VR Troopers: When Worlds Collide

Leader in Doubt, Part 1

The past month had been a roller coaster ride for the ages. What had been a get-together of three lifelong friends would find them thrust into combat against an unbeknownst vile faction seizing to control their reality. In an effort to combat against the likes of Grimlord and his robotic army, Ryan Steele alongside J.B Reese and Kaitlin Star would be introduced to a set of gold pendants known as Virtualizers to become a group of fearless warriors clad in multi-colored armor. Co-created by the minds of Horatio Hart and Tyler Steele, the three of them would become the defenders of virtual reality: VR Troopers - a hybrid of human and machine.

From J.B's POV:

"Leadership – the action of leading a group of people or an organization" Simply put, it is a quality trait in which one is appointed to bring unity to their team, striving to be the best they can possibly be. Leaders inspire others to follow a certain path in their life. For as long as I've spent performing Martial Arts, it took an extensive amount of time and investment to better understand my craft. When my Sensei promoted me to be a Karate instructor at the Tao Dojo, it was a reward of the effort and commitment I spent pouring my heart into since I was a little boy. As grateful as I've been with the opportunity bestowed upon me, that wouldn't be the only thing weighing on my shoulders. Since Grimlord and his minions invaded the Real World, the war between humanity and mutant supremacy has escalated in a fever pitch. But they aren't the only ones in the picture. With the VR Troopers here to ensure the protection of innocent lives, it's been a big responsibility than we could have ever imagined. Being a 'good' leader requires effective decision making, empathy towards their companions, and strategic thinking that would benefit the team in the long run. As I've demonstrated before, I realized how vital it meant when it came to teaching Karate to my students. Just recently, I was appointed the role as leader of the VR Troopers. You would think even with my expertise in leadership I would carry the load for my team. But I'm talking more than just running a dojo. This is the fate of Mother Nature hanging in the balance. I've denied this to myself repeatedly but even a leader has his doubts, and that was an ordeal I had to endure

***

Inside a privately sanctioned laboratory operated by Horatio Hart, the trio underwent a training simulation equipped with a VR head gear and a pair of gloves. Clad in their respective Troopers suits, Ryan along with Kaitlin and J.B navigated through the dark corridors at a Detention Center.

"Troopers, I received some disturbance over at the food court. More Skugs have infiltrated the building," Professor Hart informed them from their communication speaker.

"There's not enough time. We have to diffuse the bomb before this whole place collapses," Ryan said.

"Ryan has a point. We have to act quickly," Kaitlin concurred. Just as they waited for a response, déjà vu struck at it again.

"Look, hear me out. As long as the timer keeps ticking, it comes down to a final verdict," J.B said self aware of the circumstances at a dire situation.

"Crap, this is like what we had to deal with at my father's lab," Ryan alluded to an incident they experienced prior.

"It'll be best if we all split up. Kaitlin and I are going to free those captive from the Skug soldiers. That leaves you Ryan. Use the map on the icon screen and navigate to the location where the bomb may be," J.B instructed.

"Ugh I hate splitting up," Ryan whined as he sighed subsequently.

"We'll do our best to evacuate the detainees. Contact us when you're finish and we'll regroup," Kaitlin ordered him.

Ryan nodded. The team went along their separate ways performing their respective objectives needed to diffuse the bomb.

By the double doors leading into the cafeteria, J.B and Kaitlin stood across from one another observe the Skugs' treatment towards the detainees. The level of fear and hopelessness were apparent among those involved.