Chapter 7: Taking The Test
Now standing in a straight line wearing the highly uncomfortable battle suits Alto somehow was standing in between Kram and Amy. He tried to think of something besides Amy's naked body but nothing came to mind. "Bloody hell, our friendship is over. Amy is going to have me for life." He cried in his head, guilt overcoming him.
Officer Shirley said something to the tech experts and with the tap of a keyboard their battle suits became more fitted and streamlined. Red lines appeared at the edges of the suit, a cold wind enveloped the inside of the suit like an air conditioner making it more breathable.
"Your battle suits have now been calibrated and you vitals registered as well as your genote level. Now I want a volunteer to start the test." Officer Shirley spoke in a strict tone his eyes shutting down every hint of confidence any of them still carried.
No one dared volunteer, Kram ever the troublesome one struck Alto in the knee sending him staggering out first. Seeing this Amy ran out and made sure to be seen as the first to come out. On seeing them both again the officer frowned with contempt.
"Very well then", he turned around and walked her away leaving the others to themselves. Minutes passed giving them enough time to act their age. Some of the boys formed small groups there and spoke about the figures of their female counterparts while some of the girls discussed on various topics. Alto who never fit in any particular group stood a little distance away isolating himself from any group, his mind thinking on what Amy might be going through at the moment.
He hoped the test would not be tough, back at the orphanage centre no one had bothered to tell them what the test was about. The only thing they were thought were what constituted a mech pilot and the workings of mechs.
Kram found his way to him and spoke in a playful manner. "Yo loser, I saw you peeking at Amy. Are you a fucking pervert or something?"
"You were looking too." Alto wanted to say but stammered before he could speak. He turned to walk away but Kram grabbed him by the wrist and pulled him closer. "No Kram I don't want any trouble."
Kram like an ever present parasite found his way to him and when he was close enough he threw his arm around him and said. "Alto buddy stop making me sound like the bad guy. I just wanted to let you know that a shitty loser like you can't possibly pass in flying colours. Best you getting assigned to is maintenance squad or clean-up crew."
Alto swallows hard and mustered decades worth of courage to speak. "I'll score higher than you punk."