There is Another (Chapter 2)
Posted By: Chris Reebe<Adrenaline@si.rr.com>
Date: 6 July 2002, 7:16 am
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A normal school day after recess consisted of flight training, math, and science. Since Earth's colonies have been on the brink of civil war recently, each colony tried their best to train worthy pilots at early ages.
John had always hated flight class. He enjoyed recess the most. Not just because he wasn't overcrowded by schoolwork, and studies but also because he had a chance to run around and act on his feet. Not a day went by when John didn't join in on a game of King of the Hill or Man Hunt; depending on what he decided to play that day. He never had to worry about a lack of members in the game he chose, though. It seemed that whatever he wanted to do automatically satisfied the group. He had that 'leader' quality.
Chris, on the other hand, enjoyed flight class. He loved King of the Hill and Manhunt just as much as John, but he also respected the strength of a ship. He, also, had some 'leader' quality to him but it didn't show. He liked to fall into the crowd but also be noticed for his strengths. John sometimes joked around in calling him 'the leader of the sheep'.
John and Chris entered the classroom. It had that 'worn' kind of feeling to it. It gave a comfortable presence while a series of computers, grids, and maps on every wall reminded the students that they were here to learn.
At the far end of the classroom, their teacher, Mr. Kyle, sat at his desk.
He was 68 years old. He was 6'1", and weighed 190 pounds. He had gray hair, which, in certain light, looked almost silver. He was a fair teacher who respected all of his students, but was strict when it came to those who did not respect him in return. As for the students who did show him respect, his 'kind side' shown and he was almost like a friend.
He was hard at work on his computer.
They were the first to arrive. Chris pointed out that the rest of the class was bound to be late. John hated to see his friends in trouble... and he wanted to have a little fun while helping them, too. Chris decided to distract Mr. Kyle, while John would sneak the rest of the class in.
Chris strode up to Mr. Kyle's desk and casually said, "Ya' know, Mr. Kyle? I've been working on a new tactic. Would you like to see it?"
Chris was one of the students lucky enough to be a 'friend' of Mr. Kyle's.
"Of course, Chris" Mr. Kyle said, easily fooled by Chris' story. "I'm always open for new ideas. I even send the best to the UNSC...I've never had a reply though..."
Chris didn't want to hear Mr. Kyle's depressing story so he hurried him along.
"Well, here's how it goes" Chris said, trying to think up some bogus strategy. "May I sit at the computer?"
"Sure" Mr. Kyle said, rising from his black leather chair. It didn't seem to fit with the rest of the room but it made him feel important to sit in a chair of that sort.
Meanwhile, John was peering out of the window that overlooked the playground. He saw all but 2 of his classmates out there and gave a whistle. They turned and saw John waving them in. Trusting John, as everyone did, they each climbed through the window. Every now and then John had to glance back to make sure Mr. Kyle's full attention was with Chris.
Chris continued to babble on about his strategy to win a battle with only 1 destroyer. He told Mr. Kyle that the captain would have to be brave enough to ram his ship nearly head on with an enemy's, leaving just enough room for the trailing missile to hit the very ship that launched it. To both Chris' and Mr. Kyle's surprise, it didn't seem too far off...
John was having fun with his end of the game, too. He decided to look for the remaining 2 classmates with 90 seconds until the bell would ring. He slipped out of the back door just in time to see the 2 kids enter the hallway. He waved to them but they paid no attention; they were having a conversation of their own. John, anxious to fulfill the 'mission objective' (just to satisfy himself) ran down the hall. He reached his classmates, grabbed their wrists, and pulled them down the hall.
"What are you doing? Let go!" one kid yelled.
"I don't want to lose because of you" John said.
"Lose? What are you talking about?"
"Just get to class," John answered. He had realized that he was too serious about this. It was just class... but he had set a goal and he had to accomplish it.
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