Chapter 4

Sairo awoke from the alarm. He checked the time, 6:00 am. He rose and saw everyone else hastily doing their beds. Sairo guessed he was expected to do the same and quickly made his bed. A few minutes later Commander Stark entered the chamber and everyone saluted.

"I know that all of you know what to expect at 9 am, so don't be late or you will score an immediate fail." Everyone nodded and saluted again as Stark left. As everyone was getting ready Sairo thought about what just happened. What was going to happen? He should probably ask Luut about it. He looked for Luut but it seemed he and his friends have already left. Storme? But maybe she would scold Sairo. He remembered what Luut had said. Maybe he had a chance without suffering early scars. Sairo walked over to Storme, who was sharpening her machete's blade somewhat roughly.

"Um, Storme? Could I get some info on what's going on?" Storme looked up. She looked clearly annoyed, but she answered anyway.

"Well, we have a test to go through before we initiate this vital mission. It just tests your strength and whatnot." She smirked. "Of course I don't have to go through with the test; I'm too good, but I want to see what the person I'm assigned to can do." She got up and was about to leave when she said, "Don't disappoint me." Sairo just stood there, unsure what happened. Eventually he left, thinking about what had happened. His partner seemed eager to see what his skills were and yet her bio would have hinted towards other reactions. Sairo dismissed on all thoughts and just focused on training himself to prepare. He told himself not to train too hard though; he would need as much energy as he could you. He did various different training activities: weightlifting, rifle shooting, treadmill running and ended with eating, because training could build up an appetite. Eventually the time for testing had arrived and the entire squad were prepared for the test. Sairo kept an eye out for Luut and Storme. Sairo could already predict Storme's outcome but it interested Sairo to see how see fought. Luut was taller and more muscular than Sairo so he expected to see a lot of melee related damage. The first person to take the test was a soldier that was about the same height as Sairo but a lot less muscular. The arena in question was in a dome shape with lots of cover for people who preferred guns. The dome arena was seen through the viewing stands that circled it. Sairo stepped forward to watch what would happen. A beep was given and the soldier rushed for cover (Sairo rightly assumed the beep signalled the start of the test). He had picked an assault rifle and seemed to know what he was doing. The arena flooded with cyborgs that didn't seem like much of a challenge for this competitor. He swiftly took down multiple with quick sprays of laser beams from the gun and would quickly charged his weapon between each shot. After some time the test was over for this soldier, who passed the test and was in for the mission. Then it was Luut's turn. He emerged with two laser arm guns, to Sairo's surprise. When the beep went, Luut ran straight for where the cyborgs were coming from and took cover close to their position. He mercilessly shot each one down, only stopping for recharging. A cyborg managed to get behind Luut and nearly shoot him. However Luut, sensing that something was behind him, quickly grabbed the cyborg by its head and smashed it into the ground. Luut passed as well. A few more soldiers also passed, but three so far had failed: one was shot in the back, one overheated her gun far too many times and the last hit himself with his own weapon somehow. Then it was Storme's turn, who entered with glee. Her weapons of choice were a machete and a laser pistol. As soon as the beep went Storme rushed over to the right side of the arena, right against the wall. The cyborgs took aim and started firing, but Storme quickly ran close to the wall, closing the gap between her and the cyborgs. As soon as she was close enough she slid in between one of the cyborgs legs with her machete outstretched to slice it in two. She sprang up and sliced another cyborg's head off whilst shooting another three consecutively. She lashed out against another behind her and hit it with the stub of her gun, then sliced at its chest, completely cutting its internal wiring. One by one they hit the ground (except for consecutive kills), then for the final one she sprinted up the barricades and jumped above the last cyborg. She brought the machete down right in the centre of the cyborg. She rose from her crouched position and walked away from the scene. She passed. Clearly. Sairo went last, the anticipation killing him. He entered the ring with a laser rifle and his gritty determination to not look like much of a fool, whether or not he passed. When he was in the field the doors on the other side opened but only one enemy entered the ring. Sairo narrowed his eyes. This may be easier than he thought. May be. The speakers came on with the voice of Stark.

"Ok, for this last participant we will have a super soldier fighting a super soldier, just to make things fair. Whether or not participants die is not my choice, but of those being tested in this round. Commence the test." Sairo certainly wasn't expecting this. He didn't know the strength of these super soldiers. What could be enhanced, speed? Accuracy? Lifespan? Beep. Sairo wasn't ready to hear that noise, so a few lasers went in his direction. He quickly dove for the nearest point of cover and got his weapon ready. He pointed his gun over his cover and started firing away, not knowing what he was hitting. He peeked over his cover. His opponent was nowhere to be seen. He was just about to move cover when suddenly shots came from above. Sairo narrowly dodged the shots and ran whilst observing his opponent. He was wearing battle armour and a helmet, and he had an arm gun. Sairo fired back, but all shots were dodged. It just occurred to Sairo that his opponent was flying, but how? He had no jet pack or anything. Sairo kept on running as the lasers rained down on him. Storme was watching and was taken aback. Sairo's stamina and speed exceeded all soldiers chosen to participate in the test. She knew why. She overheard Dr. Williams talking about him,

"He's a Saiyan, commander. He will be a most valuable ally, but first we need to make him… forget about certain things. He may find out about his origin, but it won't be until he owes us his life!" Storme stared at Sairo, then she shook her head. Why did she care so much for anyway? He's just another soldier and a valuable addition to the cause. Well, her cause anyway.

"Storme? What's going on, you look softened. Is the new kid getting to you?" Storme was startled and turned to see Luut. She was quickly frustrated with him.

"I'll have you know I don't care at all about him; he's just a burden waiting to die." She snapped. Then she relaxed and smiled. "And once again I'll be free of distractions." Luut tutted.

"As cold as ever." He stated with a smirk before going back to his friends. Storme looked back to see what was going on. Sairo was taking swooping attacks from the other soldier, but Sairo still managed to keep his ground. Sairo eventually had enough, and dropped his gun. If he was going to lose, he was going to see if he had any of his own super strength. When the opponent swooped down, Sairo held his two hand together and smashed them upwards into the other soldier's face. The soldier flew upwards, then fell back down without making a single sound, except for the thud of his land. Sairo checked on the soldier; he was either dead or unconscious. Sairo had passed. After a speech given by the Commander everyone proceeded to return to their quarters. Sairo started walking back when he heard Luut's voice,

"Hey, you're not going to walk back without us are you?" Sairo turned around and met Luut and his friends with a smirk when he realised something; Luut was bigger and more muscular than Sairo, but Sairo was the stronger one between them. He said,

"Yeah sure, I got time for that." Sairo saw Storme beckoning him over. "Hang on a sec, Storme's calling." The men cooed, which caught Sairo sharply. "I dare you to do that again." He said. "You know what I can do." They laughed, some apologizing, before leaving Sairo to speak with Storme.

"I'm somewhat impressed; a very hard feat to accomplish." She stated. Then she sharply poked Sairo in the chest. "But don't think you can outclass me, I lead you follow." Sairo chuckled and exclaimed,

"Yes ma 'me!" Storme narrowed her eyes, a vein slightly bulging from her forehead, then grabbed Sairo by his jacket, which startled him.

"I'm also not going to take any sarcasm from you, got that?" Sairo gave a nod and Storme released him from her vice grip. She then left, leaving Sairo to join Luut. They went to their quarters, waiting for what the big mission was.