Daedo's direction.
.
.
It was 0730 on the first Monday of term-two round-three. The cadets had discovered the latest obstacle course was heavy on jumping, balance and climbing. In comparison to other courses it was short, but technically and physically difficult nonetheless.
”I hereby name this round Monkey course,” Barran said dramatically as the squad gathered for the first meal of the day.
”I like it,” Picard offered her opinion. It was a course she would excel in compared to most cadets in M1. Raoult, Barran and Lazard would compete with her for the top spot.
Barran made monkey sounds at Picard who retorted, ”Just don't throw your faeces please.” He quickly looked up the meaning of the word and laughed at her.
Kang changed the subject, ”My Father will bring Dead Beat this weekend for the retrofit. Are we ready?”
Daedo nodded, ”Yes. It's on the design platform if you want to check it out.”
”We have the new swordlances and shields in for AR testing today. How long will the results take?” Picard asked Daedo.
”They had the exo done on the same day last time,” he replied.
Vannier sighed, ”I'm back to the drawing board on the Railgun. I'm going to need some help if you can afford it Daedo.” The main issue with the Railgun was reload time. Or more precisely the rate of fire because it could be improved in other ways other than reloading time.
”Can we use multi-barrel?” Picard asked.
Daedo shook his head, ”That brings in too many other issues, and one of the limiting factors is recharge for the electromagnetic push. Wait,” he said and looked something up on the designer with Myrmidon assisting.
*Daedo: Myrmidon. I am adding a second power conduit and supercap to the railgun. Can you do some calculations on charge times if we alternate supercaps?*
*Myrmidon: there will be an impact on peak demand and storage drain by doubling the power consumption of the railgun.*
*Daedo: I know. It is allowing us more options. If power is needed elsewhere, we can always choose to fire at a slower rate. But in some circumstances, if the increased ROF takes down the enemy, we won't need the jumpjets to escape melee.*
*Myrmidon: my calculation shows we can increase ROF to one HVR (High-Velocity-Round) per second.*
”We can add a second conduit and supercap and test this weekend,” Daedo said. ”Vannier, can you increase the volume of HVR storage? If we achieve a rate of fire of one per second we should expand the cartridge, or add a second.”
As the squad discussed research projects during their meal Paget-A visited their table.
”We have the exos. Thanks,” she said looking at Daedo.
Barran coughed, ”Ah. No problemo. You coulda just messaged me.”
”So should we expect some stiff competition with the Gauntlet this round?” Vannier asked in a polite tone.
”I hope so,” she said showing her bright white teeth in a smile. ”If you believe my sister we are going to wreck you. However, I do not.”
The table chuckled and accepted Paget-A's humility and grace.
”I wanted to ask if you were up for a scrimmage this week?” Paget-A enquired.
Daedo shook his head before anyone could reply. ”We are booked out. Sorry.”
She looked down and it was obvious the rejection made her a little sad.
”The M3 squads are hammering us this week, but, we could fit you in next week,” Daedo offered kindly.
Barran tapped his elbow and mouthed at Daedo ”smooth.”
”Does fourteen-thirty suit you on any day?” Paget-A asked.
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”No. You will need to come to our session, we don't have time for more than five per week. Vannier?” He asked.
”Twenty-fifteen on Tuesday week,” She offered immediately.
”Thanks, Daedo,” Paget-A smiled brightly before leaving.
As soon as she was out of earshot, Barran mimicked her adding a large slathering of drawl, ”Thanks Daedo,” he said before adding, ”Ahhh ohhh hmmm. Daedo.”
”Who're we supposed to hate now?” Kang asked genuinely.
”Oh, we still hate them,” Mace replied curtly looking at Paget-A's departing form. The statement drew surprised looks from around the table.