Chapter 124
Lamberton Dormitory Building, Cornell Academy, City: Three Prongs Fork, Republic of Shantu, Continent: Barat, the Year 2036, Planet: Grimoire
It had been a month since Grifton had hung out with those Alphas and others. It had been rather fun, actually, despite his initial concerns. That didn't mean he wanted to get too familiar with them. He still had reservations about their interest in collaborating with him. As a result of that unease, Grifton went to locate more information on that group. What he learned not only quelled his unease but also surprised him greatly. Their end goal was to join the military early?
Grifton shook his head because that made no sense. A sigh escaped him. His guardian, Lamberton, glanced at him from his desk. "What is making you so noisy? Have those Alphas pestered you?" His meaning had nothing to do with collaborative work.
"Err, nothing of that sort," Grifton glanced at Lamberton. "No, some want to collaborate with me on projects." He caught Lamberton's somewhat shocked expression when he heard the proposal.
Grifton shook his head because he still hadn't responded to them about that. "I'm just confused about why since we're in different years." It wasn't as though they would remain alumni together for much longer.
Grifton had some other concerns. "I don't even know if that is allowed," he shrugged uncomfortably. "I'm just surprised they chose to leave Tremont and Fang's Cliff to attend Cornell Academy."
Lamberton sighed. "Well, I can settle some of your doubts," he told Grifton. "Sit down, and I'll tell you what prompted them to leave their institutes."
Lamberton rubbed his jaw. "Different year students can work together on collaborations." He smirked. "It is allowed because not every student in each year has the same compatibilities that they might have with someone from a higher or lower year." His gaze dimmed. "That is how I met Darmono, Moline, and Madam Murray." Lamberton shook his head with a sigh. "None of us were in the same year or institute, for that matter."
Wow, this was a new version of how they'd gotten together as friends and colleagues. Grifton did so because he was curious. Not only that but he was still honestly confused about that group of Alphas choosing to leave.
"Basically, what it boiled down to was their admiration for you." Lamberton surprised Grifton with that admission. "Not only that but your tenacity in sticking to ethics," Okay, now that was getting embarrassing, Grifton sighed as he listened.
Lamberton continued, "Your refusal to allow devious traitors and spies to attack the republic through nefarious means got back to them, too."
Eh, huh? What was up with that? Grifton frowned in confusion. "What're you talking about?"
Lamberton grinned. "Oh, when you learned about that attempt to ruin our reputation. The planted illnesses and diseases?" He prompted Grifton's memory.
He blinked when sorting out his memories. "Of course, though I had thought it was more of an attack on the natives out west," Grifton admitted. "I hadn't gone so far as to consider the implications of spreading throughout Shantu."
Lamberton shrugged. "Well, many wouldn't benefit much if the people out west died off." He shook his head. "There are more that would if the republic of Shantu foundered at the nation's center." Lamberton motioned to the map. "This is what would've happened if those diseases and other viruses spread throughout the republic and neutral zones."
Grifton looked, and his blood ran cold. "That is an unpleasant sight indeed," he conceded. "I'm just glad that most traitors were caught in time."
Lamberton sighed. "Unfortunately, there were a few that slipped through our grasp. We believe they returned to Bellonia and other Empires where they came from."
This meant there would be another confrontation if Grifton's guess was correct. "How much time do you think we have before everything goes to hell?" he asked bluntly. "I'd like to know so I don't waste my time doing frivolous activities while I'm still young."
Lamberton tapped his jaw. "Minimum, three years." He stated. "Students are allowed to continue working with caravans they're contracted with as artisans, warriors, and guards." He shrugged when Grifton exhaled.
"I was wondering about that because it hadn't really made much sense to me," Grifton admitted. "As far as collaborating with those Alphas," he shook his head because his instincts were conflicted and not just about working with former enemy alumni.
Lamberton listened to him patiently.
Grifton rose to his feet and began pacing anxiously as he spoke his real feelings about his problem. "I have lived on edge for so long that I don't know how to act around others right now."
Lamberton nodded. "I can understand your issues. I think you just need to take your time." He sighed. "Tell me if they get pushy. I'll have a little conversation with them, Alpha to Alpha." He intercepted Grifton's wince. "Are you worried about extended exposure to those Alphas?"
He had a messy past with those Alphas, and it started not long after he'd wound up on the streets. Even now, Grifton still wasn't able to adjust how they'd changed their attitudes toward him and other Omegas, or maybe it was just him; he just didn't know yet. "Yes, and not just because of what happened to my siblings either."
Lamberton nodded. "I can see why you'd be worried," he confirmed. "I'll chat with them the next time I visit the Academy grounds." He eyed Grifton. "Is there anything else you need to get off your mind?"
Fortunately, there was one other issue: "The collaboration." He shrugged. "I'm still uneasy about doing it, but I'll consider it." Grifton spread his hands. "If nothing bad comes out of your talking with them." Grifton just didn't know how to act around those kids.
Lamberton laughed. "At some point, I'm sure you'll settle down or find others who'll fit into your mindset." He nodded when Grifton exhaled with relief. "Well, take your time. Despite what that Headmaster told all of you, take at least another month to adjust to scholastic life." Lamberton advised. "There'll be plenty of opportunities to work with others."
Grifton was relieved because he'd been very stressed about everything going on. "All right, I'll take your advice." He shrugged. "I think that's why I'm still uneasy about working with them." He bowed to Lamberton. "Now, I'll consider it a new opportunity."
Lamberton waved a hand at him. "It is all good." He smiled. "Your concerns are all valid."
It was time for him to leave. "I'll head out and stop disrupting you," Grifton said, going to the door and stopping to glance back at Lamberton. "I just wanted to know what I was dealing with when it came to that group of Alphas."
Lamberton shrugged. "With good reason, since I heard about some of your confrontations with them."
Grifton winced. "Yeah, over the years, it became something very weird." He shrugged. I finally pinpointed subtle changes in their attitude toward me. It happened when those unofficial sparkler shows began." Grifton was amused. "I never thought we would have a neutral ground regarding all the institutes and academies."
Lamberton snorted. "That is the competition's original goal and purpose. Obviously, that didn't work out as was hoped for." He shrugged. "Well, I can say that your goal of creating a neutral zone for the unofficial spars did work out. There are others who took over your referee position."
Grifton smiled. "Oh good, I don't think I could remain neutral forever." He shrugged with a sigh. "It had reduced my efforts to practice considerably back then."
Well, now, he felt better. "Is there anything else we need to discuss?"
Lamberton shook his head. "No, I'm just glad you came to consult me rather than read trash on the intranet," he said in exasperation. "Most young fools would believe the garbage and scandals spreading quickly."
Grifton's expression clouded. "Oh, you mean that trash is written about Doyle Moline, Commander Darmono, and Madam Murray?" He shook his head. "I don't know what to think about it other than trust it's pure fiction." He met Lamberton's gaze and winced. "It isn't?"
Lamberton sighed. "A portion of it is real, unfortunately, but not even I can discern what lies." He shook his head. "Whoever is fabricating all that nonsense knows what they're doing."
It was a sad fact that someone drove out Madam Murray intentionally. Grifton was angry when he nodded. Alas, his commitments were the only thing retaining Commander Darmono within the republic of Shantu. Once those ended, Grifton knew he would be out of there. "I don't think Director Moline will ever return." He shrugged. "From the impression I gained of his last appearances in the news," Grifton's gut wasn't wrong regarding that type of emotion. "He has no longer affection for this republic, and I don't blame him."
Lamberton exhaled. "Yes, that is the truth of the matter." He shrugged. "Honestly? I think he's only waiting for you to decide where you want to reside in the future."
Lamberton's eyebrows rose when Grifton stared at him in utter shock. He shook his head in stunned silence when Lamberton added. "Once that is known, he'll cut ties to Shantu regardless of what happens to the lands here."
Ugh, what a mess. Grifton rubbed his temples. "I don't know what to tell you." That kind of responsibility wasn't something he was ready for, and he knew it.
However, now that Grifton knew what lay ahead of him, he would deal with the situation appropriately. "Thank you for alerting me to consider my future choices when deciding where I want to live." Grifton had the feeling it wasn't going to be Shantu.
However, since Grifton still didn't know what the future held for him, "I'll take my leave for real now." He wasn't making promises. "I have some evening classes I must attend." Grifton fled the office feeling like a complete coward. Now, he also felt suffocated with such a heavy load of responsibility piled on his shoulders.
He headed to the block of rooms where his evening classes were. Grifton decided that plunging into his classes was the best thing he could do right now. Once alone in his room, he would think about what to do next.