#math duel

[retrocgads]

USA 1986

[hoodie-2]

This challenge was meaningless, or, more rather, it was pointless. Krel knew he had earned the grade fairly, the assignments were boringly easy by Akiridion standards. Somehow, the flesh color of his disguise was reason enough to be accused of cheating? If Krel really felt like cheating he would have hacked into the school's mainframe and excel his grades that way, but even then that would be showing off his intelligence.

Morando's hand curled over his shoulder, copying the gesture Mr. Johnson had done to his son, it probably seemed like a colder version in comparison. The way that the man clapped his hand heavily on Seamus' shoulder, Krel noticed how the human teen seemed to tense and stayed so while the appendage was on him. Will he ever stop talking or does he just like the sound of his own voice? There are better things to be done. And it is tiresome listening to the man brag about his son's intelligence as if it were his own. His own was more likely less so.

Krel crossed eyes with Seamus, blankly watching blonde brows furrow in anger but it was weak. He clearly didn't want to be here either. He was only here to save his path to Space Camp as Krel recalled from his stroll through town yesterday, rare that he ever left the house except to go to school. He did discover the wonder of Earth music though, that was a point for the mudball.

Morando responded to Mr. Johnson's claims, not in his usual confident purr but more formal and bored, like when he spoke to Commander Kubritz. Speaking as if the humans were a nuisance, well, it wasn't like they weren't.

"I agree with challenging the youth," he could hear Morando saying, "to make them stronger, smarter. However, claiming that it is not possible with your reasoning of darker complexions as if it were a mental defect is completely illogical." Mr. Johnson started with a growl, puffing his chest as if he hoped to reach Mornado's height. It was laughable to watch as his mouth opened to speak. Fortunately the class mentor stepped between them, silencing the man with her clipboard.

"Let us remember this is between the students," she crowed, pointedly glaring at Mr. Johnson. It has been made apparent that none of the teachers agree with his perspective of the situation. "There will be one equation of my choosing to solve, the student solves it correctly first gets the grade. Remember to show your work." She moved her clipboard to point at the whiteboard. Krel and Seamus stepped out from under their guardians' hands, each picking up a marker. The sound of chairs scratching the floor tiles signifying that the adults had taken two of the desks to watch them.

Miss Janeth stepped up between the two teens and scribbled an equation on the board above their heads. It was simple, more difficult than the actual school work but simple still from what Krel was used to. Both he and Seamus readied their markers as the teacher stepped away. The math was done already, Krel needed but a moment but he wasn't allowed to just write the answer. He had to show his work. Ridiculous.

"Begin."

Markers squeaked twice over across the whiteboard. It was annoying, writing utensils were annoying, the equation was annoying, and the overall problem was insulting. Why was he even bothering? Boredom? Pride? An unreleased sense of anger?

Sparing a glance at the blonde beside him. At least Seamus knew why he was doing this, as misguided the reasoning behind it was. Something was at stake for him. There was nothing at stake for Krel, he had no reason to worry, no reason to doubt his own skill in a subject where he excelled. Seamus wasn't his sister or his parents, he certainly wasn't Morando. There was nothing for him in this moment. No point in fighting when there was nothing to fight for.

The answer in black ink stood before him, not yet written but undeniable there. He wasn't fighting to keep his people safe from this human. His hand moved automatically to put in the answer. If Krel turned around now, Seamus would lose his right to Space Camp and Krel would gain nothing. This fight wasn't worth it.

He wiped away his answer and wrote a new one, not too far from the truth. Turning around, he noticed at Seamus saw what he had done but remained silent as he turned as well. They both stepped aside to show their work. Krel only need to glimpse at the unimpressed expression on Morando's face before bowing his head. He couldn't find it in himself to feel shame for disappointing Morando, keep his own expression neutral.

Miss Janeth examined each of their works, giving a confused face at the end of Krel's yet didn't question it. "Both did well, however, young Mr. Kubritz is short one point."

"Of course he is," Mr. Johnson huffed, rising from his seat. Morando followed suit, silently approaching the front of the classroom. "There was no doubt my Seamus would win, I wasn't it expecting it to be so close, but nonetheless," the man was puffed up with pride that Krel wondered if he would float away with so much hot air in his head. Seamus appeared only a bit pleased by the half praise.

A hand on his shoulder, Morando guided Krel out of the room, Mr. Johnson's voice following after them.

"You lost with intent." Morando stated, a lighter tone than when he spoke to Mr. Johnson. "Why."

"It was a pointless fight," Krel answered, staring ahead. "The mathematics and physics of this planet are still so premature. I would not have been satisfied with this win, it would be unfair." He heard Morando hum as they exited the school building.

"You are still young, princeling," Morando spoke calmly, patiently like he does when he is actually teaching Krel something important. "But you will learn that every fight must be won, and that every win is important." They stopped beside a shiny, black vehicle parked beside the curb. Mr. Johnson's voice became more clear as they too left the building, Morando's hand left his shoulder. "And do not mind the primitivity of this planet, under our control it will be caught up one way or another."

Krel nodded his understanding. When they welcome Earth under Akiridion influence, Earth will be able to join the interplanetary alliance. "Are you meeting with the commander again?" He asked as one of the disguised OMEN opened the rear door for Morando.

"Yes." The older Akiridon answered. "Your 'pet' is finally cooperating with its extra training."

Letting the blankness in his expression slipped, allowing Krel to roll his eyes. Buster obviously was conscious enough to hold a grudge against his captors. Humans and their carelessness. So long as they are not using any of their energy blasters on him.

"You be alone tonight." Morando added as he settled into the seat.

"Of course." Krel replied watching the door shut. The OMEN that shut the door lowered an open hand to Krel's view, there were a few bills of local currency in its hand. He knew he had expressed interest in a select few on Earth's cultural amenities like the music, Sergeant Costas had gifted him a set of headphones to isolate the music so it wouldn't be disruptive to others, it was useful to tune out Kubritz.

Krel took the bills and pocketed them, stepping back from the car, watching as OMEN climbed in and as the vehicle pulled away. Until now, he didn't register that Mr. Johnson's voice was still booming and actively annoying, he turned around to the bigger vehicle parked farther away. It tipped and bounced as the man climbed in on side, Seamus stood on the other side. He had on hand on the door of the vehicle, but he was staring at Krel. It was unsettling.

Krel pulled his headphones over his ears and walked away. This was over.

[retrocgads]

USA 1986