A Plan In Place

As the group rose from their lively dinner, the sharp click of approaching heels drew everyone's attention. Dotty, Admiral Levine's composed assistant, walked swiftly toward them, her expression politely neutral.

"Jimmy Dorsey?" she called professionally, offering a brief, courteous nod to the group. "Admiral Levine requests your presence immediately."

Jimmy shot Gabe a subtle glance, nerves flickering briefly across his face. Gabe responded with an encouraging nod, silently urging him to stay composed. "Of course," Jimmy replied smoothly, forcing a relaxed smile. "Lead the way."

Dotty inclined her head and turned, walking briskly from the mess hall. Jimmy followed, matching her pace, anxiety tightening in his chest as they approached the imposing office doors. Dotty knocked once, then opened the door just enough to announce, "Jimmy Dorsey, Admiral."

"Enter," Levine's deep voice commanded firmly from within.

Jimmy stepped cautiously into the grand office, absorbing the austere elegance of the space. Admiral Levine sat behind his expansive oak desk, the warm glow of the desk lamp softening his otherwise stern features.

"Take a seat, Jimmy," Levine instructed calmly, gesturing toward a chair positioned directly across from him.

Jimmy obeyed, carefully maintaining eye contact despite his racing heart. Remembering Gabe's words, he straightened his posture, masking his nervousness with practiced confidence.

"I assume you've noticed the adjustments to your schedule?" Levine began, his gaze intense and assessing.

"Yes, sir," Jimmy responded promptly. "I appreciate it. It'll definitely help me stay closer to Ethan and Gabe."

Levine offered a faint smile, leaning forward slightly. "Good. They're critical to our objectives, especially Ethan. Have you observed anything unusual lately?"

Jimmy hesitated briefly, appearing thoughtful. "Nothing definitive yet, sir," he answered cautiously. Then, steeling himself, he continued, "But I wanted you to know—I'll do whatever it takes. I'm committed to doing what you need to get ahead."

Admiral Levine's eyes narrowed, a slow, calculating smile appearing on his lips. "That's precisely the dedication I was hoping to hear, Jimmy. When the moment comes, I will absolutely rely on your loyalty."

Jimmy felt a surge of relief but remained alert, maintaining a composed expression.

"Now," Levine continued, his tone unexpectedly generous, "You've been helpful to me thus far. Perhaps I can return the favor. Is there something I can do for you?"

Jimmy paused, caught slightly off guard by Levine's offer. His mind raced, balancing caution with opportunity. Gathering his courage, he finally spoke, "Actually, Admiral, there is something. Would it be possible to align the schedules of Tim, Frank, Steph, Eliza, and Kelly so we all share the same off-times and classes? It would allow me greater oversight, and also strengthen our bonds—making my position more believable."

Levine leaned back thoughtfully, assessing Jimmy's request carefully. A tense silence filled the room before he finally nodded decisively. "Consider it done, Jimmy. Your initiative is commendable, and I'm happy to grant this request to facilitate your success."

Jimmy released a subtle breath of relief, offering a grateful smile. "Thank you, Admiral."

Levine waved dismissively, signaling the meeting's end. "Keep me informed. Remember, I'm counting on you."

"Absolutely, sir," Jimmy replied resolutely, standing and exiting quickly, a mixture of relief and anxiety swirling within him as he left the Admiral's office, acutely aware of the dangerous game he was playing.

"Now go," Levine instructed, waving him off casually. "Keep me updated, and remember our agreement."

Jimmy stood quickly and nodded firmly. "Yes, sir," he replied before turning and exiting the office. As the door closed behind him, Admiral Levine opened his desk drawer slightly, revealing the obsidian blade shimmering darkly beneath the lamplight. He smiled coldly, his mind already plotting the next steps of his intricate plan.

Jimmy, now certain he had chosen the right side with Gabe and his friends, felt a strange excitement surge within him. The sinister looks he'd seen flicker across Admiral Levine's face only confirmed his instincts. It felt oddly thrilling to be 'bad for good' for once in his life, to use his talents in deception for something honorable. Unable to contain his excitement and eager to share the latest developments, Jimmy bolted down the hallway toward the dorm, his mind racing with the details he couldn't wait to share with Gabe.

Jimmy arrived back at the dorm, a wide grin on his face, feeling confident about his secret mission. He stepped through the doorway to see the entire group comfortably seated on the floor, legs crossed, engrossed in a lively card game.

"Hey, Jimmy!" Kelly greeted warmly, looking up briefly from her cards.

"Hey, everyone," Jimmy replied casually, trying to mask his excitement. "How's the game going?"

"We're trying to teach Frank how not to lose every hand," Eliza teased, laughing playfully as Frank rolled his eyes.

Jimmy chuckled softly, joining the circle and sitting cross-legged beside Kelly. He quickly made small talk, joining in the banter, before dramatically clutching his stomach. "Ugh, sorry guys, I think that lunch is still causing trouble. I gotta hit the bathroom."

Gabe immediately caught the signal and groaned theatrically, dropping his cards onto the floor. "Oh man, I had the same thing Jimmy did. Better go with him before this gets ugly."

Ethan raised an eyebrow, amused but suspicious. "Seriously, Gabe? Again?"

"Better safe than sorry," Gabe shot back with a mischievous grin, quickly standing and following Jimmy toward the bathroom.

The rest of the group laughed, shaking their heads as they returned to their card game, unaware of the critical conversation unfolding just a few feet away.

Inside the bathroom, Jimmy quickly explained everything to Gabe, quietly whispering all the details about his conversation with Admiral Levine. Throughout the serious exchange, Jimmy comically interspersed pretend fart noises to maintain the charade, his eyes dancing mischievously. Gabe, struggling to stay serious, could only shake his head in amused disbelief.

As they finished their conversation and walked out of the bathroom, Jimmy grinned broadly and loudly joked, "Whew! Gabe, next time maybe lay off the beans! That was brutal."

Everyone in the room burst out laughing as Gabe turned red, playfully shoving Jimmy's shoulder. "Really, Jimmy? You're gonna pin that on me?" Gabe responded with mock indignation, laughing despite himself. "Dude, you are shameless."

Jimmy just shrugged, eyes twinkling. "Hey, gotta keep it realistic."

The group continued laughing as Gabe sat back down, shaking his head with a resigned chuckle, ready to continue their card game.

The group settled into a lively card game on the dorm room floor, each sitting cross-legged in a circle. Cards flew across the makeshift table as laughter and playful banter filled the room. Jimmy dramatically laid down his hand with a triumphant grin, "That's it—read 'em and weep!"

"Oh, come on!" Frank protested, throwing his cards down theatrically. "That's three games in a row, Jimmy. You're cheating."

"You're just a sore loser," Jimmy laughed, elbowing Frank playfully.

Steph shook her head, rolling her eyes. "Between your cheating and whatever you guys keep doing in that bathroom, this dorm is gonna need to be condemned in two years."

Everyone burst out laughing, nodding in exaggerated agreement. Gabe added, chuckling, "I'm pretty sure they've already called in a hazmat team to investigate."

Tim smiled softly at the humor but his expression grew serious for a moment. "Hey, everyone? Before I forget—my mom's funeral is this Saturday. I have extra day passes if anyone wants to come along."

There was a brief silence as everyone exchanged thoughtful glances. Steph immediately spoke up, placing a comforting hand on Tim's shoulder. "I'll come, Tim. And you guys can stay at my place if needed. It's not far."

Ethan nodded in agreement, "Same here. My place is available if we need more room."

Tim's eyes glistened slightly as he felt the warmth of his friends' support. "Thanks, guys. That really means a lot to me."

Jimmy broke the emotional moment gently, offering a small smile. "We're all here for you, Tim. Count me in, too."

The group murmured their affirmations and returned to the game, the atmosphere a comforting blend of camaraderie and compassion.

Jimmy's eyes widened suddenly as a realization hit him. He had impulsively asked Admiral Levine to adjust everyone's schedules without consulting anyone first. Panic surged through him. He quickly tried to compose himself, mind racing for a plausible explanation before the others received their notifications.

"Hey, uh, guys," Jimmy stammered, trying to sound casual, though his voice cracked nervously. "I, um... might've accidentally done something."

All eyes turned to Jimmy curiously.

"Accidentally?" Ethan raised an eyebrow, holding his cards mid-deal.

Jimmy took a deep breath, scratching the back of his neck nervously. "Yeah, you know how the Admiral asked if he could do anything for me? I kinda panicked and asked if he could change all our schedules so we could have the same free time and classes."

Gabe's eyes widened in shock. "You did what?"

Frank chuckled awkwardly, looking around at everyone's bewildered expressions. "Well, that's one way to make plans easier."

Tim, though surprised, nodded thoughtfully. "Actually, that's kind of nice, isn't it? We'll all be together."

Steph smirked, nudging Jimmy playfully. "A heads-up would've been nice, though."

Jimmy smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, everyone. It was an impulsive decision. I just thought, well, we'd all like spending more time together."

Ethan laughed, shaking his head. "Next time, maybe ask first?"

Jimmy exhaled, relieved at the group's forgiving reactions. "Definitely. Lesson learned."

The group burst into laughter, the tension quickly dissipating as they continued their lively card game, teasing Jimmy affectionately about his impulsive decision.

As the evening drew to a close, Gabe, Jimmy, and Frank stood up to say goodnight to their girlfriends, the atmosphere playfully charged. Gabe swept Steph into his arms dramatically, eliciting a delighted squeal from her. He leaned down, planting a passionate kiss on her lips, much to the amusement of their friends. Jimmy, not wanting to be outdone, spun Kelly around, laughing as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him into a deep, affectionate kiss. Frank looked at Eliza with a mischievous grin, gently picking her up bridal style, whispering something that made her blush and giggle before sharing their own sweet kiss.

"Alright, alright, that's enough, Romeo!" Ethan teased, chuckling. "Some of us want to keep our dinners down."

Tim laughed, shaking his head. "Yeah, take it easy, guys. You'll see them tomorrow!"

Jimmy, feigning hurt, turned dramatically toward Tim. "Jealous, Timmy? We can find someone to sweep you off your feet, too!"

"Oh, don't worry," Ethan interjected with mock seriousness, draping an arm around Tim's shoulders. "Tim already has someone."

Everyone burst into laughter as Tim's face turned a bright shade of red. "Goodnight, you idiots," Tim chuckled, rolling his eyes.

As the group parted ways, still joking and laughing, Gabe called back with a grin, "See you tomorrow! Sleep tight, and try not to dream about me too much!" More laughter echoed down the corridor, punctuating a perfect evening of camaraderie and playful affection.

Everyone decided to turn in for the night. The energy in the dorm was dramatically different than it had been only a couple of days ago—more relaxed, warmer, filled with camaraderie and friendship. Gabe, sensing the quiet settling over the dorm, stood up and stretched. "Guys, I need the bathroom for a bit. Just a few minutes by myself," he said, giving Ethan and Tim a meaningful glance. They nodded, understanding immediately.

Closing the door behind him, Gabe let out a deep sigh. He stepped into the shower, turning on the warm water and allowing it to cascade over him. In this rare moment of solitude, he gently released his wings, stretching them wide and letting the warmth soothe him. The gentle droplets ran over the feathers, washing away both physical and emotional tension.

As he stood there, thoughts flooded his mind. Admiral Levine's troubling scheming, Jimmy's precarious position as a double agent, and Ethan—his friend and protégé—unknowingly caught at the center of it all. Gabe's heart grew heavy. Should he tell Ethan everything? Would knowing the full truth help Ethan or merely burden him further?

Gabe ran his hands through his hair, taking a deep breath. He knew Ethan deserved honesty, but timing was crucial. The more Ethan knew, the greater the danger—and the harder it would be to protect him. Gabe stared at the water pooling around his feet, his thoughts churning. "Soon," he whispered to himself. "I'll tell him soon."

Feeling resolved, Gabe folded his wings carefully back, shutting off the water. He stepped out of the shower, towel-drying his hair, still lost in contemplation as he prepared to face whatever challenges awaited them next.