1 February 2002:



On her way to class Kristen passes Emma in the hall and utters the words “cheer up” to her, which astonishes Emma because of who they are coming from. Her gut reaction is to strike out in rage.



The Mexican Midget refuses to enter Emma’s room to pick up recyclables and instead sends another Plebe in to do the job.



An unexpected knock on the door of Jackie, Emma, and Karli turns out to be Lucky in civilian clothes with the surprising news of his separation. He proceeds to stay for some time and watch while the three roommates scurry around making final SAMI preparations. The news that the Commandant is inspecting their room the next day spurs on the three in their cleaning endeavors.



While on their way back from getting nourishment to sustain them as they clean for SAMI Jackie and Karli learn of the tragic death of a Yearling. They hurry back and report the news to Emma who is taken aback. Another blow strikes Jackie just a few minutes later when a friend informs her that he is being unfairly separated from the Academy.



Emma gloomily realizes that this is the first night that she hasn’t spoken to the Italian Stallion.



Karli is dismal due to the fact that she hasn’t spoken to Jason since Wednesday and won’t get a chance to speak to him again until Monday because he is home for the weekend. She confides this to Mike who reassures her that everything is probably okay.



Yet another long day comes to and end and the tired cadets wearily drag themselves to bed and await the events of the next day.



Such is the life of a Cadet.