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Lunch break
Albion Training Academy, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
9th September 3080

   At the Albion Training Academy just over a month and Prince Burton Davion had already been in three scuffles all because of his father and his name, some because of jealousy some because they disagreed with his father‘s policy‘s some because they thought the Davion‘s had had their time.  For the first time in his life he knew why famous people went to schools under different names an alias to protect their true name, it certainly would have been easier then again he knew his father would say “It’s part of what makes you into the person you will be and will help make you ready for my position.  If the people see you are willing to be yourself around them then they will be willing to stand with you when you need them.”  Several of the students which had been giving him trouble were from families which would have benefited if Katherine Steiner-Davion had replaced his aunt Yvonne when his father was away fighting the Clan War.  Or others who had looked forward to a Varnay family coup and seen things snatched away by his father and his allies.

   Fortunately Burton had also seen the flip side of this was he’d met people who respected his name also most willing to put their lives in his and his father’s hands purely because they were Davions.  Burton knew some wanted to use him for his name and the prestige that knowing a Davion would bring them while others genuinely respected it, it was his job to work out which was which and try to make sure he didn‘t screw his family‘s reputation up there was no pressure.  Sitting beside him was Lewis Melville, Grant Helman and Lisa Carter all just over a year older than he but at the same level because of Burton‘s previous training, their instructor had given them a fifteen minute break to cool off before the next set of tests Burton actually wondered if they‘d ever learn something useful and if he‘d ever even get close to his goal of being a BattleMech pilot.  As Burton had requested his bodyguard unit from the First Davion Guards RCT had kept at a distance allowing him to live the life of a student as much as possible, Burton knew his father would have ordered them to respect his orders to a point and Burton planned to find those limits at Albion, a little independence never hurt.

   â€œSo what do you think the slave master has in store for us next?” Lisa asked generally naming their instructor by his newest nickname, slave sergeant, drillman, crazy S.O.B had all be used so far in the short time they‘d been at Albion.

   â€œDon’t know but it better not be more PT, I’m done” Lewis complained he was lying on his back on the ground beside them covered in sweat and grime.  An entire morning of physical training was good for honing your body’s muscle and endurance however it killed afterwards draining all energy.

   â€œWe’ll be fine, Lewis take some fluid” Burton said dropping a bottle of water beside him, Lewis groaned but reached for the bottle at first missing the bottle then empting it over his face and chest spluttering slightly as some went up his nose much to his friends amusement.
   â€œLewis, quit complaining and get up, Burton you know those guys?”  Grant asked immediately alert he was a big man for someone only seventeen years old Burton always wondered if somehow he was from one of the Clans and been misplaced at birth.

   â€œNegative, but those are AFFS uniforms, I just can’t place them.”  Burton said on the ball “another test?”

   â€œNot sure”  Grant said raising to his feet to meet the men “can I help you gentlemen?”  He asked extending his hand towards the lead man.

   â€œSure pass on a message for us, the Federated Suns will never forget the Avalon Hussars” one of the men said smashing Grant over the face with his fist flooring the young man before dropping onto Grant’s back there was an loud crack as something broke Grant groaned in pain but didn‘t even have the life to scream.

   â€œScatter!”  Burton shouted both his able bodied friends moved off as did several other cadets “CODE RED!”  He screamed as one of the other men charged him.  Although young to be a cadet Burton was still a Davion and he’d taken martial arts courses for several years at home preparing himself for just such an occasion, he dropped to a crouch spinning his leg in in front of him tripping the man, the uniformed man tripped over his feet and slammed into the ground as Burton jumped back to his feet right into the grasp of the third man.

   â€œToo slow little Davion, don’t worry you won’t feel a thing…” the man said from behind him as there was a barely audible noise and a swish of wind that went past Burton, the man’s grip went slack and he fell backwards with half his head missing.  All around him Davion Guards appeared to protect Burton and take down the remaining two men a rapid series of shots from hand-weapons finished off both remaining assailants.

   â€œMedic!”  Burton shouted looking at the still prone form of Grant Helman dropping to his knees rolling him over onto his back he grabbed the student’s head holding him as steady as possble “don’t worry they’ll fix you up.”  Burton said barely holding back the tears Grant’s face was covered in blood he’d been sick and his nose appeared broken.

   â€œSire, he’s gone we need to get this area secure and you safe.”

   â€œI’m not leaving him!”  Burton shouted angry “get a damned Medic” he couldn’t believe that they’d make him leave his injured friend, Grant wasn’t dead he couldn’t be.

   â€œHe’s gone sire.”  The guard began but he could tell Burton had the stubborn determination of his family already down to a key “Remove the Prince, have a cordon set up around this area, ALL STUDENTS CLEAR OUT return to your quarters until further notice!”  The lead trooper shouted

   â€œI’ll have your ranks if you touch me!”  Burton screamed in anger as the troopers dragged him away kicking and screaming still reaching for Grant‘s still body.

   â€œThis is why your father already cleared us to do what we need to sire, just take it easy.”  One of the troopers said grabbing one arm while another bodyguard grabbed his second arm together they dragged him away from the scene into the building under cover.  An hour later a vehicle arrived and took Burton back to the Davion Palace to recover for the weekend, the young prince had much to think about he‘d learned a valuable lesson today just not the one he expected ‘how to lose a friend and still be able to continue afterwards.”

I hope you enjoy comments welcome