Hello everybody! After a year of distance learning, I'm back to being a substitute teacher. And oh boy! I honestly forgot how some can be so into their phones; advertising their instagram and tiktok to the entire class. Like seriously; how many of them really think they will become tiktok famous? Points for trying, but I think the ease of access to technology has deluded some of them into thinking it's "easy" and a "path laid with wild roses".

Anyway, that's enough of my personal thoughts on students and social media. I'm sure most of you just came here to read another chapter to this story. Well, here it is. Hope you guys enjoy this one. It's a bit longer than the others; X is going to be thrown into the thick of things. No full action yet, but I suspect that's coming in the next couple of chapters!

Chapter 3

"So you're the recruit everyone's been talking about," Signas said as he took a seat. X could feel the man's eyes carefully scrutinizing him. "A bit unremarkable at first glance. Still, I've learned to never take full stock in first impressions. I find it's usually the unremarkable that holds the most potential.

"Of course, that's not mentioning I've already seen video of your training fight with Castus. I'm impressed you bested a man of his caliber. So there's definitely more to you than meets the eye."

X did not know whether to take the commander's words as praise or insult. Considering he was before the head of the Maverick Hunter forces, the man who no doubt held high standards for both the program and his men; he hoped it was a compliment. It took a bit, though, to realize the commander said the training was recorded.

"B-But I don't remember seeing any cameras, sir."

"There's the base security cameras," Castus reminded with a grin. "For the ones in the training hall, they serve as both security measures and training videos. How else do you think the commander's able to vet potential candidates for the Maverick Hunters? We find recruits tend to do better when they think the boss isn't watching. Imagine how many would fail spectacularly if they knew they were being tested!"

"Castus, how many times have I told you to not be so casual when there are recruits around?" the commander chastised. However, there was no denying the hint of a friendly jab in his tone.

The other man's grin grew wider. "About as many times I've told you to make yourself seem more approachable to them."

"I'm the commander; I'm not supposed to default to being approachable."

"How about we both agree neither of you are going to change any time soon?" Alia cut in as she took a seat across from Castus. "X is already nervous enough about being here. Sending mixed messages about how he should act in front of you two isn't helping."

Signas agreed with a nod. "Of course. I apologize for that X. As you can see, Castus and I have known each other for a good while. We entered the program together and trust each other implicitly. He's a good man and an excellent Hunter. I just hope his bad habits don't rub off on you," he added with a glance to the other man.

"Hey!"

"Anyway, I'm sure you're wondering why you were called here tonight. Let me start by saying you're not in any kind of trouble. You can rest easy on that."

Hearing that would have helped were it not for the fact X was currently standing before the commander. A man respected by both humans and Reploids alike for his services on and off the battlefield. Someone who advocated to making the Maverick Hunters an organization open for humans to apply. A Reploid who worked the political field to have the war between the two races to rest.

It was hard not to be nervous when before someone of high prestige!

"In fact," Signas continued on, "it's usually good news when recruits meet with me personally. Apart from your recent training video; I've reviewed your performances while under Castus's instruction. You're definitely different from your peers; miles ahead in your progress in just a few short months. You show a lot of promise, X.

"It's because of that I'd like to make you a proposition. But let me ask you a question first. You signed up for the recruitment program in hopes of becoming a part of the Maverick Hunters, correct?"

X nodded.

"Can you tell me what the job of a Maverick Hunter is to you?"

"Maverick Hunters are tasked with protecting both robot and humankind from Reploids who have turned against us. The Hunters are sent to wherever there's reports of an attack to minimize the damage and neutralize all threats. They do what they can to prevent a full-scale war from breaking out."

"Good, but that's a textbook answer. I want to know what you personally think the job of a Maverick Hunter is. What is your belief about the program, and what is it you hope to achieve in the field?"

"What I personally think?" It took X a moment before he could reply. "Well, Maverick Hunters aren't just around to handle Maverick threats. They're sworn to protect everyone from any and all dangers. Even when on assignment, they should be able to adapt to any sudden changes and developments.

"They should also be willing to help anyone in need. There's no way to avoid people getting caught in the middle of a Maverick attack. Keeping people safe is just as important as stopping Mavericks. It's what I feel the Maverick Hunter program was created for; to both apprehend Mavericks and defend those caught in the line of fire."

Signas nodded. "Thank you, X. What do you think, Castus?"

Castus's grin could be heard in his words. "I think he has the makings to be a great Maverick Hunter. To hear him say he feels protecting civilians is as important as the mission itself; his heart's definitely in the right place. Hopefully, he can stay true to those sentiments when put to the field."

"And how about you, Alia?"

"I can definitely see him being an asset to the team," she responded while smiling at X. "He seems willing to listen to suggestions and directions. I haven't personally seen him practice working with a handler, so I'm not sure exactly how flexible he can be in the field. Though if what Castus wrote in these files are true, I think X will do just fine."

"Thank you, you two. Your opinions make it easier to voice my decision.

"X," Signas announced, turning his attention to X. The recruit, in turn, responded by standing straighter. "I had Castus call you here so the three of us could review your progress over the past few months. I suppose you could call this an interview of sorts."

"An interview? What do you mean?"

"As I said before, it's usually good news when I ask to meet with recruits. While you've only been with us for a short time; I think you're prepared to take the Maverick Hunter field test. If you feel you are, I'm more than ready to start the process immediately."

Castus then got up and walked towards X. He put a hand on his shoulder before saying, "Congratulations! You've made history at being offered a field test only a few months into your training!"

X himself was beyond dumbstruck. He could barely eek out, "Me? A field test?"

"One that would be effective immediately if you say yes right now," Alia added as she ruffled through the papers she brought. "That's why I'm here. I'll be your handler for the field test. It will be an actual mission with actual threats. No written exams or training scenarios; this will be the real thing."

"A-An actual mission…?"

"I understand this is very short notice," Signas admitted when sensing X's hesitancy. "Though to be fair, all recruits I recommend a field test for are put through the same motions as you. When you become a Hunter, you won't have the luxury of being given missions at times convenient for you. Danger happens at all hours of the day; there's no working around it. You'll need to be ready to respond at a moment's notice.

"That said, this is being offered to you as your field test. Don't feel pressured to accept, though. You have the right to say no if you don't feel you're ready. If that's what you decide, I'll reschedule another review panel for another time. I'll still assign a Hunter to the job; this just won't act as your test."

X was amazed at what he was being offered. A field test? A chance to prove himself worthy to be a part of the Maverick Hunters? It was what he hoped to achieve since becoming a recruit. It was a dream come true!

But was he really ready to take the test? If what they said was true, he would be the first ever recruit to take it just months after being accepted into the training program. From what was explained in orientation, recruits typically trained for over a year before being considered. Even then, there was no guarantee one would be tested as a field agent.

Did they really believe he had what it takes? Was he ready to be a Hunter? Or were they just doing this because of the results of his training a few days ago?

"X? Look at me." Castus' voice broke through his jumbled thoughts, and he looked at his instructor's reassuring expression. "It's okay if you tell us you're not ready. We won't think any less of you. In fact, we'd respect you for admitting you're not yet ready to become a Hunter. There've been too many times recruits jumped at a chance to take the field test only to find themselves unprepared. So if you're don't feel confident, just say so."

"Don't feel confident"? Not "need more practice"? X had trained under Castus long enough to notice the man's purposeful choice of words. Mentioning a lack of confidence was Castus' way of saying to take the chance; that he felt X's skills were already honed for this. Even if he did not feel it right now, X was ready to take the challenge.

"I'll accept the test, Commander Signas." His voice was barely above a whisper, but there was no doubting his conviction to see this through.

Signas' smile took X by surprise. "I see that pep talk got through to you. I'd have been surprised if you declined after that.

"Now that we've gotten his acknowledgement to accept this mission as his test," he continued while turning his attention to Alia. "If you could please debrief us on the particulars of this assignment?"

She nodded before rifling through her folders, her professional demeanor suddenly taking over. In fact, the entire room suddenly took on a serious atmosphere. X was taken aback at how quickly everyone's mood changed.

"We've received reports of a cave-in at the Tundra Mines," she began. "There aren't any casualties so far, but some miners are still trapped inside. The head foreman requested our help in rescuing them."

"But why ask us?" Castus asked with a raised eyebrow. "They should have their own response team for these kinds of disasters. While I'm sorry to hear they're in trouble; this isn't something to call the Maverick Hunters for."

"It is when there was an explosion reported just before the cave-in."

This pique Signas' attention. "An explosion? That's highly irregular. Did one of their machines malfunction?"

"No. All their diagnostics checks were clean. That means one of the explosives the miners used went off."

Castus frowned. "It just went off? That's impossible! Mining explosives are heavily regulated. All employees have to sign out how many they're taking and document where they plan on detonating them."

"That's also not mentioning the mines were retro-fitted a month ago," Alia added as she continued to comb through her papers. "They're now protected from unintended explosive damage, including any concussive feedback. Someone would have to place one in a very specific spot to cause this cave-in.

"Combining everything we've learned thus far, this was no accident. All the signs point to this being a Maverick attack. As such, our initial objective will be to head over to the Tundra Mines and confirm it ourselves."

"Are there any signs of Mavericks in the area?" Signas asked.

"Not at this moment. It's possible someone set the explosives up and left before they went off. It's too early to determine anything, though."

"What kind of mine are we talking about?" X asked. As this was now officially his test, he felt he needed to contribute in some way to the conversation. This particular moment seemed easiest to sidle into.

Alia took a moment to flip through her documents. "It deals with precious gemstones. Considering the security present for the operation; it's not worth attacking."

"…Unless now was a perfect opportunity. Did anything happen there recently? A change in security companies or in mining operations?"

"Let me check."

X wondered why Alia was pressing her fingers rapidly against the table. It was the next moment he realized why when a transparent monitor suddenly appeared before her. She had activated a holographic computer built into the table. It was only as large as her personal space, meaning the room was outfitted with a computer for all attendees if needed.

After a few swift keystrokes and swiping against the monitor, she seemed satisfied with her findings. "It looks like the mines did hire additional security recently. There isn't anything hinting as to why, though. No sudden changes in staffing levels or credible threats to the surrounding area."

Castus shook his head. "It doesn't matter the reason. This is most likely how a Maverick managed to sneak in. They pretend to be a member of the new security team, sneak inside to cause a cave-in, then do whatever it is they planned to do. We might even be dealing with a group of Mavericks. We'll have to run background checks on the new security members. See if anyone ping off our systems."

"Nice job with that suggestion, X," he complimented with a smile. "Not even officially on the field yet and you're able to make progress into the investigation."

"A sharp mind, indeed," Signas added. "Could be what saves lives out in the field."

X blushed at the praise from both. Sure, he helped open up a new line of investigation into the attack. He figured, though, they would have come up with that idea later on down the line. Everyone here were pros, after all; he was just a recruit.

The commander seemed to notice the look on X's face. "I hope you're not thinking what you just did wasn't important. While it may be true we would've gotten to that line of thought soon; it's good we got to it now. The time we saved between now and when we might've considered the idea can be life-changing. It's time we would've lost otherwise. So don't go undermining whatever progress you made. Do you understand?"

"Y-Yes, sir!"

"Good. Now that we're armed with all this information; let me officially describe the details of the mission.

"The Maverick Hunters have been requested to help with a cave-in situation at the Tundra Mines. From what we've discovered, it's highly likely a Maverick is responsible. As such, we'll be sending X in to investigate. Alia will act as his handler for the mission. I'll have Castus conduct some research into the mines. He'll run cross-references on the new security team and try to figure out why they were hired in the first place.

"However, this will also serve as X's field test to become a Maverick Hunter. Because of it, I will assign someone to oversee his progress. In fact, I've already set things up by assigning a Hunter to this mission beforehand. He's right now prepping in the armory but is aware that X may go along with him.

"Remember," Signas warned as he brought his full attention to X. "While you will be on an official mission, this is still a field test. Your success is not contingent on having been able to complete the mission; it's in how you conduct yourself during it. So if you feel overwhelmed, pull back. Don't play at being a hero. Recruits have died in the field trying to pull stunts beyond themselves."

Castus rolled his eyes. "What a way to scare him. But I agree; just do what you can. If things get hairy, let your overseer take over. Just stick with what I've taught you and you'll be fine. Okay?"

X simply nodded.

"Good. By the way, Signas; who did you originally put on the mission?"

"Zero."