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A set of six adjustable output boosters test their range of motion, firing to life in short bursts. Project Burning Eagle, now realized outside of the simulators.
Your pilot’s hands dance over the controls, shutting them away from your control, and letting them idle.
“You can test them out when we’re no longer inside. Though I will assume all subsystems check out, if you’re already playing with the new boosters.”
You weren’t going to actually commit to a combat thrust. Maybe if you were still in the simulator. Smash straight through the door, see how much speed you could build up in a short time.
“Don’t you dare, Beta. I can tell you’re thinking about it.”
You shrug off her probing thoughts and report.
“Reactor operating at 83% output, Main weapon operational, Project Burning Eagle thrusters appear to function. Predator array is fully operational. I have taken the liberty using it to procure the mission briefing. Reporting errors with the Yi accelerators, preliminary tests inform me that I am unable to overcharge them.”
“They were changed to prevent unneeded strain on the frame’s artificial muscles. Apparently using them like we were was going to cause serious structural failure eventually. I Get that you’re annoyed, but take it up with the engineers.”
Hmm. Sophie’s certainly gotten better at reading your intent. You forward the mission briefing that you found to your pilot.
She sighs.
“I’ll ignore that this is labeled for a security clearance two levels above mine, and that it doesn’t quite line up with the briefing I received twenty minutes ago. You’re technically not a person according to military law, so there’s no security breach for you reading this, but I could get Another censure for reading this version.”
You remain silent. She’ll get to the point eventually.
“I’m responsible for your actions. Are you listening?”
“Always, pilot,” you respond.
“Frak. This really isn’t the time for this. In the future, notify me if you’re going to perform any intrusions on friendly forces. Now, what do you think about the mission?”
