Once everyone was accounted for, the party entered and was off to a final evening together before they parted ways tomorrow.
They were given a private room. Before them was a squared-off letter C. There was seating all around the outside while the inside was access for the two chefs to cook on the grills. The chef's backs would be facing each other as they prepared the dishes. Lana sat facing the open portion of the C with Dobin, Kattie, Almin, Alto, and Duff to her left in that order. To her right was Vorden, Layla, Quinn, Logan, Sam and Nate. Nate had positioned himself so he could see all the girls and perhaps get their attention. Each was more beautiful than the last in his eyes. Vorden complimented them all on their hair and appearance. The other guys followed suit, not wanting to be outdone, except for Logan. None of them resembled a perfectly symmetrical machine so he'd pass. Nate had enough drool for both of them.
A woman came in to ensure they had menus, silverware, etc. and get their drink orders while they perused the menu. Lana heard murmurings of price and told them all to stop looking at that and order what looked good. She asked for a round of sparkling cider for the group. While they were in VIP mode, they were offered alcohol but Lana declined on behalf of them all. The server also made sure the person who seated them turned on the grills like he was supposed to. By the time she got drink orders, she was able to collect everyone's dinner orders. Drinks then came with salad and soup. Then the chefs came in. In most cases, two chefs would not work in such a way. It would be one then the other but they had a few chefs trained to work in tandem so large parties could eat together.
While the chefs confirmed everyone's orders, Sam suddenly realized as he was looking at those seated, he had the lowest number on his watch even though they were mainly first year students. He smiled inwardly that the strong Quinn had strong people migrate his direction rather than a bunch of weak people wanting to reap his rewards.
The chefs then began preparing the food. The students were all very pleased with the tricks the chefs performed, even switching places at times. They did jokes such as rolling an egg across the grill and calling it an egg roll, catching an egg in their hats, stacking onions and making a volcano with fire, large bursts of flame and so much more. The chefs were witty and skilled. Those who complained about the price no longer even thought about it realizing this experience was worth every credit. Once the food was cooked, the students were left to eat and discuss the show they just witnessed and talk more among themselves.
Toward the end of the evening, plates were mostly cleaned off and Nate asked if anyone knew ZombieP and what happened to him. Lana scoffed while half the room went silent. Since she did that, she felt she needed to respond.
"ZombieP is from our school." She paused as she took a slow deep breath then looked straight at Nate. "I owe him a great debt which I hope to repay some day. Things at our school are … off. There is a corruption that seems to be sanctioned by the leadership of our base. Several of us have experienced it first-hand. Peter was perceived to have been the weakest of us and therefore singled out to be used to draw out those that refused to play their game and just allow themselves to be victimized. The powers that be were hoping we would try to rescue him and fall into their trap. As you can see, none of us did. What did happen was someone else rescued him and whisked him away in the night. While I can't point any fingers and speculating would do more harm than good, I personally know of three teachers who were tired of the way the students were treated. I am pleased there are some good people out there still willing to help those who are suffering."
Sam replied, "Aren't you worried about him still? How do you know he's safe?"
Lana looked at Peter's friends who looked back at her as if to say "you're telling a great story, keep it up!" "We are all worried about him. A note was left that said he was safe and that was all it said. There were no clues that could be found on the note, which has since been destroyed. It is also dangerous for us as well as Peter for us to try to find him as long as we are students. It means no matter how worried we are, we must let things lie as they are for now."
Just then, there was a knock at the door and the Supreme Commander walked in. Everyone jumped up and went deadly silent as if reality of being watched just hit home. "Miss Plantwell, I would like to speak to you for a moment."
Lana stood tall and stern and approached Oscar. Staying in the same room by the door, "Miss Plantwell, I have heard of the … goings on at your school and I wish to amend our contract."
Lana raised an eyebrow.
Oscar lifted his watch and transferred her the contract then directed her to a specific line. "As you can see, I have added you to a do not touch list so you will no longer be affected by the bullying. I'd like to add your friends."
Her eyebrow twitched. She glanced at Logan who approached and inserted himself in to read the additions to the contract. He placed his hand on her watch and it suddenly had all the names except one. "You forgot the girl that had to go away. That blond."
Logan nodded and added Erin.
"Add Rene as well. And those two other students from Del's class that I rescued, Dante and Tobias." Logan did. "Anyone else?"
"Nope, that's it." She then turned to the supreme Commander, "I think it's appalling this is even necessary. That this behavior is sanctioned by what you want people to believe is a professional fighting force. How can you have a cohesive fighting unit when a team will always remain fractured when it's the teammates doing the attacking." She signed the changes and returned to her seat.
When she turned her back, he left the room.
Sitting at her place at the table, she didn't even want to finish her food. It felt like the Supreme Commander just made her point for her. At least this meant that Peter and Erin could come back to the school. It did NOT protect them from Truedream, just that the military was not allowed to turn them over to him.
The server came in with the check and Logan grabbed it and scanned his watch before she even knew what happened. Logan then looked at her, "you are celebrating as well. My mother told me." Everyone then lifted their glasses and congratulated everyone for a year well survived, fights well fought, and perhaps a brighter future.