[Y158 - KZINTI MILITARY INSTITUTE]

Firemane hears the faint chirp of a battle klaxon. He fights his way to consciousness like a diver swimming upward, struggling to reach the oxygen his lungs so desperately crave. The red furred cadet leaps out of bed onto his feet, still only half awake. He groans at the effort as every fiber of his being aches painfully.

Opening his eyes, Firemane realizes he is in his quarters and the battle klaxon is actually just his alarm clock. "Off," he mutters and the irritating chirp ceases. He glances casually at the amber numbers and is shocked to full wakefulness when he notices the time. He flies through his morning routine, cursing himself for oversleeping. Barely two minutes later he is about to bound out the door when his curiosity compels him to check his clock. He discovers the alarm has been reset to nearly an hour after what he had set it for. Someone else is responsible for his tardiness -- and he knows who.

"I'll kill him," he vows, racing out the door.

***

". . . and you, cadet WhiteEar, will come with me to . . . " the old, tan, but graying cat stops in mid-sentence as Firemane, panting heavily, slides to a stop at the rear of the group of cats blocking the corridor outside the maintenance administration offices.

"So you've decided to join us, cadet Firemane, have you? Since you obviously got more than your share of sleep, we'll see if we can find something extra for you to do this evening."

Firemane sees the back of Bristlewind's head at the front of the group. His claws extend involuntarily and the hair on his neck rises.

"This angers you, cadet Firemane?" the older cat asks.

"No, sir. I'm glad to help in any way I can, sir," Firemane responds, returning his attention to the work leader.

"Good. You can start by fixing the waterworks on floor ninety-two, room H-14. All the tools have, unfortunately, been doled out already. You can pick up the necessary hardware at the fourth floor storage area. Ask for Bender. Oh, since my repair crews will be using all the movers that are currently operational as well as the teleporters, you'll have to use the rampwell. Have a nice trip. The rest of you come with me."

"Sir," Firemane calls, "where can I find you when I finish?"

The foreman purrs with laughter, "Red, it will take you most of the day to get your equipment up to ninety-two. But, if you run into trouble, I'll be on seventy-five with most of the others here. There will be work crews all over the floor, so just ask someone to point you in my direction. Dismissed."

The foreman turns and heads for one of the few functioning elevators and thirteen cats file in with him. Several of Firemane's team members give him a look of sympathy as the doors close.

Firemane hurries down the rampwell to the storage area. He finds Bender, the dock foreman, who happens to be the same one who tossed him out the day before. Bender gleefully takes him to his equipment. Firemane stares at a pallet of pipes, fittings, knobs, handles, and assorted wrenches, that stands three meters high and four meters wide.

"This can't be right," he says to Bender.

"Oh yes it can. Have fun, kit," he says, smirking.

How? he asks himself. How can I carry this much stuff up eighty-eight stories?

As Bender turns to leave, Firemane asks hopefully, "Do you have an antigrav unit I can borrow?"

"Afraid not, kit. You'll have to carry it all up with your own two paws," the foreman laughs and walks away.

Firemane thinks, There has to be a solution. You're good at solving problems. How can you get this jerk to help? Before Bender can disappear, Firemane makes one last attempt to engage his assistance. "Well, how about a pair of gravity boots at least, since I have to lug this stuff up eighty-eight floors. It would be much safer if I had the luxury of good traction."

Bender begrudgingly concedes to the request, locating a pair of boots that are only two sizes too large before returning to his duties. He chuckles as he walks away, leaving Firemane to his seemingly hopeless task.

The small, red cadet moves the pallet (thankfully on rollers) to the back corner of the warehouse, where he locates a mail chute. He sits down and begins making adjustments to the boots with his magneto-sealer. Shortly, a young shipping clerk appears with something to send via the pneumatic mail system.

"Hi, I'm Firemane."

"I'm Graytail," the white cat answers, though his tone clearly indicates he would just as soon be left alone. "Are you mailing something?" he asks irritably.

"No, go ahead," Firemane answers, moving slightly to his right, even though he was in no way blocking the device.

The cat's bushy gray tail twitches impatiently as he affixes a shipping label to his package and punches up the destination on the console.

"Where can I get some shipping labels?" Firemane asks when the clerk is finished sending his package.

"How many do you need?" Graytail sighs.

Firemane waves a claw at the pallet, indicating what he plans to mail.

Rolling his eyes, Graytail responds, "Here, take these," and tosses a booklet of carbon-backed labels to him. "All of that going one place?"

"Yeah, ninety-second floor, room H-14."

"The system won't handle those large ones, but if you send 'em all they'll back up in the central junction unless someone's there to pick 'em up as they arrive. I've seen things go real haywire with the mail system when a lot of big packages get sent all at once."

"Anyway around that?"

"Sure, just time code 'em for staggered arrival. Upper left corner of the label."

"Thanks. I owe you one."

"Right," the clerk sneers, "I just don't want to have to deal with a fouled up mail system all day. With all the damage caused by the initiation test, the mail system is about the only thing that's still working right. Just don't screw up the mail system, too. Okay?" He asks, turning and leaving without waiting for a reply.

Firemane codes the labels for staggered arrival, affixes them to the plethora of equipment, and then uses some welding tape to construct a harness to carry the dozen or so pieces too large for the building mail system.

After he sends his packages to the ninety-second floor, he dons his harness and walks clumsily to the rampwell, clanking noisily as he moves. With some difficulty he gets through the rampwell door. Once the door closes, he activates the boots, which he has adjusted to provide antigravity. He skips easily up several floors, but is hampered by the bulkiness of his burden and the lack of maneuvering room offered by the rampwell.

He stops and removes the harness, leaving the equipment, exits the rampwell and locates the freight mover he disabled during the introductory test. With all power shut off the to the mover, he has to pry the doors to the elevator shaft open manually. With the doors open, he peers down the dark, seemingly bottomless shaft. He glances upward, but sees no sign of the mover car. He quickly retrieves his pack from the rampwell, enters the shaft, and closes the doors behind him.

After adjusting the setting on his boots, he grabs one of the safety lines in the shaft and yanks hard, propelling himself upward at a remarkable clip. As he rises effortlessly he wonders, Where would the car be? Now, Bristlewind's group was heading up to ninety-five when I disabled it, so it ought to be just a few floors below . . . The clang of pipes against the bottom of the mover rings out as Firemane's head bangs into the bottom of the car. "Ouch!" Firemane groans both paws massaging his aching head. "I think I know where the car is now."

He drops to the floor under the disabled car and pries the doors open. He is happy that no one is around to see him emerge from the mover shaft. After closing the doors behind him, he finds the rampwell again and makes his way casually up the remaining five floors to ninety-two, rubbing the tender bump on his head and wishing he had brought a neuro-relaxant with him.

He locates H-14 and finds it is an emergency bath for chemical accidents, or at least it used to be. He can only guess at the cause for the destruction. After retrieving the other tools from the nearby mail shoot, he goes straight to work repairing the plumbing. While he works, his mind is active on other concerns. First, he tries to figure out how and why he ended up being unsupervised on this project and how the work director knew he was familiar with plumbing, (thanks to the time he served on freighters). He decides he does not have enough information to come to a reasonable answer. Then he ponders ways to get even with Bristlewind.

***

"Cadets, it's mealtime. Finish up and get ready to go eat," the foreman yells over the noise of the various power tools in use.

"Sir, should one of us go get cadet Firemane?" asks Peppertail.

"If you want to walk up seventeen floors, you're welcome, but he's probably somewhere in the rampwell hauling equipment anyway. I'd let him worry about his own stomach."

Before Peppertail can respond, Firemane appears at the nearest intersection and approaches them. "Cadet Firemane, reporting for reassignment."

"Reassignment? Hah! You've got your assignment already. You're just here for your stomach. But with your task, I suppose a little nourishment is called for. As for reassignment, I don't want to hear any such talk until H-14 is in proper shape, all your tools and unused equipment are back in storage, and all the damaged parts have been sent to the recycling center. Is that clear?"

"Yes, sir. When I've completed all that, should I . . . "

"Kit," the foreman interrupts, "You're not going to finish today. It's a half day job in repairs alone, and will take you more than half a day to get the equipment up to ninety-two -- unless you plan to build a mover or teleporter out of spare parts."

"No, sir. I have not used any movers or teleporters to haul the equipment."

"Good. But since you seem so confident you'll finish so fast, if you do, by all means feel free to knock off early. Of course, if I find you've tampered with the movers or teleporters or the work is not up to specs, you'll be pulling maintenance shifts on top of your normal duties for a month. Understood?"

"Yes, sir."

After mid-meal, Firemane mails his equipment back to the storage area and sends the damaged goods to the recycling center via the mail system. Feeling a desire to work on his "zero-G" skills, he adjusts his boots accordingly and makes his way from ninety-two to four via the rampwell, practicing flips, rolls, and various other free fall techniques as he goes. He comes across fellow cadets occasionally, usually hurtling over them while doing acrobatic maneuvers, showing off the skills he acquired during his time aboard the freighters.

After seeing to it that the equipment is properly stacked on the pallet, he puts the dolly back where he originally got it. He removes the boots and restores them to their original condition. After returning the boots to Bender, he uses the rampwell to climb to the forty-third floor, at which point, for the first time today, he is exhausted. After a quick catnap, he makes his way to his last two afternoon classes.

***

Over the next several weeks Bristlewind gains a reputation of "cadet-par-excellence", consistently performing at or near the top of each class he is in. His military precision and decorum gives cause for others to emulate the gray cat. Soon many cats are actively seeking opportunities to work with him, confident any endeavor he undertakes will be successful, and knowing his associates will help their own status in the student hierarchy.

Firemane's reputation spirals in the opposite direction. He is frequently cited for tardiness, which lands him on report and results in a steady stream of extra work assignments. His studies suffer, but his ingenuity keeps his grades from plummeting, as out of necessity he uses his ability to find innovative solutions to keep him from failing.

In addition to resetting the alarm clock regularly, Bristlewind creates havoc with Firemane's schedule in many ways. On occasion he alters Firemane's personal itinerary on computer, until Firemane gets Highclimber to help design a security program on his system that Bristlewind cannot break into.

Then Bristlewind resorts to other means of deterring Firemane. He manages to lock Firemane inside the room several times before Firemane creates safeguards against such acts. One clever ploy Bristlewind uses is placing "off limits" signs on the doors to Firemane's classes with directions to alternate locations, after assuring Firemane's tardiness.

Firemane tries to ignore the inconveniences initially, but as they get him deeper into trouble, he tries to retaliate. Bristlewind somehow anticipates each attempt and manages to get Firemane even deeper into trouble.

As things get worse for Firemane, his comrades from his first test begin avoiding him, lest they get caught in one of Bristlewind's traps. Ironically, 'Biter is soon the only friend he sees regularly, due to their workouts and tutoring sessions. But, by tutoring 'Biter, Firemane loses time he could be using to study for his own classes.

Firemane enters the physical workout cubicle he and 'Biter have been using for their sparring sessions. As usual 'Biter is going through his warm-up routine, doing isometric exercises against the far wall of the white, padded, ten meter square room. "What do you want to learn today, Red?" the security expert asks.

"How to get someone off your back," Firemane snaps as he gets into his workout uniform.

"That would be Tzae-scha. It's a set of pretty easy maneuvers."

"I hope so. I need to Tzae-scha Bristlewind soon or I'm going to be history."

"He's still giving you a hard time?"

"Like petrified lead."

"I thought you were going to get even last week by altering one of his lab experiments?"

"It backfired and I ended up on report instead of him. And since I was the one who instigated it, I couldn't very well point a claw at Bristlewind, could I?"

"So what went wrong?"

"I don't know!" Firemane snaps irritably.

"If you don't analyze your failures and discover their root, you're doomed to repeat them, kit. You know that. Now what did I tell you the primary aspects of combat are?"

Firemane sighs as he regurgitates the information 'Biter has been feeding him during their workouts. "Strategy, tactics, surprise, and execution."

"So which areas do you think caused your failure?"

Firemane glares at 'Biter as he continues to use that word 'failure', but answers after seriously considering the question. "He was on to me."

"So you lacked surprise. Correct the problem and try again."

"He knows I'm going to try again, so how am I supposed to surprise him?"

"Do you remember Captain Rushwind's gamble at the battle of Kaerntha?"

"Yes. He was point blank to a Lyran BattleCruiser and diverted all power to the tractor beam to prevent the BC from deploying a wild weasel. The Lyran had spread his power to cover several contingencies, not believing Rushwind would make such a gamble. The ploy was successful -- Rushwind launched drones at point blank, and the Lyran was history."

"Was the Lyran expecting to be attacked?"

"Of course! They had been engaged in combat off and on for nearly two days."

"And what one element determined the outcome in that situation?"

"Surprise," Firemane admits.

"So it is possible to surprise someone even when they are expecting to be attacked."

"Yeah, I see your point."

The two begin their workout, though they continue their discussion as they spar.

"So how am I supposed to know what he expects?"

"You analyze what he's done to you and figure out how he thinks. If he does something repeatedly, prepare for it and turn it against him. If you can think of something he hasn't done to you, then he probably hasn't thought of it either."

`Biter throws Firemane into the padded wall and charges toward him. Firemane slips under his grasp and lands a hard forearm to `Biter's back. `Biter rolls with the punch and comes up facing Firemane, prepared to attack.

"Not bad, Red. You surprised me."

Firemane flicks an ear at the compliment as the sparring session continues. As they fight, though, an uneasy feeling begins to develop in Firemane. He can tell `Biter is not fighting at his normal overwhelming level, and the compliment was entirely out of character for the black behemoth.

"You've given me an idea," Firemane announces.

"What are you going to do?" `Biter asks as he lunges and misses Firemane once again. Firemane is on `Biter's back instantly. `Biter continues talking while he uses the Tzae-scha maneuver to dislodge his smaller opponent and sends Firemane hurtling into the far wall. "Gonna get him in your quarters this time?"

"No," Firemane responds, diving for `Biter's legs. "Just be in the mess hall tomorrow for mid-meal." Firemane misses with his grapple, and `Biter is suddenly on Firemane's back. Firemane attempts to use the Tzae-scha technique, but as always, `Biter introduces the counter-move, which leaves Firemane in even worse shape. The conversation shifts away from Bristlewind as the fight progresses and they discuss some theories `Biter is struggling with in one of his science courses.

***

The following day during mid-meal, Firemane eats slowly, keeping a close watch out for Bristlewind. Though two other cadets sit at Firemane`s table, they ignore him. Firemane sees `Biter enter the room and watches as the large cat gets his food. `Biter sits with two cats Firemane does not recognize. The first is a small lavender cat who sits quietly, seemingly oblivious to the presence of the others. His second table mate is vaguely familiar to Firemane, though he cannot place the orange cadet with the white star around his left eye. 'Biter spends the time being loud and obnoxious between mouthfuls of his meal.

Bristlewind fails to show by the time the klaxon sounds signaling the end of mid-meal. Firemane returns to his quarters, having a free period due to an explosion in the engineering lab he normally attends. Firemane wonders if the explosion, which injured several other cadets might have been meant for him. He dismisses this idea, as to this point Bristlewind had not attempted any tricks that were actually physically dangerous. Still, he thinks, there might be some evidence to implicate him in the lab.

As he heads for his quarters he decides not to take the period off. I'll get my tools and go see if I can help in the cleanup, he thinks. I could use some points for extra credit, and it'll give me a chance to peruse the lab. As he nears his room, though, the same uneasy feeling he had while fighting 'Biter returns. He is about to place his claw on the access plate to his room when he realizes he is the only cat in the corridor. He backs slowly away from the door and scratches his chin in thought.

Moments later he is at the storage facility asking Bender for a mobile scanner. When he explains it is needed for the cleanup of the engineering lab, Bender reluctantly checks it out to him. He returns to his quarters and scans the room from the corridor. The scan reveals a trough of paint set up to dump on whomever happens to enter the room next. Firemane analyzes the properties of the paint and determines its color. He purrs softly as he walks away, and an evil grin forms on his face.

Hours later, Bristlewind nears his quarters. The strong odor of paint solvent fills the corridor. He purrs cheerfully when he notices a couple of spots of paint on the tiled floor. He presses the claw plate and enters the room, expecting to find an angry roommate. Instead he finds himself covered with blue paint.

"Aaaaarrr!" he screams as he tries to shake the substance out of his fur.

Several cadets hear his scream and come running to see what is causing the commotion. When they see the tall, gray cat dripping in blue paint they cannot help but laugh. Soon the corridor is filled with young students laughing raucously at Bristlewind. "I'll kill him," he mutters as he makes his way through the mob and drips away.

***

A sense of deja vu comes over Firemane as he sits nervously beside Bristlewind, waiting for the Dean to speak. The Dean looks up from his paperwork, eyeing the two cadets carefully. He wonders if the two cats really seem to be in worse condition than when he last lectured them. Both are missing patches of fur, and Bristlewind is speckled with spots of blue paint. Bristlewind's left eye is swollen half shut, while Firemane's mouth seems to be misshapen as well.

"I can see by your appearance that you two are still not getting along. Cadet Bristlewind, you have requested a change in room assignment?"

"Yes, sir."

"On a starship everyone must work together in close quarters and must overcome personality conflicts, because there is no way to remain isolated. Request denied. As for your recent skirmish," he continues, "It is the finding of our investigation team that there is insufficient evidence to warrant punishing Cadet Firemane."

"But, sir," Bristlewind protests.

"I'm not through, Cadet. Cadet Firemane, the verifier test confirmed your claim that you did not set the trap or get someone else to set it for you. However, you stated you had a good suspicion of who set it, but refused to reveal your suspect."

"Yes, sir. I have no proof, so I feel it is pointless to point . . . "

"I will decide what is or is not pointless, Cadet," the Dean interrupts. "Now, who is your suspect?"

Firemane looks down, nervously honing his left claw on the armrest of the chair. "Sir, if I accuse someone falsely and they find out . . . "

"That information will not leave this room," the Dean promises. "Bristlewind, you will not utter a word of what happens here to anyone. Understood?"

"Yes, sir."

The Dean eyes Firemane sternly, "Well?"

"As I stated sir . . . "

"Are you questioning my honor?" the Dean roars. "Or Bristlewind's?"

"No, sir," Firemane quickly answers, "It's just . . . I . . . I trust that neither of you will say anything to anyone outside this room, but . . . the party in question will know, nonetheless."

"That's not possible, Cadet, unless you're accusing someone in this room or . . . "

Firemane does not respond as the Dean stops in mid-sentence. The Dean raises an eyebrow at Firemane's silence, then calmly asks Bristlewind, "Did you set that trap?"

"Are you serious?" Why would I?" Bristlewind protests.

"If I follow Cadet Firemane, I believe he thinks you set the trap with the intention of springing it on him."

Firemane nods almost imperceptibly at the Dean's assumption.

"But he was in the room last . . . "

"That is unclear, Cadet. We checked the security monitor system and it indicated the last time the door was opened prior to the accident was just after mid-meal began. Several witnesses mentioned seeing Cadet Firemane in the dining hall at that time. Where were you just prior to mid-meal?"

Bristlewind looks questioningly at Firemane. "How did you know?" he asks.

Firemane only grins in reply.

Bristlewind looks straight at the Dean and admits, "Yes, sir. I believe now that it was my own booby trap I stumbled into."

"Well, well now," the Dean chuckles. "You've placed me in a peculiar position Cadet. This type of prank is not new, and I am empowered to punish cadets if their actions begin to have detrimental effects on the operations and morale of the school. However, we have no rules regarding making a fool of oneself. Therefore, I suppose no punishment is in order. However, I would advise you, Cadet Bristlewind, that it is more profitable to direct your energies to improving your own productivity. Trying to pull down those above you to raise your own status is not a new concept, but is generally counter-productive. Pushing down those already beneath you in the ranks is simply a waste of effort. Dismissed."

The Dean returns to his papers as the two cadets rise and leave.

***

Bristlewind's eyes blink open as his internal alarm clock awakens him. His eyes grow accustomed to the darkness quickly, though he knows the layout of his quarters well enough to clean it spotless blindfolded. He listens to Firemane's breathing, confirming the cat is in blissful slumber, before rising and moving across the room to reset his roommate's alarm. As he moves soundlessly across the floor he wonders what other tricks he can play on his roommate. Maybe I shouldn't, he thinks as he reaches for the alarm, the Dean's words still fresh in his mind.

He places a claw on top of the device and is instantly in sheer agony as a jolt of electricity courses through his body. He lets out a painful scream as he pulls his claw away from the torture. Every hair on his body stands straight out and he crackles with electricity as he slowly backs toward his bed. His tail brushes a metal portion of his desk and sends sparks flying as he screams once more in pain.

"Lights," Firemane utters, causing the illumination panels to activate. Firemane suppresses his urge to laugh as he sees Bristlewind, who looks like he's just gotten the shock of his life.

"Good morning," Firemane yawns, stretching his arms.

Bristlewind shakes his head, trying to clear it, while still staring at the offending clock. He crackles as he sits down on his bunk, releasing some of the static charge stored in his coat.

"You step on a bare wire, or something?" Firemane asks innocently.

"Or something," Bristlewind responds irritably, glaring menacingly at Firemane.

"You better take a sonic or your coat's going to look like that all day."

Bristlewind glares at Firemane, but knowing he's correct, exits the room and goes to the sonic shower at the end of the hall. He and several other cadets are upset when they discover the sonic is temporarily down for repairs. When Bristlewind returns furiously to his quarters Firemane is gone, though his bed is made and his side of the room is in perfect order. Bristlewind's half of the room, however, looks like a cyclone went through it.

Before he can decide whether to clean up his side of the room or destroy Firemane's, the P/A system announces, "Fall out for inspection, on the double!"

Not having time to do anything about the room, Bristlewind looks for his tunic, hoping the fabric can hide his porcupine appearance. Spotting a sleeve of his uniform protruding from his foot locker, he grabs it and hurriedly climbs into it, moving out of the room and down the corridor with the other cadets even as he finishes donning the outfit. It is only when he comes to attention in ranks and the Hall Commander begins inspection that he realizes the uniform he is wearing is three sizes too small.

The old, black-furred officer moves swiftly down the ranks calling out code violations to his young, leopard-spotted assistant as he goes. When he reaches Bristlewind, he comes to a complete stop, scratching the graying fur of his chin in wonderment. It is obvious to the officer that Bristlewind's coat is electrically charged, because not only is the fur on his head and paws standing straight up, his furry gray coat is poking through the tunic here and there. In addition, he notices small blue dots randomly spread about the cadet's mane. The missing patches of fur and nearly swollen shut eye complete a disastrous picture.

"Cadet Bristlewind, your appearance is . . . " the Commander pauses as he carefully reaches a claw out to touch Bristlewind's uniform. The contact releases some of the electrical charge and the pop is loud enough to be heard by the entire squad. ". . . shocking."

Several purrs of laughter escape from the ranks at this remark. The officer ignores the laughter, tells his assistant to put Bristlewind on report and continues his inspection. When he reaches the end of the ranks, the officer states, "All those who were put on report remain at attention, all others dismissed."

As the other cadets begin moving off, Firemane hears the Hall Commander tell his assistant, "Let's check the quarters of all those on report to see if their rooms are in as bad a shape as their uniforms." The officer turns and looks at the dozen or so cadets remaining, trying to figure which one just moaned.

***

Firemane is the first cadet to report for the pre-breakfast free-fall class. The instructor is pleasantly surprised. After the other cadets file in, they stretch and limber their muscles for the workout. The teacher is concerned when it is time to begin and his star pupil has not arrived.

As he is about to ask if anyone has seen him, Bristlewind, panting heavily, barges in. The cadets turn and stare at the comical sight, some breaking into laughter. Bristlewind's fur is still standing straight up, except where covered by his tunic. The too small uniform doesn't help the effect at all.

"I'm a little surprised at your appearance, Cadet Bristlewind," the instructor snaps.

"I was a bit shocked myself," Bristlewind responds, cutting his eyes briefly at Firemane.

"Damn near electrocuted, it looks like," an anonymous voice notes from amongst the students. This elicits more laughter at Bristlewind's expense.

The instructor ignores the remark, stating, "That uniform will not do for our workout, Cadet. Go to laundry and get one that fits, and while you're there tell the officer on duty you'll be working with them the next three weeks to see this kind of mixup doesn't happen again."

"Understood, sir," Bristlewind grumbles, exiting the anti-grav chamber quickly.

By the time Bristlewind returns, the workout is half over, so the instructor gives him personal attention, while the other students fly about the hemisphere, practicing the maneuvers they've just been taught. Bristlewind discovers personal attention means personal torture, as his combat proven teacher crams a weeks work into half an hour. The soreness from his recent fight with Firemane only exacerbates the agony. When the period is over and gravity is normalized, Bristlewind can barely stand. He is tempted to growl at Firemane as he leaves, but decides he doesn't have the energy.

***

Bristlewind glares at 'Biter angrily, waiting for the cat to finish his last bite of mid-meal. He knows he will not have the large black security specialist's full attention until the meal is done.

"Your information, while correct, led to my own humiliation 'Biter. Is that the way you planned it?"

"No," 'Biter declares. "I hate that red pint-sized twerp as much as you. I don't know how he caught on to you. You must have left some clue to tip him off."

"There was no way he could have known the trap was there unless someone told him. He also knew what color paint I used, because he went to the trouble of putting specks of it around the door so I would be convinced it had already been sprung. Explain that."

"I can't explain it. But I didn't know what color paint you used. You never gave me any details of your plan, just like he wouldn't."

"That's true, but . . . "

A fairly tall orange cat approaches and Bristlewind pauses to let him go by. Instead the cat sits down uninvited at their table. "Hi, 'Biter."

"Hi, Starchaser."

"You're Bristlewind, aren't you?"

"Yes, and we were in the middle of a private discussion," Bristlewind informs the intruder with an indignant tone.

"I just thought I could clear up how Firemane caught on to your trap, but if you don't want to know?"

"Wait. What do you know about this."

"I know he checked out a mobile scanner just after mid-meal, ostensibly to use for the clean up of the engineering lab mess. That scanner could easily have tipped him off about the trap and even told him what color paint was."

"I see. First, how do you know this, and second, how did you know what we were talking about?"

"'Biter here let a tiny bit of what was going on slip the other day at mid-meal. I just pieced together the rest, and I heard the last sentence or two of your discussion as I was nearing the table. You really ought to work on your whispering."

"I'll keep it in mind," Bristlewind says as he rises and leaves. "I'll also keep my plans to myself from now on," he mutters to himself as he exits the dining facility.

After Bristlewind disappears, Starchaser turns to 'Biter, saying, "Now, about our agreement . . . "

***

During the next few weeks Firemane makes Bristlewind's life miserable. Bristlewind's attempts to sabotage Firemane go awry, while Firemane's onslaught of practical jokes and booby-traps escalates to the point Bristlewind cannot take the time to come up with counter measures. He must devote his full attention to avoiding Firemane's tricks to try and keep himself out of trouble and free from extra duty.

Firemane uses every trick Bristlewind employed against him, and then some. Each new trick Bristlewind manages to throw at Firemane seems to meet with disaster. Touching almost any of Firemane's belongings generally results in setting off an electrical discharge, eventually leading to Bristlewind being dubbed 'Sparks' behind his back. When Bristlewind attempts to break through Firemane's computer security system, he finds a counter-attacking security program that destroys many of his own files.

During these weeks the daily report on class standing, the yardstick that the cadets are measured by, shows Bristlewind falling, while Firemane climbs. Bristlewind, during the first few weeks of school had assumed an early lead and began pulling away from everyone else.

Firemane, however, after starting near the top of the rankings with the other members of his initiation team had fallen steadily. Though his short attention span and lack of self-discipline had contributed to his downward spiral, Bristlewind's guerilla tactics had hurt his standing the most. Suddenly freed from the extra duties he has been saddled with, Firemane begins climbing quickly up the academic ladder, while Bristlewind plummets. Bristlewind still outperforms his classmates in most areas, but as with Firemane, his new habit of arriving late or lacking proper decorum keeps him in trouble, which takes points away from his class standing.

Bristlewind does not wilt under the pressure, though. Occasionally he manages to turn lead into gold. This happens once when the night before a major exam a data disk crucial to his studying disappears. Attempting to get another copy of the disk from the information center fails, because all copies are checked out and the system is inexplicably down for repairs. Several hours of research later, Bristlewind finds several hard bound books covering essentially the same material. He studies these books the entire night, and performs fabulously on the exam. The instructor sites several points Bristlewind covers that no one else mentions. "The fact these points were not covered in class or in the assigned text shows a willingness to dig for a clearer understanding, and exhibits intelligence enough not to accept a single authorities views on a subject," the instructor praises.

The feud between the roommates is soon common knowledge and becomes a hot topic of conversation among the other students. Bristlewind finds others less willing to seek him out for assistance, and many make it a point to avoid both cats, lest they get caught in the middle of a prank and end up with extra duty as well.

Despite the problems the two cause each other, each reaps benefits from the trials. Both are forced to overcome weaknesses inherent in their personalities, that the other is quick to exploit. Firemane fights his tendency to oversleep and soon develops the habit of preparing in such a manner prior to going to sleep that he can be ready for inspection within a minute of awakening. Meanwhile, Bristlewind learns to overcome his tendency for procrastination with regard to his studies after the episode with the data disk.

The two do not discuss their animosities or attempt to negotiate a peace settlement. Early on they stop talking to each other, and despite rooming together, rarely acknowledge each other's presence, only conversing if absolutely necessary.

As the first year of school nears an end, Firemane has climbed enough in the student rankings and Bristlewind has fallen so far that the two pull even. When this occurs, Bristlewind's troubles cease. When the sabotage ceases Bristlewind is at first relieved, then perplexed, then terrified, as he ponders the possibility Firemane is saving up for a monstrously diabolical scheme of some sort. This paranoia dissuades Bristlewind from restarting his attacks on Firemane, despite 'Biter's council to seek revenge.

A week after the barrage of trials ceases, Bristlewind turns on his computer and is surprised when the screen displays the word "TRUCE". While watching in stunned silence, the word disappears and is replaced by a list of several files that had mysteriously disappeared from his personal library many weeks before. He checks each file, finding his data complete and up-to-date. Though this does not change his dislike for his roommate, it begins to build a certain respect for Firemane and his abilities.

With neither cat having to deal with overcoming the other's schemes, both can direct their full energies toward school. Their names soon disappear from the extra-duty lists, freeing up time to devote to achieving excellence. The results are astounding.

Bristlewind develops a complex theory concerning the randomness of habitable star systems in the galaxy. Using his theory, one should be able to predict where planets suitable for Kzinti life will be in unexplored regions. His paper is controversial, but eventually leads to the discovery of several habitable systems, which had previously been overlooked.

Meanwhile, Firemane begins research into improving propulsion systems and quantum-gravo-magnetic-field technologies. Several of his minor refinements are incorporated into future ship designs as the Kzinti technocracy tries to overcome the irritating deficiencies of their fleet when compared to the Lyrans war ships.

These projects take up Bristlewind's and Firemane's free time. This is in addition to their normal duties, where each begins to outdistance all other students. Going into the final week of their first year, the roommates reenter the "Top Ten" on the student rankings.

***

"Hey, Firemane. Wait up."

Firemane turns to see Peppertail trotting behind him down the bustling corridor. He slows to allow his friend time to catch up. As he falls in step Peppertail asks, "Where you headed?"

"Data center," Firemane answers somewhat irritably.

"Aren't you going to the multi-games? Tonight's the final."

"There's a problem with my computer. The system's going to be down for maintenance tonight, because of the games, so it's the best chance I'll get to fix some bugs I've found."

"Can't you stop working for a little while. You're in the top ten anyway."

"Nope. New list has me eleventh. Bristlewind's in tenth."

"I should have known. You two flip flop every two or three days. You'll probably be one and two after final exams."

"That would be okay with me -- as long as it's him in second."

"Listen, debugging your computer won't get you extra points, so why . . . "

"But the enhancements I have in mind will help me get those points. Especially if I'm the only one who knows they're in the system. It's something Highclimber and I have been working on. If it works, I'll show you."

"Firemane, you really need to develop a social life. All work and no play . . . "

"I know, I know, makes for no bedfellows," Firemane finishes, as they come to a stop at a crowded mover queue.

"Anyway, I thought you might be especially interested in tonight's game," Peppertail continues, refusing to accept Firemane's apparent desire to be left alone.

"Why? What race is on tap?"

"The Terrans."

"Really? Do you know which game?"

"It's called Contact Ultimate, but I don't know the rules. But I do know most human games require a spheroid and a goal of some sort."

"Yes, but I believe Contact Ultimate involves a flying disc."

"It there anything you don't know?"

"How to speak Terran Standard," Firemane purrs, though a whistful expression dances across his face.

"Where do you learn this stuff, 'Mane?"

"Here and there."

"You're sure you won't come? Bristlewind's team is playing those clods that beat us."

Firemane perks up at this revelation. "Okay, okay. If I get done early maybe I'll catch the second half."

"I'll look for you. Section F-17."

"You're a persistent cuss, Peppertail. You'll make a good negotiator, some day."

"Thanks. You're one of the few who doesn't say negotiator like a swear word. Anyway, I'll keep your seat warm. Bye," Peppertail says as Firemane steps into the mover and the doors close.

While Firemane goes to the computer center, Peppertail makes his way to the sports complex across campus. The turnout is better than average, filling the domed arena to near capacity -- not unusual for the multi-games finals. As he moves toward his seat, the P/A comes to life with a rousing fanfare of horns and drums, and the arena is filled with a spectacular laser light display.

"Welcome, officers, faculty, staff, and students, to The Multi-Games Tournament Finals!" A large burst of applause answers the announcer.

"The Multi-Games Tournament is one of the Institute's greatest tests of physical ability, mental acumen, and above all, adaptability. Three months ago over five hundred teams of fourteen cadets began competition for the coveted MGT Trophy. Now only two remain. Both of our contestants tonight have won eight vastly different sporting events to reach the finals --events drawn from races throughout the galaxy other than our own. Federation -- Hydran -- even Lyran . . . " A loud chorus of hissing greets the name of their foremost enemies.

"And tonight, despite having only two days to learn the rules and practice, our teams shall play a Terran game -- Full Contact Ultimate!"

The announcer pauses, changing from a dramatic to a formal tone, "The rules are relatively simple. The playing squad requires only seven members, giving both teams adequate bench strength. The object of the game is to pass a disk, approximately one third meter in diameter down a one hundred by fifty meter field into a twenty meter scoring zone. Any incomplete pass results in a change of possession, and the other team attempts to score in the opposite direction. The contact makes completing passes difficult, and moving with the disc is forbidden. Most advances involve screening for a teammate, allowing him room to receive. Only the thrower is protected from contact."

Resuming his dramatic tone, the announcer continues, "Tonight more than most, the team aspect of the Multi-Games will be critical. Who will have the agility to throw and catch the flying disc? Who will have the strength to take the pounding -- or the stamina to continue running up and down the huge playing field for two full hours? In just a few minutes these questions will be answered. So get comfortable -- it is certain to be an exciting evening."

***

Bristlewind's team listens to their leader's final instructions in the changing room as they don their red jerseys. "You all know our game plan and that we'll probably stay behind for most of the game. Just remember, even though as a team they outweigh us by twenty percent, we can win this. We're faster and more agile than they are, and I guarantee we have more stamina. We've had some close calls on the way, but every match they've had, they've gotten a big lead and held off a rally. They're going to beat on all of us hard, so keep moving so they can't get a good shot at you. Concentrate on defense this half and throw long any time we get the disc. Understood?" All acknowledge their captain, then file out into the arena.

The contest begins with the exact results Bristlewind predicted. The blue team attacks with a starting lineup of their largest and strongest members. Their strategy is to plow over the red team, knocking them down if at all possible. But Bristlewind's team, though small, is much quicker and more agile. This allows them to avoid most of the contact. Still, the blue team manages to build a 6-0 lead during the first half, but just before half time, Bristlewind completes a pair of long passes for scores, cutting the margin to 6-2 as the teams break to rest and regroup.

Once secluded in their strategy chamber, the leader of the blue team, Starchaser, addresses his comrades, between gasps of air. Though not the largest member of the team, he possesses a presence of power and drive. His orange fur is mussed from the activity of the first half and the white, star-shaped patch of fur around his right eye is smudged with dirt and grass.

"I don't plan to lose this!" he roars. "They were untouched on both of those late scores, and that will not do!"

"That cat, Bristlewind . . . I didn't think he could throw it that far or so accurately," offers the victim of the first scoring pass.

"He's on the top of the list in two sports, idiot. Of course he can throw! But enough about the first half. We've got to stop Bristlewind in the second half or we're dead meat."

"What do you want us to do? Break his leg?" asks Softwalker, the smallest player on the team, who is irritated at being relagated to the bench for the entire first half.

"The idea had crossed my mind," responds Starchaser.

"Are you serious?" several of the team members ask in disbelief.

"This is for the Multi-Games Title! Other than Top Cadet, this is the most coveted award at the Institute. Half of the officers on starships today were Multi-Game winners while at the Institute. Now, it's time to put up or shut up. If you don't want to do what has to be done then take a seat," Starchaser raves.

"We tried to hit him during the first half," notes Crusher, the largest cadet at the Institute. "He's so quick, we can't get a good shot at him."

"Work as a team then! One or two of you herd him toward Crusher, and then Crusher can finish him."

"That's going to leave someone open," interjects one of the players.

"We'll do it when we have possession, and we'll drop a pass if we must to get him out. But one thing I do know, a four point lead will not be enough with that cat in there."

***

"I'm back, Graytail," Firemane announces cheerily as he enters the computer department's administrative office.

Graytail looks up from a mountain of charts and graphs and motions Firemane to have a seat. "So what'd you find?"

"Someone's definitely been tampering with my personal security program, and I still don't know how. Whoever it is, they're good. Luckily they haven't been able to get deep enough in to do any real damage. What did you find?"

"By cross-referencing the times you gave me when your system was tampered with against the usage recorder, I've managed to narrow the possible culprits down to a few hundred. This assumes the probes are being run manually. If they have a program doing the probing by itself there's no way to tell who it is."

"D'you think you can narrow it down some more next time they strike?"

"Not much. Those on the list all have similar usage patterns. Your best shot will be to lie in wait and try and backtrace the probe. Here's a list of the times they're most likely to start mucking about."

Firemane takes the offered sheet of paperwork and nods in disgust. "That figures. I'm in class during all of these times, so I can't monitor personally."

"They are shrewd."

"Thanks for the help, Graytail."

"Thanks for getting me this job," responds the small clerk.

"It was my uncle who got you the job. I just pointed out your qualifications, and told him a valuable resource was being wasted."

"Whatever the case, I am grateful to be out of the shipping department. Bender is not the most pleasant boss in the world to work for."

"I believe you," Firemane purrs. "Just keep making backups of my files and we'll call it even. Whoever it is, they're going to get in eventually and trash my system if I don't track them down first."

"Will do, Firemane. Here's the list. Maybe you can eliminate some of 'em."

Firemane takes the sheaf of paper without looking at it, bids his friend adieu and exits the computer center.

***

Starchaser's team retakes the field, resolved to knock Bristlewind out of action -- quickly. When the second half begins, Bristlewind and his teammates work their way quickly and methodically down the field, scoring more easily than anyone had expected. But when the blue team takes the disc, after only two short passes, Starchaser sees his goon squad positioned around Bristlewind. He zings the disc with incredible speed, straight at Bristlewind, though about a meter over the gray cat's head.

As the disk travels, three members of the blue team converge on Bristlewind. The disk and the three opponents reach him simultaneously. Bristlewind leaps up, both paws outstretched above him to grab the disk -- totally defenseless.

The impact can be heard above the din of the crowd -- as well as the sickening crunch of bone cracking. Any resemblance to organized play ceases immediately as Bristlewind's teammates rush to his aid. The disk lies upside down several meters away.

The officials immediately stop play for an injury time-out, and spend the next several minutes trying to prevent a brawl between the two teams. Stomper and several others seem bent on returning the favor. The officials succeed in preventing a catastrophe as Bristlewind's team gathers around him while the medics wrap his ribs in a vibro-cast.

Grimacing in pain each time he is moved, Bristlewind manages to give his last instructions to his mates, between gasps. "Concentrate on defense. Show them the . . . double-helix with seven minutes left. When they . . . stop that, it's all or nothing every toss. One . . . backward pass to open the thrower. You can take these . . . goons. Just don't get . . . caught up in hurting them. You've got to beat them with brains, and that should be easy, because if their brains were . . . Tarteleum, they couldn't power a glow plate."

No one laughs at the feeble joke, but all have a look of grim determination as the medics load Bristlewind onto an anti-grav stretcher and carry him off the field. Firemane enters the arena and makes his way to section F-17 to find Peppertail just as Bristlewind disappears down the tunnel which leads to the medical facility. The officials take their time in getting things sorted out, which gives Peppertail a chance to fill Firemane in on the goings on. As he listens to the recap, Firemane scans the list of names he received from Graytail. He pauses with a start when he sees the names Bristlewind and 'Biter.

"So, did your upgrade work?" asks Peppertail when he realizes Firemane is engrossed in his data sheets.

"What? Oh, no. Haven't gotten everything worked out yet, but maybe soon."

"Hey, look. They're getting ready to start again."

Firemane lays the list aside and concentrates on the field of play, rooting openly against Bristlewind's team.

When play resumes, the event is no longer a game -- it's a war. The red team attacks with a vengeance. With the blue team's first pass, it is obvious that the red team has turned up the heat. Crusher lands on his back and the red team ends up with the disk almost instantaneously. Then, employing the double-helix as instructed, Bristlewind's team marches down the field and scores, seemingly at will. This scenario repeats itself three times before the blue team makes the necessary adjustments. After that, the contest becomes a restrained brawl as cats on both teams begin going down with injuries.

With the score knotted at twelve and less than a minute to go, Starchaser spots Softwalker streaking down the sideline and lets loose a monstrous toss toward their scoring zone, some eighty meters distant. The crowd is up and cheering as the disc flies past the small lavender cat. But somehow he begins gaining ground on the projectile, making a final desperate lunge just before the disc lands. He is as surprised as anyone when he realizes he has caught it. He is shocked further when the official gives the signal for a goal scored. It is only then Softwalker realizes he is lying in the middle of the scoring zone. The clock expires before Bristlewind's team can retaliate and Softwalker and Starchaser are carried off the field on the shoulders of their teammates, while the red team wearily make their way to the infirmary to see about their own wounds as well as their leader.

***

Firemane wakes with a start, immediately aware he is in his darkened quarters. He waves his claw and the motion sensors activate the amber display of the chronograph across the room. It is too early in the morning to be awake and Firemane is at a loss to explain his consciousness. He then hears a muffled moan from across the room.

Perhaps that's what woke me up, he thinks as his eyes grow accustomed to the darkness.

Bristlewind's ribs still ache a week after his 'accident' at the multi-games. Though his ribs are almost healed, the gray cat's fur conceals many painful bruises, which only time can heal completely.

The final results for first year cadets will be published today. Firemane knows he did well, but wonders if he managed to overtake Bristlewind in the standings. I could almost feel sorry for you, he thinks, if I weren't so sure you're the one poking into my system."

Unable to sleep, Firemane rises and dresses silently, then slips out for a walk in the damp, chilly air of pre-dawn. The near black stillness elicits a feeling that is both eerie and comforting as he walks without direction or purpose across campus, his mind wandering through the events of the past year. Still lost in reverie, he is surprised when he finds himself at the entrance to Professor Rushwind's quarters. Realizing it is much too early to be calling on his 'uncle', he is about to turn around when the door swishes open and he hears the Vice Admiral's familiar voice say, "Come."

Moments later the two are comfortably situated across a three-dimensional chess board, sipping hot grombo's milk and conversing as they play.

"How did you know I was coming?"

"We know much more about all cadets' activities than any of you would like to know or admit. Besides, you're much like your father. He could never sleep well before a major event either, though he could sleep hanging on a hook with any amount of noise, for days on end, if circumstances allowed. Check."

Firemane looks crossly at the chess board, disturbed at his quickly deteriorating position. "Really? Did it get him into as much trouble when he was here?"

"With my help it did."

"Your help?"

"Yes. You see, your father and I began our acquaintance as combatants, much like Bristlewind and yourself."

"That's hard to believe. What changed to make you friends?"

"A lot of things. Mostly, just growing up."

Rushwind's reminiscing ends abruptly when Firemane throws a monkey wrench into his attack and regains the initiative.

Firemane smiles wryly when he sees the concern appear on Rushwind's face. "There's no danger of that happening with me and Bristlewind. He's started messing around with my computer system, even after I declared a truce."

"You're sure it's him?"

"I haven't caught him, yet. But I keep narrowing the field of suspects and his name keeps appearing at the top of the list."

"How many suspects do you have?"

"About a hundred -- but Bristlewind and 'Biter are the only ones on the list I've had any direct dealings with. Actually, I think they may be working together."

"If I've taught you anything at all during our discussions this year, I hope you haven't forgotten that things are not always as they appear."

"No, I haven't forgotten. Check," he notes as he removes Rushwind's bishop from the board. "I also haven't forgotten your other bits of wisdom. Prepare vigorously for every conceivable situation until your responses are automatic, then change your responses to avoid becoming predictable. If placed in a situation where victory is impossible, first change the situation, then overcome your adversary."

Rushwind moves his queen down two levels, taking a seemingly insignificant pawn and announces, "Checkmate."

"What!?"

"You didn't mention analyzing your enemy to find any and all weaknesses and ways to exploit them."

"Which is probably how you just beat me. What did I do wrong?"

"It's time for you to begin figuring these things out for yourself, Firemane."

"You mean you don't intend to give up your advantage."

Rushwind purrs, "I see you have learned something this year."

"So, do you wanna play again?"

Rushwind goes to the outer wall of his apartment and presses a button. What had appeared to be a solid empty wall transforms into a huge picture window as the holographic projector is deactivated. The first rays of dawn can be seen reaching over the horizon. "No. You need to get back and say goodbye to your friends."

"Goodbye?"

"Yes. Today may be your last chance to see many of them."

"Why? I don't understand."

"You're going to Cignus Delta IV."

"Cignus Del . . . You mean Starship Training?"

"Correct. Normally assignment to the Starship Training Facility doesn't occur until third year, but during wartime certain changes are made in the way we prepare our cadets for combat, and with the Lyrans joining the Klingons the war shows no signs of ending. Anyway, a select few of you will be placed in a special accelerated curriculum. In your third year, instead of just being students, you will be assistant instructors because you will be familiar with the weaknesses and strengths of those classmates of yours who make it through to the final year."

Firemane sits in stunned silence at this revelation, trying to grasp the significance of what Rushwind is telling him.

"Oh, I've seen to it that Bristlewind will remain your bunkmate."

"What!? Why!?"

"For the same reasons I suggested to the Dean that he put you together in the first place."

"You . . . you suggested . . . "

"Yes. Direct competition has always been a strong motivator in getting the top performance out of our cadets, especially ones who have a tendency to slide by while putting forth as little effort as possible. I doubt if you would have finished ranked fifth in your class if you had not roomed with Bristlewind."

"Fifth? But I was only eleventh. How could I jump up so far?"

"The particular formula for determining class ranking is unknown even to me. However, I can tell you from experience that the system seems to have a heavy "what-have-you-done-for-me- lately" bias. My guess is some earlier faux pas was just removed from your calculation."

"Then I beat Bristlewind?" Firemane asks hopefully.

"No. He finished third. Starchaser was first, followed by Softwalker, then Bristlewind, Amberclaw, and yourself. Forty-nine of you will be going to Cignus. I do believe one of your friends will be going, though. I believe his name is 'Biter, the one you mentioned may be assisting Bristlewind."

"Oh, great. I'll still have two enemies to fight."

"I thought 'Biter was on your entry team. When did he become an enemy?"

"He was my enemy from day one. Then we sort of became friends during our sparring and tutoring sessions. But he's been gathering intelligence for Bristlewind with regards to me for some time now."

"When did you find this out?"

"Some time ago. When I first suspected, I fed him some information, which helped me set up Bristlewind with the paint incident. Then I kept feeding him mis-information while I was sabotaging Bristlewind with just enough real information to foul them both up. I haven't let on that I figured it out, in case I get another opportunity to use him again."

"You've obviously learned something about counter-insurgency, too. I'm pleased."

Firemane basks in the rare praise of his mentor for a moment, then excuses himself politely to go wish his friends goodbye. As he walks back to the main tower he considers the irony of 'Biter's inclusion in the elite group of cadets going to Cignus. He knows that 'Biter would not have made it had it not been for the tutoring Firemane gave him.

It is scarcely hours after the official announcement of the final standings and reassignments that Firemane is on board a passenger shuttle with the other forty-eight cadets heading for their transport ship to Cignus. His farewells to Peppertail, Highclimber, WhiteEar, and Windrider were brief and in the confusion he was unable to locate WideEyes before departure, though he is confident that the quiet physician will do well. As the shuttle climbs swiftly through the atmosphere, he wonders if he will fare well during the coming year, and falls into a restful sleep.

***