* Date: January 22, 2183

* Time: 5:10 PM

* Location: Atlantis Space Station

''Alright, Tale, here we go. You're training for the MK60GV3 Power Armor...''

''...Remember, this is just to make it so that you'll know the capabilities of the power armor and not to actually 'train' you since you're a Ghost. Not a marine.''

Nomad commented as he observed from a distance, watching the Ghost who had just returned stretch his body. Although this was just a quick training to ensure he knew of the new technologies installed on the armor's systems. It would prove invaluable to Tale's skill sets and capabilities; after all, he couldn't help but wonder how the close-quarters specialist closed the distance during their spar.

''Let's pick up the pace, Tale. Activate the back propulsion system. I'll teach you that first since you're probably wondering how I got close to you during the spar.''

"Yes, I was taken aback and caught off guard by that capability you demonstrated."

''Hmpf, thought you'd never ask!''

The course set up by Nomad was a stage course, one per new tech present in the MK60. First up was the mobility teach the returned Ghost about the back propulsion system. Obstacles were present on the course for Tale to maneuver around them this way; he could experience how it feels to be propelled forward.

''The back propulsion system can propel users over short distances to escape danger, dodge enemy fire, or charge forward. The enhanced mobility alters our avenues of approach in combat. However, it's only limited to one direction. So keep that in mind...''

''...Come on, give a test and dash forward. Have a feel first before going to the obstacles.''

''Right.''

Following the instructions, the Ghost activated the back propulsion system and felt the thrusters on his back rumble to life. Tale would initiate his first run of the propulsion system and do so casually. The thrusters launched him at least several meters forward before stopping.

''There ya go! Now, go on to the obstacle course. I'll time ya. Ready...''

''...Three. Two...''

''...One. Go!''

Hearing the go-ahead, Tale immediately dashed forward, avoiding several barriers blocking his path by going around them before activating his back propulsion system. Next up was an incline that led to a ten-meter gap between a downhill ramp at the other side.

"To cross, jump before engaging the propulsion to leap over the gap."

Hearing the advice from his comrade, it didn't take Tale long to reach the top of the incline before combining his movement. Jumping first before activating the back propulsion system, reaching the downhill ramp, and descending on it by gliding to the base.

''Good! Now, we move on to burst jumping. Same inputs, but this time. You frequently shut down your propulsion before jumping and activating it again.''

In front of the Ghost were platforms with one-meter gaps between them. Applying the same logic as the last obstacle but with a slight adjustment. Hopping from one platform, he deactivated his propulsion before activating and propelling himself to another platform and performing the process again. Tale managed to perform burst jumping and cleared the platforms with ease.

''A couple of years back, I.C.E. was hard at work for almost two years before giving birth to our energy shielding tech. The reactive energy shield activates when a projectile or laser impacts the power armor. This grants us an advantage and an equalizer to the Kaynian's energy shielding.''

''How would you demonstrate that?''

''Let me show you, by you know, shooting you.''

''You can't be serious.''

''What do you expect? Now hold still!''

Nomad took out his double-barrel shotgun and pointed it at Tale. Pulling the trigger, the MK23 blasted a four-gauge buckshot at the Ghost. But instead of damaging the armor plates of the power armor. An energy field materialized and stopped the depleted uranium pellets from damaging Tale's armor.

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''You see that! The energy shield took the brunt of the hit and spared your armor.''

Tale's energy shielding regenerated as a recognizable flicker of light erupted before disappearing.

''There ya go, your shields regenerated instantly. That should give you one hell of an advantage against the Kaynians.''

''Uh-huh. What's next?''

''The nano-repair system. I believe you should already be familiar. But to make a long story short, it was the first modification permanently integrated into the original MK60. It's already present on vehicles, drone craft, and warships, so it's a no-brainer to give it to the combat skins and power armor.''

Nomad pointed out, and it was true. Tale did find it reassuring that the nano-repair system was added to power armor and combat skin models. This way, if they were ever damaged or broken. The millions of nanomachines would make repairs. However, it wouldn't be as durable, only patching the critical components damaged by a projectile of energy beam.

''Of course, I won't be showing you how it works since that's just stupid even for me.''

The close-quarters specialist pointed out, gaining a sigh of relief from the returned Ghost. Tale was about to imagine Nomad pointing his MK23 Double Barrel Shotgun at him and firing a slug, which could crack his energy shield, albeit he would have to fire more than once to achieve it. Thankfully, that wasn't about to happen, and Tale was thankful for it.

''Now, where to next? You now know of the MK60 and its capabilities, but we still have some time left.''

Nomad didn't anticipate Tale completing his course so quickly, but as expected of a Ghost of his caliber. Observing the Ghost who had returned, Nomad began contemplating what other preparations he could undertake, considering that the mission would involve a boarding action onto the Kaynian frigate derelict. They might engage with some of the live crew on board if there are any.

''I got it!''

Exclaimed the close-quarter specialist as he thought of another way to prepare the returned Ghost.

''Tell me, Tale, when was your last time shooting a gun?''

''Hmm, ten years ago.''

"Great! Let's shake off some rust from your marksmanship and practice with firearms!"

TALE: Arc Killer

In the firing range, Nomad and Tale stood insight of a cache of A.F.E. weaponry. Everything was for the returned Ghost to try to dust off the rust on his marksmanship. Given that it had been ten years since his last engagement involving projectile armament, and with his return to the U.G.E., he should have familiarized himself with the nuances of using the issued firearm. He should have acquired this knowledge outside the heat of battle rather than during the midst of it.

"Welcome to Nomad's pull-the-trigger 101! We're going to be firing various firearms to get you ready for the upcoming mission..."

''...Also, because I find it fun to shoot things! And I love shooting things. That's why I am a close-quarters specialist. Now, let's get to shooting! Take your first pick.''

''Understood.''

Chambered in fifty rounds of twelve-point seven-millimeter, the MK12 Battle Machine Rifle was the general fully automatic rifle used by the A.F.E. Picking it up, Tale loaded a fresh fifty-drum magazine and started blasting. A blaze of depleted uranium rounds raced towards the targets as the Ghost multitasked and prioritized all ten targets present. Of course, doing this would deplete his ammunition, forcing him to reload with another drum magazine. Immediately, Tale got to work and pulled the trigger, firing a hail of fifty caliber rounds at the targets. Each round that exited the barrel always found itself a target with no misses, thanks to the automatic aiming software and the Ghost's reflexes. Nomad smirked on the sidelines as he watched his comrade go to town with the targets.

''Yeah, nice, but what about the other guns? Don't tell me you forgot about them?''

''Switching firearm.''

The returned Ghost exclaimed as he picked up the firearm beside the MK12. The semi-automatic MK14 Designated Marksman Rifle chambered in thirty rounds of fourteen-point five-millimeter. Placing a fresh box magazine on it, the Ghost delivered precision fire and nailed the heads of the targets, but due to the output of his fire. Tale soon found himself out of bullets and was forced to put down the rifle and look for the next firearm he would shoot.

''Empty. Switching firearm.''

Hanging on the wall was the destructive MK20 Anti Material Rifle chambered in ten rounds of twenty-millimeter. Picking the monster of the rifle off the wall, the Ghost activated it, and the extended barrel of the MK20 erupted as Tale pointed it at the targets. Pausing to catch a breath, the Ghost squeezed the trigger and experienced a powerful recoil as the firearm discharged a twenty-millimeter projectile towards the target.

''There ya go! Let that Anti Material Rifle sing!''

Cheered Nomad as he watched Tale blast the shit out of the targets, but as he watched, he wondered if he could give the Ghost a challenge. Looking at the terminal near him, the close-quarters specialist increased the movement of the targets and made it so that Tale would be forced to predict their movements.

"Hey! I don't want you shooting at slow-moving targets, Tale. This is meant to prepare you for the upcoming mission, not train you. So, learn on the fly!"

Hearing the challenge from his colleague, the returned Ghost would oblige and adjust his aim before continuing. Squeezing the trigger, Tale let out a fury of twenty-millimeter onto the targets, but this caused him to empty the box magazine of his rifle.

''Empty. Reloading.''

Exclaimed the returned Ghost as he took out the exhausted magazine and replaced it with a loaded one. Returning to his sniping posture, the Ghost didn't hesitate and fired the loaded MK20 at the targets. The hypersonic rounds found their mark and domed the heads of the moving targets. Seeing how Tale has adapted quite well to his challenge, it was time to flip the tables.

''Hey Tale! Switch to shotgun! Let's see how good you are at it.''

Nomad commanded just as Tale exhausted the remaining ammunition of the Anti Material Rifle. Hearing his colleague's request, the returned Ghost obliged and approached the standing upright pump action MK23 Double Barrel Shotgun chambered in thirty rounds of four-gauge shells filled with quadruple-ought. Picking it up, Tale pointed it at the targets just as they switched their move set and were going toward him. Pumping the slide, Tale sprang into action, unleashing a rapid two-burst at the nearest target before swiftly moving on to the next one. The quadruple-ought buckshot had a mean recoil to it every time he pumped a shell ejected from the weapon before firing it again, repeating the process. The Ghost efficiently eliminated the ten closing targets, each receiving two shots and dropping to simulate an incapacitated combatant.

''Good hits! Good hits!''

Nomad called out as Tale pumped the MK23, ejecting the spent shell before turning to the close-quarters specialist. Nomad was impressed seeing how his colleague handled himself well, even with some rust on his marksmanship.

''You did well, your aim was good, and your pacing with the targets was expected for a Ghost. This feels like basic training all over again...''

''...Well done, Tale. Now, you should be more than prepared to handle the mission given to us, and you'll be our guide while we're inside that frigate derelict. Considering you've been there and taken control of it yourself. The possibility of Kaynians still being on board could hinder our mission...''

''...So we got to be prepared for the worst. For all we know, the Kaynians we left behind are still working on the frigate, and we can't let that happen.''

The returned Ghost nodded at Nomad's statement. This would explain why Sword and Shield was selected in the first place. I.C.E. probably wanted someone who knew how to traverse a Kaynian vessel, and he was it. This way, the chances of success were higher, and the Vice Admiral's trap could be realized.

''Well, Tale, go ahead and perform the course as much as you want. We must be ready for whatever the Kaynians will throw at us. That much is certain...''

''...Don't take too long. You only have a few hours before we prepare the Howling Knight for the launch.''

''Understood.''

To Be Continued.