Introductions

Casimir's communication device buzzed a good fifteen minutes before the allotted time. He got up from his bed and closed his window and made his way out of the room. The little map displayed before his eyes was a bit harder to read than he had initially anticipated but after he got the hang of it was smooth sailing from then on. The hallways were not devoid of life, young sixteen-year-old boys chatted amongst themselves in clusters against their respective doors. Casimir received the occasional stare that had already become customary for him, however this time he was unsure of whether it was as a result of his appearance or that the rumours of him being an orphan had already spread. Paying it no mind he continued on his way. There was no reason for him to concern himself over the little things that bothered his colleagues either. He had a mission and he would do everything in his power to ensure he completed it. The ground floor halls were even more populous than the second floor. This time he came across both boys and girls. It seemed the girls were more diligent than the boys, or maybe it was that they were just hungry. He entered the cafeteria and again there were more girls and overwhelmingly so. As far as Casimir could tell there were only six other boys in contrast to the already twenty-five girls. Scanning the room, he found among the recruits were other officers seated as well. He intended to mind his own business and mind it he would.

After another ten minutes elapsed one of the officers got up and went to close the door to the cafeteria. He had seen this coming. After reading the code of conduct, he found out that it was a military law for recruits such as them to attend any meal or physical session five minutes earlier than the scheduled times. He assumed this was done to build discipline and a strong sense of responsibility among the awakened. The officer who had closed the door turned to address those present in the cafeteria.

"I am pleased you were diligent enough to read your code of conduct and those of you who were just hungry you have your luck to thank, consider this a let off read the books. Supper shall begin now after supper we will meet in the common dorm hall lecture theatre one. Proceed to the counters and collect your plates. Enjoy your meal ladies and gentlemen."

The room resumed its chatter as recruits went to collect their food. As if it wasn't written in the stars already, Casimir found himself sitting alone at one of the tables and he obviously didn't mind. He would occupy himself with his thoughts. His first and most glaring issue was dealing with his aura. He could sense the ether present around him and if he could he knew his aura might be in operation and the reason why, and he wasn't sure whether it was beaconing its origin.

'I will access the tome tonight it should have something right? I'm sure if I meet at least a persistent enough Centinal I won't be as lucky..."

His mental conversation was disturbed when he saw someone in the periphery of his vision sit down next to him. When he turned his head to see what kind of crazy person he had attracted this time, much to his surprise, it was just one of the officers. The lady had your typical Cestane appearance bar her blue eyes. She was very pretty as far as Casimir was concerned but she was also unreachable so he decided that whatever he may be feeling should and would end at just attraction. She initiated conversation as soon as she saw she had Casimir's attention.

"Hello recruit may I sit with you?"

Casimir did not respond but rather stood and placed his left hand on the small of his back and his right against the badge on his uniform in salutation to his superior. The lady, caught by surprise, let out a small and delicate laugh and motioned for Casimir to take his seat.

"I commend you for your respect of conduct however this is your first day I'm sure officer… I mean Lieutenant Banks told you your tenure begins in earnest tomorrow, tonight we have the responsibility of getting to know you and giving you a warm welcome to ensure you are aware that your nations care dearly for you."

Casimir took his seat and looked towards the lady who had yet to introduce herself after all he talking about.

"I am Cadet Casimir Nagid it's a pleasure to meet you."

"I am Officer Evelyn it is a pleasure to meet you too cadet, why are you sitting by yourself? were your pals? part of the latecomers?"

"No ma'am. I am an orphan"

"I see… then why aren't you sitting with the other orphans."

He did not answer immediately but continued to look the pretty officer in the eyes as she stared back. He has been subject to many personal assessments from others to not recognize one when he'd see it.

"Are you going to give us problems cadet?"

"Not the bad kind ma'am."

This time a hearty chuckle slipped past her lips.

"Good with your words to go with that face I see, please stay away from the female cadets."

Although she said the last part jokingly her eyes were sending a very different and petrifying message.

"Yes ma'am."

"Good do you have any questions, Cadet?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Go ahead."

"If we are beginning in earnest tomorrow then why have the latecomers not been let off?"

"They were, they just weren't allowed into the cafeteria to receive a warm welcome from their officers, they have been given their food from out there."

"I see."

"Anything else?"

"I do have more questions but I think they will be answered during our orientation."

Her sky-blue eyes stayed on him whilst a smile played on her lips, she hadn't expected to be met with such a pleasant surprise.

"You seem very intelligent and resourceful cadet, I hope your impression on me will hold true. It has been my pleasure and I hope you enjoy your time here and use it wisely, don't chase skirts for too long you're a boy so I understand, focus on your training it will help you if you intend to build a very good foundation for your future, take every session seriously… and please shower every day"

It seemed the unsolicited advice from Officer Evelyn was more of a favour than anything they were assigned to do. He wanted to impress his superiors with better resources and opportunities, and it seemed he had succeeded at the first hurdle. As she got up to leave Casmir bid her farewell.

"Yes, ma'am thank you, have a lovely day."

She gave him a warm and friendly smile and she departed. Casimir then returned to his food to find the frothy and warm soup that had been turning cold had finally grown cold. He sighed and looked at it with deep regret, pushing it away, he reached for his cup and drank the last of the water he had taken.

'And the soup was so good what a shame.'