“You and Chiyo have run seven missions leading up to this. I’d have figured you’re pretty well prepared.”
He drank the last of his juice. “Just as long as we don’t have to deal with a flock of devil birds or a mechanical Kraken or some other weird crap, I think we’ll do fine.”
“Think about the points that would be worth, though,” Chief pointed out.
“You think I’ll get another rank-up by the end of this?” Kaiden asked, wiping a napkin across his lips before crumpling it up and tossing it on the tray.
“According to the rules, it is a possibility if you and Chiyo are among the top ten.”
“Top ten? That’s all it takes now? You had to be top three in the last test,” Kaiden grumbled. “Guess they’ll let anyone rank up nowadays.”
“You’ve been rank two for four months, wiseass,” Chief sneered. “Besides, it’s top ten overall. This isn’t done in groups, remember? You’ve gotta get top ten among all other duos.”
“Oh…well, that’s much more interesting.” Kaiden took another look around at the massive group of initiates. “Still, we’ve probably got this in the bag.”
“Good morning, Kaiden.” Chiyo took the bench across from Kaiden, setting down her tray and tablet. “I trust you are prepared for the tests?”
“Mornin’, Chiyo. I’m as good as can be. Though I could be a little more if you were able to…you know…”
“I researched a number of previous Co-op tests that involved soldiers and infiltrators as I said I would. There were a number of different variables but nothing that I would think we’d have issues with.”
“That’s gre— Wait, soldiers and infiltrators? Why soldiers in general? What about aces and infiltrators?” Kaiden asked.
“There weren’t any that I could find, even going back to when aces were originally called leaders. It would appear that we are coming into this test as a completely new type of Co-op team. I’m excited to see what will unfold,” she said nonchalantly as she added some fruit to her oatmeal.
“Nothing at all? Isn’t this academy like twenty-five years old or something? That seems highly unlikely.”
“Not really. Aces are the leaders of the soldiers, right? Most of them probably partnered up with another soldier or field class over the years. Infiltrators do their best work in the shadows, even better when they can get things done from far away. So it probably didn’t mix all that well for the greenhorns,” Chief interjected.
“An astute observation, Chief, and a good morning to you as well.” Chiyo waved a spoon in greeting.
“Howdy, Chiyo, it’s good to see—”
“Salutations, Kaiden and Chief. I wish you both the best of luck in the coming test.” Kaitō appeared in Chiyo’s tablet screen.
“Kaitō…yay,” Chief murmured, earning him an annoyed glance from Kaiden.
“I guess we’ll have to go in somewhat blind. But no big deal. Considering the scenarios we’ve run, I feel pretty good that we’ll have no problems with the test,” he stated firmly.
“I wouldn’t be so sure,” Chiyo warned. “These tests always have unique parameters, and they often use enemies and maps that we are unfamiliar with. The test is to see how well students are able to handle these unknown situations along with their cooperative abilities.”
“Well, we’ve got that down, for the most part, right? I’ll follow you all sneaky like until we get to the mainframe or whatever, then I’ll go off and have myself some fun and get the item we need to retrieve or the merc leader we need to kill off. We’ll be golden.”
“As much as I appreciate your optimism and the fact that this particular strategy has worked so well for us thus far, we should wait on these decisions until we are actually in the test,” she advised.
“Speaking of actually getting in the test…” Kaiden fished out his oculars. “Chief told me that some of my talent choices won’t really kick in until I get in the Animus, so if I start shakin’ like I’m caught in a paint mixer, that’s only me playing mental catch-up.”
“What talents did you select?” she asked.
Kaiden nodded to her tablet. Chiyo looked down to see the screen change to Kaiden’s talent tree, the new talents glowing with a dim light.
Deadshot: Increases natural aiming ability.
Status: ½
Increased Casting: Increases the range (15m) that the EI can cast and the distance between the user and EI can be before losing connection.
Status: 1/3
Strategic Mind: Learn dozens of strategies per upgrade and how to apply them in the field. Increasing your ability as a leader.
Status: 2/10
“You upgraded your Strategic Mind talent again,” she observed. “A wise choice. That will certainly prove helpful for the coming trial.”
“I chose that and the Increased Casting because of Chief. He wanted me to upgrade the Next-Gen talent, but considering what one point in that talent did to him… Well, I wasn’t in a rush. I choose those two as a compromise.”
“You simply can’t handle what I’ve become. It is understandable for a plebe,” Chief accused balefully.
“And the Deadshot?” Chiyo asked.
Kaiden whipped out his pistol and twirled it in the air. “It’s my primary skill. Always good to keep that nice and shiny.”
She nodded, looking at a group of students who went to toss their trash and head towards the Animus Center. “I have a request, Kaiden.”
Kaiden stopped twirling his pistol and slid it back in its holster. “Go ahead.”
“It will take a few more minutes for me to finish up. Since you seem to be done eating, would you head to the Center and sign us in? You will be given a colored chip that will let us know which group we will be in and when we will start.”
He picked up his tray. “I gotcha. See you in a bit.” He merged quickly into the crowd.
“You know, I don’t think that Chief likes me very much,” Kaitō commented.
“What makes you say that?” Chiyo asked as she spread some jam on her toast.
“I believe you would call it a vibe?”
She shrugged “Let’s play nice for now. We have enough to worry about with the test.”
“Are you truly that concerned, madame?”
Chiyo looked in the direction of the Animus Center. “It is always wise to be cautious… But considering who I’m with and how everything has gone, maybe not as much as I once was.”
Kaiden pushed his way through the crowd outside the Center. They were less of a line than a huddled mass, so he assumed it was a first come, first served thing. He made his way to a staff member who was surrounded by a couple of dozen other initiates, all clamoring for one of those chips.
“Hey! Watch yourself.” A blond-haired student scowled at him. He tried to elbow him out of the way, only for Kaiden to snatch the back of his jacket and fling him behind him. The hapless student was almost trampled by the other students behind them.
“What? You’re not gonna take his lunch money too?” Chief chuckled.
“Hey, that dude could end up facing down a merc company someday. That’s much worse than a little shove.”
“Not likely, a green circle means he’s in the Logistics division. Probably going to be in munitions, survey, or supplies. Might end up being in charge of a company that hands out bounties and missions. You know, someone you might be working for someday.”
Kaiden paused for a moment. “Maybe I should help him up…”
“Hey, Ace, you’re next,” the official called. Kaiden turned to see him looking right at him. He walked up to the staff member as the man looked back down at his tablet. “State your name and Co-op partner.”
“Kaiden Jericho. My partner is Chiyo Kana.”
The man nodded and punched the information into his tablet. He removed a small disk from a tube on his belt and slid it into the tablet. There was a small pause before the disk was ejected and he handed it to Kaiden. “That chip contains your profiles and is your en
trance into the test, so don’t lose it. You’re in the silver group, and you’ll be called after the blue group.”
Kaiden nodded as he took the chip. “Appreciate it.”
The man smiled. “Good luck. You—Battle Medic—get over here.”
Kaiden walked away and headed into the Animus Center. He placed the disk in the pocket on the inside of his jacket and went to find a chair and wait for Chiyo. As he settled in, he opened his friend network and activated the tracker so Chiyo could find him easier. He leaned back to relax for a while before they were called. Considering the volume and the fact that he would have to wait until all members of the previous group had finished, it might be a while.
“Ah, friend Kaiden. Good morning to you.” He looked up to see Genos and Jaxon walking his way.
“Is the hallway in the Animus our special meeting place or were you hunting me down?” Kaiden quipped as he stood up and shook the Tsuna’s hand.
“I wanted to wish you well before the tests. Kin Jaxon and I are in the blue group and will be going in shortly,” Genos explained.
“Blue group, eh?” Kaiden mulled over this as he looked at the two cerulean-colored aliens. “That’s a bit ironic.”
“I noted this as well,” Jaxon stated dryly.
Kaiden chuckled softly. “You guys know where the others are?”
“Luke and Marlo, along with Silas and Izzy, are in the red group which is currently undergoing their tests. They should be out shortly. Flynn and Amber are in the silver group, according to the board.” Jaxon pointed to a large monitor behind Kaiden. He grunted in annoyance that he hadn’t seen it previously. “As for Raul and Cameron, I don’t believe they have arrived yet, so I assume they will take their test sometime in the afternoon if they don’t hurry.”
“They might have slept in. Not the most organized, those two.” Kaiden grinned.
“The tests span two days, so they can still take the test tomorrow if they do miss it. Though I believe they will be docked points if they don’t sign-in within the next two hours.” Jaxon frowned as he considered this.
“Maybe we should start looking for their replacements?” Kaiden suggested sarcastically.
Jaxon shook his head. “Do remember that they are two of the top soldiers in their classes. They may currently lack discipline, but they are not to be counted out.”
“Just wishful thinking, Jax. Besides, I don’t really want Cameron to fail. I wouldn’t have such a convenient punching bag, otherwise.”
“That would be tragic. Sparring partners are difficult to come by.” Genos made a sound that might have been a chortle.
Kaiden simply smiled and nodded.
“What about you, Kaiden? What group do you have?” Jaxon asked.
Kaiden patted his chest where he’d stored his chip. “I got silver like Flynn and Amber, so I’ll be on after the two of you.”
“Luke told me you are partnered with Chiyo Kana, the Infiltrator.” Jaxon sounded curious.
“Yeah, we’re actually a pretty good team. We’ve won every scenario we’ve run over the last few weeks.”
“Good. It would be troubling to see you fail here. The Co-op tests are less forgiving than the Division tests should you fail.”
“That was never an option for me in the first place,” Kaiden stated proudly.
“To all members in the blue group, please head to halls four through eight to begin your Co-op tests.” The voice of Head Monitor Zhang rang out over the speakers and monitors through the building.
“Looks like you guys are up,” Kaiden said. “You will do great.”
“Will you watch from the observatory?” Genos asked.
Kaiden thought about it. “Sure, Genos. Better to watch y’all beat the test than sit here twiddling my thumbs. I’ll be cheering for ya.”
“You have our thanks.” Genos bowed slightly. “We will watch you in turn once you begin your test.”
“Always like playing to a crowd. I’ll head over there now.” He placed a hand across his chest and pointed two fingers into the air. “Good luck, you two.”
Jaxon and Genos stared at him in silence, making Kaiden lower his fingers slowly. “Am I not doing it right?”
“No, you’re fine. It’s merely…odd seeing a human do one of our salutes,” Jaxon said.
“The form could be better, and the fingers come out slightly after the hand is laid upon the chest. It might just be how your body moves,” Genos observed, tapping a finger against his infuser in thought.
“You try to do something nice for the aliens, and you get judged for your posture,” Kaiden grumbled as he lowered his arms and sighed.
“I’m sorry, I mean no disrespect. I greatly enjoyed your lame attempt at one of our sacred signs,” Genos fretted.
“I think I liked it better when you weren’t sure what words meant.” Kaiden sighed before cracking a small smile and knocking the back of his hand against Genos’ shoulder. “I’ll be watching. Y’all go out there and kick ass.”
“We will probably shoot most things, but I shall keep that in mind.” Genos made another bow and performed a more fluid version of Kaiden’s salute. “Farewell, friend.”
Kaiden chuckled as he watched Jaxon as Genos walked away. “See, much more endearing.”
“We shall see you once we finish,” Jaxon promised over his shoulder. Kaiden gave him a swift nod, and the aliens left the building to head toward their test hall.
Chiyo was just about to enter as Kaiden was leaving. He tapped her shoulder and beckoned her to follow.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“Headin’ to the observatory. Gonna watch Jaxon and Genos take their tests,” Kaiden answered.
“I see he got around to telling you about that,” Chiyo noted.
Kaiden scratched the back of his head sheepishly. “Yeah, said that ‘Geno’ was a dirty word or something. Surprised that didn’t get back to him sooner. He didn’t tell me what it meant, but if people were calling me ‘shithead’ or ‘dog tits’ all the time, I would probably have piped up.”
She sighed, then chuckled. “It was a technical error, and it’s nothing as bad as that.”
“What does it mean?” he asked.
“I’m sure he’ll tell you later, or you could brush up on your Abisa.”
“Doubt that.” Kaiden huffed. “The only other language I know besides English and ‘smartass’ is Spanish, and that’s because I lived in Texas. You want the best food, alcohol, and repairs, you only get them by going to the source.”
“Well, just be sure not to mix it up from now on,” she advised. “You got our chip?”
Kaiden took the disk out of his jacket pocket and handed it to her. “Silver. We’re up after them, so I figured this would be more fun than sitting in the hallway.”
Chiyo placed the chip in her tablet. “Nothing but our information. I was hoping we would be able to glean something about our test from this.”
“There might be something. A good hacker could find out,” Kaiden taunted.
“Then I should look into it when we have the time,” Chiyo retorted.
His smile widened as he looked back at his partner. “It appears that I’m more of a bad influence on you than I thought.”
Chiyo put the tablet away with a small grin of her own. “Trust me, looking into things that I shouldn’t is quite natural to me without your prodding.”
Kaiden laughed as they made their way to the observatory and their first look at what they might encounter.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Jaxon and Genos leaped out of the dropship and observed their surroundings. It was nighttime, and they stood in the sand of an arid desert surrounded by large dunes.
As Jaxon took a look around, trying to determine the best direction in which to move, Genos came up and tapped on something on his armor.
“Kin Jaxon, you are wearing your infuser,” he noted as he continued to tap against the glass of the tubing.
Jaxon ran a glove across t
he device and looked at him. “So are you.”
Genos stepped back and gripped his infuser. “Odd, I have never had the infuser load in with me before.”
“Neither have I,” Jaxon concurred. He opened the mission details in his helmet and looked them over.
“It must be a part of the test. An extra difficulty, perhaps.”
“Considering the area, this is a map that is designed to be one of the most difficult for us. As Tsuna, the Earth’s sun and climate are already difficult for our biology. Without our infusers, an area like this will cause a rapid rise in temperature and asphyxiation, both leading to heat death,” Jaxon surmised as he continued to read through the mission details.
“I don’t recall seeing them while we were constructing our loadouts.” Genos ran his hands over the device around the neck of his armor, noting the notches and protective wall. “At least they’re armored.”
“I would guess that they do not have Tsuna off-world armor with interior infusers loaded into the Animus yet. But I can’t find anything here to say that they took away our interior cooling or emergency supply of immerse-gel.” Jaxon opened a compartment on his belt to reveal three small tubes. He took one and examined it. A thick purple gel slid around the tube, and he nodded as he put it away. “Small blessings.”
“Still, we should be patient and cautious. In this environment, even a small breach in our armor could prove fatal,” Genos advised.
“I agree.” Jaxon closed the mission details screen. “We are to make our way to a stronghold fifteen miles from our current location. There, we must retrieve an experimental cannon and destroy the base before heading to an extraction point.”
“Understood,” Genos acknowledged as he took his machine gun off his back. “Which direction?”
His partner pointed up the hill. They hurried up and lay down atop the crest. Jaxon retrieved his rifle and looked through its scope. “It’s to the north, but I see a camp in the distance.” He zoomed in on a small group of mercs in an encampment several hundred yards away. “Do you think we should go around? Or would there be an advantage to taking it?”
Animus Boxed Set 1 (Books 1-4): Initiate, Co-Op, Death Match, Advance Page 55
