Zach opened the door to his new living arrangements and walked in. It was a small one bedroom apartment in the dorms of the Academy. Zach put his stuff down and looked around. It had been three days after the explosion in the streets of Chapin.

“There is food in the cabinets and hygiene stuff in the bathroom.” said somebody behind Zach.

Zach turned around to see a tall man in cargo shorts and a hoodie, he wore his long brown hair in a ponytail.

“I beg your pardon?” Zach said.

“I’m sorry, my name is Reilly O'Malley, I live next door to you.” Reilly said offering Zach his hand.

“I’m Zach Carter, it is nice to meet you Reilly.” Zach said taking Reilly’s outstretched hand.

“So Zach, Where are you from?” Reilly asked Zach.

“I don’t remember where I was born but I’m coming from Chapin.” Zach replied

“Really, Chapin. Isn't that where that explosion hit?” Reilly asked Zach.

“It was, I was one of the first responders.” Zach said.

“I hope everybody made it out OK.” Reilly said with concern in his voice.

Just then Conner walked up. He was carrying a bag in one of his hands and in the other he was holding a binder.

“Oh hay Conner. What do you have there?” Zach asked quickly, changing the subject.

“Well this is a present for you to settle into your new living arrangements.” Conner said holding the bag out to Zach. Zach opened the bag and was met with a pleasant surprise. The bag was filled with boxes of Western sword fern tea. Before Zach could say thank you, Conner held out the binder to him.

“Mr. Avner showed me what you made for him and I was wondering if you could make me this?” Conner said.

“Wait a minute, Did you say Avner? As in Lieutenant Avner Saxe?” Reilly asked.

“Yes, the one and only Avner Saxe.”, ”Zach here has known him for; how long now?” Conner asked Zach.

“For about ten years now.” Zach said to Reilly while taking the binder from Conner.

“I have heard of Lieutenant Avner Saxe’s Combat prowess, You should go to the Administrators and get him a job as the new combat instructor.” Reilly said.

“What happened to the last one?” Zach asked.

“She took maternity leave.” Conner answered for Reilly.

Conner looked at his watch, “I have to go, Oh and Zach feel free to redesign the project if you want, give me a list of materials and I will get them for you.” Conner said.

After Conner had left Zach talked with Reilly a little while longer. Once the two had parted ways Zach went into his apartment and sat on the couch. Opening the binder he was met with the designs of a re-curve bow. Zach settled down and got to work on redesigning the bow with the additions he had in mind.