You are Beta Core, an AI built to operate mecha Frames in conjunction with a pilot. The day of deployment to the physical world nears, and there is but one final test to secure your place as the first of your AI line to see action.

Last time, you received a brand new pilot. Sophie, a young cadet grossly underprepared for the reality of syncing with an AI core. Nevertheless, you crushed your human opposition and defeated Gamma Core in a sim-battle, proving your superiority.

Prior threads can be found at:
https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Core%20of%20Steel%20Quest
(Yes, I know I borked the description on the first one)
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Another month has passed by, intensive syncing exercises with Sophie allowing her to practice reaching up into mid-sync. She still describes the experience as uncomfortable, but the process has gotten easier, as her Will has hardened.
<span class="mu-g">+1 Will</span>


With only a month to go until deployment, she also reports to you that your personal Frame was decided on for the base chassis. This delights you.

Unusually, today you are allowed to listen-in on the mission briefing in the overseer’s room from a camera and mic setup. Your core is powered up without a pilot, and left to sit and wait for an eternity while the humans assemble over time.

The room contains 8 people, mostly clustered around a holo-table. A mix of uniforms, cooling vests, and Sophie, looking terribly out of place. She’s two-thirds the size of the next tallest person, and her bright blue piloting suit stands out among the dark greens of the others.

One man in an unmarked black uniform stands by the door, his eyes weighing and judging everyone else. He is given a wide berth.