Zaltana isn't quite sure what to do with herself now. It's morning, and Thomas is already gone. It's normal like this, but now it's a matter of something new. Commander of waiting outside her door, hand extended. She's dressed, so it's not like he knows she screwed someone last night, but something makes her think something is wrong. He's so... rigid. "Yes, Commander?"
"Prototype Z, you're late for training." His voice holds no warmth, but Zaltana has grown used to it. Of course, she's never seen under the mask to know why he would feel such a need to hide it. She's never seen much of anything to make him feel such a need to hide everything from her. She trusts him though, even if her file is such a blank, the only doubt she holds.
"I am?" Zaltana looks at the alarm clock. "I guess it's off..." The clock says she's on perfect time, but it appears to be otherwise. Zaltana turns back to the Commander. "I'm sorry, sir. It won't happen again." She's about to walk past when he grabs her arm, and she looks him straight in the eyes, her instincts telling her not to do anything other than shut the hell up and listen to him.
"Training has been cut down to three weeks. Be sure that you're ready. Any chance of helping the world will be tested in a... controlled environment to finish off your training with a finale." His grip loosens slightly. "Zaltana, you have to make sure they all know that you're the leader. We poured more money into you than the rest," he says, gently running a gloved finger along her cheek before slapping her hard. "Don't disappoint me."
Zaltana falls against the wall, her mind reeling as she glances up. She is so used to how he treats her that it almost pisses her off. Someone like her shouldn't be hit around like that. The only thing keeping him alive is her memories of everything he's done for her. He's saved her life so many times, been there for her when she needed him, so she just takes it. He did lose his sister to those damn Joes after all. "I live to please the world through Cobra, sir."
The blonde straightens up as he leaves, going to the training room. She stops outside, glancing over it quickly. It's going to be between her and four others, by the end of the second week, five teams will be made. Zaltana knows her best shot is in the combative unit, which is where she'll focus most of her effort. Today, however, is most definitely her time passer.
Sneaking around and getting in everyone's business.
Zaltana is quite aware of how this test is going to go. One person will be the gatherer of information, and the rest have to try to find that person while holding conversation. There's a designated spot for everyone, certain people they have to talk to at certain times. The longer you stay hidden, the better your score. Zaltana estimates this part of the task to take a few days since several of her teammates are heavy footed and clumsy.
Usually, one person would stay in one spot, right? It's strictly against the rules of the game, and if you stay in one spot for more than twenty minutes, you lose the whole game. That might be Zaltana's favorite part. Staying in one spot for even five minutes can get a lot of information about one person, especially watching their every move.
Zaltana walks in, seeing almost everyone there. She licks her lips, unsure of how to start being the leader when only one of the other competitors aren't here. She puts on a brave face, her motto flashing through her head. Conceal how you feel. "Does everyone know today's activity?" she asks loud enough to gain attention from the people nearby.
Xaria, a female with long dark hair and even darker eyes, scoffs. "Of course we do. You're not the only one in the loop, Zaltana." The blonde doesn't fail to notice the intense look in her eye. Zaltana and Xaria are easily the most qualified in the group for Alpha team period. As far as being leader goes, Zaltana is only honestly worried about this girl here. It doesn't help that Zaltana feels unpretty next to her. "Besides, I'm sure your 'friendship' with the Commander helps."
"Hey, Xaria, how about you shut the hell up." It isn't a question, and everyone in the room knows it. Zaltana can feel respect slowly building for her. Xaria could be particularly nasty, as in even Fiona doesn't mess with her. For someone to stand up to her was damn near a miracle and unheard of, unlike the Immaculate Conception. "Is everyone clear on the twenty minute rule?"
Nicholas, the youngest and sweetest of the bunch, asks, "What twenty minute rule?"
Zaltana can't help the smirk as Xaria pales slightly. "Let me guess, you weren't going to tell them to give yourself a better chance? Pity. I like fair game." Red floods the other woman's cheeks at her words, but Zaltana is already answering the question. "You can't stay in the same spot for more than twenty minutes and ten seconds."
"Why the ten seconds?"
"Ten seconds for you to realize you failed."
Aron stares out the window with a bored expression. All of his thoughts are on the green eyed man he came into contact with the night before. He couldn't care less about what his teacher is saying. She doesn't even know what she's talking about when it comes to the Nanomite Wars; Aron heard all about it from Duke. Baroness was blonde at a point in time, but not when the Wars started. "Aron, would you care to tell us what the Unnamed Soldier did to stop the Wars?"
Aron can't get used to it. Unnamed Soldier, Unknown Captain, Unmasked Soldier, etc, etc. He knows all of them. Riptide, Duke, Snake Eyes, and all of the rest. He's met all of them except Scarlett, and she is supposed to come in tomorrow. He gives her a blank stare. "He allowed all of the nanomites to attack his jet before taking them into the upper atmosphere."
The teacher turns away from him, satisfied that he is actually paying attention for once. Little does she know that he knows more than any teacher in the damn state, hell maybe the country, about the Nanomite Wars. Aron looks back outside, waiting for the bell to ring.
Zaltana is the last to go the next day. She's remained unseen for two hours, nearly beating Xaria's record with only five minutes to go. She peeks around the corner to see Hibiki, Thomas, and Mina. "Do you think I should start dying my hair a different color?" Mina asks with a deep frown. Zaltana rolls her eyes. Leave it Mina to be worried more about her hair than the task at hand.
"Guys, I'm trying to be serious. I managed to get my hands on something great last night. We need to make sure Zaltana gets it without knowing it's our doing." Zaltana listens closely at what Hibiki is saying, placing herself flat against the wall. There's five minutes before the next rotation, so she can stick around for the conversation. "I mean, it'll get her ahead of the competition for this spot."
"Hibiki, no one cares about that except you."
"And the Joes, Tommy. I'm telling you, man, something isn't adding up. When Mina and I were skating, some kid ran up to me. Some fucking kid. I don't know any kids." Thomas and Mina both sigh, leaving Hibiki to his own devices. "It doesn't add up. How would some little kid know it was even me? Fuck, the little shit said I'm dead."
"What happened next?" Thomas asks in a voice that Zaltana would've hit him for.
"I got away as someone came wading through the crowd. She was looking straight at me, man." The ring buzzes, and Zaltana looks around as they begin coming toward her. She find an open vent, probably from earlier use, and quickly climbs in. She's nearly silent enough to sneak up on herself when she's particularly paranoid. The trio goes by, and Zaltana drops to the ground again.
She makes it down a few hallways before stopping again. "...can't get it. I need this spot, Fiona."
"I don't want her to get it any more than you do, Xaria. Jamie wants to be done with her, but we can't just get rid of her." Zaltana glares at nothing in particular, imagining the trio choking of a sandwich. Why a sandwich, Zaltana doesn't know. "She's too close to the top, and has the advanced serum. I mean, how exactly are we going to do anything to her?"
Xaria is quiet for a while, and Jamie's annoying voice is easily heard. "Easy. We hit her where it hurts. Zarana is an easy target."
Hands wrap around Zaltana's middle, and the female comes face to face with Brian. "Hey, girl. I found you."