Freedom, Humanity, and Other Delusions (Death's Handmaiden Book 3) by Niall Teasdale (best summer reads txt) 📕

‘I was going to ask her how her new role is going,’ Naomi said once Nava was through the door.

‘And she’ll tell you that she only started on Monday and it’s a holiday week,’ Mitsuko replied.

‘That’s… fair.’

‘She might give you some impressions, but don’t expect much.’

‘I’ll try to restrain my enthusiasm. How do you think she’s doing? I’d ask Courtney, but she’s going to be vacuum-sealed to Kyle for at least another five minutes.’

There was a shriek of ‘Hey!’ from behind him, but it came a couple of seconds late, in the middle of Mitsuko’s reply.

‘I think she’s doing quite well,’ Mitsuko said. ‘She’s got almost all the new recruits she wanted. There’s one away for the holiday, so she’ll be tagging that person tomorrow, I believe. The training scheme she’s planning starts next week. In a small way, but it’ll ramp up fairly quickly. She’s putting her stamp on the position early and, from the feedback I’m getting, the school is very enthusiastic about it.’

Naomi nodded. ‘When Kyle mentioned her plans, in broad strokes because he didn’t know the details, I asked around a little. The ASF seems to be strongly behind her endeavour too. The instructor corps anyway. Anything which makes their job easier is fine by them and since she’s using ASF instructors, they believe they’ll get better-quality recruits from SAS-squared.’ A slight smile touched his lips. A rather proud smile. ‘They already expect good recruits from SAS-squared.’

Mitsuko’s grin was broader. ‘Of course, we’re the best.’

Nava reappeared carrying a tray, this time with a coffee pot and a jug of lemonade on it: it was warmer outside than it had been on their last visit. She lifted her head. ‘Kyle, put her down, your drinks are here.’

A few seconds later, Kyle and Courtney came in from the hall. Kyle headed straight for the back to dump his bag. ‘You know, it’s natural for a woman to miss her fiancé,’ Courtney commented.

‘Of course it is,’ Nava replied. ‘We’re just naturally concerned about brain damage due to oxygen deprivation.’

‘That’s not even logical!’

‘So you say,’ Mitsuko replied.

Then Kyle returned, a puzzled frown on his face. ‘Courtney, why’s the bed in the middle of the room?’

~~~

‘Somehow,’ Mitsuko said, ‘I don’t think it’s really right for me to welcome our new captain of the SSF to the council,’ Mitsuko said.

‘Allow me to deputise,’ Darius said. ‘Nava Greyling, welcome to the student council. I’m sure we all wish you the best of luck in your new role.’

It was not the first time Nava had sat in on a council meeting, but it was the first time she had done so as an official member. It did not really feel any different, but she did get to sit in a different position, on Mitsuko’s left rather than the end of the table. ‘Thank you, Darius. Things are off to a good start. Hopefully, they will continue in that fashion.’

‘I think Courtney made a good choice as her successor,’ Francis said, smiling broadly. ‘I can’t wait to see what your plans are.’

‘Suki hasn’t mentioned them?’

‘In broad strokes, I guess. The training idea is pretty big.’

‘Have you thought of opening that up to other students?’ Marie asked. ‘I bet more than just the SSF members would be interested.’

‘We’ll see how it goes,’ Nava replied. ‘There may be some issues with conflicts between what the ASF teach and what the school wants taught, but we’ll see. Maybe next year we could offer it to additional students.’ Marie nodded at that; it seemed like a reasonable plan. ‘So, Madam President, what do we have planned for this meeting?’

Mitsuko grimaced. ‘You’re going to call me that a lot, aren’t you?’

‘As long as you keep reacting to it.’

‘Hm. Esteemed Secretary, what’s on the agenda today?’

Melissa grimaced. ‘This isn’t going to become a thing, is it? Uh, welcoming the new captain. Check. We have fourteen weeks until summer break, so it’s time for the interim report from the chairman of the EAC on progress toward the competition teams.’ Melissa looked at Francis. ‘Revered Chairman?’

Francis grimaced. ‘That makes me sound like some ancient priest. Or a monk. Do I have to shave my head?’

‘I don’t believe there’s a shaver that could handle your hair,’ Mitsuko said. ‘How are the teams going? Aside from anything, Naomi’s visiting and he’s bound to ask.’

‘Okay. Well, things seem to be going pretty well. We’ve got a strong MagiTag team…’

Nava settled back in her seat and let Francis’s words float in by osmosis. She had enough processing power to handle listening while she worked on her plans for the SSF. Maybe attending these meetings would even turn out to be productive. Well, hope springs eternal.

~~~

Naomi was standing outside the student council room when they exited after the meeting. There was the usual round of greetings, as would be expected of a group of friends who have not seen a member for a while. They were all expecting him to walk off with Francis to discuss the summer games teams. Instead…

‘I was wondering whether I could have a quick word, Melissa,’ Naomi said.

Melissa blinked. ‘With me? I mean, yes. Of course you can.’ She moved to one side with him. Behind her, Nava and Mitsuko moved to a safe distance before coming to a stop with their back to Naomi and Melissa. ‘What was it you wanted?’ Melissa asked.

‘Well…’

~~~

‘So, how was it?’ Melissa was barely in the door before Mitsuko was asking. It was not yet nine o’clock, not very late at all, and everyone was there. Somewhat to Melissa’s surprise, even Courtney and Kyle were waiting for her return before making it an early night.

‘It was… good,’ Melissa said. She was still a little in shock. Naomi Himura Sonkei, the taciturn giant Melissa had said was intimidating to his face,had asked her out for dinner. He had asked her out for dinner! She had said yes before she had really thought about it.

‘Just good?’

Melissa walked over to the sofa and sat down. ‘Well… Yes. The meal