>>5143382You had no questions, eventually you finished your food as questions were brought up Haru answered them. But nothing of value was gained. With the meeting over, the entire collection of pilots were rounded up. Falling into line you marched after the doctor despite her hesitant pleads for you to be less formal. Leading you down and into another hall you were all divided. Each class of pilot fell in behind the identified handlers. Every group was accompanied by various scientists and security. Dr. Yumigawa led the Emperor candidates. Following the woman you were all led down through the huge building, eventually onto a large service elevator. Large containers sat along the ride with you, with a hiss it stopped at your floor. The testing room was similar to the one of your youth, a collection of long machines with wires trace the ground like veins taped down by caution tape. The strong smell of disinfectant lingered in the ward.
Staffers ran between the machines as large displays showed off readings and charts. The flatline tone of a clean wire hummed in the room. The head staffer, a young blonde woman, wasted no time approaching Haru. Quickly they ordered you to a machine each. You were all the cream of the crop. This was second nature. In near frightening unison all the pilots climbed inside the long machines. The familiar hum and chirp is almost comforting as you lay down on your back. With a speedy countdown you were fed interference, the lowest level barely registering to you. Like static in your teeth. You could taste the rise, feeling the dial turn. You climbed into your shell and it was gone, the world cold and calm. Only your thoughts keep you company, you hoped the tests wouldn't take too long.
Without any hassle you felt the machine vibrate, trembling as it forced sour code into your mind. Injecting the acidic senses. A machine turned off, down the line. You felt the sudden cease. Someone had tapped out. For a moment you wondered who it could be, you doubted it was Haruki. Maybe the Prince or Anastasia. You felt your ears pop as the pressure increased, another dropped out. Your mind was a fortress, these were routine levels you had faced. The pitch snapped a low echoing throb vibrating throughout your body. Within your shell you could withstand plenty more, it was a surprise to you that so many emperor class candidates had dropped out already. Soon it was just you and Haruki remaining. The deafening crackling bouncing off her own shell and resonating into your own. None of the others shared the skill. It was distinctly a gift from Theta and Zeta.
