8-134- 14th December – 9 a.m. - TECH CHECK
“Treat me like the idiot I am,” I said. “What does it take to become a helo pilot?”
“Fitness, coordination, intelligence.” He chewed part of a sandwich, while I just stared. “You’ve been racing quite a while?”
“I have, yes. Though, it was nothing legal.”
He shrugged that off. “According to your wins, you process information at speed fast. You have great eye and hand coordination.”
He paused, and I saw something else in his eyes. “You were taught a lot by your biological father, with trips out to the forests and farms. When he passed away, you had your keystone mod installed, then you were taught by your stepfather, who also took you to a local gun range. When your mother pulled you out of school, she home-schooled you with some of the hardest texts I’ve seen for a teen. Everything was trained into you from the get go.”
“Yeah, I’m not military.”
“Military trained, no, but military schooled, by your father, and step-father, yes,” he said with a smile. “Military trained learn how to work together, how to follow orders, how to work within the chain of command. You . . . well, according to your paperwork, you know what to do, just not when to do it. You look like a troublemaker.”
“I don’t want to be,” I said. “Tell me about the process. What happens when I leave here, healed?”
“Training-wise, you will need to jump right in, so you will be going to Ground School. It’s usually a short two-month course. The current students are not far from starting, and by the time you’ve healed after Rise, there will be only a week remaining.”
“The next class?”
“We have no time for the next class; you need to pass out with this one.”
I swallowed. “How long will I have to catch up?”
“Possibly just a week.” He frowned. “Give or take a day or two, at most.”
“To learn how much?”
“A lot. Once you have the tech in, I’ll make sure you get their current schedule.”
“Which is?”
“All of the basic helo operations manuals, safety procedures, flying procedures, and first flights.”
“Simulations?”
“Yes, of course, Aug-World is the best training facility everyone has. Then you’ll pass a real flight and off to OFF.”
“Cost for the school?”
“We’ll take care of all of it,” he said.
“A lot, though? All of it? How much?” I asked. “I need to know.”
“Some things you can’t put a price on, Rusty.” His face, though stoic, flushed slightly.
“How much, if most have a million credits spent on them before they get to you?”
“Anything from adding five to ten million in tech. Schooling is anything up to another five million.”
No fucking way.
The thought of that cost blew my mind.
I had . . . I could never . . . I would never pay that back.
I was signing my life over to them. Possibly forever.
What about my parents? My friends? I’d never see them again, any of them?
All my thoughts blended into one. Into just pure panic.
I knew how much they’d already spent on me; I felt it.
“What do I get out of it?”
“Bar surviving and the career you always wanted?”
“Tsomak?”
He nodded, “Page 71.”
I flicked the page across. I’d have permanent access to Aug-World, never have to worry about credits there if I needed it, 10,000 minutes a month, and 100 credits a day.
I raised an eyebrow at him. “The pay sucks.”
“You’re lucky you’re getting anything.” His tone was stern, but there was a hint of a smile in the corner of his eyes. “We matched your working hours as a runner.”
I hesitated, continued to read on, small print, it was very small. If I died in action… well no one got anything. “What really happens at OFF?”
“You will be expected to work your ass off for this. It is not an easy ride. You’ve picked one of the hardest careers going.”
“Tech?”
“You’ll get what we can give you, mixed tiers what it takes min to get you in the air. It is then up to you to work harder prove your worth and upgrade certain things.”
“Makes sense,” I thought to the prices of the most basic tech, at 100 credits a day I would be here for ever.
“Military life is a lot of waiting around.” He carried on. “We do, however, work closely with our civilian partners. We do train some pure civilian helo pilots, but that is very rare; most of our pilots are taken from our military ranks. Makes things a lot easier. We add in their training to their military training. You won’t be doing half of that. You’re on the civilian side. So mostly you will be expected to learn fast and you’ll have lots of flight time. Our military pilots do part time, 3 to 5 hours a week, and it can take them 6-8 months to pass out on basic helos, then a month or so for the different specs. You, you’ll be at 15-20 hours flying, and we’re hoping you can pass out as soon as possible.”
“Kind of makes sense.” Silence spread over us as my mind ticked though my options, or rather, no options. “I would be dead without you,” I admitted.
Michaels flicked through his data pad once more to the next relevant page. “Yes, yes, you would be.”
“I’m glad I’m not dead,” I said, and my resolve strengthened. My father, and yes, even Tsomak had all my best interests at heart. They wanted the best for me, both of them.
“I will make you proud,” I whispered to them. “I will.”
Michaels’s eyes never left mine, then said, “You’ve still got an enthusiasm I would not have expected with your pain levels.”
“What does that tell you?” I asked.
“You are going to be trouble with a capital T.”
I swallowed my laugh. “But you’re still offering me a place?”
He put the pad in front of me. “Sign there.”
I looked at it.
This was it.
I had two choices: sign or don’t sign.
Either way, my life would never be the same.
Never.
“If I sign now, I’m going to be whisked away? Taken and put through the most intensive training years of my life?”
He didn’t answer me.
I moved the pad so I could scribble my signature on it with my left hand as best I could. “I’m in.”
He took the pad from me and held his hand out for me, until he realized I couldn’t shake it and swapped to his other so I could. “I look forward to following your advancements,” he said. “Do your family proud.”
“I will,” I replied, then risked. “Can I even talk to them, contact them?”
“We can’t stop you from talking to them. You will need to keep certain things to yourself, though.”
“Most of it.”
“Yes, almost all of it. If you talk to them, keep it simple. You’re okay, you’re doing okay, then ask about them.” I shook his hand. He turned, picked up his jacket, slipped it on, and then dipped his head just before he left. “First Lieutenant Bryd will make sure you’re on your way soon enough. I will see you again, Airman Korolyov.”
Then he was truly gone. I wondered for a moment if I really would see him again.
“Let’s get you moving, airman,” First Lieutenant Bryd said firmly.
“Where to first?”
“Rise, the best M-Corp military hospital there is,” he said. “It’s a fair trek, even in a fast car, so I’ll grab some extra pain relief for you and some drinks for the both of us on the way out.”
“Thanks,” I said.
“Welcome.” He moved off while I made myself ready to leave. I doubted I’d ever see any of the people from around here ever again. Bail, Allie, Daisy. Anyone else I knew, even those on the tracks or the job site like Vellas and Tae. My neighbors. Everything was changing today, and I’d agreed to it.
Allie ran in, her face flushed. “You’re going with them?” she asked.
“Yes, I am,” I said. “Please tell your brother I hold no ill will, and I hope he and Daisy can recoup their losses. When I can, I’ll send them both something in thanks, and I will miss them.”
“I don’t know what else to say,” she said and waved her hand over my broken body. “They’re going to look after all of that?”
“Yes. Don’t be worrying about me. I will be fine.”
She hugged me gently and when First Lieutenant Bryd came back for me, I followed him out of the room, through the corridors, and then out of the hospital without looking back.
It was heading toward nighttime once again, and a car idled at the end of the small parking lot. I didn’t look back at all as we got in it.
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
I knew I would never see my mom’s apartment again. Anything I had there was gone, anyway; I had no doubt they’d gone in and stripped it already. There wasn’t even a point in asking to go there to see it. It was better for me to leave and leave now. A full fresh clean start.
I let the hospital and my side of town drift away.
I thought about my future.
The future where I would be flying that SAR 707.
First Lieutenant Bryd didn’t speak much. I guess he was just looking after me, not educating me more. My brain had been pretty overwhelmed, too.
I sat back, letting my head fall against the headrest, and only when he offered me some more pills did I ask, “Do you like what you do?”
“I follow the lieutenant general around.” He smiled at me. “I get to meet some of the most talented youngsters in our city, and then I get to watch them grow. I couldn’t ask for a better job.”
That’s what I needed to hear. “Will I see you again after today?”
“I’ll drop in now and then, looking for intel for the lieutenant general,” he said. “He’s not hands on, but I am. I get to come in and watch certain events, then report in properly without the brushing over of details. That sometimes happens.”
That made a lot of sense, especially if some were fudging numbers. I mean, how many cheats had I come across in my years on the streets? Lots.
“I’d like that. To see you again.”
He smiled, genuinely. “I’ll leave you my personal HUD ID. You can, in extreme emergencies, request my or the lieutenant general’s attention, but I will stress that it has to be life or death. Do not abuse it.”
“I won’t,” I said. “I like to stand on my own two feet. I don’t want sympathy.”
“Yes, I can see that. So did the lieutenant general. He wasn’t one hundred percent sure with your medical notes.”
“Oh?” I hadn’t seen them; I had no idea what was going on with me at the moment. Pain, sure. That was obvious.
“Should I look?”
“You should, yes. You need to know how much you can and have pushed yourself.” He handed me a data pad, which I took, then began reading my injury report.
I’d dislocated and relocated my shoulder, and there was tendon damage and muscle damage as a result. I had one clean break to my upper arm and three breaks to my lower. There were many fractures noted in my wrist and fingers. I knew that was the worst of the damage. It would take a lot of work to fix everything, and likely a lot of money.
My internal injuries were where things got complicated fast. I had severe damage to multiple organs. My whole gut was bloodied and bruised.
“Technically, you shouldn’t be alive.”
“How am I?” I asked.
“That’s going to be for our medical staff to work out,” he said. “Honestly, it’s because you’re still alive when you should be dead that I managed to persuade him to let you in.”
“The pain is horrendous.”
“I bet. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone walking around with just half of your injuries. Even accounting for the survival pack you had installed.”
“You think I have something special?”
“Yes, I do.” First Lieutenant Bryd nodded. “Add to that your reflexes, intelligence, and last aptitude tests. You are someone to watch.”
I put the data pad down, and he took it back.
“Your blood results are weird, too,” he admitted. “Elevated nite levels, but none of them have ever been activated. I think our docs will get those sorted for you first, then add in their tech and a few other things. You’ll be in full fighting form before anyone else can even blink.”
“How long do you think all of this, this next stage, will take?” I asked.
“The operations will be first. You’ll spend twenty-four hours in surgery.”
Twenty-four hours, what the fuck were they putting in me? “What tech?” I asked.
I thought I saw a smile then, and Bryd picked the data pad up and put something else on the screen then passed it to me again.
I looked.
Brain Mod – X1
Tier: Three
M-Corp’s Xenith Series – X1- Created by J R Fraser
The X1 is our most advanced middle-range model for cerebral enhancement. It features a sophisticated neural network that allows for high levels of data storage and processing, making it suitable for a variety of applications. While it may not have the same capacity as our high-end models, it can still accommodate complex AI systems and handle demanding applications with ease.
The model’s security protocols are robust and designed to keep your personal data safe at all times. Its encryption algorithms provide a high level of protection against potential breaches, ensuring that your information is always secure.
With machine learning technology, including some AI capabilities, the X1 can adapt to your habits and preferences over time. This feature makes it ideal for use in healthcare, finance, education, and other industries where personalized support is crucial.
The X1 has fast response times and can accurately detect and respond to threats in real-time, protecting your data and keeping you safe. While it may not have the same level of AI sophistication as our higher-end models, it still provides reliable protection against potential threats.
Whether you’re a researcher, business owner, or creative professional, the X1 can help you achieve new levels of productivity and creativity. Although it is not compatible with third-party software or systems, it is still a powerful tool that can help you achieve your goals with greater ease and efficiency.
Warranty: 5-year Warranty
+ 3 to any stats.
Durability: 100/100
Slot Cost: 4
And for my hand which had been totally shattered:
Right Hand Mod – X24
Tier: Two
M-Corp’s Xenith Series – is a great choice for all of your hand-held needs.
This model enables you to perform more movements that require a better level of control, such as speed typing on a keyboard or playing a musical instrument, with some degree of accuracy.
The sensitivity of the model can be adjusted to some extent to accommodate tasks that require either a light or heavy touch.
This model is suitable for basic applications, such as simple surgery or art, and can provide you with a higher degree of precision and control.
The model is designed to be lightweight and comfortable, but its basic construction means it is visibly distinguishable from your real hand.
The model features rudimentary sensors and algorithms that allow for some level of reaction to sensory input. While it may not be the fastest or most accurate, it can still help you respond to changes in real-time.
Whether you use the model for work or play, you’ll appreciate its basic design and easy-to-use interface. While it may not be the most advanced or futuristic, it still serves its purpose as a basic model for those who don’t require advanced features.
Warranty: 3-year Warranty
+ 2 to a stat or split to one or two stats you’d prefer.
Durability: 100/100
Slot Cost: 2
I read it, re-read it, then gave it him back. “I presume I get some kind of RI or AI as well then?” I asked him.
He shrugged. “More than likely with the X1, yes. They’ve not stipulated to what yet. Maybe they’ll decide that later.”
I could only nod; this tech was already a lot for me to take in. “What happens then?”
“As Lieutenant General Michaels said. You’re going to have a few weeks of rehab.”
“That’s a lot of time, but I’ll read and learn as much as I can, when I can.”
“You’ll be out of the med unit, through Ground School and ready for MCFFPMA sooner than you know it.”
“That’s the name for the flight school?”
“In full, its title is M-Corps First Flight Preparation and Military Academy.”
That sounded so much better than school. So much better. “Nearly a month,” I whispered. I would do everything in my power to get up and moving and make sure I was at that academy gate as soon as possible.
First Lieutenant Bryd returned to looking over the data pad. Whether he was reading about me or something else, I wasn’t sure, but I put my head back and let the gentle rocking of the car send me back to sleep.
134 - 14th December - 10 a.m. - Signing Life Away
I was dreaming of flying. Dreaming of being over Artem city, higher than the highest tower block.
This is what I wanted, it felt perfect, all of it.
“We’re here,” First Lieutenant Bryd said as he shook me awake. Had it been just moments? It sure seemed like it.
When I tried to move this time, pain ripped through me. I found I couldn’t do anything; I had nothing left in me to give.
“I—I can’t move,” I stammered out.
“Don’t worry,” another gruff voice grunted out. “I’ve got you.” The door at my side opened, and large arms picked me up. This man was massive, literally four times my size.
“Everything hurts,” I whined to him, finding tears streaming from my eyes. “It really hurts.”
“I know, kid,” he said. “I’ve got you. Just hold on. I won’t let you go.”
He may have been the size of a house, but everything about him, his voice, his smile, his eyes, was gentle. I wanted to rest my head on his shoulder, so I did. His arms wrapped me up, and then he walked. Not heavy chomping steps, but soft ones. I never felt any of it; it was as if we glided.
“Comm the doc,” I heard his voice rumble through his chest. “He needs surgery, now.”
Someone opened a door, and the next thing I knew we were in a building and were going up a lift with glass windows. I could see out into the world beyond. It was breathtaking.
Was I dying?
Was this it?
I was being lifted up into heaven, wasn’t I?
“Still with me?” the man asked me. His breath-mint scent tickled my face.
“I’m here.”
“Good. I’ll get you settled, and the doc will come see you in a moment. They want to make sure you know what you’re going through before they put you under.”
“I understood everything when I signed the contract.”
“Good,” he said. “Very good.”
The elevator doors opened, and my lovely view of the vast oceans beyond went with them. I wanted to be out there now, in the helo, floating above the water and seeing everything the lands around us had to offer.
Of course, we’d all seen it from the TV reporters, but it was more stunning in person. I smiled when the huge man put me on a bed. The bright white and crisp silver of the room glinted everywhere around me. So clean, everything was so clean.
“Good luck, kid,” he said and patted my good arm.
“Thanks,” I said, and drifted off again.
There was more shaking and then other voices. “Airman Korolyov? You with us?”
“Here.” I tried to focus on the man before me. “I’m here.”
“I’m your doctor; name’s Jim Brosk. First drugs going in now.” The nurses had already started the injection, and I felt the cold flooding through my veins. “You’ll be sleepy within a minute, then out of it. I’ll see you on the other side, Rus. We’ll look after you, I promise.”
“See y—”
***
When I woke up the next time, my mind was totally foggy. I tried to focus but missed something. Something . . .
There was no pain. It was dark, everything was dark, but there was no pain. Was I dead?
“Hello?” I croaked out. Sheesh, my voice sounded awful. Really bad. “Anyone there?”
No reply.
I heard a soft beep beeping and could make out several machines around me.
I put my head back on my pillow, and then it started to pound with the machine beeping. “Anyone?” I whined.
A hiss and then a voice. “Glad you’re finally awake.”
There was a light in my eyes, and waves of nausea washed over me. “I feel sick.” I gagged.
The doc who had called himself Jim before helped me to sit up and gave me a bowl. I heaved, but nothing came out.
“I’ll get you something for the nausea,” he said and moved to a side cabinet. A moment later, he was adding something to a drip. “You gave us a hell of a scare in there, kid.”
I hated the fact everyone called me a kid. The drugs entering my system immediately started to make me feel better, but I heaved a few more times before my stomach fully settled.
“It’s the tech,” he said. “Disorients the mind for a little while. Almost ninety-nine percent are sick the moment they wake.”
Tech. I was excited to see that despite the nausea threatening me once again. I couldn’t access my HUD, though. I tried. “Nothing’s coming through,” I said. “What’s wrong?”
“We will let you settle first, then let you access it with the touch of a button. Nothing’s wrong.”
“Can you do it now?” I asked.
“That would go against protocol.”
“Doc, I have a massive list of things I need to catch up on. Every day counts. Can you turn it on?”
“Of course. But are you sure? The transition won’t be easy.”
“I want to see,” I begged. “Please.”
“Okay, but if it’s too much, let me know.”
I waited while he moved to the other side of my bed. Searing hot pain lit my face on fire, and I couldn’t help but cry out.
Then it went off. Nothing. “Too soon,” Jim said.
I put my hand to my neck and reassured myself that nothing had melted away, which is what it had felt like. Then I concentrated on just breathing. “Again.”
“You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone in here, airman.”
“Again,” I ordered.
Jim touched the pad to his right again.
This time I was prepared for it. I grabbed the blankets tightly and held on as the pain ravaged my mind. White hot and burning, I squeezed my eyes closed and forced my scream down this time. I breathed in and out, holding onto those blankets for dear life.
It would go away. It would go away. I was sure of it.
It felt like forever.
Jim never spoke, never moved. Or at least I didn’t think he did.
I read over the new stat for the brain and hand mod, and my mind was blown again.
When the pain settled and the burning eased, though it still felt like fire, I opened my eyes.
Jim was standing on the other side of my bed now, pointing a handheld scanner at me.
“Usually, there are lot more chemical changes in the brain,” he said. “You adapted fast to the extreme neural input from the tech.”
“Why is it so different?” I asked. “Why am I so different?”
“You listened, but you didn’t really take in what any of them told you before surgery, did you?”
I shrugged, finally loosening my fingers’ grip on my blankets. I stretched them out, feeling them for the first time. Everything felt so vastly different. I held my hand up in front of my face and just stared.
Jim moved up closer to level with me. “Surgery fixed all of your internal bruising, a few tier-two replacement organelles, but you still have to heal properly around them. The brace is temporary. Your broken bones have been set, and we have introduced several additional sets of medical nanites to you. The nites went to work immediately, speeding up the healing process around your entire body. Your spleen was a mess and bleeding on your kidneys, too; that was also fixed, though you’re going to be peeing blood and gunk for a while as those nites work out the rest of the internal bruising. Once the life-threatening surgery was complete, we looked at your tech, which was—”
“Lacking,” I admitted and lowered my hand.
“Yes, unbelievably so. But not anymore. You have a fresh start, Ruslan.”
“A fresh start,” I repeated. I swallowed; my head throbbed. I wanted to look, to see everything I could, but I couldn’t.
“Tired?” Jim asked.
I just nodded.
“Lie back. From the looks of it, you’ve been running yourself ragged for several months. Rest while you can. You’ll be back to running ragged in no time.”
That I understood, and I let myself fall asleep again.