//------------------------------// // CH 11: General Military Training (GMT) // Story: Border Chronicles: Book 1 Friendship in Chaos // by Sirion123 //------------------------------// Location: R-13 Farway Caelum, Cygnus, Belfiore Academy, Freeborn Theater 2039 P.C.E. (Post Creator Era) Today was officially the first day of school for the fall semester at Belfiore. Though classes wouldn't start for close to another week, the reason this was considered the start of the semester was the heritage assembly. The assembly was considered the start of the school year despite the fact no classes were scheduled for the week. The only thing that was on the schedule, on the “Plan of the Day,” was Heritage, much to the annoyance to the student body. The assembly usually gave information on upcoming events, new rules to follow for the academy, overall military standing (nothing that was classified of course), or what ever else the Caelish navy deemed important enough to pass word along. Usually the Heritage assembly was held in the mornings as only to return the students to the early morning rises that would occur for the rest of the fall and into the winter months. This year was break from the norm, that at a minimum, the fact the assembly was being held in the afternoon meant it was important, the first time in almost ten years tradition had broke, (no one could quite remember the reason why it was in the afternoon in 2031, but it was something important…) Everyone on campus new something was up. Rumors of a new house being formed by one of the most notorious shut ins of the entire academy was certainly the most proliferated. Rumors of six foreign students and new instructor, had made their rounds as well, but didn’t hold the same sort of appeal of Belfiore’s star student. Lastly students of the academy took note that the senior staff were in an “urgent meeting” In the staff commons all the senior instructors sat chatting waiting for when the meeting would start. As was the nature of such things everyone had assembled twenty minutes before the meeting started, and waited ten minutes afterword for the CO to show up. “ATTENTION ON DECK” Called out one of the junior instructors. At once every one of the staff members snapped, crisply, to the position of attention. “Carry on.” Skeleton’s raspy voice filled the air. Noting no-one made a move to their seats he continued in an annoyed tone, “Take your seats…please…” They did, only causing Skeleton to sigh. “I am grateful for your attendance. I know our standard operating procedure has taken a blow by pushing the Heritage assembly to this afternoon, in place of it’s normal time of ten hundred. As I am sure, all of you have heard the rumors spreading around the academy grounds. We have received a few exchange students and a new instructor.” “Sir?” A suave voice cut in, “How is it we haven’t been briefed on this before now? Normal—” “Because the higher ups made the decision, without consulting myself or any one else here at Belfiore Lieutenant Zook!” Skeleton replied angrily, “Now please remain quiet and allow me to finish. “As I was saying before being so rudely interrupted, These six students showcase a unique form of active magic never seen on farway, from a country I’m not permitted to name. These students are here as a token of good faith. We will give them the chance to learn about our low grade military construct technology. If their magic is compatible with an unaltered construct we will continue both with the student exchanges and talks of trade.” It happens to be the most plausible excuse I could have come up with. “I have to object, sir.” Accused a sharp feminine voice, that of Captain Ferrara, as she weathered Skeleton’s angry glare, “You are allowing foreign agents to have access to some of our most advanced constructs, potentially causing highly classified magic formulas to be stolen or adapted by a future enemy of the state, or worse yet fall into the hands of Libitina, especially the Creatia construct, our most powerful, nay, the world’s most powerful generator construct.” Capt. Ferrara finished, staring daggers at Skeleton, her distaste for him apparent. “I am aware of the risks, but this matter is entirely out of my hands, so naturally, the matter will never be touched by yours. Still…Allow me to alleviate your concerns, Captain. Starting with what little information I have been given permission to make known to the staff. “Our guests are of a country of peace and would very much like to remain so. That said, they, with little difficulty, could be just as strong an ally as Terra, our sister country. Now, as I had stated earlier, the country that sent these student exchanges from, is classified, well above any clearance any of you hold, especially you Captain.” Skeleton’s eyes fell to Ferrara, hers widened slightly as there wasn’t much that was kept from her, before narrowing to slits of pure but well disciplined rage, “The reason for this is they have no tenable defense against our less then friendly countries, Libitina and Tempus, less so their royal families, and whatever mad whims their leaders have. They need all the help they can receive if they wish to make themselves known.” Silence filled the room as each instructor took in the information. LT Zook just took it idly trying to determine what country had sent their citizens to Caelum. Nothing outside of Terra came to mind, Sure Flumine, Vita, and Fierra would have been interested in doing something like this, and did have a high enough percentage of active magic users for this exchange. But a discovery of a new type of Active magic would have been made known by now, no matter how quiet the respective countries would have tried to keep it. Captain Ferrara, on the other hand already knew Skeleton was lying. She having never trusted a man, especially considering her own career. The problem was in proving what she believed was true. If what Skeleton said was the truth, she’d receive a run around never getting the information she wanted, everyone playing ignorant. If he was lying, they’d be ignorant all the same. Neither scenario was liked by her, but still, she’d keep quiet about it for now. Only Mirkovic had spoken up, after taking a brief ponder on the information. “If’n t’ey need our help, t’en by teh Creators and teh Named tha’s what we’ll do. Still, t’is is a might sud’n, sir. It’s gonna cause sum probl’ns.” “Again, I am aware.” Snapped Skeleton, his anger barely kept in check, “I assure you all, I am very cross with the powers that be that the situation that is before us every occurred. Alas there is nothing that I can do, nor they about the current scenario. So we will do what we have always done, improvise, adapt. “Sadly this isn’t the only news that I have to impart. There is also going to be a new, guest, instructor for this year in the academy. He will be teaching a new style of engagement. This is a trial course, with trial methods so it would be well and good if you don’t question them especially if they don’t make sense. If this course happens to be successful it will be introduced sometime down the road. Sadly this new instructor will be unable to attend this morning’s meeting,” Thank Falona for that… “He will however be introducing himself and what his class will be during Heritage. With that, I have nothing further, we will muster back up at thirteen hundred so we can go through the usual routine.” Freeborn theater, built in honor of the founding family of Caelum was a darkly lit, midnight blue painted, theater. Thousands of seats, built almost a century ago, were slowly filled as the student bodies entered the theater, flowing in like molasses. Four sections of seats filled the main floor of the hall, broken up by two aisles down the center and along the walls. The seats made of slate grey painted metal and charcoal grey fabric, used more for function over form provided the, very uncomfortable chairs. The upper balcony, used almost exclusively for the all hands calls in the academy, looked less worn, took in whatever overflow the main deck couldn’t handle. Following the students before him, Trevor took his seat, dead center of the theater. His choice was made, hoping the others he was forced to live with would loose him in the crowd, only to have them follow straight on his heels. Having nothing else to do while they waited for the assembly to begin, they took in the scenery. A faded golden arch gave definition to the stage, making it seem far too small for how big the theater was. Dark ruby curtains draw open and tied with the same colored tassels as the arch. Ultimately the whole theater was showing its age and seemed more like an after thought, then something built in honor of… Freeborn theater sat packed full, of students, faculty, special guests, and even a few alumni, a total of about two thousand bodies stuffing the normally sparsely filled building. A gentle soft roar produced from the several normal conversations between the student. No true assigned seating, but an informal one still held true. Each student sitting with their Houses, and staff, each having a specialized pin signifying their stock. Looking from the back of the theater to the front, one would see a single cohesive student body. However, looking forward from the stage… proved that largely incorrect. The sad truth of Belfiore, the academy’s dogma of unity held the weight of air, ultimately meaning nothing at all. Houses had segregated, and exploited the students, eviscerating the value. The fleet, as a whole, would say it was largely immune to the effects of what occurred in the academy. History had shown other wise, the increased rivalry between houses, slowly infested the fleet, as cadets took up their commands and progressed in rank. A slow inevitable tide, what happens at and in the academy would before too long affect the fleet. Will a soft flash of light the voice amplifying constructs hummed, bringing forth a sense of life, Light crystals lowered in the brilliance signaling to the entire crowd that Heritage was about to begin. The gentle roar, lowered to a dull rumble. “Stand by…” At once the entire theater turned dead quite, every sailor to be stood up promptly, brought themselves to attention, arms snapping to their sides, eyes forward, unwavering, toward the front stage. looking uniformly at the brightly lit stage with an unassuming oak podium in it’s center. Only six people in the crowd didn’t stand right away, Twilight and her friends thoroughly confused as to what the verbal order meant. Delayed and uncomfortable the girls quickly followed suit and stood, doing their best to mimic the others around them. Hoping that in doing so would reduce the embarrassment and awkwardness that came with being ignorant of what was suppose to happen. The silence that filled the hall, did little to calm them, only unnerve them further. “ATTENTION ON DECK” From behind the curtain, Skelton made his way to the podium on stage. “Be Seated” His cold raspy voice permitting the theater and echoing slightly, sending a flinch down Twilight’s spine. Brief shuffling was heard as the crown returned to their seats, “I offer a welcome to all returning students, and fresh minds. For the newest bodies, I am Admiral Skeleton, the commanding officer of Belfiore, and I have held this post for little over three years. And because of my position, it is customary for the CO to give a speech to the students. A custom that I am not inclined to follow today. That said there are a few announcements that need to be made. “Rumors have been circulating about a new house being formed over the stand down period. Now I am putting an end to these rumors before they grow even further out of hand.” Skeleton took a deep breath, Quiet murmuring filtered through the masses, “Do to any unexpected commencement of a student exchange program so close to the start of the year, and the vast difference in cultures from where these students hail from, it was deemed necessary that a new house be formed. As per naval instruction, only a non-affiliated student could be placed as a House leader. So, I have the onus to introduce the head of the newly formed House Equus, Ensign Fields. Please, stand up and move toward the stage.” The theater erupted in thunderous applause. The girls just cheered, half heartedly, trying their best not to stand out too much in the crowd. Trevor stood up, took in the what was the entire school with indignation, he didn’t want to be in the spot light, he’d already had enough of that with his father’s legacy not to mention the church… Just what does the CO want with me? I don’t need, nor want this…*Sigh* Turning to face his sister, Daisy just gave a reaffirming nod, voicelessly telling Trevor just to endure it. Annoyed beyond belief, and furious at being thrown to the wolves, Trevor tersely made his way forward, down his row, aisle, and up to the stage. Carefully masking his emotions, one foot in front of another, as the deafening applause lowered to a dull murmur. Trevor took to the stage and began to address Belfiore. “This is unexpected,” Trevor began, his disdain for the whole matter could be clearly heard in his tone of voice, “The burden of a speech and the position. This wasn’t something I chose to do, but rather it was placed upon me despite my protests. I will do my best to lead this newly established House. However, I must insist that the current roster is full. House Equus will not be taking any applications for new members.” Trevor firmly stated, thinking all the while, There are too many secrets to keep already in this House. I don’t need the added stress of ensuring some random student is capable of keeping them, nor, dealing with those like Hill that seek nothing more then standings.. With a muttered thanks and a slight bow, Trevor made a quick exodus from the stage, in complete and utter silence. The whole school just held a dumfounded look. No one in the history of Belfiore disliked being in a house, much less leading one. Yet, there stood Trevor Fields, often jokingly called the “Star of Belfiore” had refused being in a House at every turn until this point in time, where he was forced to take up the role. A fact made even more clear in the irate tone he took during the speech. Fields only viewed what others called an honor, as unwanted shackles. By the time Trevor returned to his seat, two people in the crowd had recovered from Trevor’s vexing attitude toward the Houses. Logan Hill was livid, his feature twisted into the very picture of wrathful rage. His eyes sharp and narrowed as he glared daggers into Fields, Taking the whole situation as a personal attack on his station in the academy, and an affront to everything he was trying to achieve. Hill’s face did little to stop the revulsion from being apparent. As his hand clenched the theater seat in white knuckled fury, Masters only worried both for Fields, and how Hill would handle today’s events. That ungrateful…Here I have to work so hard for my station, remained ever vigilant, to keep everything I’ve gained, and this Creator damned fool has it handed to him on a silver platter only for him to spurn it. Spit right into the faces of every student here. Star child of Belfiore, more like self centered, spoiled brat. Thought Hill, his scowl darkening with his mood and thoughts. Elsewhere amongst the crowd a coy smile could be seen. Landcaster had found the ordeal quite humorous. Trevor Fields, the Houseless, is forced into the very thing he avoided, like dealing with Libitina…or the their royal family. Oooohhh, this is good. Love how he stuck it to the CO with his every so subtle, passive aggressive, ways. That said, and if the rumors still hold true, it appears that the House is full of women. and if their the ones sitting next to Fields, they are attractive females, you lucky bastard. Landcaster couldn’t help himself, he just laughed at the whole matter, confusing an already befuddled Travis even further. Skeleton made his way back upon the stage, to the center podium, and cleared his throat. The noise carried through the sound constructs, amplifying itself through out the theater, and fulfilled it purpose in bring everyones attention to him. “Thank you Ensign Fields. I hope you bear the responsibility well. There is one other item that I need to address before turning it over the the faculty. There is to be a new training program to be implemented this year. This is a trial program, headed by a new instructor, that is…a…contracted individual…It is my solum…duty…to introduce this new instructor.” Under his breath Skeleton added, “I’m going to regret this” A smattering of half enthused clapping filled the air as the students couldn’t decide if this was a bad or a good thing. The sudo cheer soon gave way to barely suppressed laughter as the new instructor moseyed his way on stage. The cause for the laughter was the ridiculous suit the instructor wore. A brightly colored suit patched together in a quite the opposite of fashion, made from random patched of colorful material, with absolutely no straight seams to be found. Or anything, really, that could resemble a definitive shape, as the patches looked like spilled paint forming the blobs of color that made the blouse of his suit. His leggings were a striped mustard yellow with a dull rust colored pinstripe repeating with varying space between them. Yet the most defining feature this suit held, was an obnoxiously bright peach colored tie that seemed to reflect the lighting in the theater straight into the audiences eyes. It didn’t take very long for someone in the audience to break into a loud guffaw, with the rest of the crowd following soon after. Only those in the new House refrained from laughing, all of them knowing exactly who was on stage. All of them rolling their eyes at the antics before them. Well, all of them except Rarity, who had passed out at the site of such a monstrosity of a suit on stage, as the violations against fashion proved to much for the seamstress. “Greetings everypony!” the instructors voice carried through the theater in his usual velvet melody, “As your CO Skelly just misinformed you, I am not just a new instructor, I’m the officer in charge of House Equus, as well.” A loud YES carried from the crowd from a certain pink haired girl, “Now for this class I’m supposedly supposed to teach…this new class… which is the…er…” the oddly dressed instructor on stage brought his hand to his chin, rubbing his goatee thoughtfully, after a moment passed, he snapped his fingers and his face brightened with an Aha moment, “I remember now. But before I start, let me explain a little about it… it’s mine to run, and rest assured it will be chaotic.” The instructors grin grew wide, causing Trevor to squirm in his seat, “With that, it is my duty and privilege to introduce this new class. The Unexpected Scenario Exercises of Logistical Execution of Serviced Ships.” Once again the theater filled with less then enthused cheer, mostly cheering for the sake of cheering, not really understanding anything of what was said. Skeleton on the other hand just face palmed, once he worked out just what Discord’s class was called. “Because of this class’ experimental nature, only the highest ranking Houses will be allowed to attend. And from said houses only eight of their members, those being in the highest stations will be attending. Starting from the highest ranked house, Houses, Equus, Volcain, and Oaklandus will be attending. The class starts next week, so prepare for the unexpected and unprepareable. Now to my current and future constituents, I give you the floor.” Discord gave a sweeping bow, gesturing to the hard wood that made up the stage, his snaggled tooth smirk as wide as possible with his current form. After all, He pranked the entirety of Belfiore Academy, or more importantly Skeleton, and no one could do anything about it. Next week, Discord would start his U.S.E.L.E.S.S. class.