Titanfall: A Titan's Heart

Chapter 8: Back to Simulation, I Guess

I don't know how I did it but I managed to stay awake through the entire three hour lesson. However, I was too focused on not banging my head against the desk to take any notes. Why did it seem like I was being put through torture instead of pilot training? I sighed and pressed my forehead against the surface of the desk and groaned.

"Enjoyed the film, have you?" Mr. Grumpybootsmcwhatever spoke as he entered the room. His clicking heels invaded my brain and made the urge to choke him to death much stronger than it was before. His frozen, Cheshire grin seemed to widen when I didn't move from my position. "Don't worry," he cooed in mockery, "It'll get better. If you make it through the next round of simulation, you'll get to take the Titan Classification test. In other words, you'll get your first titan."

This perked me up a lot. I could get a titan if I passed the next test? I looked at him hopefully for a second before realizing the likelihood of me passing was slim. Mr. Grumpy (I shortened it because it was easier to fit in more insults) glared down with me with spite. "However, Ms. Galen, this is no ordinary simulation. You will have to work as a team with other pilots to destroy the opposing one. If you use no teamwork, there is no way you'll pass. The losing team are all out of the running for becoming a pilot." That last sentence was like a punch to the gut. The reward was great and the punishment was a death sentence. At least it gave me motivation.

I was returned to my room to get ready for the simulation. This time I was put in a suit with wires and other weird gadgets running all throughout it. I didn't know what they did and I didn't want to know. Marvin lead me into a simulation room with a large, circular roof. The room itself was circular also, with pods placed evenly along the walls. In the center was a large pillar with thousands of wires wrapped around it. A large monitor was placed on one of the pillar's sides, projecting a war zone.

There were other pilots in the room, too. I noticed Marty haunting the back of the room. I looked around for Jason and luckily spotted him talking to one of the guys that ate with us yesterday. I decided that I should try to make friends with others, though, and turned my attention back to Marty. I slowly approached and his eyes meant mine once he noticed. They scrutinized me from his place against the wall and I felt slightly inferior at that moment. I knew I had nothing to compare to him with. He was supposed to be one of the best snipers here.

I approached and leaned on the wall next to him. "Hi." He looked over at me and nodded in response. At least he acknowledged that I existed. "I'm sure you don't know me, but I'm-"

"Kyna Kendricks. You're the daughter of General Dash Kendricks, his most prized possession." He didn't look smug about knowing or anything of the devious sort. He just looked intent on knowing more, his eyes curious. I frowned when he said 'possession.' I was not an object. However, he seemed to catch on to my unrest and carefully quenched the flames.

"No, I didn't mean to make you sound like an object." I widened my eyes as he took the words right from my mouth. "I just meant that you are the most important part of his life. I wonder why he would let you into pilot training, especially after what happened to his son." I unconsciously clenched my fists at the mention of Connor. He was the whole reason I was here.

"How do you know so much about me and my family?" I questioned.

"I have to know a lot. Creating connections, knowing the stories and rumors, staying away from the bad ones. It's all a part of the job description." He shrugged nonchalantly and looked back to the crowd.

"Do you mind me talking to you?"

This brought his attention back to me. "No. You are not an idiot like some of those here. You also don't seem like you'd be too bad in the field." He looked around before leaning closer. "Listen here. In the simulation, I'm going to need a backup. I'll be sniping so I'll have to focus on targets at a distance. If someone figures out my location and gets too close, I might not notice them in time. Will you be my cover in the simulation?" The question stunned me. I only talked to him for about a minute and he was already asking me to guard him?