“She just had to check out the edge. Valiant effort by the group to save her, though. Too bad they all ended up being pulled over the edge.”
“I suppose it’s safe to say group E didn’t pass the exam.”
“Pass?” Nathan started laughing again. “I’m not even sure if they technically started it.”
Getting up from his chair, Nathan made his way to the bookies that were busy calculating the payouts. Spotting the boy he had placed his bet with, Nathan quickly approached and tapped him on the shoulder.
“Hello there, my boy,” Nathan said as non-threateningly as he could. “I’m sure you remember me from earlier.”
Just as before, the boy sheepishly nodded.
“I was wondering if you could put up the results from the exams on the monitors?” Nathan asked plainly.
For a moment the boy froze then exchanged glances with the other bookies.
“Sir, we can’t do that,” the boy replied slowly. “The information is confidential.”
“Nonsense, that’s never stopped you before. I know you’ve already got the results and are using that information to figure out what you owe and what you are owed. Just put up what you’ve got on the screens.”
“Sir, even if I wanted to, I can’t. We don’t have access. We’d have to go through maintenance to get permission, and they’d never allow it.”
“It never ceases to amaze me how many people on this station have more authority than I do.” Nathan sighed and shook his head in dismay. “Now look here, take my pad. Use my authorization codes and put the information up there. If anyone gives you any trouble, you tell them that the Administer ordered you to do it.”
The boy again exchanged glances with the other bookies but in the end nodded and took the pad. After a few moments the monitors started to shift to life. As the boy handed back the pad, Nathan snatched it and sprinted back to Jack. Nathan didn’t want to risk missing the reaction.
“What was all that about?” Jack asked suspiciously.
“You’ll see,” Nathan said, nodding toward the main monitors.
The monitors started replaying the key moments of the groups. It started with group E, showing the disastrous plummet from the platform and the surprised look on the recruits’ faces as they landed on a nearly invisible net only a short drop below the platform. A second monitor displayed statistics and other data on group E’s performance that were meaningless to Nathan. What was important, at least financially, was that they had done the worst and were in last place as far as betting was concerned. Nathan shuddered at the thought of all the lost bets.
Next was group A. They actually made it safely to the guards and the elevator. When the last recruit inserted his ident card, the alarm buzzed. At once the recruits panicked and charged the armed guards, pushing one guard off the edge and stealing the weapon of the other. They forced their way into the elevator, guns blazing. When the elevator reached the ground floor, two armed squads awaited them. Needless to say, they failed, but they managed to do better than group E. Being captured was still better than plummeting to your death moments after landing.
Next was Group D. Again, the last recruit set off the alarm. Those in the elevator snuck up on the armed guards and managed to get their weapons away before they could react. Forcing the three guards on the platform into the drop ship, they managed to enter the city. However, it would only be a matter of time before someone noticed the missing guards, and their cover was blown. They managed to take third place.
Next was group B. Like the rest, the last recruit set off the alarm. They stood silent in the elevator as the guards searched the poor boy. What followed chilled Nathan to the bone. From the safety of the elevator the group took the pretense that they had been betrayed and started shouting at the last recruit. However, the guard operating the ident scanner did not buy the act. He handed his side arm to the leader of the group and demanded the spy be dealt with. Without hesitation the leader then turned and fired on the recruit. Thankfully, it was only an exam, so the recruit was only stunned rather than killed. Group B passed the exam, but at a heavy cost.
The reactions of the division leaders reminded Nathan that more was at stake than a few credits. The exams not only tested a recruit’s abilities, they showed them off. Whether a recruit was invited to a division or not was based more on their performance than the skills they possessed. After all, even the most talented trooper was useless if they couldn’t function with the rest of a squad or follow orders. Despite their unconventional methods, group B’s score was impressive, securing them second place. Finally, the replay featured group C. The replay met with thunderous cheering and applause.
“Good picks,” Nathan said with a grin. “I can almost taste the creds we are going to make.”
“Are you implying I put them all together for your financial gain?” Jack said irritably.
“I’m not implying anything. What’s got you, Jack? I thought you’d be happy Brent did so well.”
“I am, Nathan. I just expected more from the group.”
“More?”
“You said it yourself. I hand picked each recruit in the group. I took recruits that have been training for this all their lives and ones completely unprepared, recruits from rim worlds and core worlds. I wanted an approximation of the population of the Commonwealth, complete with the friction.”
“So what’s wrong? Some got along, others fought. Isn’t that what you wanted?”
“Yes, but they all gave into Brent too easily. It hasn’t been an hour and Brent is already the unquestioned commander of his group. I don’t like the greater implications for the whole of the Commonwealth.”
“That’s a bit extreme. His group was the only one to have problems before landing. I’m sure the only reason they followed his lead was because he read the briefing. Basically, he took the place of an authority figure when they needed one the most.”
“I suppose you’re right.”
“All right, Jack, I know that tone of voice. What is really bothering you.”
“The other recruits I understand, but not the guard. Zimmer is a master of Sims. Some of his work responds so naturally I can almost forget it isn’t a real person. So why create a guard that was so accommodating to Brent?”
“Accommodating? You mean Brent didn’t use any Weaver abilities to manipulate the guard?”
“None. I was observing him closely, not that I expected him to. It seems that, along with his other memories from six years ago, Brent has forgotten all about his abilities.”
“Could Zimmer’s guards have been responding to Brent as if he were manipulating them?”
“Not possible. The room is equipped with special sensors and observed by trained Weavers. They’d know if anyone was or wasn’t using Weaver abilities.”
“All right, but couldn’t it be dumb luck?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, as I understand it, when you get past the fancy details all a Sim boils down to are sets of if/then statements. What looks like a guard talking to recruits is a specter responding to the actions of the recruits with predetermined responses.”
“More or less. Your point?”
“Is it possible that Brent just happened to pick the course of action that would get the best reaction out of the guard?”
“I hadn’t thought of that.” Jack scratched his chin in thought. “Zimmer prides himself on what he calls “complete” Sims.”
“So he caught you and monologued over how amazing his work is, I take it?” Nathan asked with a grin.
“I wouldn’t say caught. I had a couple suggestions for his exam and he took the opportunity to explain his process, in detail. According to him, his Sims are loaded with unique responses for every possible situation. It is possible for Brent to have simply stumbled over the right one. Improbable but not impossible.”
“Good enough for me, and it looks like the groups have reached their next exams.”
“So they have. There won’t
be any Sims this time. I wonder how Brent will fare against a flesh and blood opponent.”
“I certainly hope he passes – I’ve got a lot riding on the boy.”
Zimmer had not been happy to see them. His congratulations had been halfhearted. As the recruits left him for their next exam, Brent could hear Zimmer muttering angrily to himself. Waiting for them in the hallway was Humphrey, with a smile that didn’t quite belong on the otherwise glowering face. Humphrey didn’t say a word as he led them down the corridors of the station to the next examination. Brent paid careful attention, noting every indentation in the walls that was really a doorway. Brent wondered if the other groups were behind those doorways, already taking the next exam as they wandered the halls.
“Here we are.” Humphrey’s mumble almost sounded encouraging. “This time they will test your stealth skills. Keep up the good work.”
Entering the room, the recruits found it empty. There was no waiting instructor, no laid out instructions, just an empty room. The recruits spread out, investigating the room.
“Pretty smooth talking back there,” Hiroko said with a proud smile. “Guess you’re not a lost cause after all. And certainly not a mute,” she added, sticking her tongue out at Erin.
“You really saved my hide.” Owen was emphatic as he shook Brent’s hand. “If there is ever anything I can do for you, just say so and it’s yours.”
“You should have let him fail,” Erin said matter-of-factly. “The exams are to test a person’s ability. Intervening and saving someone from failing could put us all at risk later.”
“I see,” Hiroko snapped at Erin. “So, silently following Brent and slipping your card effortlessly through the scanner without incident was a fair test of your abilities? Good to know we’ve got a master of “do nothing” on our side. If we are ever faced by an army of ravenous card scanners, we’ll leave it to you.”
The recruits in earshot chuckled to themselves.
“You are one to talk!” Erin shouted in frustration and embarrassment. “Your performance was no greater than mine was! I’ve spent years training for this. I studied the standard exams in detail. It shouldn’t be like this!”
“Maybe so, but I didn’t attack Owen for having bad luck!” Hiroko shouted back. “Besides Owen and Brent none of us were really tested!”
“You both have a point.” Dante interrupted the shouting. “These exams don’t seem to be designed to test our individual abilities. Why do you think that is, sir?”
It took Brent a moment to realize the question was directed at him. No one else seemed to share Brent’s confusion as they stared at him, awaiting his answer.
“Maybe they are testing us for something else,” Brent answered.
“Something else?” Erin asked in exasperation. “What else could you want from new recruits than to know their abilities, or lack thereof?” Erin stared at Hiroko as she finished her statement.
“Maybe they want to know if any of us are stuck’ up core worlders who are best seen and not heard!” Hiroko shouted back.
“What about how we respond as a group?” Owen ventured a guess.
“I doubt that, Owen.” Dante’s voice had an analytical edge to it. “If they wanted to see a group reaction, why single out the first and last recruits to pass through the scanner? As Miss Taguchi stated, only the two of you had major roles to play. If they wanted a group reaction they’d need something that would impact us all equally.”
“Miss? Erin asked calming down a bit. “I wouldn’t bother being formal in regards to her. Besides, it’s a moot point. After the exams we’ll all be invited or assigned to different divisions. Why would anyone even care how well we functioned as a group?”
“She’s right, you know,” A male recruit added. “If we don’t start showing what we’ve got, we’ll end up without a division. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather die than be assigned to a division.”
A loud hissing interrupted the conversation. The recruits standing near the far edge of the room quickly backed away from the sound. Two large doors slowly opened, revealing a meadow.
“What are you all doing out there? The real fun is in here!” a loud voice boomed.
Chapter 4: Stealth
Almost in unison Hiroko, Owen, Dante, and even Erin turned their gazes on Brent. Feeling as if the gazes were boring into him, he took his first steps into the new room. It was a large, wooded grassland with a clear, blue skyline. A few light and puffy clouds dotted the otherwise pure blue sky. The trees were numerous but not very wide, each with a plethora of branches covered in brown and red leaves.
“Well come on,” the voice boomed again. “We can’t start with all of you standing out there. Come closer!”
As the group quickly headed toward the voice, Brent noted the tremendous noise the dead leaves made as they trampled them. This was completely unlike the first exam. Instead of a confined space with a deadly drop, they were in a serene forest that seemed endless. As they got closer to the voice, the trees started to thin out. Soon there was only light tree cover, allowing him to make out a clearing ahead with some sort of structure in its center. It was a small, square building with dull blue walls about one story tall. In the center was a large man sitting in some sort of command chair. He was a heavyset man with a thick beard that was twisted upward in a large grin. As the recruits entered the clearing, the heavy man pressed one of the controls on his chair, and a table with several large rings jutted out of the structure.
“Good day, recruits!” The instructor’s voice was deep and rich with a volume that bordered on shouting. “Today I get the pleasure of being the one to assess your stealth skills! First off, you’ll notice the wristbands in front of you. Everyone please take one and put it on. Don’t worry about fit; they’ll resize if necessary. While you all do that, I’ll explain today’s game.”
“Game?” Hiroko asked, placing the band on her left wrist. “Isn’t this an exam?”
“Well, that’s true. This is an exam, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun, does it?” The instructor’s beard twisted upward as he made a large toothy grin. “Now, today’s exercise will be a simple one. Each of you will take a place at the parameter of this forest. Once in place, your objective will be to get back to this spot without me detecting you. Now, seeing as this is your first exercise of this nature, I’m going to give you a few advantages. Should make this more entertaining.”
The instructor paused to wink at Hiroko. She blushed under the attention which caused the instructor to laugh with the force of dull thunder.
“When you are all in position, it will become night, making it easier for you to slink around,” he continued. “I’ll also remain in my little base here. If I was out there hunting you, this wouldn’t last more than a minute, and where’s the fun in that? However, don’t think this will be a walk in the park! I will be using all my skill to track you down. If I do manage to detect you, those wristbands will glow a bright orange color. Now that we are all set, let’s begin!” the instructor bellowed.
As the instructor finished, twenty beacons of light could be made out in the distance, obviously the starting points for the recruits.
“I’ll pass this exam in a flash,” Erin said, jogging toward a beacon. “Don’t worry Hiroko; I won’t gloat too much when I get back before you.”
Several recruits exchanged glances, then took off after Erin, all of them heading back toward the entrance they had all just come from. Heading in the opposite direction, Brent took his time and walked at a leisurely pace.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Brent recognized Owen’s voice coming up behind him. “Shouldn’t we be hurrying?”
“Look around, Owen. What do you notice about the beacons?” Brent asked, maintaining his pace.
“I don’t know. They are pretty bright to be visible at this time of day?” Owen guessed.
“That’s not it, Owen,” Hiroko joined in, following a short distance behind Owen. “I bet it’s that they ar
e equally spaced.”
“And with so many heading to the same beacon, it will take them a while to sort out. Isn’t that right, sir?” Dante added, joining the small group.
Brent nodded and continued toward the farthest beacon. All in all, it took about ten minutes to reach the beacon. Turning, he could make out that five of the far beacons had gone out while the rest remained brightly lit. As Brent stepped into the beacon, it too went off. Almost in unison, the eight beacons on his half of the forest went off as the group that followed him all reached their beacons at the same time. He could almost imagine the last seven recruits feverishly fighting over the last beacons.
Brent took the time remaining to study the forest. While thin, the trees would provide enough cover to hide a recruit if they stood with one shoulder facing the tree. There were ample trees to leap frog from one to another. However, he remembered the sparse tree cover near the clearing. Dodging from one tree to another wouldn’t work. Even at their relaxed pace, he had noticed that they still made a great deal of noise crunching the leaves underfoot.
Grabbing a dead branch, he threw it at a nearby tree. It hit with a loud, hollow tone. Most of the leaves fell to the ground doubling the amount of leaves to be crunched as they passed the tree. However, he noticed that the falling leaves also covered up the roots of the tree. There was abundant ground cover; why not turn it into an advantage?
“Took you all a while, didn’t it?” the instructor’s voice rang out as the last beacon extinguished. “As promised, I give you night. When the first stars come out the test will begin, and you will be free to get to me in any manner you wish. Good luck and happy hunting!”
Brent looked above and found the clouds moving at an impossible rate, the ambient lighting changed from bright noon sun to the dull amber of dusk. In about thirty seconds, the environment had shifted from noon to midnight. Brent noticed several nearby recruits closing in on him.
“Looks like there are eight of us with the last four sneaking widely around the center to join us, sir,” reported Dante
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