Infinite Stratos: The Apprentice

Chapter 10

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In the center of the sprawling grounds of the IS Academy, high in the middle of the awkwardly shaped spiral tower, was the head office. A circular, orb shaped room with walls of almost solely glass, gave any occupant a perfect view of the entire academy.

A few sets of uncomfortable looking chairs and a couch, all faced a desk with stacks of perfectly aligned files and papers. The desks chair was empty.

Sitting in one of the uncomfortable chairs, shifting her legs rather awkwardly and twiddling her thumbs, Maya sat with her head turned away from the desk towards one glass wall.

"You....what?.....I'm not sure I understand. You said the student, this-" She gestured to the open file in her hands, which Chifuyu had given to her. "-Charles Dunois, who is a female but is.... pretending...to be male, is trying to steal information....but that I should let them do it?"

"So you do understand, then. Perfectly, in fact." Chifuyu's hand swiftly moved a stack of completed paperwork to the side of her desk, replacing it with a fresh stack that needed her attention.

"But, why? Wh-" "I doubt she is doing it of her own volition. The child probably believes she is doing what is right, to help her father. I'm worried her father is merely a pawn.... was probably promised something along the lines of his failing business being pulled from the fire of bankruptcy....."

"So...?"

"I'm more worried about the girl, to answer your question."

"You...huh? Sorry, you're more worried about her than Orimura-kun?"

"I'm more worried about her because of him. Orimura-san is a good man, but no one ever said he was a merciful one. There isn't much of a chance, almost none actually, but still a small chance that he could not see the complete picture. If we tell him why she is here he could potentially mistake her as his enemy, instead of a victim. If that's the case...."

"Dead?"

"Undoubtedly."

"Why not just tell him about the situation in its entirety? Openly tell him she is a spy, but is also the victim in this situation?"

"Then he goes straight for her father's throat, that could cause an incident, as well as increased tensions between already strained national relationships. I would prefer to simply tell him nothing, and allow him to figure out the situation on his own terms."

Chifuyu forewent her authoritative voice as she got back into the routine of signing paperwork, and began mumbling. "Not to mention the fact that I am busy enough without his incessant strive to help everyone. Always managing to get himself in trouble." Maya could see her pause her signing for a moment, and rub her temple.

"...you worry about Orimura-kun lot."

Chifuyu met her eyes, clearly annoyed that her work was once again interrupted. "Orimura-san is my co-worker and I am his boss, he is merely my responsibility." She said dryly, as if it was painfully obvious, continuing to fill out paperwork, desperately trying to finish the work so she could leave work.

Maya could hear the scratch of Chifuyus' pen as she signed her name to each paper, before sliding it aside and repeating the process.

"Hmm..." Maya hummed as Chifuyu incessantly concentrated on her work. Maya grinned, oh how she loved teasing Chifuyu, no matter how mean she seemed. In her defense, Chifuyu was always a good enough sport.

"..."

"..."

"..."

"It's kind of cu-"I'll skin you alive."