Work Text:
"HEY! you awake Vent rat? You have work to do and you can't stay there all day!" A crass voice had called through the Access shaft, disturbing me from my reading. Anakoni Had a habit of disturbing my peace time oh so often. Though that must be the cost for his generally accepting personality, he isn't the nicest but he's given me pointers. Don't treat me like garbage, I'll just have to accept it.
"Alright I'm coming over, don't get your head in a twist!" I Shout back, standing up as I grab my work Safety hat, I never understood why it was so triangular, but at least it feels right to have, especially with the adornments all over it. Little tags done by my Sisters and some Eule's. They had recently decided I needed some more identification for the Gestalts to tell me apart. adding in my Number and nickname. ARA-S2319 Biene in Bubbly red letters with Black line art. I slipped it over onto my head and got the straps tightened. It was a little difficult to get right with a lack of experience, but eventually I got it. scanning around my personal space I sighed. just papers and little junk wrappers, I've yet to get a plant in here to take care of... maybe I could bother one of the other ARA's for it.
Stowing away the thought I walked through the access shaft, The ends of my feet clicking along the Steel as I got close to the exit. I crouched down, grabbing the great and sliding it to the side, Grabbing the sides I dropped down with a hefty Thunk that reverberated through the metal as I turned to Anakoni. "So what's this issue about?" I asked plainly. "some hardware issues with one of the UH-falcons, some minor but still important issues. I think it was some servo's they wanted to check out and the likeness.
Nodding my head I pull up my Map module. "UH-falcon in the service bay? what's its number?" I asked as I checked the route I'll be taking. "UH-144-N59. should be on the far left of the hangar '' UH-falcon, Not to be mistaken with FKLR commander units. They're on their way to being shifted out of service with the recent replacements of Hornet and other cheaper units. Not quite as timeless as us ARA units I suppose. "got it, you'll be heading off?"
"yeah I got some work down the hall, Some Eule needs a replacement map module"
"Is it 27?" I asked, I had heard not too long ago over com chatter that 27 had some issues with her Map module. been complaining about it not responding to her and it garbled up plenty of times, often leading to... "awkward" encounters so I've heard
"yeah it's 27. well, I'd love to chit chat more but I gotta go, See you at lunch hour Vent rat" He waved me goodbye as he ran off down the hall. with how unkempt that mans Brown hair and Uniform was I should be the one calling him a Vent rat. but the Unkempt look gives him more personality than that Slick haired Stork that Manages my Cadre and that STAR-Marine Joint Replika core. For a Stork they weren't quite brutal or crazy as some might be, but with the training regimen she puts us through were brutal enough to make her still one nightmare of a Stork.
I mulled over these thoughts as I made my way. The training she gives me and my fellow ARA's is more suited for LSTR units, but that makes sense with the facilities for them that were nearby being almost completely wiped out. the few LSTR units remaining having been kept for their templates. Hopefully they can get their numbers back up so they don't keep sending so many of us ARA's to die, we're not the best with combat after all. but I will admit the Combat armor they've built for us to wear isn't too bad. makes me feel like a STAR with how Tough and Robust it is, if that's any sanctuary for me.
With that thought in mind I tap the Metal armor on my Torso, rapping my fingers in a wave like motion as I enter the Elevator. I double checked my map before pressing the button on the floor I wanted to go to: H-9E. Taking a couple steps I go to a corner of the Elevator, able to finally notice the tiny Kolibri not too far away from me. The Short statured Replika is unassuming but those 3 Red diamonds Tell of a greater, Kind of Unsettling power. Bioresonance, power to weave the world and pluck at deep personal thoughts of another. Such units are an insult to personal privacy, with how Monolithic they can I suppose that makes them less individuals.
Much to my dismay I realized that the Kolibri Was looking at me while thoughts were bouncing around my head, I stared back into her eyes that kept shifting and looking at me speculatively. Why look me over when you have direct access to my mind? I guess to see if she has an excuse to talk about body ques. "May I ask why you're wearing your combat gear ARA?" I paused for a moment, confused by her question as she's always wearing body armor, but wait. isn't that their standard construction protocol for military duty? yeah, okay. I'm the odd one out here then, but wouldn't she be able to figure out through digging into my memories? I Don't know how to guard myself yet against such things, I think I'll ask one of my sisters for that. Oh, I haven't answered her question yet.
"Safety. better than the standard protection gear against any accidents." I answered, it wasn't entirely the truth. but it should be enough to keep this Kolibri satisfied. "I see, Hmm. Are you perhaps new? I've met with most of the Ara cadre's, and you don't seem to be from any of them that I remember" small talk, great. I'll have to humor it sadly. "I'm new, well. I've worked here for at least 2 Earth Months, but this is the first time I've been deployed past my training at the factory". Kolibri nodded, her face showing some muted surprise.
"Name?" she asked simply
bringing my hand up to tap my colorfully written name "ARA-S2319. you can call me Biene Ma'am"
"Hmmm. Good to meet you. With any luck you'll become one of our best."
I nod, not quite replying, this commander unit giving me mental privacy is a pleasant surprise that I did not expect, hopefully small talk will take the wayside... unfortunately she begins to speak again.
"You're a part of what Cadre again?"
"FCR-2. Field combat repair."
"I see, I believe your unit has a scheduled Combat training exercise. I recommend you prepare for it."
I blink, taking in that information. "Ma'am, at what time would that be?"
"In 3 hours. I wish you the best of luck, you'll be needing it for today's exercise that Zwei has planned for you." She said with that Calm face of hers, great. A combat exercise.
"Is it a live fire?" I ask, dreading the answer I knew to come.
"Yes. no further information shall be given, I again wish you the best of Luck on this test." The Elevator door came open and she looked away from me, walking out with a calm... stride? I Wouldn't necessarily call that a stride for someone so small, but the confidence was not too dissimilar to that of a Stork. Breathing in deeply before letting it all out. I Steel myself. Other Gestalts come and go before I reach the hangar floor. Once those heavy doors open I rush out. my metal feet clicking along the ground as the 4 Nodes came down in a brisk. with that pace it didn't take me long to come across the NU-Falcon.
Older design, too expensive. but from what I've read it's a favorite of the pilots who take them out there. Reliable, sturdy, powerful. Maneuverable too. I'll have to treat it the best. looking it over properly I see scratches, minor combat repairs noted all over. all sorts of War records across its hall, faded war paint. I breathe in, and get to work. This will be good. Proper work.
Cracking it open with a few socket twists and some screws, I look inside the compartment where I need to do my check up and repairs. Wear and tear, small chips in the internals in several sections, all that could cause nightmares for the pilot and crew. That's mostly what it boiled down too. With that in mind I get to it by taking out some of the components and replacing them, and then doing some carbon tubing reinforcement. All simple and stop-gap repairs. I don't think I have the time nor the Resources to give this baby the proper repairs... but it should be enough for a couple long deployments. crap I got to make sure that this is reinforced enough so it doesn't break first.
As I continued to work it helped me distract myself from the training exercise I'd need to do soon. turning that screw, getting that tube in the right place. All nice and easy. Though my thoughts strayed off as I worked. Some plants might be good. Maybe an orchid? Oh maybe a nice and simple- ah what was it called... I'll think about it later. Right now I have to finish this. The plates on my arms drain more resources, but it's all for a little more safety. right? Yeah. It should be alright.
Footsteps. Metal boots, not Replika feet, no. there's some Clicks of Replika but... Gestalt?, let's take a look. I peek my head up to see Some Gestalts and STARS walking together. Wearing gear that read ODST, The STAR's had all sorts of little... what to call. Stripes? Stripes of I assume accomplishment, Their legs had written on them "Grunt crushers' '. "your destination is 6ft under!" little things that made me smile softly. It's awe inspiring. The gestalts I don't think look as colorful, but their tattoos were nothing to scoff at. One was an elite skull being impaled on a spear, another a Brute with the words surrounding it in a circle: "Brute? More like Groot '' all quite amusing.
I tilt my head to see that they are talking with a SAPR. similar black coating with a significant lack of graffiti on them, the STAR's were helping with cleaning out their massive autocannon. Seeing as SAPR for once is awe inspiring, large powerful looking REPLIKA. We've gotten a large surge of them ever since the factories on reach went into overtime. They're our spartan's. While they might not be as agile or powerful, their shielding tech and general firepower can snuff out wraiths and Hunter alike. I turn back to my work, doing a few rudimentary repairs to finalize my work here.
I begin to hear heavy footsteps with a distinctive clang and spacing to them. turning my head I look up to see an ODST-starling looking down at me. Her height compared to crouched posture makes me feel like a Gestalt child. her faceplate covering her mouth and making her seem all the more expressionless like us ARA's. "Biene. That's your name?" she asked, her voice is powerful. even more so than those regular Marine-STAR's. "Yes ma'am." I reply, hoping to keep the stutter from getting into my speech. "Working on my crew's bird?" Is this hers? "Oh, this Falcon belongs to your crew?" she nods. "Yeah. She's been through a lot, what were the repairs you did on her?"
"Nothing too serious" I say, continuing with more details "some stop gap solutions due to a lack of parts for her. we might have to Cannibalize another Falcon to keep this one going. but she should have no issues with her next sorties, though if she gives the pilot some issues you might have to do another set of repairs." She made a clicking noise and nodded. stepping back slightly to turn her torso to look at the rest of her Cadre. I closed up the falcon and stood up. turning up to look at the STAR. "Hey, could I ask for something Ma'am?". she turned her head slightly, looking at me through the corner of her left eye. You're judging me aren't you? "Sure. What do you need, but keep it brief". "alright ma'am." I reply, going to my question. "I have a combat exercise in a bit, could you give me some points on how to shoot? I'm a Field combat engineer, but I haven't done quite right in my range training." the Star turned and gave me her full attention.
It felt like she was smiling under the mask. "Well, that isn't exactly Brief now is it Rookie." she paused, thinking my question over. "It's better if I show you. Were gonna go shooting, though, where are you testing at?" Oh. A live tutor, I can work with that. "LFCT-10 Ma'am" she nodded and looked like she was spacing out. Checking her map. She turned to her Cadre and I assume said a message over coms to them. "Alright Rookie. You'll be coming with me" I nod and grab my tools, stuffing them into my work belt and backpack. She watched me as I did this before turning away. Making those long strides to the Elevator. I walk aside her, speeding up just to match pace so I don't get left behind. "Truthfully you should have asked your instructor, but due to the fact I'm not unaccustomed with training Gestalts and others how to fire guns properly you get a pass." Okay. So I'm extra lucky. "Ma'am. Is there any chance I may learn your name?" She looked at me with an eyebrow, "is my identifier not on me?" I shake my head, not seeing a tag. she looks over herself, then looks down at her leg to see her "Grunt Crusher" Art over it and smirked. "Ah right, that doesn't pass for it when people don't know me. I'm STAR-S2355, you can call me Hetzen when in reference to me. But for now continue to refer to me as 'ma'am' or 'Sir'. Anything that denotes me of a higher rank than you"
I nod. "What do you want to practice with? A pistol? A rifle? Smg? what do you want?" she asked me in a sporadic fashion "Oh! Dmr. It's the easiest for me to use without wasting ammo, Though the Recoil feels unruly at times." I replied earnestly as we got inside the Elevator and she hit the button to the floor we would go too. "I see. good choice, I prefer the BR55 myself, but the M392 is not bad at all. accurate, powerful. Good choice." she nodded at the thought. "Simple tips I can give for it before we get the range are lean into the gun, brace your shoulder into it and Squeeze the trigger, don't "pull" as they say in films or recordings. Squeeze. makes it easier" I nod, listening carefully. "Additionally, don't look down the scope first when you're acquiring a target, use both eyes and use your built in smart link." she pauses "You are retrofitted with one, correct?" I nod, saying: "Yes Ma'am. I was actually built with one as a part of a new production line upgrade, I'm not too dissimilar to Gen4's." She nods her head. "I'll give you more pointers when we get there." I nod and reserve myself to silence. people and Replika's enter the elevator with us, coming and going as we go quite a ways through the ship.
I paid no mind to them as I went through Images. Images of the Green world below me. Meridian I believe? Wonderful planet Bustling with life, I'd like to take care of some of those plants down there, Something to occupy my mind with something that isn't gray or manufactured green. I could probably bother Ruhig, that old ARA. Didn't she work back during the Harvest conflict? I'm unsure, I'll have to get a couple combat logs I could download and read over to learn about my sisters. My sisters... right. 10 of us I think. I honestly haven't learned their Names. just the numbers... What was it? 18. then me. 31. 32. 33. 37. 38. 43. 49. 53. Ruhig was the only one I actually remembered the name of, seeing as she's our Cadre Officer. The other girls mostly keep to themselves and only the Eule's in the next dorm really talk to me. They have the Unnerving knack to figure me out like some sort of Kolibri. It makes my hair stand on end.
The Star Elbowed me gently. disturbing me out of my thoughts and I'd come to notice that we were on the floor, nodding. I tightened the straps on the armor around my forearms and followed her through. walking beside her once again as she walked to the training area on this floor, Gestalts and replika's walking by us, rushing from place to place or conversing with each other. An active and excited ship, out of the corner of my ear I hear "Hey, there's a combat drill test for the Field ARA's. You wanna watch it?" sounded like it was a younger Gestalt woman. I didn't catch the reply but I heard another comment: "I wonder who's gonna score at the top, maybe 33? She did amazing last time!" Yeah. Only because I screwed up, I'll do better this time.
Entering the room I scanned around, Seeing the spacious area, it was a massive space that you couldn't see the ends of easily. Ceiling was incredibly high up for all sorts of situations for training and so that observatories could be set up all over to witness training and score people properly. in one of those Observatories I could see a room where some Kolibri and... an ADLR as well as a FKLR were present, causing my hands to clench. I look to my right to see the Firing range that I'll be training at, looking around I see the Star walk towards the weapon rack, I quickly hurry up to walk aside her once more.
looking over the weapon rack. skimming over it I look for my favored rifle... where... AHA! the marksmen rifle. M392. I bring it into my hands, tilting it off to the left as I look down at the sight. powerful, accurate. Single shot rifle to keep me from wasting too many shots. The Starling speaks up as she grabs one for herself "Grab 6 mags and an ammo crate, preferably one with a speed loader inside. Also, if you're having issues with your rifle, it’ll be best to give your pistol aim a check, so grab a M6G while you're at it."
I nod and do as she says. Getting the ammo for my rifle before acquiring then Slipping the Pistol into a holster, grabbing a small box of ammo for it too. Grabbing half a dozen magazines for both. The Star grabbed her things at a quicker rate than I could match, that's experience for you I suppose. I quickly hurry over to follow her as she gets up to the long table. Settling her ammo and firearms down onto the table, I follow suit not long after. "So." she starts. "I'm gonna have you fire a couple rounds at some targets as you normally would, then I'll give you pointers after you've done so. Sounds good?" I nod. getting my rifle and getting a mag full with the help of the speed loader.
The Firing range is this long Box like space, more like rectangular with holographic projectors all over to create targets. As I looked down the rage I could see others, and hear, STARs and ARAs firing at targets. nodding to myself I pick up my DMR, getting it into my hands properly before reaching up and pulling the bolt back with my palm. Reaching down and getting a good handle on the freshly loaded mag before Shoving it in, giving it a quick tap with the palm to send it home. Before finally reaching my hand back up and sending the bolt closed. Satisfied I click the safety off and onto Semi. While this thing does have full-auto, it has too much of a kick for it. This gun's compensators and counterbalance is better for individual shots
I bring the rifle up, pressing it up to my body and bringing my eyes in line with the sights, mostly leaning back in my posture, Moving it quickly to the first target I spot through the corner of the scope. With a short but sharp crack of the round it reverberated through the room, my built in sound dampeners keeping me from dealing with any issues as it hits the grunt. Equally sharp to its sound is the recoil. I get a quick grip of it and lower the rifle for the next shot, another sharp Crack! The Hologram goes red before the grunt disappears. I shift my body to get a new target, a brute that I spotted from the corner of my eye.
Crack! I fire again, bringing the rifle down just as quickly as it rises. I fire round after round the kick of the rifle causing me to go off target and making me miss a round or two but the brute goes red eventually and the hologram turns red before dissipating. Before I can fully settle there's another grunt, I breathe in to settle my gun before taking it out with a respectable headshot. checking the ammo counter I see 4 rounds left.
Hetzen nodded before speaking. "I see you were mostly relying on your peripheral vision, while alright it wasn't what I told you to do." I Nod, looking down slightly at her words. "Generally though, your shot isn't terrible. you wasted some unneeded shots with that brute, the only take 7, you fired 9 with some missed shots, their combat armor provides some decent coverage, but their armor often crumbles after enough fire wholesale for whatever reason, take advantage of this so you can focus on only needing one round to the head. Finally, to help with recoil, watch me."
I looked up to see her taking the rifle to her shoulder. She was leaning into it in a hunched posture, leaning forward into the rifle with her cheek up against the rest. “See how I’m doing it?” I nod, taking in as much detail as I can.
"this will help your body absorb the recoil. Also, let's say you're firing from your right hand, take the leg of the opposite side forward, so you can crouch to brace your arm against the rifle. This will allow you to take better shots." I nod once again, noting that down in my logs for later.
"Finally, do some dry fire drills, the anticipation of each shot is causing you to fire lower than you should." I nodded along before I stopped. my brows furrowing "anticipation?" I asked flatly.
"Yes, basically you're anticipating the recoil before it happens, causing you to tug the gun down. That's why I say you should just brace yourself into the gun, this will help. Additionally use your smart link to acquire the target First, then look into your scope for further shots. cay?" I nodded. "Yes ma'am!" "good. now for your pistol. I loaded a mag for you so take a few shots out of it." she grabbed a mag off of the table and handed it to me, the end of the mag towards me. I click the rifle onto the safe and set it down, grabbing my pistol from its holster and taking hold of the magazine.
I shuffle the handgun in my hand before getting a proper grip, putting the magazine tip into the magwell with some difficulty before pushing it home. Before tilting the gun to the left to rack the slide, I've heard it referred to as sling-shooting it. I think that's cooler than just calling it "Racking". I stow that thought as I go to click off the safety before the Star puts her hand up to stop me.
"watch me." she said flatly before taking her pistol and taking a stance, another hunched stance with the gun lined up to the middle of her face, taking aim and rapidly firing two shots in rapid succession on one grunt, brass flying out towards me and onto the table, I Don't have time to register that any further as she rapidly swapped targets and shot down an Elite with rapid successive shots. busting its shield in a holographic animation before taking its head off with a good shot to the head.
She turned and looked at me, smiling as she thumbed the mag release and let the mag slide out into her off hand. "That there is point shooting. you try" I think about the posture in my mind and do my best to mimic it. overlaying the smart Link sight rather than using the irons. I breathe in. she pauses me again with a click of her tongue. "keep the safety on". I nod as she brings her hands up to mind and adjust the way my left hand is holding the pistol, having it cup the gun and my fingers. My thumb pressed against the side of the pistol too. "this is all to help you keep recoil down. Now, breathe in. Point, and squeeze. I wanna see you hit those shots" she said with such confidence it oozed into my mind. "Yes ma'am." I reply, a smile creeping onto my face.
I switch the safety off as I rapidly acquire a jackal in view. The magnum has less of a crack and more of a Bang compared to the rifle. the gun snapping in my hand as I shot at the exposed hand of the Jackal before snapping its head off with a successive shot. the Star whistled at the quick shot. I'm not done with Hetzen. Noticing an Red elite in sight I shift to it rapidly. Firing shot after shot, the gun is climbing in my hand but I'm able to keep it on target enough for the shields to crack in 10 shots. leaving one last one to crack its holographic skull like a melon. With one last shot in the chamber I require a grunt, and with all the hopes to impress the star, my magnum barks out its final round and pops its head, giving a happy cheer and confetti. I blink in confusion before turning to the star. "good work. well, for now just keep practicing your shots, Honestly with you asking for help, I expected you had more issues. But I think you're an alright shot for your rank, rest will have to come down to experience."
"thank you anyways ma'am. Would you mind sticking around to help me with some..." I pause for a moment, trying to find the words, before Hetzen can put words into my mouth I speak "Dry fire training? Truthfully the company is a help, being around the other ARA's makes me a little... shaky'' I swear she's smirking under that mask. "I see, sure. I won't question why and I'll give you company and a couple pointers. Now let's get to shooting, shall we?" I smile softly and nod.
I'll do so much better than last time.