Chapter 7
Orion entered the main hall late. It was already crowded, forcing him to stand in the doorway. Richard stood on the stage, deep in conversation with Kyle. Sentinel and Trion stood nearby, watching the crowd settle. Orion sighed, watching the curtains pull open to reveal the machines, standing in line.
"Am I too late?"
Orion perked, looking to his right. Alan came up beside him, folding his arms. He offered Orion a grin. The crowd silenced, directing their attention to the stage. Kyle shoved Richard forward, rocking on his heels. Richard fumbled with the microphone but eventually got it working.
"Hello…everyone…" mumbled Richard, voice echoing across the hall. "As you are all well aware, we've discovered some old Primus machines. After some testing…we have selected a group of men and women to continue work on it. Here's the list…"
Richard hesitated, turning back to Kyle. He mumbled some words which Kyle quickly argued back. The microphone picked up Richard's groan as he raised the clipboard up and went to read from it.
"For our two medical classes, Kyle and myself," instructed Richard.
Kyle did a mini cheer in the background.
"Billy Bulk and Benjamin Roadside, Demolition class."
Orion hadn't met them but the crowd seem to part around them. Both were rather big in size but the two held themselves differently. Billy was dressed in casual uniform, hair combed back and eyes avoiding everyone else's. Benjamin wasn't in uniform, hair spiked, grin showing off sharp teeth. A few people began clapping until Richard continued
"Ally Cesar and Samuel Howler, intelligence class."
Ally was a tall woman, short hair, and well figured. She didn't seem to appreciate those around her as they clapped, except for one man clapped for her. She blushed with one look at him, hiding her face with her hands. Samuel, which Orion had actually met before back at the construction site, glanced around after his name was mentioned. He messed with his hair, smiling lightly. Orion heard Alan beside him groan.
"Simmons Wave, Communication Class."
Simmons didn't move, didn't emote. He stood perfectly still, hands by his side, head lowered. His uniform was perfect, down to his perfectly shined shoes. He nodded gently as the crowd parted around him.
"Lieutenant Sentinel, Sentinel Class," groan Richard.
Again, Richard stopped, reviewing the list. If memory served, Orion thought, there were only two classes left: Scout and Leader. Three people who would get to control the last machines. Richard snarled, marching up to Sentinel and Trion. They talked for a moment, almost loud enough for the microphone to pick up on it. Eventually, Sentinel pointed toward main stage. Richard spat out one last word before return to the main stage.
"Uh…Bobby…Johnson…" mumbled Richard, lowering the mic. "Scout class."
The crowd perked, suddenly growing talkative. Orion wasn't familiar with Bobby, but as the crowd parted, he spotted the young soldier. He was probably a recent recruit, no higher than private. His light hair was over gelled back, showing his pale skin and blushed expression. Richard turned back toward Kyle. The other scientist gulped, shrugging.
"Alan Megatronus, Leader Class Omega," sighed Richard. "And…for, uh…Leader Class Prime…um…"
Richard whispered into the microphone, making the name unheard. The crowd grumbled, already on edge about young Bobby getting selected out of the rest of the valuable soldiers. Richard glanced back at Sentinel and Trion. The former was on edge, glaring at Richard, while the latter was pleasantly grinned, waiting for the final name.
"Leader Class Prime is…" gulped Richard. "Orion Pax."
The crowd returned to their frenzy. Orion perked, completely frozen. Alan stomped a foot down, joint the crowd in screaming at Richard. The poor scientist whimpered, running over to Kyle and handing off the mic. Kyle gapped, fumbling with the mic as Richard ran off stage. Sentinel chased after Richard, followed soon after by Kyle. Trion grinned lightly, nodding, then left.
"Prime class…me…" whimpered Orion, stepping backward. "That…that can't be…"
"There some mistake and we're getting to the bottom of this," snapped Alan, grabbing Orion by the wrist and dragging him out. "C'mon, Orion."
"Captain!" gasped Orion, stumbling behind.
