Author's note: Hello guys, when I saw Pacific rim, I absolutely loved the movie to bits, so much so that I watched it twice. I adore the universe it is set in and I think there is a lot of room for a prequel, so here is my take on it. At least, about the Asian side of things. So please do enjoy the story, Rate, Review and please give criticism if you have any.

I understand that the beginning is a little slow, you're all here for the Jaegers, I get it. I promise that we'll get to them.

Now, here's a quick legend. Itallic: 'Thoughts'/ Stressed words Normal: Text/ "Dialogue". For those of you who don't know much about South East Asia, ASEAN is basically an organization like the UN, just that it's much smaller and it consists of South East Asian countries. This story starts in ASEAN's diplomatic meeting, where Marshal Pentecost is trying to convince ASEAN to join the PPDC.

"I am sorry Marshall, we must reject your offer to join the Pan-Pacific Defense Corps. Thailand and the Philippines simply does not have the resources to devote to this petty project! "

"Petty? Is that what you god damn politicians think this is? A bloody hoax? The Kaiju threat is real. Millions have died, and millions more will die. If, you do nothing and sit here on your arses." A dark-skinned man in the military uniform of a marshal stood in the centre of the hall, facing the leaders of South East Asia. One hand moved unconsciously to his neatly trimmed mustache, practically quivering with rage. How can world leaders be so stupid? "Look gentlemen, you have seen the reports, the devastation, I fought these bloody things personally. I'm tell you that the Jaeger program is our best defense against these attacks. The PPDC is offering you the chance to contribute, to save humanity. Surely you aren't going to just sit by and watch your nations burn?"

The faces in the room bore varying expressions, most of them looked like they were about to explode into another round of frenzied discussion while some now looked thoughtful. Before chaos exploded in the room, a man with greying hair in a suit stood up. 'The Singaporean Prime Minister' Stacker noted.

"My esteemed colleagues, I do sincerely believe that the Marshall is right, we should join the PPDC, several of our coasts is at risk from the Kaiju threat. We have been lucky so far, but even luck runs out eventually. Perhaps if the financial burden is too much for one country to bear, then we should bear this burden together, united. Is that not why ASEAN was created in the first place? To unite and accomplish when none of us can do alone? I propose, we as a whole join the Jaeger program and keep our people safe!" The man sat back down once he finished his speech, nodding once at Stacker.

Half the room exploded into thundering applause while the other half still looked extremely skeptical. Stacker sighed, today might be a long day, but at least this was a start.

"Wake up! They're selecting pilots for the Jaeger program, c'mon Dylan! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, don't just lie there and sleep!" Dylan woke to being violently shaken by his excited roommate. He sat up slowly, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. 'It's far too early to be woken up.' He turned to regard his bunk mate, who was hurriedly getting dressed. "Why are you so excited anyway? Do you really want to go out there and punch these monsters in the simulator this early in the morning?"

Michael spun around, eyes gleaming with excitement "Of course I do! Now get dressed, the marshal took the time to come down here and personally pick pilots."

"Wait, the marshal? Stacker? Former pilot of Coyote Tango?" Dylan was now wide awake, jumping out of bed.

"Didn't you hear me?"

"Right, lets go."

Minutes later, they were in a large wooden hall, standing with rapt attention in neat ranks along with the dozens of other candidates. Dylan tried extremely hard not to move, he had never been a military man but the moment ASEAN had joined the PPDC, he had rushed to sign up as a ranger. 'Along with just about every one else' he noted, sweating due to the sheer amount of people in the slightly cramp hall.

Suddenly, a man walked to the stage laid at the front of the hall and turned to address them. 'The man was marshal Pentecost' Dylan realized with a start.

"Lets make this simple shall we? Those with a simulator score of below 70% can leave right now, you'll just end up wasting everybody's time." Instantly, groans rose from all over the room, most of the people in the room now moved to the exits, shuffling their feet past Dylan and Michael.

When they left, the marshal gestured for everyone remaining to come before him. Dylan released a sigh of relief, walking forward with shaking legs. His simulator score with Michael had only been a 73%, not much higher than those that were sent out of the room.

"Now, I'm sorry to say that most of you won't make it. I'm sorry, but only the best can serve as rangers. I understand that you joined with a co-pilot, expecting to be selected together. I have to tell you now that, that has changed. Only one of you will be selected here." Gasps now rose, Dylan turned to look at Michael, for a moment their eyes met and he could see the sadness that was surely present in his own eyes as well. No matter who was picked, they would be separated. Months ago, that wouldn't have been such a big issue but now, after spending months in the simulator drifting together, Dylan could hardly bear to think of a different co-pilot. Dylan and Michael now knew each other better than anyone else ever had. This was going to be difficult.

"Begin."

The morning was spent in simulators, everyone of them fighting virtual Kaiju for the Marshall to see. Today was different, Dylan felt it, the melding with Michael had never been stronger. At first, the sudden strength of the drift caught him off guard, he was sure that he visibly recoiled from it. 'Not a good start for the marshal to see' he thought.

The rest of the morning however, couldn't have gone better, their movements were more fluid and synchronized than ever, both of them moving together as one. The virtual Jaeger they piloted was unarmed, it's only weapons were it's fists. That was all they needed, when their thoughts connected, the Jaeger became a machine of war, demolishing Kaiju after Kaiju.

It must have been after their fifth match when an overhead bell finally rang that signaled a break. Dylan climbed, shakily out of conn-pod. Peeling his neuro-suit off, he discovered that he was drenched with sweat. Fighting even virtual Kaiju was grueling. He looked over to Michael, not surprised to see him panting slightly. They exchanged a glance before exiting the chamber together,

"What was that, man? It's not just me right? You felt that too."

Dylan paused, then nodded " We wrecked today dude."

"Erm, dude, look." Michael's eyes were wide open now, raising a finger to point at...

The score board.

Now Dylan's eyes shot wide open as well. Right at the top of the list were their names, the column that held the simulation score read: 86%. Dylan rubbed his eyes, not believing the sight. So the feeling wasn't just a feeling, they did do better. 'A full 13% increase... Jeez.'

They were so speechless that when the marshal walked up to them, neither could barely remember to salute.

"At ease, it looks like you two are the best that this lot has to offer. Come, follow me, we have a lot to talk about."