"FIRST, I want to test you with the SPACER," Karl said as he gave Ena a tour on the shipping fleet. "This has nothing to do with you being a female. You're aware we're the lead ship of the Emperium fleet, so I would expect that my security and weapons are trustworthy and superior in skills.
"Your record speaks highly of you, don't let me think otherwise. It's a standard I needed if you intend to stay on my command." Karl looked at Ena through his peripheral vision while instructing her of what to learn about the fleet.
"I do understand, sir. I totally agree with your precautions. This is a very important position; such information and power could be perilous to the ship and Emperium once placed in the wrong hand," Ena said.
When they reached the two-passenger craft that had been readied for flight, they climbed inside, secured their safety traps and closed the clear, heat-resistant domed roof.
Karl relaxed on his seat. "The controls are all yours," he stated.
"Should I use manual or instrumentation only?" Ena asked skeptically.
"Use the manual first," Karl answered while observing her as she calmly checked the sensors and indicators then make adjustments as needed.
She guided the Spacer to freedom and set for asteroid belt as Karl ordered. It covered the distance in a short time without error and manuevered it beyond obstacles of various sizes.
As they returned to the fleet after the ministrations of the Spacer, Karl tried to hide the smile that's starting to show upon his face. He's impressed on how Ena handled the spacer throughout the obstacle. But he won't let that information reached Ena's ear. She still had a lot of test to prove how worthy she is to be his next-in-command in Windstorm, his aircraft ship.
The next test is the SIMULATOR. Karl pressed computer keys to simulate a mock battle with other starships and speedy crafts.
"Ready?" he asked Ena, while glancing at her sideways. He still can't figure out why he was struck by her, when he wasn't to other female warriors.
Ena didn't answer him, instead she nodded and positioned herself before pressing the start button. The sound effects of fake weapons were loud. Ena's head turned from side to side and moved up and down as she constantly checked the instruments and views of a next target.
Outside the simulator, Karl is amazed by her efficiency with the particle beam, photon, and chemical laser weapons which are used in defending the fleet vessel.
"Your background says you're familiarized in science and all the chemicals that is needed," Karl told Ena, his words sounding like a statement than a question.
"Yes, and I'm happy to know that Chemlab is our supplier." The excitement on Ena's face showed. Chemlab is the company who produced their weapons. It is an indestructible and impregnable planetoid.
"Speaking of weapons, meet me after an hour at weaponry. Take a break first," Karl said as he stood up to leave. If truth be told, he's the one who wanted to have a space for a while; he's drawn to her so soon.
ENA lifted the disintegrator. It was an oblong shaped, hand-sized weapon that emitted a narrow ray of intense light. The beam can cause iridescent glow before dissipating at any target it struck.
Then there's also the laser gun that she used without any mistakes. And lastly the beam knife that she used swiftly as she summon two decoy android to test her deftness and ability.
"So, are you also adept in hand-to-hand fighting?" Karl asked while chuckling, his amusement shown all over his face.
"Are you challenging me?" Ena feigned an innocent look as she asked him back.
Karl shrugged as he directed her on a matted area and began their hand-to-hand ministrations. Ena is doing just fine but Karl's strength, quickness and cunningness were superior to her; so when Karl pinned him into the ground, she knew then that she couldn't bested him even if she is that good.
"That will do for now. I'll give you a tour tomorrow on decks," Karl stated while helping her on her feet.
