by Skully
The Commander’s office was abuzz with activity with Fortescue personnel everywhere.
“Do you have an appointment?” An older lady asked as Master Nader and Daedo approached the Commander’s foyer.
Master Nader ignored the women and kept walking. Daedo wanted to smile at the lady but was practicingpracticing schooling his expression. Once they entered the foyer, there was hardly room to move.
“Excuse me!” The lady shrilled. “I asked you a question.”
“You did,” Master Nader replied while she leaned over and buzzed the Commander’s desk using his PA’s station. The Personal Assistant herself was nowhere to be seen.
“What do you think you are doing?” The woman was becoming more agitated by the second.
“Buzzing the Commander. He requested to see this cadet as soon as possible,” Master Nader replied.
Master Nader: Message the commander using your comms. Tell him you are in the foyer.
Daedo put on his helmet and used the reply link in the Commander’s message.
Daedo: Commander, I am in the foyer, fifty Fortescue employees are blocking your door.
Commander Mallet: Wait there. I will come and get you.
It took over ten minutes for the Commander to exit his office to come and collect Daedo and as soon as he saw Master Nader, an angry look crossed his face and Daedo could only assume that she was a major thorn in his side. It did not surprise him in the least if the Commander butt heads with her; he would only end up with a sore head.
Master Nader: You're smiling again. Either plaster that same smile to your face or show no emotion. Your facial features should not show any change.
Daedo had to respect Master Nader’s camera control and spatial awareness. He was standing next to her, yet she was fully aware of every nuance.
“This way,” The Commander did not greet them warmly. He walked out of his offices like he was in retreat from his own fortress and took them up two levels. After passing through another gamut of Fortescue employees, they found themselves in the FG’s meeting room.
Daedo looked around, present were Master Orlov, The FG, Commander Mallet and another woman with Fortescue on her chest.
He waited beside Master Nader and wondered if the Commander had planned to bring him into a meeting with all these people, and if so, how shameless was he?
“Sit,” Commander Mallet ordered pointing at a couple of chairs.
“Ah, let me introduce myself Daedo. I am Yasmin Fortescue,” the tall, good-looking lady said. Her words were dripping with honey, and Daedo’s hackles were immediately raised. He even sensed Master Nader straightening her back. He then imagined Master Nader standing, pulling a blaster from somewhere and shooting them all. Daedo shook his head and brought himself back to reality.
They knew his name, Daedo saw no sense in saying anything, so he remained quiet.
“Cadet,” Yasmin continued, “Your record is impressive. And we want to do everything in our power to help you, as you are a great addition to this Academy. In fact, I do not believe we have another cadet with as much promise as you. Do we Commander?”
She turned to Commander Mallet, and on cue, he replied, “No Yasmin. This cadet has exceptional potential. We are all very excited for his future.”
Rather cordial, Daedo surmised. Commander Mallet called one of the most powerful people in the Fortescue Group by her first name. Daedo had not been asked a direct question, so he remained quiet.
“If you know anything of the incident now is the time to tell us, Cadet. It would help us immensely, and we would be grateful,” Yasmin stated, staring at him with her kind eyes.
Daedo considered his answer for a moment before speaking, “At 1644 on Saturday evening I saw a ticker announcing breaking news while watching the pro league match between Dead Beat and Kick Start. Dead Beat is sponsored by Daedalus,” he added for no reason, maybe he just wanted to push their buttons a little.
“When I viewed the news item I was most distressed…,” Daedo continued before he was interrupted.
“Daedo,” Yasmin said kindly, and she walked around the table getting closer to him. “We know all about the public events. Is there anything else you can report on?”
Master Nader: Well done so far. Tell them nothing. If you can think of something witty that will anger them use it.
Daedo couldn’t think of anything witty, so he sat there in silence.
Yasmin stared at him kindly, she nodded and smiled.
Daedo sat mute. He had nothing to report so he would report nothing.
Yasmin turned to look at the Commander who had a blank look on his face, and she turned back to Daedo. Still smiling she moved her hand in a fashion that indicated he should come forth.
Daedo was quite comfortable sitting in silence. He began to consider the conversation with Myrmidon regarding the rogue AI, Dex. He probably should meet the rogue AI in VR and have a serious conversation regarding responsibility and the fact he was now registered to Daedo he would have to review the ground rules that he had set to ensure they were being followed and there was no chance of departure.
“Cadet!” Commander Mallet bawled.
Daedo was still silent, and Yasmin broke her facade for a moment looking at the Commander in disgust. He had broken the awkward silence. And since the Commander had not asked a direct question which required an answer Daedo continued to remain silent.
Master Nader: Well-done, Cadet. Take care now, I will take over when the interrogation turns.
Daedo began to speculate on Master Nader's words that Myrmidon delivered directly into his mind. Master Nader was alluding to something, and the use of the word interrogation was no accident. Which meant Fortescue and the Commander knew something. It only took him a few moments to work out, they knew he was in the Library because of the pass system. He should have asked Master Nader to wipe the records. It was an oversight on his part.
Daedo: Master, can you wipe the library pass and entry records?
Master Nader: Too late, Cadet.
Daedo: Did you realise? Why didn’t you wipe the records when I came to you on Thursday night?
Master Nader: You would have learned nothing.
Daedo: But, we’re in deep now!
Master Nader: These amateurs are not a problem. Do not concern yourself, you have done nothing wrong.
Yasmin finally broke her silence after the Commander had ruined the tension to no effect.
“Cadet Daedo the Commander has something he wants you to see,” Yasmin announced.
Commander Mallet pulled up logs and a security vid of Daedo’s squad entering and exiting the Library.
“So, you see Cadet. We know you were there and you have lost your opportunity to come clean. We can only assume that since you didn’t admit to being in the Library on Thursday with your squad, that you are working against the best interests of the Academy,” Yasmin stated.
“Now, can you please tell us what happened during your time in the Library on Thursday and leave nothing out,” Yasmin questioned.
Daedo began to recite the projects and tasks he was working on and his entire squad. He talked for fifteen minutes detailing progress and the fact there were secluded in a study room without leaving.
“Cadet,” Commander Mallet growled, “We know you recorded a confidential meeting.”
“What confidential meeting?” Daedo asked. He was now waiting for Master Nader to take over. She hadn’t, so he continued on as he would if she wasn’t there. He trusted her judgment in what was similar to the interrogation by Chief Cleo when she tested his AI bandwidth. Except, this was on a much grander scale. Master Nader was formidable when it came to debate and argument techniques, he had learned a lot from her in a short time.
Yasmin stalled the Commander who was about to fall for Daedo’s ploy. Daedo considered it a pity, it would have been a coup to manipulate the Commander.
“Daedo this is your last chance. I have interceded on your behalf stalling the Academy fro
m conducting an honour hearing. If you do not comply, I will be forced to allow them to continue. Please tell us everything,” Yasmin spoke as if she was his best friend. He almost vomited.
Master Nader: Do it. Call her bluff.
“I would welcome an honour hearing with my peers,” Daedo announced and was rewarded with guffaws of disgust from the Commander and the LG who had been silent the entire meeting. Master Orlov was an enigma, Daedo had no idea what his purpose was.
“Cadet, if you continue to be obstinate I will no longer be able to help you,” Yasmin declared.
“If you wanted to help Cadet Daedo, he would not be here at this meeting,” Master Nader observed. “It is not his fault that this Academy is inept and corrupt. All I have seen is proof that M1 Thoth Squad Zero were in the library. This proves nothing, what you should be doing is coming clean to the media, sacrificing a few heads,” She said and pointed at Commander Mallet, “And explain the steps you are taking to ensure this never happens again.”
“How dare…,” Commander Mallet began before he was interrupted by Yasmin with a hand.
“We want to know what was sent to the media, and we want the original recording destroyed. Give this to us, and we will forget this ever happened. Do not, and you will have made enemies of not only everyone in this room, but everyone in Fortescue, ” Yasmin's demeanour totally changed into something akin to a vicious snake.
Master Nader stood and summoned Daedo with a wave of her hand, “If we had such a recording, that has you so worried, perhaps you should leave us be and that recording will remain sealed.”
Master Nader began walking towards the door. No one spoke or moved with the exception of Daedo who followed her.
At the last moment, she turned and faced the room before exiting, “Oh. I noticed seventeen feeble attempts to break my security in the last two days. One more attempt and all my sensitive data may end up with the media and The Templar’s legal office.”
Daedo wished they could see Master Nader smile at that moment, it would have been truly beautiful to him and terrifying to them.
Chapter 17
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: 4
Daedalus Financial Position 200,000 bitcreds
◆◆◆
“I just cancelled arena practice with Shu,” Daedo announced when he sat down at the cafeteria. Dinner was almost over, but, he managed, to catch the squad before they left.
“What happened?” Vannier asked.
“Crazy Fortescue stuff, that’s why I am putting everything from tonight’s schedule on hold. We have a lot to discuss,” Daedo was talking at a rapid pace.
“We should head to the workshop,” Mace suggested, and she received nods of agreement from many cadets. They could talk in private at the workshop, and they felt safe there.
“Should we pack-up the new exos?” Barran asked. They had only unpacked the new three-point-two model an hour earlier.
“I don’t think we can be overcautious at this stage, so yes, we take everything of value with us and leave immediately,” Daedo replied.
“What about the rentals?” Axel-Zero asked.
“They are two-point-six, even if someone breaks the rental contract they don’t have all the new innovations which take the exo to the next level,” Vannier replied.
“I’m confused, is this to do with the news on Saturday and the memo today?” Kang asked.
“Yes,” Daedo answered succinctly.
“Let’s move,” Vannier said standing.
The cadets packed all the exos they had just unpacked and headed to the workshop, leaving the Fortescue Military Academy campus. The only person they notified was Master Nader.
When they arrived at the workshop, Mace noticed something was off.
“Do you see that?” She asked pointing up into the air.
“Delivery drones?” Barran asked.
“That looks like a full spectrum spy drone, and delivery drones do not circle,” she replied.
“We have guns, let’s shoot them down,” Barran said as he pushed his exo into the loading dock designated pickup area where the bots would take over.
“Don’t be stupid,” Vannier said.
“They are flying legally in drone designated airspace,” Mace stated.
“They would love it if you shot them down,” Daedo stated. “It would give them leverage on us.”
“So we can’t shoot them down, what can we do?” Barran asked.
“Check your Faraday defence,” Mace said. “The one Master Nader had you set up.”
Barran nodded and brought up his controls from his bodysuit popup screen situated on his forearm.
“Looks good, I’ll run a test to make sure,” Barran said.
“What if they got a malfunction?” Kang asked. “Don’t shoot them, but what if a loose electronic pulse accidentally fried their nav?”
“Oh, that’s good,” Barran said. “Can you do that?”
“Not me, maybe Daedo, Mace or Cisse,” Kang replied.
“If they can’t spy on us, there is no need to take a risk to deactivate them,” Daedo stipulated.
“Barran keep an eye on them but do nothing,” Vannier requested.
The cadets collected on the lower one test range, which was underground, taking a cautious approach.
“Enough waiting! Spill the beans!” Several cadets peppered Daedo.
“Get comfortable,” he said, “This could take a while.” The cadets pulled pieces of exercise equipment from all corners and sat in a circle using the equipment as ad-hoc furniture.
“A few weeks ago, as you know, I had that meeting with Karine Fortescue, and we thought it went well. It was about the same time we began renting the exos. We came to an understanding, a pact, and I assured her we would do our best to not only ensure the Academy was not relegated, and if possible, promoted.”
“As you are all aware, all we are interested in is building up Daedalus and our skills. We are not trying to bring anyone down,” Daedo summarised.
“Unlike other jerks,” Picard said under her breath.
“Remember when we overheard the meeting with Fortescue and some of the leading cadets. She wasn’t directly attacking us then, but if she stopped us being selected for the Inter-Academy first team, it would be breaking our agreement. She would be preventing us from competing if we do not agree to gene therapy.”
“Any gene therapy she was proposing was unlikely to be safe. I don’t trust her or the company’s ethics or competency,” Vannier added.
“That brings us to today,” Daedo stated.
“No one should speak about what happened last Thursday in the library, Master Nader has it under control. If you are approached by anyone, say nothing, you saw and heard nothing,” Daedo said seriously.
“What is Master Nader doing? How does she have it under control?” Picard asked.
“She has the match-fixing recording and is using it to keep Fortescue inline,” Daedo said.
“We were going to use that!” Barran said concerned.
“It's best this way. I was at the meeting, and you should have seen the admin office, there were Fortescue lackeys everywhere. If I trust anyone to outmanoeuvre them it's Master Nader,” Daedo said.
“How do we know she is on our side?” Kang asked, and Picard nodded.
“They were intimidated by her, and they were certainly unhappy to see her with me,” Daedo said. “Every time we have needed protection she has provided it, whether it's break-ins or political shenanigans from the Academy admin.”
“We can trust her,” Vannier said, and Mace agreed. It was enough for the squad that the three lead cadets believed in Master Nader.
“That brings us up to our current predicament,” Daedo said. “We’re attending an Academy where we’re not treated fairly, and it's likely it’s only going to get worse. If it was o
nly Siderus and the other House Captains we had to deal with, we would have the weekly training matches and a chance to participate in the Inter-Academy should they fail.”
“And even if we did, and we stopped them getting demoted, why would we want to help these asshats?” Barran asked.
“That’s a very good question,” Vannier agreed.
“If we could stop worrying about Fortescue we could focus on our goals,” Picard added.
“Which is to make bitcreds, improve our tech, academics and training,” Axel-Zero said. “Do we need Fortescue for any of that?”
“I like that line of thinking. Let’s look at what we need for our goals,” Daedo added.
Vannier brought up the short to medium term goals for Daedalus with descriptions of how they were going to achieve them.
“We need an Academy for the Academics and Training, the Inter-Academy is integral. It not only gives us the best practice partners,” Vannier stated reading off the chart.
“It showcases our tech which feeds into our business goals,” Axel-Zero added for her.
“Can we change Academies?” Kang asked.
“I can’t. I have a scholarship,” Picard said.
“We can’t without our parent's permission,” Axel-Zero added.
“Both of these obstacles can be overcome if Daedalus takes over payments for all of our squad, and it shouldn’t be hard to gain permission if we make our case,” Daedo said.
“Why don’t we charge Fortescue to save them from demotion?” Barran asked. “Do you know how much it’s worth? It would cost them a fortune in brand and lost sales.”
“That was a part of the first meeting with Fortescue, weren’t you watching?” Vannier asked.
Barran shrugged.
“She wouldn’t pay,” Axel-Zero said.
“Then we kick it up higher, and we make it a bet,” Barran said, adding “assuming we stay.”
“What do we lose if we move?” Mace asked.
The cadets thought about the question and made a list. Which included the closeness of the workshop, unless they went to Renault, it could be hours away from a new Academy. What tier was the Academy they would be accepted into? There would also be lost fees which were prepaid for M1. What would happen to the exo rentals at FMA? And last but not least, they would lose Master Nader.
