...
Already with more than a month of training, the chosen one walked in the corridor of the infirmary floor. Every now and then he saw androids patrolling the area. Aiden thought they looked like Corel, but even though they were more modern, they seemed less intelligent, unable to hold a conversation.
Whenever he could, he would send messages to his family, saying that he was better than he actually was, and they responded with great pride and words of encouragement.
The infirmary had several windows to the corridor, which allowed to see its interior before entering the room. As usual, several beds and remedies scattered by the great environment, which was practically empty of life.
Upon entering, he saw an old lady, the doctor on duty who checked Aiden's physical condition.
Good morning.” Said the boy.
“Good morning. I'm happy to say you're very healthy.Your muscles are already adapted to your new routine, how do you feel?”
“I still get tired before most, but at least I don't feel pain when I wake up.”
The lady smiled at him and after discussing some details he left going to the next stage of training.
On the second floor, he saw the training center with weight machines, fighting arenas, punching bags and various gym apparatus.
Pardalis was the one who was coordinating the training and all of Aiden's colleagues were already there.
In the center of a ring, he saw Dommerick with upholstered gloves and a head guard fighting with another of the soldiers. Normally, Dommerick was relaxed, but when he fought, he was 100 percent focused.
The other soldier was also in good physical condition; however, Dom dominated the fight, without giving a chance of a counterattack.
“MacCoy” cried Pardalis. “Come here!”
The boy approached, receiving a pair of gloves and a head guard from the general.
“It's time for you to fight for real. Get in the ring.”
Pardalis ordered Dom to continue and the two soldiers faced each other. Aiden knew he didn't stand a chance, and Dom himself looked sorry for him.
Dom got into his fighting posture while Aiden tried to get in the ring.
“Start!” Ordered the general.
Dom looked at Aiden's stance and commented.
“You're out of support, put your legs like mine, or you'll fall off really quick. Also protect your face more with gloves.”
Pardalis cried, clearly annoyed:
“Did I told you to give MacCoy tips?”
Dom got silent and, before Aiden could understand what was happening, he was punched in the stomach and was soon on his back.
Pardalis, from outside the ring approached and said to the boy:
“You need to position your legs better, or you don't have balance. Also protect the face with the gloves. If Private Rammer had aimed at your head, you wouldn't be conscious anymore.”
Aiden was in so much pain, he didn't even react.
“Again!” Cried Pardalis. “Until you can return a punch.”
They continue on for a few more minutes. He knew Dom was taking it easy and he still couldn't land a hit.
Soon, the two were tired and Pardalis told them to stop. While taking their tonics on a bench, Captain Rayzer emerged.
“Private Rammer,” he was addressing Dommerick “I am pleased to inform you that you have been selected for air battalion training. There are others who are competing for the position, so keep up the good work.”
Dom jumped for joy and only did not hug Rayzer because Aiden held him.
“Did you hear that, skinny? I'm going into the air battalion!”
“He just said that you're officially running for office. You still have to work really hard.”
“You are a buzzkill. As if anyone could defeat the great Dommerick Rammer.”
The two laughed together and continued talking until Pardalis send a series of exercises to them.
First Mission
Aiden rested on his bed. He didn't see Dom so often anymore, since he was training for the air battalion every day, finding him only when they had to sleep and any games of dice. He felt more confident in Evelin's presence and realized that she was opening up more with him.
His rest was interrupted with a warning on the communicators.
“Private Aiden MacCoy and Evelin Simeht, please report to the meeting room on the eighth floor.”
Aiden was concerned, as he has never been called by the communicators much less to the eighth floor; however, he felt better knowing that his colleague would, too. He knew that missions were discussed there, and Aiden had not yet participated in any, after all he was still in training.
He met Evelin in the elevator and the two greeted each other, followed by an embarrassing silence. Before he could try to break the ice, the doors opened, and they went their way.
When he arrived in the room, he noticed it was full. General Pardalis was standing up at the end of an oval metallic table. On the right side, he saw five older servicemen, who Aiden had already crossed at the base, but never interacted with and all stared at the two newcomers analyzing them.
Across the table, he saw captain Rayzer, sitting near Pardalis, with all five members of the air battalion by his side. It was comforting to see Dom with so many unknown people.
“Sit down.” Ordered Pardalis. “We have a mission to discuss.”
At the time, Aiden froze and only moved when he saw Evelin sitting in the nearest chair.
“General Pardalis.” Evelin spoke trying to sound as professional as possible. “I've been training Aiden personally and I don't think he's ready for a real mission.”
Although Aiden agreed with the girl, he was upset by the vision she had.
“I don't remember asking for your opinion.”Pardalis replied, cold.“Aiden needs field experience, and you will be there to protect him; and most importantly, Miss Simeht, you haven't even heard what your task will be. Then keep your mouth shut until you're asked to speak.”
Aiden could feel the girl's irritation by his side even without looking
