A/N: Tell me what you guys think about this in the reviews!
Wind buffeted the tops of the snow covered trees causing powder to drift down to the forest floor 50 feet below. Then the ground started to shake, the trees losing their powder as a blue light absorbs dozens of the massive trees. A blue cube many times taller than the trees forms. The cube dissolves displaying a massive building, standing a couple stories above the trees. The building spews blue light as 30 foot tall robots start pouring out of it.
Giant metal feet dent the ground as a 90 meter tall robot stomps past the building. Smaller robots skittered about on both tracks and feet and the taller robot scanned the area. The smaller tracked ones also building with blue lasers but on a smaller scale. Walls, radars, and the likes popped up around the area.
The commander rubs his brow as he watches his scouts sprint into the forest towards the mountains in the distance.
"Commander, this is Hunter Actual, my group has sighted four Class 4 Assault Bots approaching from the northern mountains, how copy." The radio crackled as the Commander leaned forward in his seat.
"Four… huh? I'm giving you a holding pattern. That is final, no negotiating." Commander Sterling barked out. He knew that the Hunter task force was not one to run away from the ACU sized Seraphim Assault Bots. Rising 100 meters above the ground and traveling by way of magnetic levitation.
The commander leaned back in his seat as he sighed outwardly. 'It's no fare for someone my age to deal with the expenditure of human life.' He thought as he fixed his cap. Jacob sterling, the oldest commander in the UEF, at the ripe age of 55, he had been fighting since he was 18 against the Seraphim, a strange alien race that had just shown up one October day in the year 3844 after the firing of the Black Sun, a giant quantum mass relay. The Black Sun was supposed to end the Infinite war, a 1000 year war that had cost trillions of lives and laid waste to millions of planets. The Black sun was fired out of desperation to end the war. In the end the Black Sun ended the war, fulfilling its purpose, but bringing about something else. Beings known as the Seraphim emerged above earth when the Quantum fields surrounding the Black Sun were destabilized. This started another war, this one even bigger than the Infinite War.
The Seraphim had a trick up their sleeve as well. It was known as a Stasis field, rendering all human weapons and war machines frozen in place as it smashed them to pieces. The UEF, Cybran, and Aeon scientists banded together to create a reverse stasis field that created an adverse field using quantum gateways. Once all soldiers and ACU's were fitted with these devices the Seraphim had used their one trump card.
"Commander! Seraphim stasis field activated. Units in the immediate area have been frozen." Hunter blurted out as Jacob looked to the mountains and saw a large bubble of blue hexagons rising up. The bright blue bubble rose higher and higher, spreading outwards across the ground freezing Mechanized Marines, tanks, and aircraft in place.
"All units, activate stasis nullification charges now." No sooner had the bubble risen than several other bubbles, red in color, expanded out smashing the blue bubble to bits. The aircraft that circled the Seraphim bot were AC-1000 Terrors. Their 2 meter Cannons aiming for the center chest and back of the Seraphim bot as that was where the core was.
"Nullification complete, Seraphim stasis area has been reversed." Jacob smirked as he saw shots raining down upon the Seraphim. The shells smashing against their thick armor was a sight to behold. Looking back upon the assault bot he saw the core smashed under the thousands of shells pumping into it. Despite the disadvantage, in all the decades Sterling had faced the Seraphim they had never retreated.
Just as the Seraphim Bot fell, hundreds of small, 60 foot tall llshavoh Assault bots sprinted down the valley towards the UEF base. The multiple point defenses mounted on the walls around Jacob started firing. A steady buzzing was heard as the larger defenses spewed out spent 800 millimeter cases that dented the ground as they landed. The familiar thump of the Coil-gun towers could be heard as the super-heated chucks of metal were propelled towards the assault bots. Jacob swiveled his ACU around as the llshavoh's approached his defenses. They fell like wheat to the sickle but there were still always more to replace the fallen. 'Makes me wonder how they are even associated with the Aeon "Way"' He wondered as the railgun on his arm fired slugs out at a constant rate.
The Seraphim had a connection to "The Way", a sort of religious belief, common with the human branch of the Aeon. This connection to "The Way" made them incapable of hurting another sentient being. However the Seraphim soldiers had abandoned "The Way" to become warriors. They are rejects of their society and are banished to fighting. They give up their lives to fight, actually upon rescinding "The Way" they become emotionless and uncontrollable killing machine hell-bent on destroying those who oppose their people. Thus effectively "damning" themselves, unable to advance in society.
The waves of Seraphim llshavoh were thinning, despite this their dual plasma cannons were doing their worst against the UEF Mechanized Marines. Jacob read an 80% loss in soldiers. This seemingly large attack was only a scouting run to test the waters.
"Raptor Actual, what is your status?" Jacob called out to the UEF Mech Marine leader.
"This Is Raptor Actual, we are reading a loss of 86%, 2,354 men. Requesting reinforcements." The soldier was quick to ask for more fodder to keep the Seraphim at bay. 'The Seraphim were ruthless and they would attack any minute.' Jacob mused in his head as he stacked up a few thousand more Marines at the Factories.
The Marine was the smallest solider the UEF had to offer. Standing at 30 feet tall with a foot and a half of titanium on the upper arms and chest. The 20 inch rounds that the suit fired were barely sufficient enough to scratch the plates on the S3 and S4 Assault bots, but they held their own against the HA1 llshavoh bots and even the S2 bots in large numbers.
"Sir!" The urgency in the AI's voice was unsettling. Yet before Jacob could ask sirens blared in the cockpit of the ACU. Jacob scanned the console for the cause of the alarms as the AI blurted out again in its near monotone voice. "Strategic launch detected, Cybran nuclear signal." The calmness of the voice irritated Jacob. The simple fact that the AI sounded fine with an ICBM being used.
"Activate Personal Gateway, plotting location." Jacob typed in the nearest UEF base as the missile streaked across the sky. The thick coils of Quantum energy swirled around the ACU as the teleporter charged its jump drive.
"Location plotted, eta to jump: 30 seconds." Jacob was sweating as the bar slowly filled. The missile slowly streaking across the sky, getting ever so closer. Then he looked at the screen and saw something that worried him. Impact and RMAS would take place at the same time.
He braced in his seat as the nuclear missile detonated a few thousand yards from him as the RMAS fired. The gateway opened but before it could initiate the jump the electromagnetic shockwave pulsed through the suits electronics and into the gateway
"E-E-Error, c-cal-calculation's calc… Off. Suggest-est immediate immed-di-di-di… System…shut…..down." The suit buzzed and hummed as time and space around the suit warped and flickered. Then the Shock-wave from the EMP nuke reached his suit. Jacob was thrown around in his seat as the suit tumbled through nothingness.
"What the hell is going on?!" Jacob yelled as the he struggled to pull the suit out of hibernation. Flicking a few switches the console started glowing as the reactor powered up. The panels and dash started rapidly lighting up as more power flowed through the ACU.
"Power restored, re-engaging observation nodes. Warning! ACU falling at terminal velocity, suggest powering on thrusters." The AI yet again succeeded in agitating Jacob with its calm take on life or death situations. What he saw below him was the Earth, more specifically mainland Japan. He remembered training for ACU piloting in the Class of 3846. Although that wasn't his main focus as of this moment.
"7,000 feet! Warning deploy flaps!" Jacob struggled against the centrifugal force and yanked on the flaps lever. The painful jolt of rapid deceleration shot through his body followed by the feeling of relief as the computer stopped blaring at him.
"Descent speed rectified, Brace for impact." The voice cut out and soon after the ACU shook as its feet made contact with the Earth 28 stories below him. He slowly panned the optics around and found that he was surround by a forest.
"Wait? A forest in Japan?! There isn't a single square inch capable of holding a forest… unless… no that's not possible." Jacob was contemplating the possibility of outer-dimensional travel as he told the AI to scan the radio waves for any clues.
"Anything?" Jacob sighed out as he kept his eyes peeled looking around for any signs of the UEF or, heaven forbid, the Seraphim.
"Sir, the radio waves match those on catalog for after the year 2048 but before 2060. Also there are no radio recordings on the local database that reference the UEF… at all." Jacob sat back as he felt a wave of chills wash over his body. Then the computer spoke again.
"Sir, your vital signs are showing abnormalities, specifically those of a raise in general health. Data is on par with that of a perfectly healthy 15 year old." Jacob almost fainted as he unbuckled his seat and sprinted to his wash room. There before him was standing a little more than 4 decade younger version of himself. His short black hair was missing its grey lines as his eyes moved down to his face. The stress lines that had accumulated over the years were gone. No longer was his face framed with wrinkles and creases but was now its original smooth state. His bright green eyes had regained their previous color and vigor that had been lost over the years. Finally after opening the door and walking out he realized his aches and creaking joints were gone.
"Commander, you may want to see this." Jacob quickly exited the wash room and took a seat before the AI displayed something to him on a screen. He was shocked to say the least at what he saw. It was a S2 Seraphim Assault bot, and jumping around it were… girls?! He thought his eyes were mistaking him when he saw them but there they were.
"Can you enhance on them, the figures?" Jacob was intrigued, especially by the glowing marks on their backs. He reached back and touched one of the 36 Seraphim Enhancements that dotted his back, shoulders, and skull. The SEP (Seraphim Enhancement Project) flashed through his mind, dozens of the commanders in his class were chosen for it. The devices on their backs were designed to turn the commander into a literal weapon of mass destruction if need be. The ability to construct any weapon or war machine at will was useful. The same, yet larger, devices were mounted on actual factories and the ACU.
"What are teenage girls doing with the SE's on their backs? Can you locate…" Jacob started as the compute bleeped.
"Already done sir… I have discovered their base of operations. They call it West Genetics, I have already procured you false documents and enrolled you in their program. It seems as though they will be able to pick you up at 0900 hours." The map details popped up on his display as Jacob sighed and stepped down his living quarters. As he entered the lights turned on.
"Clothing program, ODU (Officer Dress Uniform)" Jacob was surrounded by a bright blue light as his cloths melted into hexagons and reappeared on his body in his standard Officers uniform. As the uniform was pulling together he heard the AI moving through the hallway.
"By the way commander, I would recommend against using your SE." Jacob raised his eyebrows at this notion of refraining from using his SE.
"Why?" He questioned with confusion lacing his voice.
"They call the Seraphim 'Nova' here… it's quite strange but to each their own. They are still the Seraphim. And it appears as though a person with your number of SE, is a threat here." Jacob stroked his chin as he went up to the ACU and engaged building protocol of a FOB.
"What are you doing commander?" The AI inquired about the base that was being constructed before the ACU.
"Building an FOB to help in case I get into a bind." The Base was constructing Jacob made his way down to the bottom of the ACU. Dawn was rising over the forest as the ACU completed a stealth field generator. Several medium range Thumpers and a few point defenses should protect it from a Few HA1 llshavoh's. The thumpers, despite being tier two constructs, easily covered north to south coast Japan.
"Commander, your plane will be landing in 3 hours." Jacob quickly picked up his cap and weapons which he promptly stuck in his jacket before making it towards the nearest road.
Two hours, a taxi and a hitchhike later…
"Thanks' for the ride." Jacob said in rusty Japanese as he tipped his hat to the man. Turning around he was faced with a large airport terminal. Making his way inside it took quite a while to find his way through without using his advanced technology to avoid suspicion. Using his documents he showed the officer at the security checkpoint who motioned in the direction he should head.
After several more minutes of walking and observing the 21st century advertising and marketing he made his way to the airfield exit. Making it onto the airfield he was met with a dual rotor osprey. A relic in his time, he had only ever seen one in museums.
"Oh man, an osprey! They stopped using those in 2460." Jacob was walking around the outside of the Osprey looking at the various mechanical workings of the vehicle. However due to his interest in the machine he didn't notice a pair of footsteps at the back of the craft until someone spoke.
"I there something wrong Mr. Sterling?" A voice called out from the rear of the Osprey. Jacob snapped out of his trance from the Osprey and saw a young girl in a school uniform standing at the back.
"Yes, sorry about that I'll be right there." Jacob ran around the Osprey and into the back where he shook hands with the girl before taking a seat. He found the seating to be quite comfortable for a military transport.
"This is West Genetics-1 requesting permission to take off." The pilot asked the control tower from the cockpit. Jacob was fascinated by the old design. 'This design couldn't hold a single Hammer Head tank' Jacob mused, however it wasn't in his head.
"Pardon? Did you say something about tanks?" The girl was quick to question as a suspicious look crossed her features for only a moment. Jacob quickly turned his head to face her as he stuttered a bit.
"N-nothing… oh yes, introduction's. As you know my name is Jacob Sterling, and yours?" He held out his hand to the girl.
"My name is Chiffon Fairchild, I'm the student council president of west genetics." Her cheery voice easing Jacobs's nerves as she took his hand firmly and shook it before snickering a little.
"What's so funny?" Jacob asked with a quizzical look upon his face.
"Oh, it's just that there are so few transfers with manners such as yours. I just simply found it funny." Chiffon stated as she and Jacob shared a small laugh.
"Also as the student council president it is my duty to make sure you feel comfortable and know what is going on at West Genetics." Jacob nodded at Chiffons words as she continued to speak.
"As you know, the school teaches Pandora's and Limiters. People who are here to fight against the Nova." Jacob listened intently as she continued speaking. Jacob at this point decided to take out his notepad and take down notes.
"As a first year you will most likely be chosen by a second year Pandora to be her limiter." Jacobs's eyebrows furrowed at this statement.
"You mean we follow what they say and provide support? Am I right to a certain degree?" Jacob questioned as Chiffon pulled up a holographic display of the human brain.
"Well it's a little more complicated than that, you see there is a part of the brain called the Erienbar, a small part of the brain that controls all five senses. When a Limiter and Pandora go into battle they enable and Erienbar set which makes their five sense one." Jacob was taken aback slightly at this breach in privacy that the Pandora and Limiters have to go through. Jacob could also only watch in fascination as the UEF had never released any papers on this part of the brain or its function in battle.
"I'm guessing they have to be pretty trusting and close to each other for the set to work without a hitch." Jacob could only guess as Chiffon displayed another graph showing a Limiter's and a Pandora's connected brainwaves.
"And young boys, such as yourself, are prime subjects for a complete compatibility with a Pandora." Chiffon finished with a sigh as she grasped her hands and leaned back in her chair. Jacob wondered even more about this set as Chiffon continued once again.
"Now onto the Nova, as you know the Nova began attacking us without reason. Mercilessly, and without warning. These encounters became known as nova clashes, normally they are spaced a few years apart but have become more frequent." Jacob sat back as he contemplated the relative infrequent attacks that these people faced compared to him, he was broken from his thinking when Chiffon started speaking again.
"When the Nova attack they unleash what we call a "Freezing Field" that stops anything man made in its tracks. However when a limiter creates and Erienbar Set this allows the limiter to cast an anti-freezing field, allowing the Pandora to move within the Nova's field." Jacob nearly reeled in shock at this ability that these people could use without Stasis Field Neutralizing Devices, or SFND's.
"Also what is the purpose of that uniform?" Jacob panicked a little as he just realized he had been wearing his full UEF officer's uniform, medals and all.
"It's my great, grandfathers. My family is not one to get rid of things so easily." Chiffon just nodded with noticeable approval as Jacob looked out the window and saw a massive, sprawling facility laid out before them. Jacob also looked down and saw a whole smorgasbord of attack choppers, jets, transport choppers, armored vehicles, and landing strips. 'These guys are really well equipped' Jacob thought as the wheels of the Osprey touched down on the helipad.
"Welcome to West Genetics, one of Japans largest training facilities for Pandora and limiters." Chiffon said as she motioned with her arms to the facility before them. Jacob really had to take a second to look at the surrounding area.
"You will be attending with the 1st years as you are one yourself. I see that class is almost started, you might want to head over there as fast as possible. It's the second building on the left after the Dormitories. We will continue with introductions later, maybe you can meet Sister Margaret, tomorrow would be splendid." Jacob nodded as he picked up his bags and started jogging down the tree-lined paths.
The campus was beautiful to say the least. The wonderful reds and greens of the trees contrasted well with the bricks and tiles of the buildings. Although he noticed the large demolished area near where they landed he just filled that under training areas for these Pandora.
Jacob was lost in the rich colors of the brick buildings and because of the fact that he was too busy looking around he suddenly found himself smack dab in someone's back.
"Ouch, watch where you're going." The male blurted out. "Sorry, I wasn't aware of my surroundings." Was Jacobs's response. Their responses were a stark contrast. 'Who has manners like these?' Jacob mused as he looked at the young man before him.
"Pardon me but I'm going to be late to my first class, I will talk later at lunch, my name is Jacob Sterling, you?" The male was pulled up to his feet by Jacob and looked at him with a pleasant smile on his face.
"Arthur, Arthur Crypton. Sorry about that by the way. See you at lunch Jacob." Arthur picked up his books as he started heading in the same direction as Jacob.
"Why are you following me?" Jacob questioned as he noticed Arthur jogging after him. Fixing his cap Jacob just gave a small shrug as the boy caught up to him, now moving at the same pace Arthur decided to speak.
"I'm headed to class, oh! You must be in my class. Welcome, ahead of time. Also sorry about earlier. My Pandora, Ganessa Roland is quite a hand full." Arthur chuckled as Jacob looked at him quizzically.
"'Your" Pandora? What do you mean 'your'?" Jacob stopped as Arthur did and they just looked at each other. Arthur let out a small chuckle as Jacob just looked upon him with genuine confusion prevalent on his face. Then he remembered what Chiffon had told him on the way here, how Pandora picked Limiters. 'Apparently the Limiter also has to pick the Pandora' Jacob thought as he caught up with Arthur.
"You really don't know? Ha! That's hilarious, and you were admitted in here with your current knowledge. That's kind of funny." Arthur started jogging again as Jacob just looked at him with curious eyes as he took a sharp turn towards a stark white building lined with windows. 'This place is really strange' Jacob mused as he followed Arthur into the Building.
Walking through the halls Jacob noticed that it was basically empty. 'Strange, this is supposed to be a high tech military base… where are the training rooms and officers?' Jacob was getting suspicious, he could have sworn this place was a top secret military facility. Then he saw the room he was supposed to enter.
"Well, first impressions are everything…" Jacob took a deep breath and put his officer's cap on his head. The deep black lines contrasted with the grey officer's jacket and pants. The UEF insignia was printed on the cap and the right side of the Chest. Jacob gripped the handle and pushed the door open. Upon opening the door the lecture that was going on halted. Jacob held his breath as he looked out and saw assorted boys and girls. The girls were talking amongst themselves as the lady at the front of the room put down her tablet and stared right into Jacobs's eyes.
"You're late…" Her monotone voice sent chills up Jacobs's spine. She was just like Jacobs first CO, cold and calculating. Prepared to judge any move you made wrong.
"Sorry ma'am, it was my fault and I will take any and all responsibility for the disruption of class, Ma'am!" He finished with a heel click and salute as the teacher just leaned back and started giggling. Raising a hand to cover her mouth Jacob watched with fascination at her actions.
"Ma'am, I fail to see what is so funny about the current situation." Jacob was confused, then he noticed that the students had also taken a funny view of the situation as they had started giggling and chuckling as well.
"This may be a military school, but there is no need for such dramatics. You can be relaxed, to a certain degree. Now make your way to the front of the class room so we may introduce you." The teacher motioned to the front of the class room. Jacob slowly made his way to front of the class room. Analyzing the students with the SE implants in his skull. All their SE activation levels were below average, if not average.
"Sterling, are you going to stare everyone down like they're plotting against you or are you going to introduce yourself?" The teacher said as Jacob snapped out of his staring. 'Great, she's witty, at least it's a change of pace' Jacob sighed as he stepped up on stage and spoke.
"My name is Jacob Sterling. That is all." Jacob calmly walked down to the nearest desk and took a seat before taking out his note pad and pen. The teacher was a little surprised to say the least at his brief and not-very-informative words.
"Now back to the lesson. As you can see this Type-S Nova has become the most common type of Nova that we have encountered up to this point. It is by far the most powerful we have faced." The screen lit up and made Jacob flinch slightly at the sight. The slender floating form of the S2 Nova made him cough a little. 'This is the most powerful they have faced?! They have no idea' Jacob was taken aback by the Seraphim's speed of conflict in this dimension, it was too slow.
"Teacher, are you sure this is strongest form of Se… Nova you have faced." The hitch in Jacobs speaking was noticed by a few students whose questioning gazes fell upon him.
"Yes, this is the most powerful, taking a substantial amount a force to take down." Jacob leaned back in his seat. Jacob took a deep breath and looked quite uncomfortable as he sat up. Twirling his pen in his hands he looked back to the teacher.
"I see… that is all I wanted to know." Jacob was jotting down notes at lighting speed for the entirety of the class. When the bell rang and the holograms shut down Jacob closed his book and looked to the stage. The students started getting up and packing their bags as the teacher made her way back up to the center of the stage.
"All right students that was the lunch bell. Go grab a bite to eat before the training matches begin." Jacob had packed up his bags before the teacher had finished her speech and was out the door. Quickly walking with the rest of the students, 'Going with the flow eh, that's not something you used to do Jacob' His internal thoughts made him chuckle as he looked back at his notes. They were worrying to say the least.
Entering the "Cafeteria" he was met with the largest assortment of gourmet food he had ever laid eyes on. Chicken Parmesan that actually looked like it was fresh. Some whole turkey, legs of lamb and skirt steaks. Salads and fruit, vegetables and dairy products. It was glorious to say the least. Before joining the UEF he had been the largest foodie in the northern hemisphere of Artorius, his home. Every chef from New Hampton to Old Haven knew of his eating habits.
Then he remembered when they came, the Seraphim burned it all down in a few hours. He blamed the UEF for their inability to react and save the colony. It was on that day that he knew he wanted to become a commander for the UEF, to save those who can't protect themselves from the Seraphim. Coughing and throwing himself out of that nightmare that was the Artorius massacre, one of millions that happened when the seraphim invaded. Picking up a plate he headed over to the meat section and got a few prime cuts of sirloin with some potato salad on the side.
Taking a seat at the nearest vacant table he quickly put down his plate and picked up the real cloth napkin. 'Damn this place is fancy, they have actual napkins.' He mused as he tucked the napkin into his collar. Popping the first bite of sirloin into his mouth he could taste all the different seasonings, it was by far the most delicious thing he had eaten in over three decades. From the MRE's to the instant coffee nothing had ever tasted this good. 'OK that's enough food for now' Jacob thought wiping his mouth with his napkin as he pulled out his notes from earlier.
After looking over the notes a few times he had realized something. "That's impossible, the Seraphim would never take that long to invade a dimension, unless this dimension was unstable." Jacob was in the middle of his analysis at the table when a tray smacked down next to him. Making him jump as he quickly slid the book into his bag.
"Hey, again I'm sorry about earlier…" Jacob looked up and was met with Arthur, the kid he ran into earlier. 'I think his name was Arthur… yeah that's it.' Jacob thought before responding to Arthur's apology.
"Why are you apologizing Arthur? I ran into you, remember?" Jacob stated as Arthur seated himself across from Jacob. A small grin spread across Arthur's mouth as he immediately sprang up, shocking Jacob. Jacob could only watch in horror as Arthur initiated his best mock military acting.
"Yes Ma'am I'm sorry for interrupting class." He said in a mocking tone as he mock saluted Jacob. A few girls and boys from their class also mock saluted before chuckling. They all returned to their food as Arthur sat down again pulling out his napkin putting it on his lap. Jacob cringed a little as Arthur started eating his food with the napkin on his lap. 'Under the table is no place for a napkin, your legs are under the table!' Jacob was screaming in his head as Arthur spoke again drawing his attention away from the improper napkin placement.
"What was that all about Jacob? Hardcore military exercises your father put you through." Arthur chuckled as Jacob fake laughed and then sighed a little. 'Yeah I wish it was just exercises' Jacob sighed, but before he could speak two more trays landed next to him. One limiter and another Pandora.
"So, what are the levels of stigmata on average?" The table fell silent. Jacob was worried now as the people at the table leaned in. Jacob tensed as a scenario ran through his head. 'Did I say something wrong, it that like a forbidden thing?!' Jacob was worrying now as Arthur broke the tense silence.
"The average around here is three. Why do you ask?" Arthur answered as Jacob decided to break the still air.
"Oh, I was just wondering." Jacob spoke as he leaned back. 'Way to go, couldn't get any deeper aye?' Jacob scolded himself as the bell rang. He guessed it signified the ending of the lunch period as he popped the last piece of meat into his mouth before wiping his mouth and placing the tray on the nearby collection bin.
"Oh yeah, there's a training match going on in the Arena… anyone want to join me?" Arthur spoke out as several limiters and a few Pandora gathered around him. They all said their goodbyes as they left to the training facility.
"Might want to watch this." Jacob muttered as he called up the base on his PDA and set up several Mech Marines to be built as the base was basically dormant the whole day. Hell he could build them with the SE implants in his arms. It seemed as though the students here only had around 3 on average, he had 36.
Jacob had made his way down the streets winding through the facility as he came upon a large domed building. Shrugging, he slowly moved towards the building pushing the doors open as he made his way inside. Walking through the winding corridors he finally arrived at an unlocked door. Looking through he saw a large glass window and a bunch of limiters and Pandora looking down.
As he stood in the spectator's area he noticed four of the Third years and their "limiters" waiting on the battleground. The four Pandora on the field were as follows: Arnett McMillan, Attia Simmons, Elizabeth Mably, and Ingrid Bernstein. They looked poised and ready to go, despite their outward appearance Jacob could tell that they were relatively weak.
As the bell rang they bolted towards each other, blurs of light that buzzed around at unbelievable speeds. The occasional blood splatter here and there indicated the contact of blades and blunt instruments against flesh. The other spectators watched the fighting on a high speed, high quality camera as they couldn't track the action. However, Jacob could watch just fine as his implants allowed for a clear vision of the entire match.
"Are these really the best people they have to fight these Nova?" Apparently some of the students heard his comment as they turned to shush him. Jacob returned to his cup of iced tea and proceeded to watch the students lined up on the battleground.
"They really will stand no chance against the S5." Jacob sighed as he took a seat
"That's enough." Jacob murmured as he slowly rose from his seat and opened the door making his way outside, the door closing silently behind him. Once he was outside he was met with three men who looked like military officers and someone dressed in a nun's outfit. The nun looked at Jacob in the eyes before motioning for him to follow.
"Ma'am, you wanted to talk?" Jacob asked as the military personnel flanked him and he followed Margaret. They were silent as they made their way through the hallways and into a different, namely militaristic, structure. As they walked down the long and dimly lit hallways of West Genetics' underground passages Jacob decided he was going somewhere unpleasant. The number of chairs in the room they entered was surprisingly small for such a large room. Jacob had an uneasy feeling about this place.
"Jacob Sterling, it's what your papers say, is it not." The nun questioned as took a seat, the military officials following suit shortly after her also taking position across from each other at the table.
"It's true. That's my name." The sister looked at his unwavering gaze with a deep questioning look. Jacob inhaled and then exhaled deeply as he saw their deep gazes. The nun caught his nervous breathing and quickly jumped on it.
"Why are you lying?" Jacob flinched as he strengthened his already firm gaze on the nun's calculating hazel eyes.
"I'm not lying Ma'am, I am attending this school legitimately and know full well of its capability's." Jacob answered as the nun leaned forward in her seat staring Jacob down. After a moment of silence and examination she could not tell for the life of her if he was lying or entirely telling the truth. However his appearance and sudden application didn't sit well with her.
"Alright Mr. Sterling, I believe you, that is all I wanted to talk to you about. Go enjoy the rest of you day. Also here is the key to your room in case you don't have one already." The sister slid a black keycard across the table as Jacob nodded, picking it up before leaving. Sister Margaret just sat there as the door closed looking across the table as here military advisors approached from where they were listening.
"His story is solid, no surviving family, and no one to contact about his life. It's the perfect cover story. Do you really believe him?" One of the advisors asked the sister.
"We have to believe him for now…." The sister trailed off as the military officer nodded in confirmation.
"Although I suggest we monitor him…" One of the officers said as the group moved to leave the building. Although they stopped when Sister Margaret spoke.
"No, if we do we will lose his trust and with that means we start losing the trust of the other students. Think… if one student reports monitoring the other students will start to get suspicious." The nun spoke quick and to the point as the officers nodded before splitting up to head to the headquarters, leaving Sister Margaret alone in the hallway.
"What do I do?" She said as she started shuffling down the hall, making her way towards her office.
A/N: Hope you guys liked it, don't forget to PM me if you want to tell me anything.