The Shadow Pupils and the Intelligentsia (Private)

[Astares Amauricanum]

The examiners nod at the trainees while they answern noting down points that seem to pique their interest...

"Good answer, but you do realize they would not always be willing to tell you what they have on you, right?" they ask to IF for example.

Once all the trainees have passed their sessions, the examiners take some time to review the answers, before all gathering for a general briefing with Wellig.

During the reunion, the agents and psychologists point out many things.

-Some candidates seem adamant that they would not fail no matter what. But as they are still human in the end, and prone to make mistakes, some part of the training should focus for them on compromise situations.
-Others seem more humble and accepting that they might fail, but would never betray their country.

In the end, all trainees are considered to be sound of mind for becoming Shadow Knights. Their training is set to continue.

And so, another night falls on the Farm, as the trainees go to sleep.

The next day...

Today is set to be a physical day. As Reveille sounds once again in the dormitories, Wellig enters and shouts:

"Up! Up! Up! Gte your PT on, we're going for a run! Let's move.

And so, without having eaten anything, the trainees are led outside, and subjected to the same obsacle course as before, all the while getting again remarks from the instructors, especially poor Tamako Oshima. Although this time, the remarks are at time more encouraging.

"Good on the wall Oshima, don't get soft on us now! Remember, out there you can only count on yourself! So do better everyday, understood?!

[AHSCA]

The questions were grueling for some, easy for others but it was another day in the training sphere to become proper intel ops agents. One day at a time, it kept on going it felt like, some were getting homesick but others were holding firm. Another loud awakening by the lovely tune of Reveille and shouting to get in gear for PT yet again. Every cadet hastily changing into their PT clothes and assembling to the field. Oshima was getting yelled at but it was encouraging this time she was doing well. "Yes sir!" She yelled back and kept on going through the exercises and training. These cadets were going to be mean and lean by the time this was over.

[Astares Amauricanum]

Once the obstacle course has been completed, the trainees are led back inside, where they are given time to shower, before breakfast is served at the mess.

Once they are done eating, they are led once again for another computer class. Alongside the usual bases in text software, internet browser, etc; their teachers present them the bases of an important tool they will be using in the future: an encrypted message software, to communicate in secret with their case officers back home, or even themselves as case officers when handling agents in the field.

"This tool will be one of the most important you will use in your career, so be sure to completely understand how it works." says one of the teachers. "Do not hesitate to ask questions."


And so, for the next month, the AHSCAians learn, train, and work together towards becoming Shadow Knights, under the tutelage of their Astarian instructors.

A month later...
In a small city named Geruten, a few kilometers west of the ACI Farm, we find again IF and Tamako Oshima,with one of their instructors named Albert. The three are sitting in a small sedan, parked in the street.

"Okay ladies, we've talked about the basics of following someone, here's your first practical exercise.
IF, see this man getting out of the shop? Follow him as long as you can. Act naturally. If you feel you're being detected, or if he gets in a vehicle, I'll be here with Oshima. Now go!" says Albert.

Watch this video to understand better
https://youtu.be/fYg9vHkweIE

[AHSCA]

"Yes sir!"

Hopping out of the vehicle and throwing on a simple pair of shades she began her tail of the man. With a small wireless ear piece she was able to keep in touch with her two contacts, as needed. "Still holding firm." She ducked behind anything she had to when he turned his head. "So far he hasn't noticed me but I can tell, he's getting a little skiddish. Standby." She kept on him.

[Astares Amauricanum]

Observing IF following her target from the safety of the car, tailing them slowly, Albert observes IF movement's intently.

"Indeed, he may become a little skiddish. Abort the surveillance and come back to the car."

Once IF is back in the car, Albert debriefs her, and makes Oshima listen attentively as well.

"The basics are good, but you're still acting too scholarly. Be more natural in your walk, your attitude. Don't duck away at each stop. In short, don't act out of the norm.
Oshima, you're up next. Don't repeat her mistakes and do as I just said. Your target, this old lady who just got out of the hairdresser there." he says as he points to a white-haired woman, her hair curled, who indeed just got out of a barber' shop.
"Go." simly says Albert, opening the door for his trainee, while IF and him stay in the car.