Akademia Otarerkrya (IC) [Closed]

[Lamoni]

"Not at the moment, no. Still looking, but hopefully someone will come my way." Moira tossed her hair back in the way that a woman does when she wants people to pay attention to her for reasons less than platonic. "A academy for military officers? Of course they wouldn't advertise it as such; they wouldn't get too many people to attend if they told the truth! Especially with the crappy food. Though, i've heard that the Edomite military is using Lamonian rations now, so maybe the food will improve there."

[New Edom]

Adah said gravely, "It sure as hell couldn't get worse." then she laughed. "Anyway you're right, the troops like it a lot. As a Cornet I tend to get the crap end of the stick from both officers and other ranks. This is kind of like my practicum year--the New Edomite Corps of Cadets does a practicum where you don't actually get to pull rank but you get to serve in the unit you prospectively want to join. It's a pretty good system, better than the Reserve Officer Training Corps program that they have at some of the colleges."

[Central and Eastern Visayas]

Alexander caught Adah "adjusting" Lori's shirt out of the corner of his vision. He rolled his eyes. Marking the page of his sketch, he closed his notebook and got up, popped his fingers, and decided to go get something to eat. Opening the door, he called back;

"Anyone up for something to eat?"

"Yeah, sure," Ishmael replied. "What's your name?"

[Nalaya]

Vana grinned a little and shook her head at Moira's preening. "Well, expect attention. You are all foreign and new. I would be surprised if people didn't feel out the waters. Mina certainly seems to be enjoying herself."

Downstairs in the mess hall, the air was heavy with the scent of grilled lamb and Nalayan spices, accompanied by freshly brewed, dark coffee and the faint hints of mint tea. There were plates of roasted vegetables with a glaze of butter, bowls of fresh fruit, steaming loaves of thick-crusted bread straight from the oven, couscous with garlic and herbs, plates of tabbouleh, and pots of Turkish (or Armenian, depending on who you asked) coffee at each table.

And there was no shortage of food, either: between being teenagers and a hyper-active lifestyle, the average Nalayan student at the Akademia took in 2,500-3,000 calories a day and burned them all. Most people were having coffee, a few even smoking. The majority of them had started their day before dawn and run through a brutal training regimen already. The days they were not in class were even harder—the foreign students had 180 days of class. The Nalayans had that and training for 340 days out of the year on average. War was practically a vacation.

[New Edom]

Adah felt she had died and gone to heaven. No liver in milk sauce, no huge suspicious sausage chunks, just really solidly good food. And lamb! Now New Edomites loved their beef but in fact few Barans ate it regularly; it was a ceremonial dish served specially perhaps once a month. Lamb and mutton were more common as was chicken. She picked a little bit of everything. The mint tea reminded her of dining with her siblings last time she was home, and tears pricked her eyelids. "Serzhant," she said to Mina, "I meant to ask--I was informed I'd be able to exercise my hawk and my horse, can you give me some idea of what schedule I'd have please?"

[Ganos Lao]

As Lori went to get her uniform, hopefully having Sam follow behind, Lori talked to the young army bound woman. "I couldn't be a soldier....I don't think I could handle the pressure that war would put on me or my dad like that. I respect the soldiers who go out there and put their lives on the line for us, but I just can't see myself following them without getting scared and spending my entire service behind whatever cover I could find while my colleagues all get shot at. I could see myself being a nurse though. Tending to wounds and helping people try to find some sort of relaxation amidst all the chaos around them. I like to think of that as a possible career for me."

Lori didn't seem to notice Adah was checking her out, instead she was focused on trying out her uniform. She found a nearby mirror and made a few poses before giggling like a schoolgirl. She then looked for Sam. Gotta show him my new threads, she thought.

There was this commercial that Adah liked, it was a foreign one from Ossurwald or something. Anyway a young woman has a plate with a burger on it and asks a waitress to come over. "Excuse me," she says, "I ordered fries with this." "You got them," the waitress says. "Excuse me, I don't!" protests the young woman. The waitress kind of grimaces and says, "Pull your plate forward." The woman's breasts are so big she couldn't see the fries. It's an ad for a really big burger at a restaurant chain.

Anyway, Adah had that thought and others running through her mind. As Lori changed, she said, "Well, everyone serves as they must...I'm sure you'd comfort a lot of people in hospital. A LOT of people..." she swallowed as she watched the expanse of warm loveliness get hidden--somewhat--by the BDUs, and smiled as Lori laughed at her loveliness in the mirror. "Hang on a moment," she said, "Your uniform front--it's not really right. I know you're not a soldier, so let me adjust it for you." Which she did, with a look of professionalism on her face. And got a good feel in the process, though she did it in a non-sexual manner. "Not too tight?" she asked with concern.

Lori had to admit that Adah seemed quite friendly which was very nice to see in another person, especially at the school, since she wanted friends beyond Sam, and she thought that she ought to try to make sure Adah would be her best friend at this school, which she really thought was cool, even though she never ever expected to call going to school cool. That just went beyond the code of laws - unwritten as they were - that all teenagers were stereotypically supposed to hold dear to their very hearts! Lori let Adah freely adjust the uniform, not bothering to pay attention to the subtle hint of blossoming sexuality within Adah's intentions. She was just happy to have someone with knowhow help her out.

"It's not too tight. It's just right. Thanks," Lori said, smiling at Adah. "I hope we'll be the best of friends here in Sevan, Adah. You seem like quite the nice person. You, Sam and I should all hang out together - don't mind him, he's my boyfriend and all - and try to have some fun! What do you say?"

[Carceno]

Sam had walked in just after Lori's friend had finished adjusting her top, and overheard someone asking about getting food. "Sure, I'm game. What's your name?"

"Alexander." he plucked a peach from a nearby fruit bowl and sat down. He poured a cup of coffee for himself, as well as one for Sam and one for Ishmael. "So...first few hours at the Academy. What do you think?"

[Lamoni]

Adah said gravely, "It sure as hell couldn't get worse." then she laughed. "Anyway you're right, the troops like it a lot. As a Cornet I tend to get the crap end of the stick from both officers and other ranks. This is kind of like my practicum year--the New Edomite Corps of Cadets does a practicum where you don't actually get to pull rank but you get to serve in the unit you prospectively want to join. It's a pretty good system, better than the Reserve Officer Training Corps program that they have at some of the colleges."

"I'm sure that you'll do well during your time here. Surviving here means that you'll be able to make it in New Edom, as well. What kind of unit are you interested in joining? It sounds like we'll have the same classes, so we can help each other out, if the need arises. My name is Moira, and as you've probably already guessed, i'm from Lamoni."

***

The smells coming from the food in the dining hall more than reminded Moira that she hadn't had anything to eat yet. The smells of grilled lamb and freshly baked bread in addition to the Couscous were particularly inviting. Moira loaded up her plate with all three, and got some coffee to drink with it. Moira was hoping to be able to sit near Adah, as there was something... compelling about the Edomite, and Moira was interested in finding out more about her.

[Altakstan]

Adan sat at the table and grabbed various fruits and a cup of coffee, noting the lack of Pomegranate. He planned on trying the lamb if he was still hungry. He decided to speak up to anyone not already conversing, "So, who here is military?". He knew there were some here that weren't and he gave them points for choosing to go to such a school instead of an easier public school.

[New Edom]

A little earlier, Adah had agreed that she and Lori should be friends, and that Sam would be included in this. She didn't want to marry the girl after all, that would just be insane. She had smiled at Lori before heading off. "Wonderful, I'll see you in the mess hall."

"I'm sure that you'll do well during your time here. Surviving here means that you'll be able to make it in New Edom, as well. What kind of unit are you interested in joining? It sounds like we'll have the same classes, so we can help each other out, if the need arises. My name is Moira, and as you've probably already guessed, i'm from Lamoni."

"I'm already going to join the 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment. It's one of the best armored units in the army, though it is mostly made up of APCs and scout vehicles. Gets lots of action though, and has the best officers and NCOs in the regular forces, a lot of people say." she blushed. "Though my big sister would probably kill me for saying that. She's Air Cavalry, 21st. She's the only the 10th female Regimental Commander in the Army. We're slowly joining the modern era. And it's nice to meet you Moira, I'm Adah, in case you didn't already know. How about you, are you joining up with anything?"

***

The smells coming from the food in the dining hall more than reminded Moira that she hadn't had anything to eat yet. The smells of grilled lamb and freshly baked bread in addition to the Couscous were particularly inviting. Moira loaded up her plate with all three, and got some coffee to drink with it. Moira was hoping to be able to sit near Adah, as there was something... compelling about the Edomite, and Moira was interested in finding out more about her.

Adah invited Moira to join her. "Hey, Lori, you join us too," she suggested. She didn't want to run after the buxom Ganosian like a puppy--after all she was Adah Weber, if she wanted something, she'd get it somehow, or she didn't deserve to be an officer. That figure was almost as tasty as the tabouleh.

Hearing the question of the other foreigner, she offered, "Adah Weber, I'm a Cornet with the 14th Armored Cavalry. And you?"

[Carceno]

Adan sat at the table and grabbed various fruits and a cup of coffee, noting the lack of Pomegranate. He planned on trying the lamb if he was still hungry. He decided to speak up to anyone not already conversing, "So, who here is military?". He knew there were some here that weren't and he gave them points for choosing to go to such a school instead of an easier public school.

Alexander took a sip of his coffee and set it back down. "Not I. I might have been...but my father decided for me that I shouldn't. Can't have the head advisor's oldest son shot now can we." he frowned slightly. He quickly changed the subject. "You know, I wonder if they have any cactus fruit. Tried it once back in Carceno. Not bad, actually. Once knew a guy who tried to eat one without removing the little spines. It didn't end well." he smiled.

He took another sip of his coffee.

[Lamoni]

"I'm already going to join the 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment. It's one of the best armored units in the army, though it is mostly made up of APCs and scout vehicles. Gets lots of action though, and has the best officers and NCOs in the regular forces, a lot of people say." she blushed. "Though my big sister would probably kill me for saying that. She's Air Cavalry, 21st. She's the only the 10th female Regimental Commander in the Army. We're slowly joining the modern era. And it's nice to meet you Moira, I'm Adah, in case you didn't already know. How about you, are you joining up with anything?"

"I've been invited to join the 15th Mechanized Infantry Division, 3rd Battalion, should I get good grades here in Nalaya. Fairly standard posting, but the first fifteen Divisions carry the honor of being the original military units established when the Lamonian military was created. More of a historical tradition viewpoint, which brings honor to them. We've had female troops and officers for awhile now, mostly because we needed them to help fill up the ranks. By the time that they were fully filled, having women join the military had gone on for long enough that it's just stayed that way. Why mess with success, after all?"

After she'd gotten her food, Moira joined Adah and the others at their table. Moira saw Lori, and one look confirmed that Lori had Ganosian origins. It also confirmed that Moira might have competition for Adah, which could be a complication, if not an insurmountable one. Still, Moira would do what she did best, and persevere in the face of adversity. After all, if James could find his happiness with a Kuronan, then who was to say that Moira couldn't find her own happiness?

[Central and Eastern Visayas]

As Ishmael made his way to the mess hall, he decided on what he would have. He picked lamb, mint tea, and some thick-crusted bread.

Seeing as his previous attempts to socialize with the other foreign students were apparently to no avail, he looked for an empty spot. After saying grace, he ate.

[Nalaya]

As Ishmael made his way to the mess hall, he decided on what he would have. He picked lamb, mint tea, and some thick-crusted bread.

Seeing as his previous attempts to socialize with the other foreign students were apparently to no avail, he looked for an empty spot. After saying grace, he ate.

Ishmael wasn't alone for too long. Within a few minutes, a group of four Nalayan students had come over, all wearing matching unit patches. They seemed downright concerned. He was off on his own! "You okay, otarakan?" one of the girls asked with a soft sort of worry, taking a seat by him. She was one of the Nalayan majority, with tan skin, Arabic features, and dark hair. Her friends consisted of: a tall and dark young man with the emerald cross of St. Dismas on one shoulder; a short and muscular Nava'ai young man with specialist stripes and cheerful amber eyes; and an animated Vatani girl with strange, swirling scar patterns across her hands and a dark line of symbolic knots tattooed in a narrow band across her dark face, following her cheekbones and crossing the bridge of her nose.

Apparently the fact that he wasn't with his unit alarmed Nalayans, probably because of how close knit they were. "I'm Yeraz," she offered in a friendly gesture.

The tall medic was Askanaz, and his short Nava'ai friend quickly introduced himself in a brisk but not unfriendly manner as Sahrad. The Vatani girl with them spoke with an unmistakable Arabic accent, identifying herself as Zaynah.

"We saw you alone," Sahrad explained. "Is everything well?"

[Central and Eastern Visayas]

Ishmael registered surprise at the four Nalayans.

"Oh, it's nothing to really worry about. By the way, I'm Ishmael Suico of the Federal Republic of Central and Eastern Visayas," he said in reply to Sahrad. "I'm a reserve commissioned officer in the CEV Army, and as you probably noticed, I'm one of the foreign students." He then looked at Yeraz, Askanaz, and Zaynah before returning to his meal.

Perhaps there's still hope after all, he mused as he continued attacking his lamb.

[Nalaya]

Ishmael registered surprise at the four Nalayans.

"Oh, it's nothing to really worry about. By the way, I'm Ishmael Suico of the Federal Republic of Central and Eastern Visayas," he said in reply to Sahrad. "I'm a reserve commissioned officer in the CEV Army, and as you probably noticed, I'm one of the foreign students." He then looked at Yeraz, Askanaz, and Zaynah before returning to his meal.

Perhaps there's still hope after all, he mused as he continued attacking his lamb.

"And they are not here with you?" Askanaz said. They'd joined Ishmael to spare him the awkward discomfort that being alone in the midst of others was to Nalayans. "I am surprised. You are Vistayan, then? I have not heard of this place."

Yeraz grinned. "Because you sleep through geography, Askanaz. Pay more attention."

[Central and Eastern Visayas]

"Visayan, Askanaz. Though there are actually two nations named in that manner: the Federal Republic of Central and Eastern Visayas and the Republic of Western Visayas and Palawan--the Philippine Civil War really took it out on the islands. My nation was the first to secede in protest against the incompetent rule of the now Emperor of Kamaynilaan Benigno III. Back then, the original lands were regions of the Philippines, a southeast Asian nation...

"But I digress. As you can see, the other foreign students are somewhat enjoying themselves." Ishmael then smiled before finishing his meal.

[Qyryqstan]

Vana grinned a little and shook her head at Moira's preening. "Well, expect attention. You are all foreign and new. I would be surprised if people didn't feel out the waters. Mina certainly seems to be enjoying herself."

Downstairs in the mess hall, the air was heavy with the scent of grilled lamb and Nalayan spices, accompanied by freshly brewed, dark coffee and the faint hints of mint tea. There were plates of roasted vegetables with a glaze of butter, bowls of fresh fruit, steaming loaves of thick-crusted bread straight from the oven, couscous with garlic and herbs, plates of tabbouleh, and pots of Turkish (or Armenian, depending on who you asked) coffee at each table.

And there was no shortage of food, either: between being teenagers and a hyper-active lifestyle, the average Nalayan student at the Akademia took in 2,500-3,000 calories a day and burned them all. Most people were having coffee, a few even smoking. The majority of them had started their day before dawn and run through a brutal training regimen already. The days they were not in class were even harder—the foreign students had 180 days of class. The Nalayans had that and training for 340 days out of the year on average. War was practically a vacation.

Nursultan gladly ate tabbouleh and bread, and fruit. He felt that he was in paradise. In Qyryqstan he would eat lamb, goat or both, with some fruits and very thin bread. This Nalayan food was completely delicious and exotic to him. Nursultan sat alone with his dombyra next to him. He didn't mind sitting alone, but he wanted some company still. He finished his food, and began to sit in reflection.

[Altakstan]

Adan gave him a funny look, "Spines? On the fruit?". He was unaware of such a thing. "It's sounds rather time consuming, bit a good lesson though. In the confederacy, most tribes have the tradition of tossing their children a pomegranate at about 5 or six and telling them to eat. It's supposed to be a lesson in reaping the reward of hard work. It takes a long time to completely remove the seeds from one, but when you do, they are delicious". He took a sip of the coffee, which was considerably bitter and strong. It seemed like ot could grow on him though, despite the initial facade of unpleasantness. "Adan set the cup down, so what country are you from?".

[South East Europe]

Jolee stated that she wasn't hungry and went to her room and cried. It was tears of happiness but also tears of sadness. She knew that this place would be the one place where she could be free but she also knew many of the people here were obsessed with killing. She had seen too much hate in her life to see how killing could possibly be condoned.

[Nalaya]

Adah felt she had died and gone to heaven. No liver in milk sauce, no huge suspicious sausage chunks, just really solidly good food. And lamb! Now New Edomites loved their beef but in fact few Barans ate it regularly; it was a ceremonial dish served specially perhaps once a month. Lamb and mutton were more common as was chicken. She picked a little bit of everything. The mint tea reminded her of dining with her siblings last time she was home, and tears pricked her eyelids. "Serzhant," she said to Mina, "I meant to ask--I was informed I'd be able to exercise my hawk and my horse, can you give me some idea of what schedule I'd have please?"

"You should be able to take them out after the last class is done in the evening," Vana explained on Mina's behalf. "Sorry, she's chatting up the musician." The Quenyan girl rolled her eyes a little. "We'll be moving into the next class soon enough, probably around the time you finish eating. That's political science with Martirosyan."

"Visayan, Askanaz. Though there are actually two nations named in that manner: the Federal Republic of Central and Eastern Visayas and the Republic of Western Visayas and Palawan--the Philippine Civil War really took it out on the islands. My nation was the first to secede in protest against the incompetent rule of the now Emperor of Kamaynilaan Benigno III. Back then, the original lands were regions of the Philippines, a southeast Asian nation...

"But I digress. As you can see, the other foreign students are somewhat enjoying themselves." Ishmael then smiled before finishing his meal.

"True, but you are not together like a proper unit. Are you old enemies or something?" Sahrad said curiously. "Or are you truly so standoffish?"

The army had programmed group living into Nalayans beyond the original tribal customs. They had become so accustomed to having that group everywhere they went and everywhere they did that Nalayans honestly disliked being alone. Even for quiet prayer or reflection, they liked to stay in groups of two or three, though speech was not required.

Nursultan gladly ate tabbouleh and bread, and fruit. He felt that he was in paradise. In Qyryqstan he would eat lamb, goat or both, with some fruits and very thin bread. This Nalayan food was completely delicious and exotic to him. Nursultan sat alone with his dombyra next to him. He didn't mind sitting alone, but he wanted some company still. He finished his food, and began to sit in reflection.

Mina was happy to sit and talk with Nursultan, playing a veritable twenty questions with him. Apparently Nalayans possessed a burning curiosity about the outside world, particularly places that were not completely alien like Qyryqstan.

One of the things Nursultan learned was that Mina, like most Nalayans, was very touchy. When she talked to him, her hand would occassionally touch his shoulder or his arm or his hand as if she was reassuring him that she was still listening. It was also a sign that she was relaxing around him.

[Qyryqstan]

Adah felt she had died and gone to heaven. No liver in milk sauce, no huge suspicious sausage chunks, just really solidly good food. And lamb! Now New Edomites loved their beef but in fact few Barans ate it regularly; it was a ceremonial dish served specially perhaps once a month. Lamb and mutton were more common as was chicken. She picked a little bit of everything. The mint tea reminded her of dining with her siblings last time she was home, and tears pricked her eyelids. "Serzhant," she said to Mina, "I meant to ask--I was informed I'd be able to exercise my hawk and my horse, can you give me some idea of what schedule I'd have please?"

"You should be able to take them out after the last class is done in the evening," Vana explained on Mina's behalf. "Sorry, she's chatting up the musician." The Quenyan girl rolled her eyes a little. "We'll be moving into the next class soon enough, probably around the time you finish eating. That's political science with Martirosyan."

"Visayan, Askanaz. Though there are actually two nations named in that manner: the Federal Republic of Central and Eastern Visayas and the Republic of Western Visayas and Palawan--the Philippine Civil War really took it out on the islands. My nation was the first to secede in protest against the incompetent rule of the now Emperor of Kamaynilaan Benigno III. Back then, the original lands were regions of the Philippines, a southeast Asian nation...

"But I digress. As you can see, the other foreign students are somewhat enjoying themselves." Ishmael then smiled before finishing his meal.

"True, but you are not together like a proper unit. Are you old enemies or something?" Sahrad said curiously. "Or are you truly so standoffish?"

The army had programmed group living into Nalayans beyond the original tribal customs. They had become so accustomed to having that group everywhere they went and everywhere they did that Nalayans honestly disliked being alone. Even for quiet prayer or reflection, they liked to stay in groups of two or three, though speech was not required.

Nursultan gladly ate tabbouleh and bread, and fruit. He felt that he was in paradise. In Qyryqstan he would eat lamb, goat or both, with some fruits and very thin bread. This Nalayan food was completely delicious and exotic to him. Nursultan sat alone with his dombyra next to him. He didn't mind sitting alone, but he wanted some company still. He finished his food, and began to sit in reflection.

Mina was happy to sit and talk with Nursultan, playing a veritable twenty questions with him. Apparently Nalayans possessed a burning curiosity about the outside world, particularly places that were not completely alien like Qyryqstan.

One of the things Nursultan learned was that Mina, like most Nalayans, was very touchy. When she talked to him, her hand would occassionally touch his shoulder or his arm or his hand as if she was reassuring him that she was still listening. It was also a sign that she was relaxing around him.

Nursultan was very happy to have Mina sitting with him. He was more that happy to play the game, twenty questions with her. He was extremely interested in Nalayan culture, especially their music, since many other aspects seemed to be somewhat related to Qyryq customs. He wondered if a Nalayan would feel comfortable in Qyryqstan, coming to the conclusion that yes, anybody would be comfortable in Qyryqstan. Nursultan noticed that Mina would often touch his shoulder, arm or hand, like she was reminding him that she was there. He was peased to learn that this is a very Nalayan thing, because it is very similar in Qyryqstan. He spoke, "Thank you for this food, it is very delicious. It is much different from what I ate in Qyryqstan. My family could never give a meal like this."

[New Edom]

"I've been invited to join the 15th Mechanized Infantry Division, 3rd Battalion, should I get good grades here in Nalaya. Fairly standard posting, but the first fifteen Divisions carry the honor of being the original military units established when the Lamonian military was created. More of a historical tradition viewpoint, which brings honor to them. We've had female troops and officers for awhile now, mostly because we needed them to help fill up the ranks. By the time that they were fully filled, having women join the military had gone on for long enough that it's just stayed that way. Why mess with success, after all?"

After she'd gotten her food, Moira joined Adah and the others at their table. Moira saw Lori, and one look confirmed that Lori had Ganosian origins. It also confirmed that Moira might have competition for Adah, which could be a complication, if not an insurmountable one. Still, Moira would do what she did best, and persevere in the face of adversity. After all, if James could find his happiness with a Kuronan, then who was to say that Moira couldn't find her own happiness?

"Why mess with success indeed? Well, who knows, as our countries become closer friends, we may find ourselves--or our units anyway--side by side in some conflict." Adah said with a quirk of a smile. "The Elwe are having an uprising back home, though there's talk of a peace conference. Who knows? The last one ran about 2 years, so maybe..."

She enjoyed the delicious food, and paused to hear Vana's explanation. "Thank you," she said to the exotic Nalayan young woman. "And what's the poli-sci class like? The one back in Lookinghaven is...eccentric, to say the least."

[Nalaya]

Mina nodded a little at Nursultan's comment. "That is true of many people, or at least itwas when I first enlisted. The army was the first time my family never had to worry about feeding me as I needed. I was so skinny that a strong wind could have swept me off." She grinned and flexed her arm. "My Zenk' Varpet fixed that."

Meanwhile, Vanadessë shrugged at Adah's question, green eyes ponderous. "I enjoyed it, but the Himnakan's more advanced classes are better—you'll have to argue your points. You can't ever say something without an explanation. Martirosyan can be frosty if you act out of line, but she's a good teacher. And the hearthrob for the staff. I'm pretty sure Kasparian at least moons after her. Not to mention a few students. God forbid you show up late, though."

[Qyryqstan]

Mina nodded a little at Nursultan's comment. "That is true of many people, or at least itwas when I first enlisted. The army was the first time my family never had to worry about feeding me as I needed. I was so skinny that a strong wind could have swept me off." She grinned and flexed her arm. "My Zenk' Varpet fixed that."

Meanwhile, Vanadessë shrugged at Adah's question, green eyes ponderous. "I enjoyed it, but the Himnakan's more advanced classes are better—you'll have to argue your points. You can't ever say something without an explanation. Martirosyan can be frosty if you act out of line, but she's a good teacher. And the hearthrob for the staff. I'm pretty sure Kasparian at least moons after her. Not to mention a few students. God forbid you show up late, though."

Nursultan found the connection interesting. He hadn't thought that they'd be able to connect at all. Then Mina flexed her arm, showing military muscle. Nursultan was quite impressed. He had gained good muscle tending to his father's herd of goats, but Mina's muscle was military. Nursultan yet again felt the regret that he hadn't gone into the Qyryq military like his brother. Then he'd be able to impress people with HIS muscle. He'd taken up music however, and he loved it, so he didn't want to quit now. He then had another though. "Sergeant, what is the rest of Nalaya like. Does Nalaya allow foreign citizens to stay for any amount of time? I think that I'd like to see the country after this academy." He smiled widely. "From what I've seen, tasted, and heard here at the Akademia, it seems a lot like home. Qyryqstan...." His voiced trailed off.