# Chapter 18: First Blood
The tactical simulation center occupied an entire section of Level 4, a sprawling complex of chambers where cadets could engage in everything from small-unit combat scenarios to fleet-level strategic exercises. Isabella had been looking forward to this since arriving at Primori—finally, a chance to prove herself in the kind of dynamic problem-solving that played to her strengths.
What she hadn't expected was to be matched directly against Roman Sinclair.
"Cadet Delgado, you'll be commanding the defending force," Professor Kaine announced, her sharp eyes missing nothing as she organized the day's exercises. "Cadet Sinclair, you'll command the attacking force. Scenario parameters are being uploaded to your stations now."
Isabella moved to her assigned command st
