In my sleep I find myself reliving a fractured memory of some kind. I don't know where I am, or who is across from me. All I know is that I'm in an animalistic rage. My breaths ragged and borderline a growl. My vision is foggy and red and I am in intense pain. In my hand is a knife dripping with crimson. I approach the person slowly as they bargain for their lives. I can't remember the voice. It sounds monotone and genderless. They have no face, no features. I then slash at them twice. One tear on each side of their face. Running from each temple to their chin outside of their eyes. They fall to the ground not dead but injured. Slowly the vision fades and I begin to wake up...

I awake once more in a hospital room. Again shirtless. I can at least move this time. I look down at my arm and see I am in a sling with a large bandage. My chest is almost healed with a crisscross of scarring added to my body. Small 'X' shapes dot my torso. MY side that was burned seems almost noticeable. All my burned flesh is pretty much gone. I sit in silence as I feel how sore I am. Absolute agony is most of what I feel.

I writhe around for a moment before a buzzer goes off and something is pumped into my arm. The pain goes away almost instantly. I let out a long sigh of relief and lie my head back in relaxation. I hope whatever they put in me isn't habit-forming. I stay laid back for a few more minutes when the door to my left opens. Through it steps Dr.Kelly. SHe has a tablet in her hands and is looking at something. I speak up quietly,

"Pardon me ma'am, but how long have I been out? My wounds shouldn't be this good if it was a few hours."

She looks up a bit startled and replies,

"It's been a day. You took some catastrophic damage to yourself and some frags barely missed your heart and lungs. You almost lost a kidney and your arm was nearly bisected. With modern medicine a day in a drugged coma is good. You should be fine to go in the next few hours, your arm will need a week because we can easily heal flesh wounds but bones are still difficult."

I nod and ask,

"How will my grades suffer?"

She shakes her head,

"Not at all. The AMS and physical classes are all you are required to do, the rest are.. . well not needed but are there just so this place can be considered a college. I think it's stupid and will leave a bunch of dumbasses but that's how this place works."

I nod happy my grades won't suffer but mad I won't actually have schooling or at least good schooling. Then through the door comes Liberty. She looks at me with sad eyes and asks,

"How are you feeling lieutenant? Don't play dumb this time, I spoke to Kassandra. I owe you it seems. More than before..."

Dr.Kelly checks my machines and then leaves the room. Liberty pulls up a rolling chair and sits next to my bed. Her gaze seems either apologetic or even saddened by something, most of all she looks worried. She lets out a long breath and says,

"Well, since I have you trapped, and you're on so many drugs you can't hurt me, we are gonna have a long talk... One I've needed for a long time and have been unable to have... with anyone..."

I look over at her trying to remain indifferent but I honestly am curious. I look at her face and notice her odd scars... two running down the sides of her face from her temples to her chin outside of her eyes. There are a few other scars here and there but those two are the most visible. I nod at her to go on with what she wants to say.

"I already apologized...to an extent reasonable for the time but I wish to again apologize for my past, even if I cannot fix what I have done... I was wrong, and I won't say naive, I was utterly awful as a human, I put my own glory above the lives of good men and women. I allowed the suffering of countless civilians, and I also allowed for the continuation of a war and battles that should've been done and over. Then my worst crime... one that I felt repercussions for immediately. I ordered those under my command, those who fought and lost friends by my orders...I ordered you all to die to cover my incompetence.

I know many of you did. Your AMS cored and pilots are dead. Infantry bombed and burned. I was running. I now live with scars of my actions."

She touches the sides of her face,

"When you entered my office... I knew I would die. I expected to die. My guards lied dead outside my door and their blood covered your knife. That look in your eyes was something I can never forget... The anger, hate, and pain. You looked as if you were no longer human, but rather a being of utter violence and rage. I couldn't defend myself, I tried to bargain. I offered everything, anything to quell your fury.

I remember how you were, who you were. That... face, contorted in rage beyond your control. I had no chance. The only reason I left with the scars I bear now is because you came to reason. You were the one who was reasonable, the one who was the victim. At the time I believed you were insane, overcome with madness. I could not see what I had done was wrong. Now, every time I see myself in the mirror I am reminded of my past actions, all the wrongness I had done to you and others.

I am, truly sorry for what I have done and I am torn apart inside because I cannot repair, I cannot reconcile, and especially I cannot reimburse all I have done. Most I have betrayed and harmed are dead...and upon seeing you I feel... I can finally try. Even if I cant find forgiveness... I can at least try to do so."

She ends with sad eyes, no tears which leads me to believe she isn't fully trying to guilt-trip me. I think over her words. I find I cannot remember everything that she stated or mentioned. I say to her,

"I understand your view... Yet there is an issue. I cannot remember much of my life anymore. I would give insight, either negative or positive, but I cannot remember... I'm sorry."

Her eyes go wide for a moment before saying solemnly,

"I see... that is very unfortunate... If you can't remember I will leave you... I hope you regain memory, so you can either give me reasoning, retribution, or even if the stars align... forgiveness."

She stands up sadly and walks off. Before she leaves out the door she looks back towards once, then leaves. I am left alone, saddened by again, my inability to remember anything, and angry at her. Somewhere deep inside me, the anger is very great, but without the memory to justify it I keep it down. I am just left sitting there quiet, alone, and festering in a pit of anger and sadness.

After a while longer I get a knock on my door. It's a light knock and I barely heard it but I call out,

"Come in."

The door opens and to my utter surprise, Genevieve steps through the door. She is wearing the uniform she had on when we first encountered one another. In her hands is a small cardboard box of some kind. Her expression is completely neutral and I cannot get a read of her. I guess it's a good thing she isn't glaring at me. I don't think I can defend myself if she tried to do something now.

She stands next to my bed and then starts talking in that less than proper tone she did at dinner while venting,

"Mike, it is good to see you actually survived. I was surprised to hear you did when I saw you being carted out. Although checking on you is a secondary thing for this visit, the main reason I showed up is to give my sincerest thank you. You saved my lady and possibly the Solar Empire. Yet I am also left with a question, why did you save her? You had no reason to. She dragged you into a fight you didn't want over a disagreement. Why save her life at the possible cost of your own?"

I shake my head and sigh,

"I don't know what you're going on about. Yeah, I have been rather annoyed by you all, and honestly offended slightly at y'alls uppity attitudes and posh demeanor, but there is no reason anyone had to die from that fight. Even if I were truly angry at her or whatever she still didn't deserve or need to die. It was a simple disagreement and we were settling it. I don't think either of us expected her powerpack to go critical like that and catch fire.

Also, death by burning is a way no one should go out. On top of that too, if someone is in trouble nearby and you can help them, do so, maybe one day it will come back around to help you yourself. Give some to get some."

She nods slowly and then explains,

"I see your point and it is quite good and utterly optimistic. Culture in the current Solar Empire is cutthroat and if anyone for any reason slights you or gets in your way, you are supposed to use all legal means to defeat them. This includes leaving them to die in accidents. I am glad you do not see the same way. Thank you."

She stands in silence for an awkward moment before breaking it by saying,

"Oh yeah, I am supposed to give you this as a... well down low thank you for saving her since you haven't eaten in a day."

She sets the box on my lap.

"It is my lady favorite from campus so far. I think it's some kind of fish with vegetables. Both things are unfathomably rare in the empire so she likes those things very much. If you don't care for what's inside I can go and trade it for something else."

I shake my head and respond,

"No, no. Don't worry. I'll eat just about any food. Thank you for bringing it, and thank Seraphina for me, I am in fact very hungry at the moment and this thank you was very thoughtful."

I smile and put my left hand on the box. Genevieve looks down and lets out a surprised sound before asking,

"You lost your ring finger too?"

I shake my head and respond,

"My AMS a few months ago had a small issue and from it, I lost my ring finger. I also got pretty messed up in other ways but I guess I can't get married anymore."

I fake a sad face and give a small laugh at the loss of my own finger. Better to have humor about it than to mope.

She smiles a little and gives a small laugh and says,

"Well that sucks, maybe you'll find someone who's okay with your ring on your middle?"

I exhale sharply. As it turns out Genevive for all the trouble she's given me can be rather attractive when she smiles. She stands there for a moment again before saying,

"I better be off. I cannot leave my lady's side for too long. I guess I will see you around. Best wishes."

With that, she leaves without a second glance. I open the box to find fish'n'chips. I eat hungrily happy I got something standard rather than some strange fish I've never seen before.

After finishing my food I lie back again and try to sleep once more to pass the time until I am released.

As soon as I find a comfortable place Dr.Kelly enters the room and in a commanding voice says,

"Up! Up! Up! Get your ass moving. I don't want any more time wasted on your lazy ass. Get out and go to your afternoon classes."

I slide out of bed with bare metal feet hitting the ground with a dull clank. I put on some uniform pants, a shirt, and my boots. I head out the door my handheld in hand and walk to class quickly while the doctor yells at me and hurls insults. Damn her.

Class at this academy is a joke. I apparently have a heavy course load but my classes are what I would describe as general education classes for middle-schoolers. Apparently, they aren't meant to be difficult. In fact, the classes are supposed to be easy as pie so we can focus more on piloting. My first day of actual class goes by without a hitch and I head back to my door more bored than anything.

When I enter my hall I see two trashbags sitting by my door. I start to swear thinking I have been duped and the empress and her maid bitch tried to move me out without my permission or consent. I get to the bags and open them in a huff. Instead of seeing my clothes thrown out, I find a new piloting uniform and a few other new articles of clothing. Embarrassed at my own hasty realization I pick up the bags in my good arm and enter my dorm. Inside everything is as untouched as I left it. My patio door is still open and the ocean breeze and waves can still be heard. I set the bags down by my duffel and sit on the bed.

I think about how utterly wild my past couple of days have been. Already fought the leader of a nation, and already got myself hospitalized. I'm still impressed at how quickly they were able to heal me, leaving only a couple of weeks of recovery for my arm.

As I sit and reminisce my main door which I didn't close fully slowly opens. My head snaps towards the movement and quiet sound to see who is attempting to enter. Stepping through my threshold is none other than Seraphina and Genevieve. I internally prepare myself for bullshit.

I am pleasantly surprised when instead of acting high and mighty, after Genevieve closes the door behind them, Seraphina talks in a normal voice,

"Mike... I would like to congratulate you on your victory over myself. I had long believed myself to be divinely skilled at piloting but it seems I relied too much on technology that clearly nearly killed me. Also aside from this, thank you for saving my life. I apologize for thanking you this delayed but I have to keep a political face. Aside from that, you won our wager and housing arrangements stay the way they are."

I nod towards her and reply,

"I expected less than what you are doing now so I'm only impressed at the humility. Anyways, of course, I saved your life. I'm not heartless. Just hard headed."

I see Genevieve crack a smile at me calling myself hardheaded. Seraphina then gets a serious expression and then asks,

"I know it is asking a lot from you...and it does possibly harm my reputation... but will you please teach both Genevieve and I how to be as skilled of a pilot and as skilled of a fighter on the ground?"

I sit there contemplating the request and then reply,

"Well... I hate to sound greedy but considering you demanded something of me earlier without any form of reimbursement, I have to ask. What's in it for me? And no. I will not take gratitude or religion as payment."

This catches them both off-guard somehow but then Seraphina replies in a far less serious and clearly awkward tone,

"Well... What...What do you want from a girl like me? I can't degrade myself too far just for some training..."

I scrunch my brows in confusion to think about what she said then it hits me what she is implying causing me to jump up and say quickly,

"No no no! Nothing like that! I am in no way asking for anything like that. I am in no ways perverse enough to have someone pimp themselves!"

Somehow this just confuses her as Genevieve lets out a sigh of relief as she puts her knife away. Seraphina then asks hesitantly,

"So... You don't want me to degrade myself for your pleasure? I just thought that's all men thought about, except for holy men"

I shake my head and reply with an awkward chuckle,

"Well, not all guys are perverse to that degree. In fact, I think most are against things like that from my experiences. Also, holy men, at least on earth have a longer list than unholy men for crimes of perversion. I was thinking like a cool piece of imperial tech or money or something. But stuff like that, I will actually refuse an offer like that!"

I mean yeah she is exceptionally attractive, but I was raised better than that. I shake my head at the thought of that form of 'payment' and suddenly grow curious about who would have the gall to request that of the empress. I ask,

" So, since you asked that, I do wonder. Who the hell is brave enough to request that shit from the Empress of all people? Arent you God to the imperials? What the hell?"

She shuffles a little awkwardly and then replies,

"Well... I was told men are all perverts by the head maid who raised me. Also when we were trying to remove people from nearby dorms the prime ministers' son...Claus Shelford, requested that of me... It was horrible. He did leave eventually after...a form of payment was found."

I see Genevieve look away with a very embarrassed and sad look on her face. These two may be far from friends of mine, but my blood begins to boil a little. It's just not right for him to do, but I won't white knight as this is really not my problem. I just find that kind of behavior disgusting, i mean I didn't exactly comply, but at least I didn't ask for sexual favors.

I think for a second and it all comes together why Genevive was so mean to me at first, then why I was in no way the worst one she dealt with all day. Poor girl.

I shake my head and reply,

"That's pretty awful, I'm sorry folks act like that at all. I am surprised it was a noble like that though but then again I don't know how it all works. Still, figure out a payment that isn't perverse and Ill happily give you tips and advice for getting better."

She nods with a smile and replies,

"Alright, I'll think of something, but I don't just want advice and tips, I want tutoring and training if you please."

I sigh and respond,

"Okay, just find something to return the favor I guess."

She seems to grow excited to get her way but then deflates herself realizing she isn't acting regal enough. She thanks me once more for my time and walks out of my room back to hers. Genevive stays behind after getting permission and approaches me before taking my desk chair and taking a seat daintily. She then speaks in a casual voice,

"I guess I have to thank you again... That man is horrible, and I feel as if he will be more trouble in the future. Thank you for not lowering yourself to his level. Somehow you as a non-noble are far nobler than anyone from the empire... For that, you have my respect. Truly you are deserving of it."

I nod and she gives me an honest smile,

"I guess it's time to discuss payment. The empress doesn't like talking money very much so I will handle this dealing. You have proven yourself to be a skilled fighter both in flesh and while piloting. For that, a proper payment is needed. From what I have gathered you are not one to be greedy so I will guess giving you money wouldn't be necessary or proper for your help.

Name a prize and you will have it. A title, a new AMS, items of value, any of these things are possible."

I think for a moment and reply,

"Yeah you're kinda right I'm not one to care much for money. A title is worthless to me, and I refuse to get a new AMS. I think a proper payment would be a personal computer or tablet or something that lets me actually add my own apps or whatever. I'm bored a hell sitting around."

She nods and replies,

"I'll upgrade that request a little. Instead, you will receive a computer of the finest make, and you will receive an entertainment system for your room."

I nod in agreement. She takes out her own tablet and enters something into it. Her face slowly goes from happily content to distressed. It goes in subtle increments and I can tell it's not from whatever she is entering into the tablet. From where I sit I see she just sent a few texts to someone and stopped typing. She seems to be pretending to type, acting as if she is having trouble. It's a clear farce to try and convince me she isn't upset, just frustrated at the technology. I have a good idea of what is bothering her.

I sit in silence for some time and look away from her. I may not be friendly with her, but I am starting to understand nobility is not allowed to show an excess of emotion in public or around people. I think she is breaking. I get curious, and a little irked and say carefully,

"I can leave if you need somewhere private. I'm sure it is upsetting, whatever happened a couple of days ago."

She shakes her head voice quiet,

"It's reoccurring payment... and you don't have to leave it's your room... I'm the trespasser."

I stand up with a light exhale and walk towards the door. Using my hand, not in a sling I place a hand on her head and say,

"Take all the time you need. I'm going to get supper and will be almost an hour."

Without looking back I leave without another word. I know I don't have to do what I am. I really shouldn't, but I feel bad for the girl. Practically a slave to titles and political ranking. I no longer feel as if anything means she did to me was truly her fault. Still not cool, but I don't hold grudges against people who do what they did because of bad situations. People are like that. When in a bad situation they lash out against everyone. I am no exception apparently. I just hope all those lashing outs I've done and cannot remember only happened to those who deserve it.

As I walk out of the building I run into a red-headed nobleman. I instantly apologize as I almost knocked the dude down. Even though he is a few inches taller than me my bulk due to being born and living on earth makes me a solid wall. I help him straighten up and dust him off from the wall he hit even though it wasn't dusty.

She shakes me off and says literally sneering down at me head tilted upwards in a cartoonishly snobbish way,

"Watch where you are going trash. I have important business and I have no need for a talented monkey to stand in my way. Since you are here tell me where the empress is I have a business to attend."

His face turns up in a wicked smile at the thought of something but I respond because I honestly didn't mean to bump into him and I'm already pissy,

"I think she's halfway up your ass like that goddamn stick you got up there jackass."

Before he can respond I walk by him slamming my shoulder into his nearly sending him to the floor again. It hurts a little as I used my bad army but I'm sure it's fine. He tries to follow saying something angrily about me being dirt, a few racial slurs, and threatening to fight me. I simply raise my good arm in a Jersey salute and keep walking. I understand I was a bit rude but I did recognize the guy. He was the dude at the head of the table, Claus.

As I continue walking I wonder to myself why I've been so good at making adversaries and enemies rather than friends. Maybe I am an ass by nature and cant remember like usual, or maybe I'm dealing with assholes with overblown self-importance. Since I am not an expert on interpersonal relations I drop the topic in my mind and go get myself some Mexican food.

I eventually return to my dorm without interruption happy, full, and ready for bed. I begin hurting overall again and need to get back to my dorm to take my bedtime painkillers. I enter the villa and when I make it to my floor I hear some argument in the room next to mine. I recognize Seraphina's voice, and some guy's voice who I assume is Claus. I ignore the issue as it is not my own and enter my dorm.

I am very surprised to see Genevieve still in my room sitting in the same chair. She is reading something on her tablet and I hesitantly say,

"Well...I'm back. You good?"

She turns around to look at me with a familiar hard look. At least the anger isn't for me. I think it has something to do with the argument next door. As my door begins to close behind me a hand grabs my shoulder. I turn to see Claus with a very frustrated look on his face. I say with a smile as Genevive shoots daggers into him,

"Oh! hello there. How may I help you this fine afternoon?"

He thinks for a moment, probably figuring out his options then says,

"I was wondering where Genevive was because I require her services tonight. I guess she has been busy at work degrading both herself and the empress by hiring an earth-born lowlife to help them succeed. "

I have, to my memory not met someone whose voice makes me angry. This guy is really trying hard to become the first. I simply reply to him,

"I dunno, I think she may be tired tonight and needs to go to bed."

I turn around and face him. I lock eyes with him and say in a low tone,

"I think you need to go to bed as well buddy. It's getting late and all. plus we all have class tomorrow. I think it may be wise to get there and sleep."

I keep my smile through this not wanting to come off a threatening but wanting to clearly tell him to piss off. He scoffs and replies,

"Yeah, I think you may be right. I got better things to do tonight... plus school."

I nod and as does he. He heads off down the hall shooting a nasty glance my way before disappearing from sight. I go to my bed and sit on it with a large exhale. Genevive gets herself up and says to me,

"See you in the morning. "

Her face and voice are emotionless as she says this and leaves. I do wonder why I have gotten dragged into some fucked up nobility stuff.

With that, I brush my teeth and strip down and go to sleep quickly after taking the pain medications. I hope I heal quickly. I don't like having a severely broken arm.

I wake up to my alarm and get around. I throw my sling back on and down my pills before heading to the training grounds. There the old man waits and soon the two girls arrive. Still, no one else in the class arrives. The old man tells us to run and we do. My arm hurts with each step but I ignore it to actually be sub fifteen this time. Before we began though Seraphina asks,

"How do you run correctly? You seemed so efficient with it. How?"

Before I can even explain the old man tells them to concern themselves with a solid jog rather than sprinting as they do. This is endurance not speed. They need to keep a steady pace and rhythm or they will grow extremely tired. They take this to heart but are still left in my dust after a quarter-mile. I am moving at a hard pace.

When it's all said and done I am left with an extremely painful arm but the sub-fifteen-minute two-mile I hoped for. I spend the downtime till the girls arrive to do some ab work. When they arrive the old man says to have a good day and fucks off somewhere.

Staying good to my word I tell them to lie on the ground and begin working out. I show them the ropes and don't tell them to do anything overly difficult. Just like twenty situps and other workouts. They are left dog tired as I impress them with my ability to do even the most basic workouts. I guess they don't work out much in space? Or maybe gravity is worse here?

As I call it a day they both thank me and go to shower. I head out to eat some breakfast and get myself some good coffee and eggs. Afterward, I return to my dorm and shower getting into uniform for the rest of the day.

Dusty while disappointed she lost her new toy so soon wasn't going to let me off easy due to a hurt arm. During hand-to-hand training, I had to do bodyweight squats and other leg workouts for the entire time. It was absolutely hellish.

After lunch, during the regular AMS training, rather than actually pilot I am forced to read combat manuals and articles, taking notes and quizzes to keep my mind sharp. Most of these strategy manuals I already kinda knew front to back. In actuality, most were missing important information like weak points of Solar AMS and the amount of torsion an AMS joint can take. I jot these things down in my notes. After the three hours are up I head to my next classes and then end the day with no issues.

To my luck, the next couple of weeks are fine and dandy. Aside from the daily chaos that happens in human life I have no troubles through these days. I wake up, do my classes, and go to bed. Simple, and sweet. My weekends are spent bored and just doing various workouts to stay strong. Eventually, my arm heals and the sling and cast are removed. I spend this weekend working out my arms and shoulders making up for the lost time. At the end of Sunday as I snuggle into bed I feel a surprising feeling. I am actually excited to be back in business and ready to go and take the world on again. I feel as if I have finally found a place here. A place in the mundaneness of average life even if it has kickass giant robots.