>>5124602You felt reinvigorated, the next few rounds being sent on their way without second thought. Again and again until you had emptied the second box. Another broken high score, your practice had clearly paid off. You tried not to let your ego swell too much. Even if you couldn't bond with a Phobos in Kahva you could at least shoot accurately. Standing alone in lane you mulled over the Phobos, everything sinking in a little more. Every Phobos was unique, you hadn't know that. Many that you had seen were fitted to resemble each other, same paint scheme and armor and weaponry. But you guessed even the machine had a uniform. The idea of linking unfiltered to an Emperor class suit, was a bit daunting. The neural feedback, the calibration.
You know the Phobos fight back, but the mental conditioning you received had been pretty generalized. You had assumed it was in case you had been captured and underwent torture. But you weren't sure anymore. Few pilots get the chance to really share the details and if they did. You'd only get rumours of what they'd say. You were cut off from the world. Truth was a day dream and nothing was certain. Finished you decided to return to your dorm and pack up what you owned. Checking back in your weapons you said your farewell to the tools and strode away. You felt calm on the walk back, a few of the technicians even gave you a nod as you passed. Word has probably slipped out, everyone new the helicopter coming today would whisk you off to really become a pilot.
Guardsman Churvik interrupted your daze as he spoke. "How did it go Morty my boy?" You came to a halt, facing the man reclining in his seat as the vault door closed behind you. "I passed, I'll be heading to Kahva to complete my training today." You said sheepishly. The old man's faced creased up even more as he smiled. "Congratulations Mortimer, I'm glad. Kahva has some very pretty girls yah know, it will be good for you to get out there. Empress knows you've been cooped up in here long enough." Leaning forward the man patted your arm harshly. "Damned good boy, make us proud out there." He declared, pushing you among with each thump of encouragement. Thanking him you went on your way.
