• Date: January 22, 2183


  
• Time: 5:10 PM


  
• Location: Space Station Atlantis


  

  ''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 his comrade stretch. This was merely a brief practice session to help the Returned Ghost acclimate to the new technologies integrated into the armor's systems. It would prove invaluable to Tale's skill sets and capabilities; after all, he couldn't help but remember the tactical movement the close-quarters specialist used 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 eager to learn that since our spar.''

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

  ''Hmpf, thought you'd never ask!''

  The training was divided into three courses, each focusing on a new technological advancement in the MK60GV3 Power Armor. The first course centered on the back propulsion system, featuring obstacles for Tale to maneuver around. This setup allowed him to experience the sensation of being 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. The Returned Ghost would initiate his first run of the propulsion system and do so casually. The thrusters launched him at least several feet forward before stopping.

  ''There ya go! Now, go on to the obstacle course. 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 was a ten-meter space between him and the platform before him.

  "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 perform the needed inputs to cross. Jumping first before activating the back propulsion system, reaching the platform that led to the next obstacle.

  ''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 lay a series of platforms, each separated by a one-meter gap. Applying the same logic as the previous obstacle with a slight adjustment, he hopped from one platform, deactivated his propulsion, and then reactivated it to propel himself to the next, repeating the process. 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.''

  Nomad explained as he prepared the second course. Meanwhile, his fellow Ghost was more than eager to learn how they would practice using the reactive energy shield.

  ''How would you demonstrate that?''

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

  ''You can't be serious?''

  ''Ha! You wish! Now hold still!''

  Drawing his double-barrel shotgun before aiming it at Tale. The close-quarters specialist pulled the trigger, and the MK23 Double Barrel Shotgun fired a four-gauge buckshot at the Returned Ghost. However, instead of damaging the power armor's plates, an energy field materialized, stopping the depleted uranium pellets from causing damage.

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  ''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. It was surreal to think that they now had this type of technology, and it would definitely help Sarroth since she no longer needed to protect him with her magic shield.

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

  ''Uh huh. What's next?''

  "Last course—though it's not really a course, more of an explanation..."

  "...This centers around the nano-repair system—you should already be familiar with it. To keep it simple. It was the first modification permanently integrated into the original MK60. It's already used in vehicles, drone craft, and warships, so it only made sense to implement it in 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. The Returned Ghost was about to imagine Nomad pointing his MK23 Double Barrel Shotgun at him and firing another buckshot, 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 he 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 his comrade, however, he 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 before a cache of firearms. 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., Tale will have familiarized himself with the nuances of using the issued firearm since it had been so long since he held one, atleast one that was issued by the A.F.E.

  "Welcome to Nomad's ''Pull-the-Trigger 101!'' Today, you will practice various firearms to prepare you 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 fully automatic rifle used by the A.F.E. Picking it up, Tale loaded a fresh forty-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.

  ''I'm out...''

  ''...Reloading.''

  Afterward, 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 his reflexes. Meanwhile, 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 drum magazine on it, he 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, he activated it, and the extended barrel of the MK20 erupted as Tale pointed it at the targets. He paused to catch his breath, then squeezed the trigger, feeling a powerful recoil as the firearm discharged a twenty-millimeter projectile toward 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. The close-quarters specialist glanced at the terminal beside him and adjusted the settings, increasing the targets' movement to force Tale to predict their motions.

  "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, he 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, he 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 change pace.

  ''Hey Tale! Switch to an MK23! Let's see how good you are at it!''

  Nomad gave the command just as Tale fired the last rounds of the Anti-Material Rifle. Acknowledging his colleague's request, he moved toward the upright MK23 Double-Barrel Shotgun, a pump-action weapon loaded with twelve rounds of four-gauge shells filled with quadruple-ought buckshot. Picking it up, he aimed at the targets as they changed their movement pattern and began advancing toward him.

  ''They headed towards you now! Try to stop as much of them as possible!''

  The close-quarters specialist stated as Tale pumped the slide of the shotgun before 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!''

  Nomad called out as the Returned Ghost pumped the MK23, ejecting the spent shell before turning to Nomad, who 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. Well done. 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 have 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, feel free to do it again. After all, since you are our lead onboard the derelict. You to be prepared for whatever the Kaynians 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 launch.''

  To Be Continued.