Massachusetts Institute of Technology
November 15, 1984 - 2100 Hours
MIT's advanced combat training facility occupied a carefully disguised sublevel beneath the military science building. While officially designated for ROTC training, the installation's true capabilities exceeded standard military parameters. At this hour, most students focused on theoretical physics or engineering challenges. In the reinforced training space, three men pursued more practical applications.
"Your form has evolved," Caspian noted, his enhanced vision tracking subtle changes in David's combat style as they moved through complex combinations. "The integration of multiple disciplines shows increased efficiency."
"Special Forces close-quarter techniques," David confirmed, executing a perfect counter to Caspian's advance. "Recent training focused on urban combat scenarios."
Tony observed from a specialized monitoring station, his brilliant mind analyzing combat patterns with the same precision he applied to quantum physics. "The energy expenditure ratios are fascinating. Each movement perfectly calibrated for maximum effect with minimum waste."
The facility's sophisticated sensors recorded their performance metrics, data flowing to secure servers for analysis. Their training sessions had evolved since Phillips Academy - more complex, more lethal, more precisely focused on specific capabilities.
"The CIA's advanced combat protocols are still based on outdated models," David noted, flowing through a sophisticated evasion sequence. "Their understanding of practical application lacks certain refinements."
"Most agencies maintain similar limitations," Caspian replied, adjusting his attack pattern to test David's adaptive capabilities. His enhanced vision mapped muscle tensions and weight distributions, calculating probable responses before they manifested.
Tony made precise adjustments to the monitoring equipment. "The biometric readings show interesting patterns. Your combat synchronization has reached 97% efficiency. The neural response times exceed normal human parameters."
The training facility's climate control maintained perfect temperature as they worked, their movements becoming increasingly complex. Years of shared training had created perfect understanding of each other's capabilities. David's military precision complemented Caspian's enhanced abilities, while Tony's analytical insights provided tactical advantages.
"The quantum harmonics project has practical combat applications," Tony observed, studying the data patterns. "Properly calibrated field effects could provide tactical advantages in certain scenarios."
"Assuming you can control the quantum variance," David replied, executing a complex combination that spoke of specialized training. "Unlike this afternoon's containment breach."
"That was a calculated anomaly," Tony protested. "The temporary localized gravity inversion provided valuable data."
The facility's reinforced walls absorbed the impacts of their training, sophisticated dampeners preventing sound from reaching the upper levels. Each man maintained perfect focus on his particular role - David's practical combat expertise, Tony's technical innovation, Caspian's integration of multiple disciplines.
Their evening session continued with measured intensity, each exchange adding new data to the facility's secure databases. MIT's resources provided perfect cover for their specialized development, while academic pursuits masked more specific preparations.