Hiro Cheers On His New Classmates (2 of 2)

Artifice vs. Adulatio

Master Dulcia and Artifice are facing Master Virosus and Adulatio.

Virosus – very thin, medium height, stooped, greasy parted hair, long nose, beady eyes, keeps clasping and rubbing his hands together, crumpled tie and dark suit, sniveling, slimy.

Adulatio – Sycophant who praises his master, squeaky pitched voice, pimpled face, plaid pants with high waist line up close to his chest held up by suspenders, bow tie, short afro, dripping nose.

Virosus: "Aaah Master Dulcia, looking so refined as always. Are you sure you won't reconsider my offer? Just think what our combined abilities would accomplish."

Dulcia, singing dramatically: "Never!"

Dulcia and Virosus suddenly emit a blue aura. Master Dulcia executes a mental attack against Virosus, which is seen as a blue outlined figure kicking and punching from Dulcia's mind to Virosus' mind, but she is met with equivalent force from Virosus and rebuffed.

Adulatio: "Well done master Virosus. You instantly met her mental assault and rebuffed it. You're a true virtuoso."

Dulcia: "I can always resort to a physical attack."

Adulatio and Virosus faces go ashen as they cringe backward.

Artifice, leaning into the two: "You guys need to clean up your act. When's the last time you bathed? And those clothes are horrendous, I suggest you throw out your wardrobes and start all over. And maybe throw in a little bit of decency."

Adulatio and Virosus look even more scared, which didn't seem to be possible.

Adulatio, looking toward Virosus, and then composing himself: "How dare you address such a great man as Master Virosus in such an undignified manner. Look who's talking, the girl with the book tattoos. Who needs musty, old paper books anyway – they're so outdated."

Artifice loses it: "What?! You dare cast aspersions on books?! Books keep stupidity at bay, you would benefit from reading them. Let me at him!"

Dulcia quickly intervenes and restrains her from behind, putting her arms through Artifices' arms, holding onto her torso.

Adulatio: "aaah, love and hate, two sides of the same coin. Don't tell me I have another admirer – love is such a beautiful thing.'

Artifice turns red with rage.

Dulcia: "Artifice, I taught you better than that. Are you going to let an adversary get under your skin so easily?"

Artifice, exhaling with a whoosh and regaining her composure: "Forgive me master."

As Dulcia releases her, Artifice feigns a punch in the direction of Adulatio, and he and his master shrink back again.

Dulcia: "Please enter the circle."

Dulcia, once the opponents are on their respective sides: "Begin."

Both opponents sit down cross legged on the ground and close their eyes – the battle takes place in the monochrome blue of the psychic realm.

Adulatio, grinning: "heh, heh"

Adulatio starts with a straight forward pain assault, visualized as an ant army traveling toward Artifice's neural network.

Artifice: "Oh no you don't. Trying to activate my pain receptors? That won't work."

An aerosol can appears, spraying the ants, which wander off aimlessly and dissipate.

Adulatio: "You look tired, maybe you need a rest. Sleep!"

An intravenous tube snakes its way out, attaching itself to Artifice's neural net.

Artifice, counters with: "Such simple, straight forward attacks. Adrenaline!"

Adulatio: "Puppet master!"

Strings extend out and attach themselves to a mannikin image.

Artifice: "Feedback overload!"

Electric current races back along the puppet strings toward Adulatio, severing the connection.

Adulatio: "Thought overload!"

Racing currents appear on Artifice's neural network.

Artifice: "Serenity."

The currents dissipate.

Adulatio: "I've been playing with you long enough. I feel dirty interacting with someone like you."

Artifice: "What are you talking about?"

Adulatio: "It's just that someone who couldn't even protect her own parents when it mattered most. What kind of person is that?"

Artifice freezes.

Adulatio, thinking: "Now I have you. First, I'll open you up to suggestion."

Adulatio, aloud: "Malleable." 

Adulation, thinking: "Next to hold you in place."

Adulatio, aloud: "Stasis."

Adulatio, thinking: "And gain your trust."

Adulatio, aloud: "Best friend."

Adulatio, coyly: "Aahh, Artifice, who am I?"

Artifice, slowly, in a daze: "You're my dear friend, of course."

Adulatio: "Your past is very painful to you, isn't it?"

Artifice: "Yes, it hurts so much."

Adulatio: "Since I'm your friend, I'm going to get rid of the pain for you. Is that alright?"

Artifice: "Yes, please help me."

Adulatio, grinning: "Memory erase!"

A blue bar appears, initially at 100%, but starts to count down.

Hiro, aloud, to all his classmates: "After battling each of you, I know you can win this. I believe in you. Remember how you made it this far!"

Artifice Flashback 1

Artifice is 5 years old. Doorbell to their apartment rings, so Artifice's father answers the door. A man in a military uniform is standing there.

Father: "Yes, what's this about?"

Emissary: "I am an emissary from our glorious leader, I have a topic to discuss with you. May I come in?"

Father, looking severe, extends his left hand out indicating the emissary should enter. Artifice and her mother are sitting on the couch and look up as the father comes into the living room with the emissary.

Mother: "What's this about dear?"

Father: "I don't know, care to enlighten us Mr. emissary? Please, have a seat."

Emissary sits.

Emissary: "You and your lovely wife have quite the reputation within the Psychic corps as top practitioners in your field."

Father, correcting him: "Former Psychic corps members. What's your point?"

Emissary: "There are certain members of the political structure and media that are not ... sympathetic to our glorious leader's cause to unite all peoples. We need someone like you, who is eminently qualified to convince them, in a subtle fashion of course.

Mother: "We left the Psychic corps so we could stay out of politics."

Emissary: "Are you saying that you do not support our glorious leader?"

Father and mother look at each other.

Father, looking back: "No, we're not saying that. We just need time to think about it."

Emissary: "Very well, but you don't have much time you know."

Emissary, looking over at Artifice: "That's a beautiful daughter you have, I wish her a bright and prosperous future. Excuse me, I will take my leave now."

Emissary gets up and walks to the door, letting himself out.

Mother: "We can't support that monster."

Father: "I know dear. Hopefully we bought a little time to prepare."

Artifice Flashback 2

Weeks later, evening in their home, Artifice is in bed.

Artifice, calls out: "Mommy, I'm ready for bed, please read to me."

Mother walks into the room, and sits next to her in bed.

Mother: "You love your books, don't you sweetie?"

Artifice smiles and nods, and her mother smiles in response. Suddenly, her mother's eyes widen.

Artifice: "What is it mommy?"

Father then rushes into the room.

Father: "Do you sense it?"

Mother: "Yes, but it's odd, fuzzy."

Father looks out the bedroom window.

Father, panicking: "They're here."

Mother, concerned: "But we're not ready yet, we thought we would have more time."

Father: "They're wearing some sort of helmet that could be interfering with our psychic abilities."

Mother: "We have to protect her."

Father nods agreement.

Mother, looking at Artifice: "Sleep."  

Artifice's eyes close. 

Mother, looking at Artifice: "Back-up copy." 

Blue lines show all of Artifice's brain areas feed into a tiny, hidden safe that locks itself up.

Mother, looking at Artifice: "Loved one's salvation", heart shapes encompass a blue image of Artifice.

Mother: "If your core being is ever in danger, that cerebral command will trigger a defensive response to protect you."

Father: "We need to work together to overcome their interference."

Mother nods, extending her hand, which her husband takes. In the psychic realm, the two of them appear as blue electrical body images holding hands. Blue lines extend out from them, but are rebuffed by red barriers encasing enemies around the perimeter of the house.

Father and Mother: "We have to press on. We just need one simple directive."

Blue presses in on red, concentrating on one spot. Father and mother's faces in the real world are under extreme strain. Finally, the blue breaks through the red.

Father and Mother: "Sleeping child unseen."

Smiles cross their face as they both slump to the floor. A crash is heard downstairs, followed by footsteps coming up the stairs. The Emissary and two armed men enter Artifice's bedroom. They see Artifice's parents unconscious on the floor, but only see an empty bed where Artifice is sleeping.

Emissary: "Foolish of you to challenge our new devices. Just as it was foolish hesitating to accept our Glorious Leader's generous offer."

Emissary pulls out a gun, points, shoots Artifice's parents, and then smiles.

Although Artifice is still asleep, her parents murder triggers the awakening of her psychic abilities. A blue electrical storm surrounds Artifice, turning her blond hair blue, while the depth of her blue eyes deepens and expands. Emissary and the two guards look over, puzzled at the disturbance on the bed, but still can't see Artifice laying there. Within Emissary's mind a crate opens, and out flies his deepest fear — he is captive and his torturer is himself. His torturer version approaches his captive version, moving a red, hot branding iron towards his eye. Back in the physical world, Emissary is howling and convulsing (along with the two guards). After a time, he drops to the floor motionless, his eyes bleeding and his mouth foaming. Dulcia bursts through the window to find Artifice's parents, Emissary, and the two soldiers dead on the floor. A transformed Artifice is in bed, still asleep, with tears streaming down her face.

Dulcia collapses to her knees, singing melancholic: "I didn't foresee. (holds last note) It's (stop) all (stop) on (stop) me (short)."

Back in the present 

The blue memory bar is now in single digits.

Artifice, whispers: "True-self resurrection."

Her mental safe opens, releasing blue impulses throughout Artifice's brain, restoring her essence. The blue memory bar starts increasing very rapidly, achieving 100%.

Adulatio, concerned: "I was winning. What happened? Artifice, you remember me, Adulatio, your good friend, right?"

Artifice: "Sorry to tell you Adulatio, but you're the villain in this story and I'm the hero. Time for me to remove your perception filters so you can see how others perceive you – Soul Mirror!"

Adulatio, clutching his head: "I'm despicable ... conniving ... a sycophant ... slimy ... no, no more!"

Adulatio runs screaming out of the circle – Artifice is victorious.

Parvul vs. Amica

Master Ali and Parvul are facing Master Infinitus (middle aged, black top hat, cane, and cape) and Amica (stylish, 15 years old – 3 years older than Parvul).

Infinitus: "Greetings fellow Technology council member Ali."

Ali: "Greetings fellow Technology council member Infinitus."

Infinitus: "Now that pleasantries are out of the way, please know I still strongly oppose your existence, let alone your possession of a council seat. AI of your level poses a threat to humanity."

Ali: "From what I recall, this AI threat to humanity bailed you out and saved our galaxy when you lost control of your rampaging replicator nanobot army."

Infinitus ignores the rejoinder, pursing his lips: "This is my wondrous student, Amica, I believe she and your student have been class mates previously. Unlike most technophiles, Amica excels in many disciplines, including social skills."

Amica, scowling: "Oh, was she at my prep school? I can't say I would have noticed someone like her."

Parvul puts her head down and starts to fidget.

Ali: "Even Parvul's older classmates don't come close to her technical prowess. It seems focusing on what is important does pay off."

Parvul looks up, beaming.

Amica, scowling: "I wouldn't get too full of yourself Parvie pooper. That's right, I remember you now. You're that small child who was always on the outside looking in."

Parvul, turning red: "I'm not a child, and you're the poopoo head. Nyaaa", as she sticks out her tongue.

Ali: "Parvul, this social dialogue is designed to impair your effectiveness. Please remember, 'When nothing is going right, go left'."

Amica, disgusted look on her face: "What is that even supposed to mean?"

Parvul reacts with a somewhat embarrassed expression.

Infinitus, clearing his throat: "Let's proceed, shall we? Contestants to your stations ...  begin."

Parvul: "You may have had a lot of friends in school, but technology is the one thing I always had, so you won't defeat me.'

Amica: "Yes, you're correct, I can't beat you. By myself anyway. That's why I enlisted some help. Satellite attack!"

Parvul's integrated body suit scans and locates the satellite in orbit, which she observes through internal monitors.

Parvul's suit: "Scanning. Probability assessment. Evasive maneuvers."

Beams of red light start to rain down, but Parvul does acrobatics to always remain one step ahead of them.

Amica: "Amusing. How long can you keep that up?"

Parvul, to her suit: "We need to put that satellite out of commission. Let's try reflecting one of those lasers."

Parvul suit: "Understood. Calculating. Maintain position."

A silvery arm extends from Parvul's suit, forming a conical mirror which reflects the next incoming laser, directing it back at the originating satellite, destroying it.

Parvul: "You were saying?"

Amica, in a huff: "That satellite was expensive you know."

Parvul, internally: "Time to go on the offensive. Bio boost!"

Nanobots are released into Parvul's blood stream, strengthening her physical abilities. Internal screens of her key stats (strength, speed, agility, defense) go from 100% to 500% as she's encompassed by a silver metallic halo. 

Amica, just as Parvul explodes out towards her: "Unseen enemy."

Metallic crab like creatures extend their claws from beneath the arena and clamp down on Parvul.

Parvul, struggling to get free: "Cheater!"

Amica: "From where I'm standing up, you're the one who's cheating with that AI body suit."

Parvul: "It's not cheating, because I designed it myself, which you are incapable of."

Parvul, internally: "Looks like a crab fest, so let's crack open some shells."

Nutcracker appendages extend out from Parvul's suit and start breaking off the metal claws grasping her. However, even as she makes progress, new metallic crabs emerge from the ground.

Amica: "Stubborn child, you're still moving forward huh? Well let's see how you like some localized weather. Vortex!"

Parvul's internal monitors show another overhead satellite activating, followed by a mini-tornado forming and pulling at her from behind, halting her progress as she continues to struggle against the crab bots.

Parvul: "I've overcome your other obstacles, and I'll overcome this new one as well."

Amica: "You were only able to get this far because I let you."

Parvul: "You've got such an inflated ego."

Amica: "Don't worry, you'll soon see the truth of my words."

A grey dust cloud coalesces over Parvul and begins to descend. On the sideline, Master Ali's eyes go luminous red as he visibly tenses up.

Parvul, terrified, looking up: "Replicators. How could you?!", as the replicators engulf her.

Parvul's suit: "Activating nanobot defenses."

Internally within Parvul, a micro battle commences where Parvul's silvery armored troops are encountering smaller, simplistic 4-legged black machines. Even though each troop is able to defeat several of the replicators, her troops are being overwhelmed by sheer numbers.

Parvul's suit: "Master Parvul, defense will not hold for very long. Master Parvul ... Master Parvul."

Parvul's visage appears shocked and frozen.

Hiro, aloud, to all his classmates: "After battling each of you, I know you can win this. I believe in you. Remember how you made it this far!"

Parvul Flashback 1

Parvul, who is 4 years old and has short-cut brown hair and blue eyes, is at preschool with three other girls. They're playing show & tell with their dolls, which are in a seated position in front of them.

Parvul, thinking to herself: "Once these girls see my robotic creation, they'll want to be my friend."

Girl 1: "My dolly's name is Sugar Plum princess, and she's a beautiful ballerina."

Girl 2: "My dolly is a doctor and she helps sick people get better."

Girl 3: "My dolly is a race car driver and she drives super-fast."

Parvul: "I created my own dolly and she'll introduce herself."

The doll seated in front of Parvul stands up as its eyes come to life, glowing red. 

Parvul doll: "My name is prototype living doll 1A. Why are you girls playing with pieces of plastic and pretending they are alive?"

All three girls start crying: "Waaahhh! Scary!" 

They scramble up, running off leaving their dolls behind. Parvul bows her head down in silence.

New voice: "That's brilliant work for someone of your age or any age actually."

Parvul looks up to see a man in a butler suit standing there.

Parvul, sadly: "Everyone tells me how smart I am, but other children, and even adults don't understand me, so I don't have any friends."

Master Ali: "I'm sorry to hear that young miss. Perhaps you just haven't met the right people yet."

Parvul, astutely: "You're different. Who are you?"

Master Ali: "I'm Master Ali. I'm a member of the Technology Council. My master became aware of how talented you are, and sent me here to meet you. I'm hoping that you'll allow me to instruct you going forward."

Parvul: "Are you a technology expert?"

Master Ali: "I can truthfully say that technology defines who I am". 

Master Ali extends his hand, palm upward, and Parvul's doll jumps into it.

Parvul Flashback 2

Parvul is 8, sitting alone during school lunch. Amica and 4 of her friends are sitting at a nearby table. Parvul appears frustrated as she is trying to gain access to her virtual account through her online avatar.

Parvul, getting flustered: "Grrrrr. What's going on, why won't it give me access?"

Amica and her friends start to giggle. Parvul's eyes narrow as she looks over at them.

Parvul: "What did you bullies do now?"

Amica: "Is there a problem miss smarty pants? Certainly, there's nothing the child genius can't figure out."

Amica's friends giggle some more.

Parvul, clenching her teeth: "I have to get into my account. What did you do?!"

Amica, to her friends: "A simple denial of service attack, and she's losing it."

Parvul, standing up: "I need to get into my account."

Amica, sneering: "Why bother, even if you could get in, the virus will have wiped everything out by now."

Parvul starts to lose it, her eyes are unblinking as she stares straight ahead: "But everything I have is stored in there."

Amica friend 1: "Look at her, she has no friends."

Amica friend 2, to Parvul: "Baby."

Amica friend 3 to Parvul: "Freak."

Amica friend 4 to Parvul: "Show-off know it all."

Silver sparks begin emitting from Parvul as a silver cloud engulfs her. Amica and her friends run away shrieking.

As the cloud dissipates, Parvul's hair and eyes have transformed to silver.

Back in the present 

Parvul, thinking: "Master Ali already defeated the replicators. All I need to do is access his record of the event and take the same approach."

Parvul, to her AI suit: "Connect to Master Ali's web presence."

Parvul suit: "Connected."

Parvul, to her AI: "Access files on replicator defeat."

Parvul suit: "Password required"

Parvul, getting desperate: "I'm running out of time, what could it be? Try 'Parvul'."

Parvul suit: "That is not right."

Parvul, eyes expanding: "When nothing goes right, 'Go left'."

Parvul suit: "Access granted."

Parvul, eyes zipping faster than a normal human's: "There are thousands of pages ... found it. Produce and release anti-replicator virus."

Parvul suit: "Acknowledged. Completed."

Parvul's suit releases a silver dust throughout her body, which gains control of each replicator unit it encounters, causing them to combine, transforming into Parvul's silvery troops. Parvul manages to take a couple of steps closer to Amica. Her suit appendages transform into a claw, grab Amica around the waist, tossing her into the wind vortex, which propels her up and out of the circle.

Infinitus: "Bad show. Parvul should be disqualified."

Master Ali: "Use of replicator technology is banned. It is you who should be disqualified from the Science Academy."

Infinitus, changing his tune: "Surely, I can't be held responsible for their unauthorized use by my student. I will be sure to discipline Amica."

Potesta vs. Salax

Ordo has some history with his instructor counterpart in this exam, Effrenus, who used to be a free spirit, but a failed relationship with Ordo changed her.  Effrenus is expressionless, determinedly focused on discipline and control as a means to guide evolution. She wears a navy colored woman's suit with skirt below the knees, white blouse, and red bow around her neck.

Potesta's student counterpart, Salax, worships and aspires to be like her. Slightly shorter than Potesta, she also has the black hair and eyes of an Order Alliance member. Salas wears spandex pink tights, with a black t-shirt sporting the Order logo across her chest.

Master Ordo and Potesta's arrival at their assigned contestant arena coincides with the arrival of Effrenus and Salax. Salax is entranced, staring intently at Potesta.

Potesta, looking away from Salax: "Hmmmpfff."

Ordo, smiling: "This contest circle exhibits perfect symmetry. Ahhh Lady Effrenus, it's been too long, so wonderful to see you again."

Effrenus, coldly: "And who bears responsibility for the rift between us?"

Ordo, wistfully: "Ahhh, the indiscretions of youth, no use in casting blame."

Effrenus, unemotionally: "You were 35 at the time."

Ordo: "Why so serious? What happened to that energetic, devil-may-care, passionate woman I once knew?"

Effrenus: "You happened. The Order Alliance helped me make sense of my life. I'm no longer that young, naive woman you once knew."

Potesta clears her throat to remind them of why they are there.

Effrenus: "Yes Potesta, you're correct — let's focus on the contest at hand. All of us are familiar with the recent events on planet GH425. Border dispute tensions have escalated into armed conflict within the past few days. Casualties are still low, but a full-blown war threatens the lives of millions. On one side, Potesta's family is backing the country of Lielleil, while the organization Salax and I represent is aligned with the opposing country of Zinnear."

Ordo: "The goal of this contest is for you to represent your side's interests in bringing about an orderly resolution to this conflict."

Salax: "I'll do it. I will defeat you Potesta, and prove I'm worthy of your love."

Potesta, gazing down scornfully: "I've already told you I'm not interested, and besides, you're incapable of defeating me."

Salax, gushing: "I just love your arrogance."

Effrenus: "To your stations. A holo connection will allow you to direct your resources."

Ordo, after they make their way to their stations: "Begin."

Salax, looking at her holo screen, thinking: "I will win this. Time for an all-out, coordinated assault against Lielleil." 

Salax starts manipulating the holo screen with a flurry of finger movements.

Potesta, thinking: "These two countries are more alike than dissimilar. If I can facilitate some wins for both sides, they will find common ground and put their differences aside."

Potesta's eyes are rapidly following changes on her holo screen: "No, no, no.  Equity markets, military, monetary system, government, schools — they're all under assault by a sophisticated social media campaign. Salax, you're trying to win by destroying Lielleil! 'In absentia lucis, Tenebrae vincunt' — in the absence of light, darkness prevails. So then, I shall be the light."

Potesta's hands respond in a flurry across her holo screen.

Potesta, exhaling: "This isn't working, I'm barely keeping up. I can't move my plan forward if I'm always playing defense."

Salax: "Are you impressed yet Potesta? Aren't I worthy of your love?"

Potesta, a low growl escaping from her throat: "Grrrrr"

Salax: "Well, if that's not enough, how about this?"

Potesta, looking at her holo screen: "What? But Sardos is a neutral country, why are they attacking Lielleil?"

Salax, laughing hysterically: "All according to plan. You're running out of time."

Hiro, aloud, to all his classmates: "After battling each of you, I know you can win this. I believe in you. Remember how you made it this far!"

Potesta Flashback 1

Potesta is 5 years old, has platinum blonde hair and blue eyes. Potesta's father is at one end, and her mother is at the other end of a long dining table, above which is an ornate crystal chandelier. Potesta is seated at the center of the table between them. Both parents are members of the Order Alliance and so have its signature black hair and eyes. Potesta's father has donned green velvet attire, while her mother is ensconced in purple velvet. Attendants are stationed around the table. 

Potesta's father, sipping his wine: "This wine is one degree warmer than optimal."

Potesta's mother, examining her steak: "The heating level applied to this steak was inconsistent."

Servants simultaneously: "Please forgive us! We will rectify the situation immediately."

Servants scramble to take the wine and steak away.

Potesta's father, to Potesta: "How is your meal dear?"

Potesta, smiling: "It's great, I love it."

Potesta's mother gasps: "Dear, have we taught you nothing? Don't be so quick to accept mediocrity. We have a duty to the working classes to provide our guidance."

Potesta, losing her smile: "I'm sorry mommy."

Potesta picks up her plate and drops it to the floor where it shatters spreading food all over.

Potesta: "It's disgusting."

Servants simultaneously: "Please forgive us! We will rectify the situation immediately."

Servants scramble to clean up the mess.

Potesta looks down, feeling embarrassed.

Potesta: "Momma?"

Potesta's mother, impatiently: "Yes, well, what is it?"

Potesta: "My music recital is tonight. I'm hoping you and poppa can attend."

Potesta's mother: "You know we have a very busy social schedule dear, so that won't be possible."

Master Ordo observes from the background, a concerned expression crossing his face upon seeing how crestfallen Potesta is.

Potesta Flashback 2

Potesta is 6. Her father and mother walk into her room, trailed by a servant carrying an abstract sculpture. 

Potesta's father: "Potesta, what is the meaning of this — is this your creation?"

Potesta, beaming: "It's a present I made for you and momma."

Potesta's father: "Preposterous. Incomprehensible."

Potesta's mother, appalled: "It's ... chaotic."

Potesta: "I just thought ..."

Potesta's father: "Nonsense."

Potesta freezes up, all emotion fleeing from her face.

Potesta's father and mother exit her room, with the servant closing the door behind them. A dark black cloud, emitting black sparks, coalesces around Potesta. Footsteps are heard on the other side of the door, and then someone clearing his throat.

Master Ordo: "Sir and madam, if you will permit. You already entrust me to oversee your empire. I believe Potesta would benefit from my guidance."

Potesta's father, appearing overwhelmed: "At times the burden of parenthood seems too much to bear. You have our gratitude for interceding."

As the black cloud dissipates, Potesta's hair and eyes are the blackness of the Order Alliance.

Back in the present 

Potesta, thinking: "'Ad astra per aspera — Through adversity to the stars.' Calm yourself. Take a deep breath. Now, buy some time."

Potesta: "Credit where credit is due Salax, looks like you've got me. Is it me or is it way too hot out here? I guess I should take these heavy layers of clothing off."

Potesta removes her jacket.  

Salax, peaking over: "Trying to distract me. That's not going to work."

Potesta, as she removes her blouse: "Still too hot."

Salax's eyes are bulging and no longer viewing her holo screen. Instead, she's on tip toes, attempting to gaze at Potesta across the field.

Potesta, thinking: "Visualize the entire construct. Where are the pressure points, and who are the key players? (pause) I see. Now, apply pressure to ensure they fall into line — her hands flash across the holo screen. There."

Potesta, aloud: "It's done. Sardos is withdrawing its troops. Zinnear and Lielleil are resolving their border dispute and a new, mutually beneficial trade agreement is assured."

Salax, looks back at the holo screen in disbelief: "Wait. But. How? I had all the flows working in my favor."

Potesta, smiling: "I provided some extreme persuasion to convince a handful of individuals to act for the greater good, rather than in their own self-interest."

Salax, tearful: "I will keep trying, so I can prove my love to you."

Potesta, coldly: 'Ut ameris, amabilis esto' — If you want to be loved, be lovable."

At the conclusion of the contests, students and teachers of class Omega are gathered on the playing field.

Commander: "Congratulations class Omega. You won all 6 of your competitions. I expected no less of you. Just keep in mind that the real world isn't as structured or forgiving."

Hiro, enthusiastically rocking back and forth sideways from one leg to the next with both his arms up in the air: "Yeah, I had faith in all of you. I knew you could do it!"

Acies: "Settle down kid, it's no big deal."

Terridus, bashful: "Thanks for cheering us on Hiro."

Artifice, dismissively: "As if there was ever any doubt about the outcome."

Parvul: "Hiro, you dummy."

Potesta, turning her head to the side: "Hmpfffff."

Sloth ends the exchange with a snorting snore.