Chapter 46 The Prototype

In the science division, Aria barely had a moment to greet before Coldwell, with usual enthusiasm, hurried over to greet her.

“Aria! Excellent timing!” he shouted from afar, adjusting his glasses.

 “Hey, Doc! What’s this whole thing with the suit? You know I can’t wear a standard tactical suit with this,” she gestured to her back, “reactor core fused to my spine.”

Coldwell waved a hand, “Oh, don’t worry about that - it’s all just a cover story. We’ve got a suit for you ready. We just had to modify it a bit. You’ll wear it as usual, minus the reactor core. Instead, it’ll connect directly to your reactor core.”

“Okay then, I'll just pick it up and go. But something tells me that’s not why you called me here.”

“You’re sharp as always. You’re right; there’s more. We’ve received approval for the Combelt IV project, Aria. We are resuming the testing phase! We’re going to repair it and give it one last test run. But this time, it’s going to be completely different. Big improvements!”

 “So, what’s the plan? That thing needs a two-pilot team, to get the best performance. You’re not suggesting I try it alone, are you? I will not be able to get 100% with AI assistant.”

“Oh, but I am. The big change is that the Combelt IV will be piloted by one pilot. That’s where you come in. We’re eliminating the need for the old cockpit and going full neuro-link.”

 “Wait, so... no cockpit? You’re saying it’ll be controlled through my neural network?”

“Exactly!” he said, nodding eagerly.

 “Think about it - when you move, the tank mech moves! The connection mount we’ve designed will integrate directly with your spinal reactor, tapping into your nervous system. Your reflexes, your moves... everything will translate into real-time movement for the mech. No more control delays, no bulky cockpit interface. Just pure, instant response!”

 She pictured herself in the Combelt IV, a massive tank mech responding as if it were a part of her own body.

“So… I’d be directly linked? That means it’ll respond instantly. I could have a shot at Raptor 01 if it moves as fast as I do.”

 “Precisely! We’re talking about creating a symbiotic connection between the pilot and the mech! You’ll have more power, speed, and precision than any pilot in history. All we need is to get a better look at your reactor core, and do a bit of testing, to see the responsiveness! We have cooked up a few prototype connectors but we need you to test them.”

“All right, Doc, you’ve got me interested. When do we start?”

“Immediately!” Coldwell shouted, clapping his hands together.

 “We’ll begin by syncing your neural patterns with the mech’s AI and running preliminary tests. Let’s see how quickly you and the prototype can get on the same wavelength.”

By the end of a long day of tests and recalibrations, Coldwell finally finished. He had optimized the neural link for the prototype at last. It had taken countless tweaks, trial, and error, but he’d finally hit the right balance.

Aria stretched, ready to head out when she heard Coldwell’s voice from behind. 

"Leaving already, Aria? Aw, I was hoping to examine that magnificent body of yours just a bit longer.”

 “You’ve had your grubby hands on me long enough, Doc. I’m out of here.”

"Oh, before you go, don’t forget your tactical suit.”

 He gestured to a sizable metal suitcase near the doorway.

 “I had it specially prepped for you."

Aria glanced down at the case.

 "Alright, what’s the setup with this thing?”

Coldwell’s face lit up.

 “Inside, you’ll find your tactical suit, all ready for action. Just open it up, step into the shoes, slide your arms into the gloves, and lift your arms above your head - simple as that. The suit will detect the energy charge your body emits and power itself up, wrapping around you like a second skin. Tight and snug, like a glove.”

He took a breath, looking particularly pleased with his handiwork. 

“And when you’re done, just give the AI a quick command: ‘disengage suit,’ and it’ll release.”

“Good to know. Thanks, Doc. And don’t get too attached to that lab chair, go out for a walk sometime, take care.”

With her suitcase in hand, Aria returned home. 

The next day as she stepped into the classroom, the atmosphere was tense. West’s mood was darker than usual, his face set in a hard glare as he watched the last student shuffle into their seat. He didn’t waste a moment, shouting as soon as silence fell over the room.

"Attention! Do I have everyone's attention? Good!" He didn’t wait for an answer.

"Yesterday's training session was an embarrassment! The scenario was straightforward - basic survival and recovery, a simulation of losing your primary weapon against an Aegis mutant. Your objective? Retrieve your particle rifle, survive the encounter, and take down the mutant. But most of you failed! Pathetic!”

He scanned the class, his eyes narrowing.

 "Some of you managed a half-decent effort. The muscle heads surprised me for once. But the rest of you? Ran around like lost children looking for mommy!” 

His gaze zeroed in on Harry, whose face paled under the intense scrutiny.

 “And don’t get me started on you, Harry! You and your nonsense! From now on, you’re excused from combat training. Instead, you’ll be running laps around the academy every training session in a tactical suit until your attitude matches the seriousness of our work here."

Then his focus shifted to Aria.

 "Hale! You’ll be joining the combat training from today. I expect you to show everyone how it’s done! If you fail today’s training, I’ll make it a living hell for all of you!”

His order echoed through the room. 

"Everyone! To the training grounds! Suit up! Now!"

Once everyone was suited up and assembled, West gave orders.

"Alright, today’s training is the same as yesterday’s - survive, retrieve, eliminate. Hale, you’ll be first. You missed the session, so now you’ll show them how it’s done."

 He gestured to the Combelt MK1, a massive mech modified to simulate the terrifying Aegis mutant. Its hulking form simulated the mutant's size and strapped across its frame was the training particle rifle - Aria’s objective. 

"This mech represents the Aegis mutant. Get the rifle from it, use it, and destroy the target. Simple as that! Now go!"