Daedalus 88 M1: Term 2, Round 4

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 Operating Capital: 180,000 bitcreds

.

.

"This superconductor material, can it be synthesized?" Daedo asked Master Nader.

"Cadet, I am not the expert, keep reviewing the material," Master Nader responded.

Daedo kept searching the media and following its links until he found what he was looking for. 'Argh, I wonder if asteroids in our solar system have this stuff.' He said to himself.

"I've memorised enough for today," he announced.

Master Nader nodded, and the mystery box disappeared. "Any requests for the experts?" she enquired.

"There is circa twenty years worth of advancements contained within the current material. We are good until we have a specific need," Daedo replied.

The VR room disappeared, and they were both back in her office. Technically Daedo could have been anywhere when accessing the secure VR room, but Master Nader insisted he only did so from within her office. This rule enabled an additional layer to the already tyrannical security level by isolating the signal to direct-local access only.

"Dismissed Cadet," Master Nader had been concise as always.

Daedo left the office with strong feelings of allowing himself to be corrupted which were attacking his conscience; before he squashed it mentally into a tiny ball and fired it into outer s.p.a.ce.

He checked the time, it could get away from him when he spent time searching through the mystery box.

**Myrmidon: you're back

**Daedo: yes.

**Myrmidon: or is it that I am back?

**Daedo: semantics.

**Myrmidon: You are spending more time in Master Nader's secure VR room. Is this good or bad?

**Daedo: both. It's like the pain I go through when trying to improve martial combat. It's painful, but in the end, it will help me.

**Myrmidon: the exos are on their way. The bots just finished loading the autovan.

**Daedo: thanks. I will let the squad know.

**Myrmidon: Daedo, I found an AI to improve our thermal energy modelling.

**Daedo: Do we rent it or purchase a clone?

**Myrmidon: Neither. Dex used to monitor the old Nuclear power plants in his first incarnation.

**Daedo: One of the rogues?

**Myrmidon: Yes. I discussed the problem, and we believe he can learn and become the modelling tool you need.

**Daedo: Have an AI dedicated to modelling? That's a great idea. I don't want him in my head though.

**Myrmidon: I can manage him, and we will structure it so he cannot do any damage.

**Daedo: Good. I will leave it in your capable electrons.

**Myrmidon: if that was humour that was pathetic.

**Daedo: you wouldn't know humour if it byte you on your asci.

**Myrmidon: stop you are hurting my neural net.

"Vannier," Daedo greeted her as she left her apartment it would be dinner in fifteen minutes in an otherwise uneventful first Monday of round four. "The new exos will be here in a few minutes. We should load before dinner."

"In time for the first Gauntlet as promised, thanks Daedo. Any news on the… you know; News," Vannier asked looking towards Master Nader's door briefly.

"Other than the House Captain meeting being cancelled, it seems like business as usual to me. What about you? Have you heard anything?" Daedo asked.

"We all got the recorded speech from Commander Mallet. He must have been too busy to come down and talk to us in person, did you watch it?" Vannier asked.

"No, not yet. It came through forty minutes ago. That one?" Daedo asked.

"Yeah, I only got one, did you get two?" Vannier asked.

"Yes, and I've watched neither," Daedo replied.

"You watch them, and I'll organise the unpacking of the new and loading of the old exos," Vannier offered.

"Great thanks. I'll see you at dinner," Daedo said as he entered his own room.

The new exos were the three-point-two model. It had the major innovations that Daedo had been working on since the end of term one. Additionally, it had new polymer and fluids from Mace with the power of Kang infused into the structure, plating and components.

After examining the integrity of Kang's new composite metals, the most substantial change Daedo made to the design was the joint actuators. Kang asked Daedo a question regarding the fibre mesh and when it was delivered to one actuator did it cause and an issue. This got Daedo thinking, and they trialled using several small actuators, using her improved composites to increase strength.

This not only increased strength and responsiveness, but it also added a layer of redundancy over one of the most critical parts. The three-point-two version of the Daedo exo was stronger, faster and better armoured than its two-point-six counterpart by fifty percent.

Fortescue had delivered compet.i.tor data, and it was clear they had caught the Top Tier Academies such as DaVinci, Svarski and Huawei in strength and surpa.s.sed their raw speed. However, the propulsion and power systems from the top tier Academies was still light years ahead.

**Exo Comparison Chart**

Model, Strength Factor (X), Armour Value, Mobility Factor (X), JumpJet (runtime s)

Standard Medium; 2, 40, 1, 30

Standard Heavy; 5, 80, 0.8, 30

Daedo M v2.6; 9, 110, 2, 45

Daedo M v3.2; 15, 180, 2.2, 45

Tier 3 I-A Top; 10, 120, 1.7, 45

Tier 1 I-A Top; 15, 250, 2, 150

M = Medium, I-A top = Inter-Academy leading equipment

All cadets in Daedo's squad now used the same exo, there was no heavy, it was just their exo designed within the Inter-Academy regulations for Heavy. It was much lighter and nimble, despite the armour value and strength the cadets referred to it as a medium model.

After putting his old exo into a hoverbin and pushing it out into the common area, Daedo donned his helmet and sat down.

He watched the vid Vannier mentioned, although it had come in second, it was the one sent to all cadets. It was presented by Commander Mallet and the Lieutenant General (LG), the former was the head of the Middle Academy and the latter the Head of Academy.

The Commander a.s.sured all cadets that the news item was false and they would do clear the Academies name in due course. There was nothing to fear, and no cadets had been harmed. He then droned on about honour, integrity and duty which Daedo interpreted as how pompous, rigid and stupid they were.

Within a few minutes, Daedo had deleted the vid and moved onto the next.

"Cadet, this is your commander," Mallet stated. Daedo was not normally facetious, but Commander Mallet couldn't help but engender negative feelings such as the one he was experiencing now, as 'derr' came to mind.

"If you have any involvement in the leaked information to parents and staff please come forward. There will be no repercussions if you cooperate we just need to understand the source of the leaks and to prevent further infractions. I could not contact you directly, for some reason your Master had blocked a direct contact, but I have been able to send you a recorded message through the academy system. Please come and see me at your earliest convenience."

The message was four hours old.

Daedo laughed.

"What's so funny?" Barran said as he returned guiding his hoverbin.

Daedo removed his helmet and replied, "Oh, just the commander sent me a message four hours ago and asked me to report to his office at my earliest convenience."

Barran laughed for a good while before replying, "Oh, you're in the s.h.i.t now."

Vannier walked in on the conversation, "What's so funny? And why are you in the …" She left off the swear word feeling the implication was obvious enough there was no need to sully her mouth.

"It's in regards to that first message I got. I need to see Master Nader before I report to the Commander. I'll have to miss dinner," Daedo replied.

"I'll get you something ready in our kitchen now. Take it with you and eat it on your way," Vannier offered.

"Seriously Daedo? They make your food now?" Barran was incredulous. "Can I have…"

"No," Vannier said emphatically cutting Barran off.

Daedo entered Master Nader's office, after flicking her the vid from the Commander the door slid open as he approached.

"Cadet," Master Nader greeted him. "Accompany me. We will turn this into a learning opportunity."

Master Nader opened her secret door to the back-of-house part of the Academy. No one saw her leave or arrive, the cadets had always speculated she had some sort of secret pa.s.sageway. It was either that, or she teleported.

Master Nader: if the commander tries to exclude me from the meeting what will you do?

Daedo: simple. I will walk if he doesn't allow you to partic.i.p.ate.

Master Nader: very good cadet. You are already more competent than many of my superiors in this Academy.

Daedo had a wry smile at the last phrase 'in this Academy'. They weren't really her superiors, this was just a cover.

Master Nader: control your expressions Cadet. Non-verbal cues account for eighty percent of in-person communications.

Daedo knew Master Nader was correct but couldn't help thinking that she cheated wearing her helmet all the time.

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 practising 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 a.s.sistant 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 a.s.sume that she was a major thorn in his side. It did not surprise him in the least if the Commander b.u.t.t 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 pa.s.sing 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 Sat.u.r.day 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 b.u.t.tons 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 pa.s.s 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 pa.s.s 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 a.s.sume that since you didn't admit to being in the Library on Thursday with your squad that you are working against the best interested 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 from 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 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.