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By the time Aiho made it to mission control he knew something was off. Members of all divisions stared at the blue screen and shook their heads, some even laughing. Curious, Aiho decided to see what mission got everyone so riled up.
“Skell test flight pilot?” Aiho read quietly, staring at the request from Vandham.
“Damn Pard, that mission does sound sweet.”
Yelv punched Aiho’s shoulder, making the BLADE turn around and reach for his weapon. Once he realized that it was just Yelv did Aiho loosen his grip around his longsword.
“Jeez Yelv, don’t do that.”
“Cold Pard, cold.”
“Sorry, just on edge these days.”
“What mission are you looking at? Is it time for us to kick ass together again?” Yelv exclaimed with passion.
“Sorry friend, this is a solo mission. And it’s not a reclaimer mission, so it’s not what you are looking for.”
“Damn, that sucks. No good missions have been posted recently and Pard, I am afraid that I might die of boredom,” Yelv lamented dramatically, leaning on Aiho’s shoulder. “Since you are on Team Elma you probably get first pickings at the juicy missions… What a shame…”
Aiho sighed and patted Yelv’s shoulder, “I’ll be sure to let you know when I have a Party Member slot free.”
Yelv instantly stopped being dramatic and grinned widely.
“You’re the best Pard! See you later.”
With that Aiho was alone again and back to staring at the mission control screen. Commander Vandham rarely posted a request personally so this had to be important. And given today was Aiho’s day off, he had nothing better to do. And with that he accepted the mission no one else would touch with a six foot pole.
***
The request instructed to head to the Outfitter hanger on the other side of NLA, so Aiho wanted to get there as soon as possible. The quickest way was to cut through Armory Alley, hop into his personal Skell, a Hraesvelg model Aiho named “Soma” and jump to the Hangar (he has done this before and was chewed out by Elma for using a Skell recklessly). As Aiho walked through the crowded Armory Alley, he admired the sight of the many human and xeno vendors. Bright neon signs advertised the newest weapons and armor made by the various Arm Manufacturers in NLA. The newest edition is L’s shop, run by the eccentric xeno name L. Referring to themselves as “we”, L was quite the popular merchant on Mira. Aiho was quite fond of them, always inviting them first whenever he was assigned on a mission. Off duty Aiho and L talked about Earth, Mira, cats and whatever came to mind. L and Aiho also swapped clothes often, apparently a custom of their people. Aiho never questioned it and found L’s clothing quite comfortable despite how much skin was exposed. Aiho gave the Grenada Light Suit Combat series to L wear, a style they called “As wrong as rain”. L tended to use common earth sayings they learned but always mixed up a word that mixed up the meaning.
Aiho ran past L’s shop and gave him a brief wave before turning a sharp left corner to the landing pad of Blade Tower. Next to the transport stood Soma in all her rose gold glory. Aiho had his Hraesvelg customized and gave it a name, apparently something that no one really did besides him and Liesel. Taped on Soma’s arm was a small note with very familiar handwriting.
“I thought I told you to not leave your Skell in front of BLADE HQ rookie! Move it! - Vandham”
Aiho smiled and left the note on Soma, instead hopping in and booting up the Skell with a mechanical whirr. Being the good pilot he was he checked that all systems were functioning before activating the boosters. Once all systems were in the green did Aiho activate thrusters and jump off the edge of the platform at the last second. Soma soared through the air and with careful and risky maneuvering Aiho landed on the road connecting the Commercial District with the Industrial District. Maintaining the speed from the jump was difficult but Aiho was a natural Skell pilot and after two sharp turns he came to a skidding halt inside the Outfitters Test Hanger. When Aiho jumped out of the Skell he was met with many frustrated glares and a thumbs up from Liesel who was talking with Alicia at the entrance of the Hanger. Commander Vandahm’s loud voice was already audible as Aiho hit the button to open the doors to the main testing area. On the far end of the hall gathered around a standard Skell was Lin, Vandahm, Doug and some Outfitters working for Sakuraba Industries.
“Where is that god damned test pilot?! We need to start,” Vandahm complained.
“This is a suicide mission commander, I don’t blame the pilot if they dipped,” Doug added.
“Guys, can we not call my project hopeless?” Lin begged.
“Lin is right,” Aiho commented as he finally joined the group. “I just got here. Don’t write me off just yet.”
Everyone turned around and with the same expression: confusion.
“Aiho?” Everyone said aloud.
“I’m here for the request the commander put up on the mission board,” Aiho reiterated.
“I should have known you would be the only crazy one to accept it,” the Commander groaned.
“Either way I am glad you are here Aiho. You are a huge help. After one more system check you are clear to fly. Just give me a second.”
Lin went back to work and Doug gave Aiho a sympathetic glance, “I wish you the best my friend. As Lin’s usual guinea pig I know that she asks a lot.”
“Don’t underestimate me Doug, I am pretty good with Skell’s,” Aiho boasted.
“I have seen it but don’t rely on that here, this is a whole different situation.”
“I know. I promise I will take this seriously.”
“Alright everyone. We’re about to start so listen up-”
Vandham was cut off by Lin’s scream and the unmistaken sound of something breaking. Black smoke rose up from the test Skell and Lin looked up in horror.
“What the hell happened?!” The Commander demanded.
“I don’t know… I- let me see. Damn, the circuit was reversed. How did I miss such a stupid mistake during the flight check?” Lin said to no one in particular.
“Lin- a lot of higher ups have invested time and money into this pet project of yours, including myself. It might be best if we pull the plug on this…” Vandham tactfully announced.
Lin looked pale and desperation filled her eyes, “Please Commander, let me fix this! I just need a few parts- this is my final homework assignment. I can’t leave it.”
Aiho knew why she was so desperate for this to work. She had shown him the original sketches that her parents made for the Skell flight module but they died before starting to make it. Any design her parents left unfinished she called her ‘homework assignments’ that she had to complete. This was her last one.
“Commander, please don’t shut this down,” Aiho pleaded. “I can go get the parts that Lin needs right now.”
Vandham sighed and massaged his temples, “Fine. This is your last chance, Lin.”
“Thank you Commander! I’m sending you the coordinates with you now Aiho. I’m so grateful for all your help, I really am.”
Aiho gave Lin a reassuring nod and ran back to Soma.
***
The parts Aiho needed to grab were near Aaroy Plain in Oblivia. Walking would have taken forever but with Soma the trip was much faster. While speeding across the desert landscape of Oblivia and fighting the monsters that dropped the items required Aiho’s gaze always wandered up the massive rings that he could never look away from. If the flight module really worked, he could finally get to perch on top of them with his Skell. That motivated him even more and he returned to NLA in record time.
***
The big doors to the test chamber opened up and a pink Hraesvelg Skell screeched to a halt. Aiho jumped out and delivered the parts Lin requested of him.
“Here! I really pushed Soma to her limits,” Aiho said out of breath.
“Thank you so much Aiho. Commander, give me until tomorrow to finish the repairs. I am 100% sure it will work.”
“Fine. We will reconvene tomorrow around 10 AM. And just to let you know we will be showing the footage of the Skell flying to show all of NLA. Don’t mess up Rookie.”
Aiho nodded and right before he boarded Soma, Lin stopped him.
“While I’m at it I can check your Skell for any malfunctions. What do you think?” Lin asked Aiho.
“Sure, I don’t mind.”
“Great! See you tomorrow.”
Aiho walked back to the Barracks (after he got Soma, he barely walked anymore) and collapsed into his bed. The excitement and stress finally caught up to him and he fell asleep almost instantly.
***
“All systems are a go Commander. We are all set.”
Lin stared at her comms anxiously and gave Aiho a nod. It was time. A crowd gathered around the Hanger, many who mainly wanted to support Aiho. Elma, Irina, Gwin, Doug, H.B., Yelv, Lao, L, Phog, Liesel and Neilnail all told Aiho their own version of ‘Good Luck’. In L’s case it was an interpretive dance and the wise words ‘break a nose’. Vandham called over Aiho and gave him his signature ‘are you serious’ look.
“Rook, why aren't you wearing your Skell flight suit? What’s with the Xeno fashion?”
“Oh, I never bought one.”
“WHAT? You need proper equipment for this test flight.”
Aiho crossed his arms and returned the Commander's gaze.
“I have discovered that that tight outfit breaks my concentration and you can’t have me crashing the Skell, right? Besides I feel the clothes help me pilot the Skell so, unless you want my death on your record.”
Vandham sighed. Aiho was stubborn and despite being a rookie, had the skills of a veteran Pathfinder.
“Fine! Do what you want. Kids these days I swear… Get your ass in the Skell and do your pre-flight checks. And so you know, Secretary Nagi will be sharing the footage of your take off with all of NLA, so don’t screw up.”
“Of course Commander, I am confident in my skills as a pilot.”
The Skell was standing outside of the Hanger, ready to fly. Aiho boarded the Skell and did all the necessary checks. The comms channel was open so Aiho heard all of the chatter outside. A small monitor popped up in the corner of the cockpit showing secretary Nagi, announcing the test flight.
“People of NLA, today we make a new strive towards the future. Our newest Pathfinder recruit Aiho will bravely be trying out the Skell Flight Module designed by Lin Lee Koo. Let us watch our newest weapon to fight against the Ganglion.”
“Jeez, he is being a bit much,” Aiho muttered to himself.
“We can hear you rookie! We sent you the take off coordinates and the coordinates of a FrontierNav Site we couldn’t reach before. Good Luck.”
Aiho got the green light and began heading towards the designated area to take-off outside of the Administrative District Gate. But after a few steps Aiho stopped and got a rebellious idea.
“What are you doing rook? Why did you stop?” Vandham asked over the comms.
“Sorry in advance about this.”
Aiho grinned and pushed the Skell’s thrusters to full power. The Skell sped down the street while Aiho narrowly avoided hitting any cars. Right before crossing over to the Commercial District Aiho jumped into the air and activated the Flight Module. The engine sputtered awake and Aiho felt the Skell begin to fly up.
(Don’t worry from the XBCX ost starts playing)
He gunned it and steered upwards gaining more and more altitude. With a satisfying swoosh Aiho flew over the walls of NLA and aimed towards the sky. Piloting a Skell was already exciting and made missions a lot more fun but this was amazing. Not being restrained by gravity and soaring across the sky like the many indogens in Mira was something Aiho had dreamed of for a while but now he couldn’t help but cheer loudly, “HELL YEAH!”
“Focus Rookie! Get to the FN Site, plant a probe and get back here.”
“Stop ruining the mood Commander,” Aiho complained.
“But I get it, that is one hell of a view.”
Aiho steered the Skell towards FN-Site 110 and planted a probe, something he had done something felt a million times but Talon Rock Summit’s view made this installation felt a thousand times more special. Once Aiho confirmed the link was established, did Aiho prepare to return to the Hanger but the urge to go and take the Skell for another spin was too big to ignore. Aiho knew exactly where he wanted to go.
“I apologize in advance… again.”
Aiho turned off the comms and took off again, his destination already visible in the distance. If he was already rebelling, Aiho intended to do it right. The terraforming ring of Oblivia rose up in the distance and Aiho decided to show off his piloting skills. He was flying low, ducking under large tyrants, doing aerial tricks that the engine strained to keep up with and flying through the big ring multiple times. Only when the fuel gauge was less than 50% did he finally land atop the great ring and hop out of the Skell and sit on the ancient structure. He looked out at the desolate Oblivia. He stayed there for two hours - just sitting there and taking in the sights. Once it was 13:00 did Aiho decide to return, not wanting to anger the Commander anymore. He boarded the Skell and activated the comms, met with a chorus of voices. The main voices that could be heard were Vandham and Elma.
“Where the hell did the rookie go?!” The Commander screamed.
“Maybe engaging some indogens. He probably has a good reason to go no contact,” Elma calmly explained.
“I was actually sightseeing in Oblivia,” Aiho weighed in.
“Aiho!” “Rookie!”
“Not so loud, I just woke up from a nap,” he complained.
“Where were you?” she asked.
“My new favorite napping spot.”
“Just get your ass back here rookie.”
“Yes sir.”
Aiho did eventually make it back after taking the long way through Noctilum. Once he crested over the walls of NLA did Aiho’s mischievous side come out. He flew up and hovered above the BLADE tower and wanted to show off a little before landing. He activated the thrusters and flew higher and higher until the Skell was at its limit. Aiho grinned and turned off the engine, sending the Skell into a nosedive straight towards the Hanger. The ground was approaching fast and Aiho’s adrenaline surged - if he screwed this up, he was dead. In the last second he turned the engines back on and landed gracefully back where he took off. The hatch opened and Aiho hooped out, still shaking from the excitement and adrenaline. He was greeted by Vandham who looked more shocked than pissed off. Aiho’s legs gave out and he felt exhausted - that flight really took it out of him. L rushed over before anyone else and grabbed Aiho’s shoulders.
“My dear friend, are you feeling ill? Please do not wear the bucket.”
“Close enough L, close enough”
“You have balls rookie,” Vandham said as he walked over.
Aiho braced for a lecture from the hot headed Commander but it never came. Instead, he smiled and helped Aiho up and gave him a pat on his shoulder.
“Good job kid. Despite your stupid stunt and blatant insubordination we did get good data and footage,” Vandham praised.
“Thanks Commander.”
“Go and get some rest, rookie. And thanks Lin will install a flight module on your pink Skell.”
“She has a name, Vandham.”
“Fine, Soma will have a flight module.”