4. GO LOBSTERS!

The night before exams, Bas was cramming hard at the student commons and only returned to his dorm after midnight (as usual).

This time, though, he was sure he’d ace everything, so he went into his exams calm, and left just as calm. Even if he was missing a few points here or there, his membership in the Brainiacs should take care of that.

Cristian: You're coming to the pregame party? Will you also join us at the bar after the match?

Rom: Of course we’re going, right, Bas?

Cristian: It’s going to be great. We Brainiacs study hard all term, but after finals, we know how to unwind.

Bas: We’ll see, OK?

Rom: I’ll convince him.

Bas: Rom? I’ve got an idea. But I need your help.

Rom: Now that’s what I call fun!

Bas: Just don't let me fall, OK?

Rom: You got this!

Bas: Hey, that wasn’t even that hard.

Bas: I got my grades! Still keeping that 4.0 GPA!

Rom: That’s how it’s done! Cheers to us and a great time!

Student in a red sweater: You down for a round of juice pong?

Bas (already after 2 or 3 cups): Sure! And what’s that?

Bas: So you have to bounce the ball and land it in the cup… Look, I did it! Guess physics did come in handy after all. You drink!

Student: Beginner’s luck! Let’s see if you keep it up. Now it’s your turn to drink.

Bas: Last shot, and the newbie wins, haha! I’m throwing with my eyes closed! And… nailed it!

Atlas: Sorry, guys, I just finished my last exam, and I need this more than you do right now.

Atlas: See you at the game. Go, Lobsters!

Bas: He really gets on my nerves. Seriously.

Rom: Good thing you didn’t join his organization then.

Bas: Let’s see the game. You know, I think my roommate’s playing today. I wonder how good he is.

Meanwhile, the pregame turned into a regular party… and then into an after-party 😄

The Lobsters sadly lost the game, but that didn’t stop Bas and Rom from making it to the bar. After all, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate. A finished term is more than enough.

They easily found the rest of the Brainiacs.

Bas: Hey, everyone.

Cristian: You made it! Simtastic! We’ve already started here. But hey! Everyone, Bastian kept a perfect 4.0 GPA!

Bas: Uh… thanks!

Cristian: What are you drinking? I recommend a Barley Bale. Or if you want something stronger, Monika makes an amazing Salty Llama.

A few drinks later.

Bas: I have to admit, you were right. I really needed this.

Rom: You finally relaxed! I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this.

Bas: And that keg stand? I didn’t even know I could do that!

Bas: But I’ve got a lot of work tomorrow, so I’m heading back to the dorm.

Rom: But it’s Saturday!

Bas: I’ve got to prep for the e-sports tournament and the bot competition on Sunday.

Rom: I’m staying a bit longer.

Bas: Catch you later!

...

The next day, as soon as he managed to wake up, Bastian got to work on his bot for the upcoming competition. Most people were probably still asleep after last night’s party, so he was alone in the lab.

But he couldn’t fully focus. His mind kept drifting to what he saw the night before.

Before today’s match, he really should spend more time analyzing the opposing team’s strategy. This was the first time Bas would be actively representing the team. He had to give it his all.

Rom: Good luck! Go Lobsters!

Bas: Too bad e-sports tournaments aren’t as popular as soccer, I’m not expecting a crowd.

Rom: Come on, just give it your best. I’ll be cheering from the stands.

Bas: Thanks. You’re a good friend, Rom.

Sadly, the Lobsters weren’t lucky this week. They lost the SimScuffle too.

Bas: We’ll do better next time. See you!

But the week wasn’t over yet. The bot competition was still ahead.

Mascot: Go Lobsters!

Bas: A little late for that now.

Utili Bot Competition - Bas is in his element!

Judge: Want to enter the competition?

Bas: Yes, this is my Fixer-Bot.

Judge: Ooh, ambitiously! And it looks good too. Alright, let’s see what else it can do…

Bas: OMW! You’re a ServoBot! I’ve never met one before!

Servo: Hello there. I’m Error.

Atlas: I see you’ve met my Servo.

Bas: Yours? You built it? By yourself?

Atlas: Almost. In the Bot Savants, we learn from each other.

Atlas: Everyone works independently, but if someone hits a wall or has a problem, we can always count on each other for a brainstorm session. That way we can achieve more, without stepping on each other’s toes. I still think you should join us.

Bas: Uh… yeah, it’s just, I’ve got a lot on my plate. Brainiacs, the esports team… Oh, by the way, Link, sorry about Friday’s loss. My team lost too. Guess the Lobsters aren’t having the best season.

Link: Lobsters aren’t having the best season?! And what, you think what you do is a real sport? Let me tell you something, Scoutboy. I’ve worked for this my whole degree. Hours of training, injuries. And it's my last year! You know what it means?! It’s over! No chance to impress talent scouts!

Bas: Whoa, what’s your problem?! I was just trying to be nice!

Atlas: Chill, guys. Link, let it go. I know this has been a rough time for you, but don’t take it out on...

Link: AARGH!! For Watcher’s sake, Atlas! You should be on my side, not his! I’m outta here.

Atlas: Sorry, he’s taking this defeat hard. But he’s just being dramatic. As far as I know, he’ll have no problem getting recruited after graduation.

Bas: You didn’t have to defend me.

Atlas: I know. But you’re a good guy, Bas. I like you. Though I get the feeling you don’t like me very much.

Bas: It’s not that…

Atlas: Then what? Come on, just say it.

Bas: Can I ask you something?

Atlas: Go ahead.

Bas: Why did you and Laura break up?

Atlas: I figured that’s what this was about.

Bas: I’m sorry...

Atlas: No worries. I said you could ask. It just kinda happened. Like you said when we first met here: “college and everything.” That’s about it.

Atlas: I had a lot of studying, met lots of new, interesting people. Laura and I drifted apart. Or rather, I drifted. Both figuratively and literally. There’s no big philosophy here. People break up. But I never wished bad for her.

Bas: Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry, I just…

Atlas: It’s OK, Bas. Really. Listen, I get that maybe being around me feels weird because of Laura, but seriously, I don’t bite. Brainiacs is a great club, but it won’t give you what the Bot Savants can.

Judge: Sebastian Drozd, congratulations! Your Fixer-Bot wins today’s competition!

Bas: Seriously?! I did it? Really?

Atlas: See? Another sign you’d fit right in with us. Imagine what you could do if you joined. Catch you later, Bas!

Bas: So… now what? Too bad you’re not a Decision-Bot. Maybe then you could help me decide. Why do I feel like if I joined the Savants, I’d be able to build a Decision-Bot without any problem? I mean, Laura and I don’t even talk anymore. Maybe it wouldn’t be weird after all.

<<<Previous chapter: 3. THE BRAINIACS

>>>Next chapter: 5. NATURE'S CALLING