Chapter 9 - Accept help from a one-eyed cat

Academy City of Selene (outside Café de Salute)

Jako stepped out of the cafe feeling refreshed. IRIS immediately spoke up, "Host, in all seriousness, I would like to inform you that violation of the terms in any contract within the institution is a criminal offense instead of a civil liability. For military personnel, the punishment could be as severe as twenty years imprisonment." IRIS cautioned

"Interesting. So that's why everyone here seems to follow their contract so closely... By the way, could you provide this kind of crucial information beforehand next time?"

"My apologies, host. As an AI, I am unable to determine the importance of information prior to its relevance," IRIS replied in its monotonic voice.

"What was i expecting....", Jako shakes his head. He begins walking back to the dormitories while enjoying the beauty of the light reflecting off the planet Pluvia.

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ITI First Fleet Academy ,VR Simulation facility (S-17)

"Test for Corvette certificate terminated", The team emerged from the simulation chamber having failed again.

"I'm sorry, Captain Jako," said the latest member to reject Jako's offer to join his crew. "I don't think I'll be joining after all." This was the third rejection Jako had received in his quest for the fourth member of his crew. The temporary member apologized and walked away in another direction.

"Boss, this isn't working," said Ping. "We need more members before we even attempt the simulations again." Pong nodded in agreement.

Two weeks had passed since Jako "won" the Ping Pong brothers, and he had shared his plan with them: to run his ship with a bare minimum crew. The brothers were not impressed, as it was well known in the academy that an optimal crew size was eight, a number backed by years of research. But, as Jako was their captain, they were forced to give his unconventional idea a try.

This week, the Ping Pong brothers had introduced Jako to a few of their contacts, hoping they would be good additions to the crew. But, things didn't go as planned.

The first potential crew member scolded Jako for his seemingly insane plan, and the second disconnected halfway through the simulation, declaring that he didn't want to waste any more time. Despite a decent start in the first half of the simulation, everything fell apart after a single mistake.

Jako had been optimistic about these new additions, especially with two experienced engineers on the team. The pilot introduced by the brothers was in their second year and had decent skills, but it wasn't enough to turn the tide.

"The problem with Ping is that he has poor judgement when it comes to setting priorities. And with Pong, he tends to follow Ping's orders more often than mine, which results in him neglecting his own responsibilities. What's going wrong here? Aren't they supposed to be experts?" Jako pondered to himself.

"How did the two of you got your certificate in the first place?"

Ping answered, "With an experience Captain" and Pong follows up with, "and a full crew."

In theory they only need four members to operate but there is just too much to do. The elder of the brother is taking care of the structure and sub systems while the younger one take charge of the navigation and propulsion.

"Am I moving too quickly? I've only been in the program for a week, however, the command and weapon systems seem straightforward. The simulation is just a game, after all," IRIS interjected as Jako began to doubt himself. "At least this time, you weren't subjected to insults. Maybe it's time to seek some help or advice?" IRIS suggested. "Is it time to find Marcus again?" Jako sighed deeply. After dismissing the brothers, Jako found a quiet corner and makes the call.

"Who do we have here, Jako the ungrateful or Jako the half-insane. I heard about the your trouble with the sim. Why the crazy stubbornness with flying with minimum crew? Just find some time and slowly build your team. "

Jako didn't bother to justify his decision and went straight to the point. He need help getting his fourth member and advise on how they could preform better in the simulations.

"Firstly, this is not the old school military where everyone is a discipline solider. Students can get their basic certificate just by trying again and again and getting lucky. With good teammates, the corvette simulation can also be carried by others. Your team only consist of yourself, a temp and two old student, and you are expecting to succeed within two week... that is crazy dude." Marcus pause a little to think.

"If you want my advise get your fourth first and work hard on your team work. Your temp ain't going to cut it if they bring doubt with them. If I were to suggest someone, you can try looking for a Astrid near the fountain square. You will know more after you talk to her."

Having obtained the information he needed, Jako casually promised Marcus another dinner and quickly ended the call.

'IRIS, do you have any information on this Astrid?'

'Astrid is a second-year student. I don't have her records on hand, but I can retrieve them for you for 100 points.'

Jako could imagine IRIS winking at him, but he decided to ignore it and instead opt for gathering information the old-fashioned way by asking around. His first stop would be the brothers.

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ITI First Fleet Academy (Administrative Sector)

As Jako strolled down the academy avenue, IRIS' voice suddenly echoed in his ear.

"Why the preference for a minimum crew, you do know there is a fine line between stubbornness and stupidity, right?" IRIS asked, in a neutral tone.

Jako's annoyance rose by IRIS abrupt question however the question does struck a chord. His emotion slowly consumed by the memories of his past. "It's a tactical decision." he said tersely.

IRIS persisted, "Don't you think forming relationships with your crew and running a full crew will make for a more effective progress."

Jako's voice hold a hint of frustration, "I've lost too many comrades in battle, IRIS. I prefer to minimize those types of connections."

IRIS was silent for a moment before continuing, "You do understand that as your ship class increases, the size of your crew will increase as well."

Jako nodded, "I am aware. But at this stage, I want to maintain control and ensure the safety of my crew."

As they approached the school fountain , IRIS made one final remark, "All the students here have not experienced war. They may not comprehend the gravity of your experiences."

"Time will sort this out, but for now let get that fourth member first." Jako is reluctant but he still take IRIS' words into consideration.

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ITI First Fleet Academy (Fleet Memorial Fountain)

While on the way here Jako have spoken to the ping pong brothers and did a little searching on the net. Astrid was once a rising star at the academy, where she was a second-year cadet. She had a tight-knit group of friends who served as her crew and they were renowned for their impressive teamwork.

Astrid side of the story was that she was naïve about the importance of contracts in the military. She and her friends had a casual agreement where she served as their leader, but she failed to formalize the arrangement.

One day, while they were on a mission, the team was faced with a difficult decision. Despite Astrid's leadership, the rest of the crew felt that the vice-captain's plan was more advantageous and they betrayed Claire, siding with the vice-captain instead.

Since there was no contract binding the members to Astrid, she was suddenly and unjustly kicked out of the crew. Devastated by the betrayal of her former friends and without any legal backing, Claire was left alone to pick up the mess and start a new team.

However, as a result of the vice-captain's rumors and Claire's stubbornness, building a new team proved to be a difficult task. Many cadets were wary of joining forces with someone who had a reputation for reckless behavior and pushing her team too hard.

Despite her efforts to prove herself and clear her name, the rumors continued to spread and her reputation continued to plummet. Even her acquaintance and rivals was quick to jump on the bandwagon, adding fuel to the fire.

The popular theory however was she being sore of her previous teammate decide to defame them. Jako don't know if she is telling the truth but it didn't matter much to him. He need someone experience and she is it, he just need to be careful and make measurement after working with the person.

Astrid wasn't too hard to find, she literally has a board beside her that said she is "The Astrid and i'm looking for a team."

Jako approached Astrid and extended his hand, "Greetings, I'm Jako. Impressive setup you have here, I've heard much about your reputation."

"I heard about you too, the crazy captain that insist on flying with minimum of crew... What gives?"

"Desperate times call for desperate measures, I will be willing to accept help from a one-eyed cat if needed. Not to mention a lady capable as yourself, with your two beautiful eyes." Jako try to brush the topic off with a joke. However he might have gotten off on the wrong foot.

"That not my question" Astrid gives Jako a look of distrust with a mix of disgust.