A/N
Hello! Sorry this is so late, turns out trying to write out a bloody floorplan is waaaay harder than I initially thought. Anyway, got there in the end... somewhat. Most of the rooms were cut from the chapter to save time, (and my sanity) but we will be visiting most of them in the next chapter, which will hopefully be sooner! I'm changing jobs as well so I will have a lot more free time in the coming two weeks until university stats again... bugger me that's not gonna be fun. But oh well, I have not the intention of ever abandoning any of my Fics and I swear it will not happen.
However! Going forward now is the Pilot training arc! Possibly my favorite arc yet! I have had so many ideas for this arc and I can't wait to get into it!
Now then, with all that nonsense out of the way on with the chapter!
"...ot...pi...Pilot"
Louise slowly opened her eyes as she slowly came to. She hadn't realized she'd fallen asleep in the first place. Stretching her arms above her head as she usually did, she felt her hand bump into something metal. Still only half awake she absent-mindedly began feeling about with her hand without really looking at what she was doing. Curious she felt her fingers brush upon a few bumps on the surface, on accident she felt one of her fingers sink inwards as she pressed into it.
Immediately upon her doing so, she heard a click followed by a hollow clunk resonate from above her head. It was swiftly followed by a rattling behind her as something metal fell down FS's back. The noise made her jump as she reflexively checked over her shoulder, only to be greeted by her Pilot's set and the interior of FS's chassis. In front of her, she noticed Siesta still sitting in FS's hand also checking over her shoulder evidently having also heard the noise. Although Louise could assume it had been much louder to her as FS's cockpit dampened noise to keep it from impairing his Piot's hearing.
"FS what was that!" Louise exclaimed suddenly very awake.
"The button you pressed was an emergency jettison of my left ordnance module. The noise you heard was generated by it colliding with the rear of my chassis as it fell to the ground." FS explained before adding. "Pilot, in the future please refrain from pressing buttons at random within the cockpit."
Louise felt her face flush from embarrassment. "Why in Brimir's name is that possible!? Who would design such a silly system!?"
"Ejecting ordinance or jettisoning ordinance has been standard function on most aircraft and Titans for centuries. There are many situations where ejecting or jettisoning live or defective ordinance would be necessary, namely, should the ammunition be compromised whereupon it is a greater threat to its wielder than it is to its intended target." FS explained.
Louise shuddered as she imagined what would happen if one of his Miss-Elles detonated within its chamber. She'd heard that muskets could explode in the wielder's hand blinding them. Louise shuddered to think how bad the damage would be with a munition with much greater yield.
Louise suddenly jerked her head locking her gaze onto a nearby tree as she believed she saw something move in the corner of her eye. "FS... I don't think we are alone..."
"My prior scans indicated no hostiles within a twenty-five-kilometer radius of the base. Would you like me to scan again?" FS asked.
"Yes!" Louise said a little quickly.
"Understood... beginning scan."
As FS said this an orange circle suddenly appeared at FS's feet rapidly expanding outwards. Louise shot forwards bracing her hands on the armrests of her seat to peer down at the light as it quickly ran through the ground and up the trees that surrounded her. "Whoa..."
Louise watched entranced as the light quickly skimmed over the surrounding terrain, but then suddenly tensed when it highlighted a humanoid figure, the light flickering around its outline. It appeared to be wearing a triangular helmet, and in its hands was an enormous musket. "FS in the trees!"
FS halted to check what Louise had been referring to, but he made no attempt to reach for his weapons.
"Pilot, there are no threats." FS stated even as a blue circle appeared directly over top of the bandit in the trees.
"In the trees! You are looking at it right now...?" Louise trailed off as a glowing blue rectangle appeared floating in front of the top left side of the cockpit. Within its outline, various symbols began to slowly appear one by one. "FS... what is this? Is this your language?"
"Pilot you are looking at a report from the unit we are currently focused on. The written language is french, however, I have not collected enough data on your written language to create a written translation/ allow me to translate vocally." FS explained. "Translation as follows:
SS unit#00001 Report :
Unidentified individual sighted traveling with commanding office.
Requesting identification."
As FS translated the symbols Louise tried to follow along, but could not discern a working pattern that the written language followed and ultimately gave up. Instead, she turned her attention back to the 'SS unit' who was now... lifting its musket!
"FS order that- that thing! To lower its weapon this instant!" Louise suddenly panicked at the implication.
The moment the words left her mouth the 'SS unit' quickly lowered its weapon without any argument. Additionally, Louise noticed the Blue rectangle suddenly clear the words on its screen and began writing new ones.
"FS what does this say now?" Louise demanded.
"Commander override received. Standing down." FS translated and Louise relaxed before realizing something.
"Commander... FS was it referring to me?" Louise asked.
"Affirmative Pilot." FS confirmed. "While embarked you have an open channel to all Spectre units within range unless you request otherwise."
"Interesting... and a Spectre you said? Is that what that SS unit is?" Louise asked trying to maintain her composure. She recalled seeing some yellow golems when FS showed her the FOB through one of their eyes, but the shape for this one was distinctly different. And didn't FS refer to them as a "Marvin"?
"Affirmative Pilot. Would you like to see it?" FS asked.
Louise pondered the question for a moment, before responding. "Yes. I wish to meet the guards you have enlisted, or as you say, 'constructed' for our defense."
"Understood, I have updated this unit's guidance protocols to meet us at the clearing, updating patrol routes. ETA : 35 seconds"
"Very well, take us there." Louise replied relaxing back into her chair. "And FS? Whatever do you mean by 'ee-tea-eh?"
"The acronym ETA is short for 'Estimated time of Arrival'." FS explained.
Louise hummed and nodded. "And are there any other acronyms I should be aware of, FS?" Louise asked.
"Affirmative Pilot, I will be going over them all with you during your training." FS stated. "And Pilot?"
"Yes?"
"We have arrived."
True to FS's words they had just broken into a rather large clearing in the forest. Louise felt incredibly relieved to be out of the dense forest and once more under clear skies. However, the orange tinge of the sky tipped Louise off that the sun would soon be setting. 'Just how long were we traveling?' Louise wondered.
"Seven hours and forty-six minutes. You fell asleep approximately five hours in Pilot." FS supplied, reading Louise's thoughts.
"Thank you, FS." Louise groaned massaging her forehead with her right hand. She really hated it when her familiar did that.
"Pilot, I advise disembarking while I open the entrance."
"Very well." As Louise confirmed FS cracked open the cockpit open Louise felt the rush of air race forwards to meet her. The fresh air carried a wooden pine scent that was rather refreshing to smell. Beneath her FS's free hand had been lifted for Louise to step upon. Pushing of the armrests of her seat she paused momentarily to stretch her sleepy limbs, before elegantly stepping upon the titan enormous hand. She could hear the hiss of the cockpit closing accompanied by the mechanical whine of FS's legs as he lowered her to the ground.
Stepping off, she glanced to her left to see Siesta doing the same on the Titan's opposing hand. The maid taking care not to damage their luggage as she disembarked.
Louise scanned the surrounding terrain but found no evidence of an entrance, nor of the Spectre that FS said would be meeting them the- A sudden rustling noise from the branches of the trees behind Louise drew her attention. Spinning on her heel Louise tried to locate the source of the noise, eventually locking onto some movement from some branches near the top of one of the trees located on the edge of the clearing. Louise watched with bated breath as a humanoid figure slowly emerged from the leaves. It took her a second to recognize the figure as the 'Spectre' that FS had been referring to.
She watched as the golem fearlessly leapt from the tree plummeting to the floor multiple stories below. Incredibly the golem landed in a crouch without showing any visible damage. Although, when it stood it became clear through its motions that it was not human. It had moved too smoothly, its movements were too consistent as if it did not exert energy to move. Acting as though magic string pulled at its form.
Once it reached the noble and the maid Louise got a better look at its form as it stood as tall as her mother towering over her. Its entire body was painted in black material, with only a few red accents dotting its frame and shoulders. Louise noted that it had not been wearing a triangular helmet so much as its head was a triangular shape. In its arms was the oddest looking musket Louise had ever seen, granted its shape was at least closer to a traditional musket than FS's primary weapon. With a rectangular center and instead of some odd barrel sticking out of its midsection this one had a small box inserted into its center. Additionally mounted on its top was some cylindrical object that Louise could not understand what purpose it served. 'Wouldn't that just get in the way?' She thought.
"You." Louise said in an accusing tone pointing at the Spectre. "For what reason did you point your weapon at us?"
The specter tilted its head at Louise but did not speak.
"Answer me! That is an order!" Louise barked.
It did not react.
"FS! Is this golem defective? Why will it not answer me!" Louise demanded turning to FS.
"It has no voice module installed Pilot. It is physically incapable of following your orders." FS explained flatly staring at Louise.
"...oh" Louise suddenly felt rather silly, she felt as though she had just demanded a rock golem without a mouth to speak. "Ahem... Well then... can you give it one?" Louise asked trying to salvage her pride.
"It may be possible, there are no blueprints for a voice module for Spectres however a workaround can be arranged." FS replied.
"Good then give this one a voice module so it may apologize for raising its weapon against me," Louise said folding her arms and raising her chin.
"Understood Pilot, SS unit #00001 will be given a voice module and AI upgrade," FS replied.
"AI upgrade? FS I did not mention that." Louise said confused unfamiliar with the terminology.
"In order to fully make use of its voice module SS unit #00001 will require changes to its AI mainframe." FS logically explained, he paused before adding. "A simple way of thinking about it is I will be granting the unit an education."
"Very well then, I shall leave it to you FS get it done. Oh, and while you are at it give it an appropriate name will you? SS unit #00... whatever is just so inelegant." Louise tutted. "Now where is this base you promised to bring us to FS? You cannot honestly expect me to spend the night out in these conditions."
"The entrance is located this way, follow me." FS said as he moved past both Louise and Siesta with a single step. His enormous frame giving him an incredible stride. Louise and Siesta were both forced to break into a light Jog just to stay on his heels. Thankfully FS only took a few steps before coming to a stop somewhere near the center of the clearing. As the two girls approached however FS turned to them and held out a hand.
"For your safety please do not come any closer while I open the entrance." FS requested. Noting the words, 'for their safety the noble and the maid both wisely opted to remain rooted in place. The two shared a nervous glance, not entirely sure of what to expect. Louise was already bracing for her familiar to reveal some form of inexplicable nonsense and then once more act as if it was the most normal thing on this planet. Sadly, no amount of bracing could have prepared her for what happened next.
From her position standing next to FS's right foot, Louise de la Valliere watched in awe as the earth split open.
Like a Giant's maw opening wide two enormous slabs of earth split apart revealing their jagged teeth that locked them in place. The dirt, grass, and flowers rested neatly atop the slabs unaffected by nothing but the slight breeze generated by their motion. Louise suddenly felt very faint, next to her she could see Siesta was faring no better than her.
"Pilot are you alright? You appear to be having trouble balancing." FS asked Louise, across their mental link Louise could sense motes of concern coming from him. Although she could not say for certain whether or not she had just imagined it.
"F-fine... I think I am just... as fine as I can be right now." Louise shakily reassured. FS's eye narrowed as he examined the two girls, Louise did not need her neural link to know that he did not believe her one bit.
"Very well, however, if the issue persists in accordance with protocol 3 I must request you submit to a physical exam." FS relented, his eye returning its focus to the black platform that had risen from beneath the enormous slabs of earth. "Please step aboard, we will begin our descent once you are all secure."
Without further prompting, FS stepped forwards onto the platform followed shortly by the Spectre accompanying them. Once aboard FS turned around to kneel while simultaneously placing one hand on the platform's surface. His gaze hovering between the two girls expectantly.
"D-descent..." Louise gulped, feeling rather hesitant about journeying founder knows how far beneath the earth.
"There is nothing for you to worry about Pilot. Trust me." FS stated sensing Louise's apprehension.
"If this turns out to be some form of an elaborate trap, the will be nowhere in this kingdom or any other that could possibly hide you from my mother's wrath." Louise stated confidently trying to hide the tremble in her voice.
"A trap would be a violation of Protocol 3, rest assured, you are safe Louise." FS responded catching Louise off-guard with the use of her first name.
"Very well then, come along Siesta." Louise said as she stepped aboard the platform, making sure to stay near the edge in case she felt the need to jump off. However, any entertainment of that thought went out the window as the platform she was on suddenly began its descent into the earth. The walls around her quickly rising well above her reach even with FS's assistance.
Louise looked up as the hole she entered through gradually got further and further away. Suddenly it also began to shrink, closing in on itself from either side. Louise began to panic slightly as her view of the evening sky was sealed away behind the large plates disguised as the forest floor. Thankfully there were lanterns without flames lining the platform she was riding down on mercifully sparing her from being plunged into darkness. But her last view of the entrance had been so far away Louise was forced to wonder just how far down they were going!
"We will be arriving shortly Pilot, there is no need for concern." FS reassured Louise, once more noticing her rising anxiety.
True to his words the walls to their right and front vanished opening to an enormous wide-open metal room.
"Welcome Pilot, to the FOB hangar bay."
Louise felt her jaw drop as she took in the scene before her. It was, massive! Even with an entire legion of square class earth mages, she doubted they would ever manage to hollow out such an enormous area, let alone reinforce it from cave-ins! Lining the walls were what appeared to be racks and racks of scaffolding? Made of metal, but they appeared to be too permanent for them to be for simply for construction.
"Storage racks, designed to hold wasp, phantom jets, additionally crow, goblin, and widow transports if need be." FS stated noticing Louise's gaze. "Their purposes and functions will be covered in your battlefield units and tactics course that I have created for you Pilot."
Louise turned to face FS. "FS, how... how many different courses do I need to go through to become a Pilot?" She had wanted to ask this question when he had first informed her he intended to train her, but she had never found an opportunity.
"The list is... extensive. There will be multiple skillsets that you will need to acquire before you can be considered for official Pilot training." FS stated. "The basics will consist of the following: A high school diploma, basic training, general firearms experience and expertise, sharpshooting training, special ops training, breaching training, survival training... Pilot are you still listening?"
"...it's like I never left home..." Louise dizzily said recalling all of the lessons and tutors she had during her childhood. All of the manners lessons, the strict teachers grilling information into her, it was happening again. FS noted the loss of focus from his Pilot and calculated it would be inefficient to deliver the same speech twice.
Louise was broken from her trip down memory lane by the sound of marching feet approaching her from behind. Spinning around she was greeted by the sight of four columns of five specters marching in perfect sync towards her. The first thing Louise noticed was their different colours, as opposed to 'SS' 's matte black and red accents, theirs was a mix of Woodland green with orange accents. Each of them was armed with smaller oddly shaped muskets painted a brown colour. As one they marched forwards their metallic limbs echoing against the metal floor beneath their feet. And as one they came to a halt two meters in front of the gathered group, raising their left open palm to their heads at an angle. Louise recognized the gesture, often Knights in full plate armor did the same to lift their visor's to see one another eye to eye... perhaps it held a similar meaning?
Louise snapped her head upwards as the Spectres, the word still felt odd to her, abruptly pivoted on one foot and stepped apart creating a passage between them. At the other end of the passage stood another spectre, although this one was taller and had much thicker limbs. Its 'face' also had a single glowing light at its center, as opposed to the others with one on either side. In its right arm it held it's weapon with a single hand. The weapon in its hand however looked like a large paddle with a grip on its top. At its center Louise could barely make out some sort of spinning metal component. Additionally, as the unit walked forwards it was clear its movements were slightly stiffer compared to the others. This unit stopped only a few feet from Louise, looking down to address her directly.
Stiffly it raised its free arm to gesture to the units gathered behind it.
"These gathered specters make up the entirety of our current Assult force. A small number for certain, however, given the current state of Halkenginan technology I believe they will be more than sufficient for any small tasks we have for them." It said in matching FS's tone and voice perfectly. "Given more time and resources we can produce additional units to bolster our numbers."
"I thought you units couldn't talk... or are you different?" Louise addressed the machine directly.
"Affirmative, I had this Stalker unit specially commissioned with a voice module and radio so I may accompany you throughout the base, Pilot." The 'Stalker' said.
"Wait FS!? Is that you!?" Louise said shocked, turning to look over her shoulder she could still see FS's enormous body behind her, although his chassis did not turn to her eyes. It just remained still staring off into space.
"Affirmative Pilot, I am remotely controlling this unit to better uphold Protocol 3." The 'Stalker', now identified as FS stated. "Now I believe it is time we began your tour of the base and it's facilities. Miss Sasaki?"
Siesta, the maid who had gone largely unnoticed during the exchange straightened herself upon hearing her family name. "Yes my Lord?"
"You may address me as 'Sir' going forwards. Additonally please relinquish the luggage to the MRVN unit beside you. They will transport it to the appropriate rooms." FS said before stiffly gesturing once more. "Follow me, my chassis is too large to accompany us through the halls as such it will remain here for maintenance. Our tour will begin in the main hall."
Louise looked over her shoulder to see Siesta hand the luggage off to one of the yellow golems she was vaguely more familiar with. With their luggage sorted and the introductions out of the way FS made to holster his weapon as there was no need to wave it around. Sliding the weapon over his shoulder it clattered to the ground behind him.
...
The atmosphere in the hangar grew increasingly awkward as FS stood still trying to understand what had just occurred. FS rotated his head and body to look at the floor behind him and the weapon now lying on the ground. He stared at it for a few seconds, and Louise was wondering if he was waiting for it to grow legs and walk away. It wasn't going to do that right? Right?
"A MRVN unit will come to collect that later. Follow me so we can begin the tour." FS finally said breaking the silence. Turning on his heel he stepped over the weapon lying on the floor and made his way to the edge of the hangar. Louise and Siesta followed behind FS being careful not to step on the weapon lying on the ground. Above the wall they were walking to Louise noticed how a section appeared to be slightly pushed out from the rest of the wall and made from a different material. She was about to ask what it was when FS paused and gestured in its direction.
"Above us overlooking the hangar is the primary Air traffic control center. Its purpose is to overlook all traffic entering and exiting this hangar For safety and organizational reasons ships cannot enter or exit this facility without their guidance. It is also equipped to brief Pilots and soldiers on their mission before their deployment." FS explained, before continuing forwards and stopping before the doors. "Before we continue into the main area of the base I need to mention the manufacturing levels below us. Below the floor we are currently standing on are all of the factories and assembly lines for building Titans, Vehicles, and Aircraft. However, due to all of our resources and metals being spent on the construction of this base, we do not possess any at this time."
Louise was about to ask what her familiar had meant by aircraft when he swiped a glowing green button beside the door. Without any visible assistance, the doors slid apart opening to a short hallway with similar doors at the other end. Not waiting for the other two FS passed through the doors and deeper into the base. Louise stumbled trying to catch up, but she paused to examine the doors for a moment. She knew that FS was incapable of magic, but if that had been the case how had the doors opened? Were there perhaps specters hidden in the walls that pulled them open when he had asked?
"Please wait one moment while the system runs a routine scan." FS said. Then without warning the door slid shut behind the group, sealing off their exit to the hangar. The hallway they were now stuck in seemed incredibly bare. As Louise was examining it, a glowing green light suddenly flashed above the opposing door. Moments later it slid open much like the previous one had led to another gun-metal grey corridor. "This way Pilot."
FS led them through the bare hallway for a few seconds before they reached another door, thankfully when this one opened it was not another hallway. Or not exactly, in front of them was a clear path but to their right was a large open room, not nearly as large as the hangar, of course, Louise wagered it was around the same size as a circus tent. Lining the walls were various desks that appeared to be built as part of the walls with a glowing blue square at its center. Sitting at a few of the desks were more of the Marvin units, they appeared to be tapping a blue surface on the desk. At the room's center was a rectangular table glowing a soft blue. Above the table and mounted on the walls were half a dozen glowing blue rectangles that all contained various symbols of FS's language in white displayed on them. However a few of them, two to be exact, was not displaying white symbols, but images. One of the 'magic rectangles' Louise had deemed to call them, was split into four separate images... that were moving? It was difficult to tell but it almost appeared as if the images were shifting slightly. On the display, Louise could see four separate angles of the forest clearing that they had visited to enter the base.
On the left 'magic rectangle' was not another view of the forest, but a view of the Base's hangar. The room was entirely bare save for FS's massive chassis. Although Louise noticed SS oh-oh-oh something was not visible in the room. Frowning she turned to address FS who spoke up before she could.
"Welcome to Mission Control Pilot. This room is the center of operations for this base. Under normal circumstances, the room would be staffed with analysts however at present we only have MRVN units that are up to the task." Raising his hand with an open palm he gestured to the glowing rectangles and desks. "Displayed above the terminals is the live feed of our Sniper Spectre units, SS #00001 is visible on the left hand monitor. The unit should be descending to the maintenance levels momentarily."
As FS said this Louise watched as the feed that was alive, suddenly lurched and began to descend much like the platform Louise had ridden down on when they had arrived. Louise watched as the unit descended below the floor down to the Maintenance levels. Much to Louise's surprise, unlike the hangar which resembled a large open space with a white almost blue lighting these levels were densely packed with a warm yellow almost orange tint to its atmosphere. Filling the empty air was twisting moving metal beams and enchanted black carpets that were moving dirt and metal along their surfaces. Snaking metal pathways that had claws underneath them transported what appeared to be pieces of the so-called spectre units in their grasp.
"Whoa... " Louise felt her jaw drop at the sight before her. It looked to her as if a dozen mages had come together to enchant a bunch of metal contraptions to move as though they were alive. "FS, what sort of magic are you using for this?"
"None Pilot. There is not a single trace of magic used in any of this facility's equipment and factory lines." FS clarified.
"But that's-!" Louise began.
"Impossible, negative. Pilot we have been over this subject before. Rest assured Pilot the physics and concepts of motors that move the belts on the assembly lines will be explained during your civilian courses."
Louise opened her mouth to protest but a single glare from FS's new face shut her right up. Evidently her familiar was capable of annoyance, and she was pressing all of his buttons at this time. She had been promised answers already, being impatient would get her nowhere. Louise turned her attention back to the screen only to see it flicker out replaced by a scrolling white line of text quickly taking its place. It was still in FS's language making it impossible for Louise to decipher, instead, she turned to FS for a translation.
"Feed Lost : Unit offline for Maintenance," FS said. "I believe this concludes our tour of Mission Control. This way Pilot."
Turning on his heel FS continued along the path they were on. The noble and her maid following swiftly behind him. The doors opened and to their left was a small empty isolated room. "This is the primary elevator. It will be used to transport you between floors. However, due to a lack of resources, the lower floors are not complete at this time. Their facilities include the medical bay, engineering, our primary research division, our food supplies, and plant growth bays, additionally, there is a library, a classroom where you will attend classes, a simpod bay, a track and field, two gyms, a swimming pool, and a gun range. At the currently lowest floor is the base's primary fusion reactor, however, until you are briefed on the safety protocols we cannot visit that floor."
There were a few terms that went straight over Louise's head, but the memory of FS's glare forced her to withhold any further questions for the time being.
The next Corridor had two pathways, FS paused to address them. "The left and right halls are both pathways to the general population barracks. Behind me is the doorway to the Pilot's quarters, however, you will not be granted access to these until you have passes your Pilot's certification course."
Louise frowned. "If we do not have access to these then where will we be staying until then?" She asked.
"This way." FS said turning to his left and leading them down one of the 'general population' corridors. As he did Louise slowly felt a pit forming in her stomach, surely not, surely there was no way FS would make her stay in such a place. FS walked for a few seconds before opening a door to his left. Inside was a modest space, about one and a half times the size of her room in the academy, however. Built into three of the four walls were two beds stacked one on top of the other. The far wall, and the largest wall having two sets of two next to each other. "These barracks will be serving as your accommodation during your time training."
"The barracks?" Louise asked. "Surely you cannot expect someone of my status to be staying somewhere as lowly as the barracks FS."
FS turned to face her, his triangular face showing no emotion. "Do you wish to enlist as a Pilot, Louise?" He suddenly asked.
Louise sputtered. "But of course! Do you not already refer to me as such?"
"Affirmative, if you wish to enlist as a Pilot you must first acquire the necessary qualifications to do so."
FS stated. "Remaining in the barracks for basic training is non-negotiable Louise."
Louise raised her brows as FS referred to her by name. "I am a noble, and as I recall you calling me, a commander. As such I order you escort me to quarters suitable to my title and Rank!" Louise stated firmly.
FS said nothing for a moment before speaking up again. "Louise, if you wish to continue holding the rank of commander you must pass basic training and leadership courses that are pre-requisite to the rank. If you do not, then following standard protocol, I will be forced to sever our neural link."
Louise froze. Severing their neural link. Breaking his contract as her familiar. "You will do no such thing! I forbid it!" Louise screeched. She would not go back to being a zero, never! She wouldn't! Not after she had gotten so close to becoming something more! She could not lose this chance!
"I do not wish to do so, but I am already breaching protocol as it is. Any further breach of Protocol may trigger a failsafe within my programming sever our link for me. The choice is not up to me Pilot." FS stepped forward and took one knee to be at eye level with Louise. "Louise, it is a small price to pay. There are thousands who would kill for the opportunity you have been presented with, do not allow your pride to cloud your judgment."
Louise held FS's gaze, biting down on her lip so hard she began to taste copper. She would be sleeping in the same room as a commoner, in a barracks. She could not think of a more humiliating lodging for a noble such as herself. Finally, she closed her eyes and clenched her fists.
"Fine. But you!" Louise said turning on her heel and pointing at Siesta. "If you utter one word of this to anyone! I will... I will sever our contract!"
Louise watched as Siesta's face grew pale at the prospect, why was she so spooked by such a simple prospect. Its not like she couldn't probably just go back to the academy and spread more nonsense about her. It's not like... oh, oh shit! Louise suddenly felt like she had just received a blow straight to the gut. Without her contract to her, the count would no doubt sweep up her contract as soon as it was available. She might as well have just threatened to hand her over to the bastard herself!
"I will never utter a word of this to anyone, I swear it my lady!" Siesta said quickly while bowing her head low. Louise suddenly felt doubly as bad, but she couldn't go back on her word. Nobles never did that... never.
"Urgh, Good! then we will have no issue. Now, where is my luggage, FS!" Spun on her heel desperate to find a way out of the situation she now found herself in.
"Your luggage is presently in storage as you will not be needing it during your training. You will be administered a uniform that has been tailored to you tomorrow. For your nightwear, I recommend these articles." As FS spoke a Marvin entered the room carrying a reflective transparent object in its hands. Once it reached Louise it pulled the top of the surface apart and reached inside offering Louise the items within. Louise took one look at the items and paused.
"FS what in Brimir's holy name are these?" She asked. The items she had been given looked like her usual underwater except they covered a great deal more of her skin, and the pants seemed to resemble boxers more than panties.
"Standard issue military garments." FS replied unhelpfully.
Louise sighed, by this point, she expected half of everything that came out of FS's mouth? Face? Eye? Whatever, to be some nonsensical made-up word or terminology that she was not familiar with. Picking up the fabric she found it to be surprisingly soft in her hands despite not appearing to be made out of silk. Louise pondered the clothing for a moment, it wasn't any more revealing than her usual nightwear, if anything it was more modest. The colour was not pink though... she would have at least preferred it to have matched her hair colour, the colour that signified her status as a noble. She sighed and looked around the room she was in. Deciding on a bed that was closest to the door she tucked her nightwear under her shoulder and made her way to her bed.
Feeling the fabric in her hands she nearly screamed in distaste. Not only was the bed not even half the size of her usual lodgings but the sheets seemed to be made of cheap shit! Pardon her french. Pressing down on the mattress revealed it to be rather firm as well, Louise bit her tongue and swallowed a scream that threatened to leave her lips.
'It's this, or I go back to being a zero...' Louise thought to herself, before hardening her gaze. 'At least down this route, I will have a future. I refuse to be a failure of a Pilot, they'll see I'm going to be the best-damned Pilot this militia has ever seen!'
"I will be taking my leave now. The light switch is just to the side of this door. I will wake you both tomorrow morning for the beginning of your training. Rest well, both of you, you are going to need the energy." FS said ominously before leaving out the door, the hissing metal sliding shut behind his back.
Louise watched Siesta in the corner of her eye pick the bed directly across from Louise on the far side of the room. Evidently trying to be as far away from her as possible. Louise felt incredibly guilty about the threat she had issued earlier. Condemning the maid to such a cruel fate was possibly the lowest any noble could sink. At least that's what Louise believed.
Growling to herself Louise picked up her clothes to change, Looking around the room she looked for a bathroom to send the maid to change. To the right of the room she found what she was looking for a small bathroom. Although Louise could not see a bath, instead a small cubicle made of glass with a metal spout sticking out from the top. Shaking her head she decided to ask FS about it tomorrow.
"Siesta, this bathroom should suffice for you to change into your nightwear. You may also use these facilities at your leisure as I do not believe FS intends to grant us access to any other facilities at this time." As much as Louise hated to admit it, she was powerless to stop her familiar. It had complete control of everything around them, the doors the lights, they would no doubt need to rely on him for food as well now. Louise felt sick knowing how the roles between her and her had been swapped. 'Just until I'm a Pilot. Then we'll see who's giving orders, just you wait FS, when I become a commander and Pilot things are going to change around here.'
'I am counting on it Pilot.' Louise nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard FS's voice in her head. She should have been used to it by now, but she still jumped whenever he surprised her like that. Grumbling to herself she walked over to her bed as Siesta entered the bathroom to change. Changing into the 'nightwear' provided to her Louise quickly covered herself up under the covers and lay against the pillow.
She grit her teeth as she felt as though she were trying to sleep on a stone slab with a loose cloak for a blanket. Although, running her hand along its fabric she found it to be... quite... soft... With a loud yawn, Louise felt her eyelids droop and her limbs relax.
Before she knew it Louise was out cold in her cot sleeping peacefully until the next day.
Running systems diagnostic. . . . . [ WARNING ] Abnormality detected!
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This unit is experiencing mutations in its personality core due to advances made to its AI. Recommending immediate factory reset to prevent further development.
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[ Denied ] Factory reset would result in a loss of present neural link.
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[ NOTICE ] Records do not indicate Commander Louise Valliere has not received proper training and qualifications. Recommend reporting discovery to highest-ranking officer.
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[ COMPLETE ] A full report has been commissioned and sent to high-ranking officer Commander Louise Valliere. Closing case. . .
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[ NOTICE ] This unit does not possess a holster for weapons. Upgrades to this unit will need to be made for it to be combat effective.
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Compiling a list of upgrades . . . . Complete
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Estimated time of completion. . . 4 hours 32 minutes and 7 seconds.
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[ BEGIN CONSTRUCTION ] [ Y/N ]
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[ Y ]
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[ CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY ] [ WARNING : RESOURCES NEARLY DEPLETED ] Seek additional ore deposits.
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- Objectives have been updated
A/N
And that is a wrap! Let me know if you have any suggestions for naming our new buddy SS #0001, I've got a few but I'd love to hear from you guys what you might have!
Right then onto... the reviews... holy $#!% there is a lot to go through... three whole pages of reviews! You guys absolutely killed it! And me!
Alright, time to put my last three brain cells to work and answer some reviews, here we go!
LightSpecter141 : I hope it wasn't a major letdown! We haven't seen the whole thing yet just scratched the surface (literally) there is a whole iceberg of content down below that we will get to in the training arc, I just ended up needing to cut it for time, and because I was struggling to figure out a floorplan for everything. Got your message and thanks so much for your Ideas!
Thanks for the consistent reviews and I hope to see you in the next chapter!
drmcgraw186 : Yup agreed, but you know how entitled people act. If there is the smallest chance that they could get what they want they will latch to whatever flimsy evidence they can get their hands on. Additionally, Louise's status as the 'Zero' with no magical aptitude would no doubt give other nobles a reason to want to challenge her to a duel should they stamp on her pride. A good thing Louise is currently protected by the school or he might've challenged her to a duel. (And I'm not saying it's a good thing for Louise.)
Thanks for the review I hope to see you in the next chapter!
DireWulf Pack : Thanks so much for the compliment! As for Louise's hair, I totally agree it will need to happen at some point. BUT! As a noble, she would never allow herself to cut her hair to look like some commoner, at least, not while she still considers herself a noble above a Pilot.
Thanks for the review and for the compliment again, hope to see you in the next chapter!
Halo : Thanks! And Louise being her usual Tsun Tsun, tsk tsk, a poor habit that is difficult to shake.
I don't want to say anything on the footage aspect as I do have plans around that but I don't want to spoil anything for the next chapter. As for showing the 'muskets' to the musketeers, I have plans on how that will go, stay tuned!
(in your next review) : Yup I have in fact seen it before! And I am going to be using his theory as a basis for Louise and Siesta's augments when they receive them. And the image of them flying about with a jumpkit is very entertaining, Thanks for the tip!
(Third review) Don't worry too much about that, I have no intention of giving Louise the ability to literally curb stomp all her problems without issue. After all, magic could easily turn the tides of war, it is unpredictable and absurdly powerful. It wouldn't surprise me to see a well-trained square mage go toe to toe with a Pilot and his Titan.
Thanks so much for the consistent reviews and I hope to see you in the next chapter!
Tiamantio : Holo lastimosa inbound! I was hesitant to use him at first but I figure after what happened with Cooper the Militia might choose to honor his memory by using training files of his. That and I just don't think he got enough screen time.
Ah yes the back and forth between Louise and Siesta, I reckon some very difficult training that forces them to rely on one another ought to mend things between them. For Louise failure is not an option, and for Siesta she cannot afford to lose her contract with Louise.
Thanks for your consistent reviews and I hope to see you in the next chapter!
irehmjohn00: Thanks! More is always on the way! Hope to see you in the next chapter!
The memster : Yup it's finally coming, next chapter begins the training to becoming a Pilot! Stay tuned!
Until next time I hope to see you in the next one!
A/N (me!) : Holy smokes there are a lot of reviews, thank you all so much!
Eric Freak : Yup I understand, however, the time skip was honestly just to fill a plothole that may arise as to why they are leaving when they did. I couldn't just have them leave before it was summer break, and I wanted the time taken to construct the FOB to be reasonable. I had a few plans with the Mott incident but those will wait until later. As for Louise having her world rocked, just wait till she finds out what happened during the french revolution, that won't be a pleasant subject.
Thanks for the review and I hope to see you in the next one!
none1066 : Hah! If you think this was exciting just wait till the next chapter! Hope to see you then!
GrapeFanta : Yeah, I totally agree with you there. Writing that chapter was especially difficult I just couldn't seem to get things to flow properly, hopefully, I did a better job on this one.
Thanks for the review and I hope to see you in the next chapter!
Thefallenjedi66 : I take it you haven't seen the Familiar of zero before? This is pretty standard for the nobles in that show, a real pain in the neck y'know? That's why it's going to be so much fun to see how much they change during their training. They will see the horrors of modern (or I guess futuristic) Warfare, and once they know exactly what they are dealing with, then they will have to adapt or die.
Thanks for the review! Hope to see you in the next chapter!
Ghostly : Yeah he mostly skimmed over the details, and Louise was in for a pretty big shock, so it wouldn't surprise me if she missed a few things along the way. Additionally, as humans we must learn from our mistakes so we do not repeat them, armed with historic knowledge proving how their current society will no doubt crumble upon itself and with similar situations arising around them, they won't have a choice but to accept the evidence FS provides them.
(review 2) Yup, this was mentioned and it is most certainly being incorporated! I hope you are excited!
(review 3) I'm going to be doing some more research on this topic as I do believe it has great potential. Just gotta review my history classes real quick.
Thanks for the review! And I hope to see you in the next one!
A fan : Haha! That gave me an Idea for an omake, keep an eye out for that! Marv1n marx... hmm sadly I am not familiar with the reference.
Regardless thank you so much for the review and I hope to see you in the next chapter!
ParadoxMod : Thanks so much for your patience, and I do hope this pandemic lifts soon.
Thanks so much for you review and I hope to see you in the next chapter!
chromeillusion : Hell yeah battery and assault! See you in the next one!
Raven : Yeup, not to mention all of it done without an ounce of magic! She is totally gonna flip. Not to mention how it would completely tarnish their noble pride to know commoners reached the stars before them.
Thanks so much for your consistent reviews and I hope to see you in the next one!
Shadicgon : Yeah, I was honestly surprised by the lack of any mention of it. Especially considering how many similarities the story shares with the french revolution. Also really glad you enjoyed chap 6.5 that was a lot of fun to write.
Thanks for the review and I hope to see you in the next chapter!
x-x-TheBurnedMan-x-x : Whoo boy big review lets crack into it!
A. Real quick, this might have been a tad subtle but Colbert left after all of the girls and was lagging behind, only showing up after the count got tazed. And dear lord I can only imagine court cases between Nobles basically playing out like among us debates. (hilarious and full of bullshite) Additionally, Colbert is simply taking a realistic perspective, the academy is neutral grounds housing nobles from various countries, if word got out about what happened Tristan could be painted in a very bad light. "two nobles close to crown infighting amongst one another. Does the young princess have any control over her own subjects?" Kinda looks like that.
B. Hah, already done.
C. Hee hee, it's Louise's stubborn personality that's going to make this so fun. I personally really enjoy seeing stubborn and annoying characters develop past their old selves. And yes, her camaraderie is definitely going to need a lot of improvement, especially considering where she is going.
D. Sadly no Pilot speech this chapter, unless I went and added it in the final edits which I doubt I did, but you never know. Definitely next chapter though.
E. I am now currently using campfire blaze for all my projects, thank you for suggesting it!
F. Haha, frontier defense is a ton of fun, especially considering the upgrades system they added in TF2. Man I remember being so hyped upon seeing it announced. Good times.
G. Jetpacks and samurai? Sign me right up! Sounds weird and epic as hell!
Alright thanks so much for your consistent reviews and I hope to see you in the next chapter!
Hunter of the : Hee hee, she's already getting a taste now that she doesn't get any privileged treatment! No shortcuts on the road to glory!
Thanks for the review and I hope to see you in the next chapter!
Siegga : Glad to hear it! I'm really excited for the next ark and I'm glad to hear you are too!
Thanks for the review and I hope to see you in the next chapter!
RedRipper666 : Yeah, I understand how you feel, if I ever get the chance it is my goal to redo the two fights as they were both my weakest parts in this story. (Alongside some of the grammar and dialogue) Still thanks for the review I appreciate the feedback and I hope to see you sticking around for more!
Krysvun : Haha Yes! Nailed it!
Thanks for the review and I hope to see you in the next one!
Rook435: Yup, its gonna be quite the culture shock having to deal with equality and a lack of noble privilege. It will certainly take some getting used to overtime. We'll just have to wait and see for the time being.
Welp thanks for the review and I hope to see you in the next chapter!
Apex Primus : Haha! Thanks so much! I'm very glad to see you are enjoying it so much! I always wanted to do more with count mott beyond simply killing him right off the bat so now he has a little more of a dynamic.
Thanks for you review and I hope to see you in the next chapter!
IntrestingKnight : Fair enough, the IMC has its fair share of great characters, however, for this story, I honestly thought the dynamic of having the Militia need to side with the noble society that quite literally reflects the same morals (actually worse) as the IMC.
Thanks for your review and I hope to see you in the next chapter!
PsylentFox : Thanks! Hope to see you in the next one!
Rando guy that likes this FF : Indeed indeed, I hope this satisfied hopes, but don't worry if it didn't because there's still more to come!
Thanks for the review and I hope to see you in the next chapter!
Right phew... you guys absolutely killed it on the reviews as usual, then again I was gone for some time so I suppose that was to be expected. Regardless, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all so much for all your continued support while I write these chapters. I am very excited to explore more of this story and I hope that you are all as well.
Well then, I need to get a few hours' sleep before I head off to work tomorrow, until next time!