Whatever it takes

New recruits

Old peace city

We see a standard GA NEXT engaging a group of NORMALS, it's movements were clunky as it backed up into a building. Two cannon shots from NORMAL pierced through its a already weakened Primale Armor and dealt a devastating blow.

"Shut down simulation 03."

The trainee looked up at where the voice came from to be met with one of the leaders of ORCA.

"03 you're no good to me if you can't handle a few NORMALS try again."

"But sir the building keep getting in the way."

"I don't care 03 what do you think will happen when you get sent into actual combat, are you just going to run through the building? Because that's a good way to get your ass stuck try again."

Strayed activated 03's simulation before leaning onto the railing of the catwalk above the recruits and observing them. Strayed's ears picked up the sound of footsteps approaching him but he already knew who it was even though he wasn't looking at the man.

"How are the new recruits doing." Thermidor asked as Strayed turned his head to acknowledge him.

"Some are better then other but overall it's bad." Strayed's attention was quickly diverted away from Maximilian as he stared at the far right end of the row of trainees.

"Any of them show any promises" Thermidor didn't get a response instead Strayed began walking down the catwalk until he stopped and began watching a specific recruit.

The pilot in question was piloting a Rayleonard NEXT a 03-AALIYAH to be more specific it dodged behind one of the ruined skyscrapers as a shell impacted its wall it then slid out of cover and opened fire with an assault rife and a energy rifle.

It lowered the rifle in it's right hand as a cannon folded out from its back. The NEXT locked its legs in place and let the cannon sing. With one shot the cannon took out 5 NORMALS at once.

Strayed's visor immediately identified the pilot "01" the pilots head snapped back as they caught sight of both ORCA leaders watching them intently.
"Good job! You've proven that you can take on NORMALS but nows the real challenge."

The scenery before 01 quickly faded instead of ruined skyscrapers and sandy dunes the landscape was that of an ocean with small platforms protruding from the cold depths. On the opposite platform that 01 was on was another NEXT its white and blue paint job shined from the sun that pierced the cloudy weather over head.

01's attention was immediately snapped back to the simulation as they engaged the enemy. The white NEXT was to fast for the Rayleonards energy weapons. So it lowered its left arm as a chain cannon unfurled from its back drowning the enemy NEXT in a storm of lead. The white NEXT shot a stream of missiles at 01 the chain gun changed targets as it shot a few missiles out of the sky only for the others to hit there target.

Either do to being damaged or because of the AI the white and blue next rammed into a wall stunning it. 01 took this chance to use the laser rifle an orange bolt left the weapons and hit dead center completely shattering the enemies Primale Armor. 01 unfolded the cannon on its right side a let a shot ring out. It pierced right through the torso of the white NEXT which was soon followed by an explosion that ripped it apart. Leaving only debris floating in the water.

"01! Please step forward" Strayed called out. 01 hoped off the chair and took there helmet off revealing a woman age 20 standing at around 5'1
With shoulder length brown hair with grey eyes. But what would catch the attention of most normal people was the pair of cat like ears that twitched from time to time on top of her head.

"01 you will now be referred to by name. Victoria, you've impressed both me and Thermidor if you keep that up you'll find yourself a good spot in ORCA but for now you get the rest of the day off." She immediately saluted both of them before leaving the simulation room "thank you Sir."

"As for the rest of you get back to work" some of the recruits put in more effort now that they knew a break was a award for finishings the sim some even got past the NORMALS only to get stuck on the NEXT.

"She peek your interest?" Thermidor asked.

"Yes she did, she shows promise especially in a Rayleonard. There arnt many of us left" Strayed let out a little laugh

"Rayleonard pilot haha you haven't flown a Rayleonard since you betrayed the league."

"Yeah yeah Max I still flew that baby for almost half of my career. Hell I'm sure if I wanted to the Americans would rebuild her if I asked. Although Morrgan is fine enough for now."

Both men sat in silence for a while until Thermidor spoke up "something wrong Strayed?"

"I'm worried about Ostdarva, it's not like I can't handle him I'm worried that he'll do something rash. You know how he is he would sink an entire city to the bottom of the ocean because they didn't want to be apart of the league and there fucked up economic war."

"Yeah I've been keeping an eye open for my other half even the Americans are If something come up I'll let you know then we can both deal with him."

Strayed nodded and pushed him self off of the railing making his way out of the sim room "just keep me updated Max."

"Where are you going?" Thermidor asked.

"I need a break and some fresh air I've been watching over the trainees for two hour its your turn now" before Thermidor could object Strayed had already left the room.

Victoria's barracks

The catgirl stared at the ceiling as her thoughts ran wild 'I got praised by the boss today, mmm Maybe becoming a mercenary wasn't such a bad idea if I keep working hard I might get a good position of power' her eyelids slowly shut as sleep imbraced her.