The sound of the sirens continued as the impeding attacks loomed. When the alarm started, people quickly left the city roads and scrambled to find places where they could hide. Many fled in fear, knowing the horrors of a biological attack.
Many took refuge in the Hollander mall. As the people were queueing for safety, other entrances were closed. Andre and the new recruits from the Zanderthine Corporation helped in the security efforts.
Marrick, a veteran sniper, took position on the rooftop. He, along with other snipers, was tasked by their superiors from Zanderthine Corp. to take out any threats within the vicinity of the mall. Using his scope, he navigated his sights through the city block and saw the empty streets once littered with people.
Despite their efforts, Marrick saw some people who could not find shelter. He couldn't do anything to save them since he was not in control of the situation. He considered himself lucky enough to find both a job and safety during such a dire situation.
Marrick contacted Andre. He could not see him after the briefing. Rather, he wondered why Andre was not chosen to be part of the sniper team, even though he was an excellent shot like himself. Marrick picked up his phone and tried to contact Andre where he was.
"Where are you?" Marrick thought, staring at his phone.
Moments later, Marrick's phone beeped as Andre replied with his text message.
"I am sorry man, I have important things to do. The guys here at R&D and the corporate people wanted me here. They say it will only take a while."
Seeing this, Marrick was confused and thought, "What the heck is that guy doing!?"
After the text message, people heard explosions from several kilometers away. Marrick was surprised when he saw the plume of smoke rising to the sky. The attack had started, Marrick could only watch the chaos happening outside of the mall's premises.Meanwhile, inside the mall, Andre was with five other recruits. Dorothy Dawn and other R&D staff were heading to a trailer truck inside the warehouse.
"We handpicked you six for your experience and capabilities." Dorothy spoke to the six in front of her and added, "There is an important package inside this truck. You must defend it at all costs!"
Dorothy then looked at one of the staff from the R&D and said, "You can now take over and brief these people of their roles."
Anthony, one of the R&D staff, sporting a thick beard and having a few extra pounds in his body, wearing a white coat over his black shirt and brown trousers with shoes, said, "I don't know if any of you have experience in piloting mechs. You all can pilot everything here except one!"
Hearing what Anthony said, Andre felt he hit the jackpot. Mechs, or humanoid weapons used in mechanical warfare, require pilots to operate them. Unlike its counterparts, the SynthMech, which use biological parts, Mechs, or mechanical warfare units, are purely made of metal and alloys.
Anthony called the names of three out of six of the new recruits in front of him. Andre's name was not called, and Anthony continued to speak. "The other three will stay here for further instructions."
Looking at Andre, Anthony said, "Andre, I will have a word with you after this briefing! I dismiss all of you!"
The first three who were selected were escorted by the R&D staff to their mechs. Andre stayed with Anthony and Dorothy.
"I have a special job for you!" Anthony said.
"What is it?" Andre asked.
"Actually, I don't know if we should call you deserving. There's a special unit in storage that we would like tested. Depending on the results of the tests that we would run on you, and your willingness to prove your abilities beyond your potential. You will be our SynthMech Unit pilot." Dorothy explained to Andre.
Andre could not believe in what he just heard. His eyes widened with excitement and he could not contain his happiness. "For real!?" Andre exclaimed. "This is incredible!"
Being a SynthMech pilot was his dream. Andre, being a pilot, was like hitting the jackpot ten times in a row. Seeing his enthusiasm, Anthony sighed seeing that Andre did not know the gravity of what he'll experience yet.
"We would like you to sign this waiver if you are truly interested." Dorothy said and handed Andre an e-pad and e-pen to sign it.
Andre, skimming the terms and conditions in the waiver, did not bother to double check the conditions. He immediately signed the waiver after reaching the last page of the waiver.
"I am ready!" Andre exclaimed.
"Very well… Anthony, you make take over!" Dorothy said.
"Good! I hope that you are ready, Andre. We have a lot of tests to run before you can pilot the Shiva!" Anthony said to Andre.
"Shiva!?" Andre asked.
"Yes, it is a SynthMech from the Tamil Protectorate. Hindi SynthMech Industries, a subsidiary from Anglic, Bauer-Haye's Weapon Industries, produced that unit solely." Anthony replied.
Andre did not hear about the Tamil Protectorate units of SynthMechs. However, he was not in the place to cherry pick. Andre knew that industries from Yunan, Joseon and Yamato from East Asia produces good SynthMechs.Anthony, noticing hesitation from Andre, spoke to him and said, "Let me remind you that you have signed the e-waiver earlier. Backing down means you'll never get the chance of piloting a SynthMech unit."
Andre was silent for a while but then clenches his fists. "Who do you think you are talking to? Of course, I'll never back out. Not when my dream of becoming a SynthMech pilot becomes a reality!"