Curriculum 16: Pro-Ing: The Battle For Self-Awareness

                   "Uh.....what is this, another test??" "Alright ladies, line up single file, your real battles start today with the meeting of your senior!" Rei: That's right, a senior. Among the candidates here at GOA, the seniors are the top five most skill candidates. Their purpose today is to mentor us and to push us past our limits to their level! "Candidate number 90! Pay attention. Meet number 88/A1." Peering into each others eyes, Zero stood silent and stretched out his arm. "Hello, I am Zero Enna." "So what's it to yah? Oh and my name is Rei Clou." Rei Saluted him. They both looked each other over again." You don't have to do that salute crap with me." "Oh so you don't appreciate my respect, well you can just shake your own hand. God! Give him the number one and he goes power crazy." "Shut your mouth! I don't care if you don't like me, that's your problem. But we'll be stuck together a long time so quit your bitching!" "Why I oughtta..." "Guys," said Kizna." Stop that fighting! Zero we can't afford to lose any points to....uh why are you staring at me like that?" "What's with... the ears?" SLAP!!! "Ouch! that hurt," said Rei rubbing his red cheek. "So is this our little candidate?" "That stings, all I was going to say was that they make you look cute." SLAP! SLAP!!! SLAP!!!! "What have I told you about flirting with the other repairers." "Hmmm I don't remember..." SLAP! "There does that jog your memory?" said Keiko. "Yes." A dazed Rei fell to the floor with swirly eyes and red cheeks. "You are Keiko Sadamoto?" "Yes and I think that we'll get along just nicely." Keiko and Kizna shook hands and began to talk. Rei still lying on the floor was greeted by Zero stretching his hand out to help him back up. "Are you ...alright?" "Not really but I'll get over it." "O'k the next step in this is to pair up for an exhibition match. Number 90 and 1 will go first, you will have two hours to prepare." said Azuma leaving the room. "This'll be a breeze." "What was that!?" exclaimed Zero." I am not a push over. I may look it but you'll see." said Rei turning around. Rei soon left and Keiko with him. "He reminds me of you, except for the flirting." "He's just  a little push over who needs to be taught a lesson." "You mean like Erts did to you?" "No... this is different. I wasn't...ok I was but hey at least the boy's got spunk."

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                      " Dammit. I have to put up with that guy for the rest of the time I am here." "If you wouldn't be such a jerk about people than we wouldn't have this problem." said Keiko. "Yah I know. We need a strategy!" "Come with me." said Keiko. "Where are we going?" " To the hangar to show you our new toy!" "You mean the....I'm coming!!" Rei walked off towards the hangar. Hiead closely watched him run off down the hall. Hiead: He is an extension of Zero, I think that this should be fun to see Zero fighting his other self! Even though 90 is his own person, he is like a re-incarnation of a Zero that died a long time ago. I will keep my eye on him."

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                      Rei: Those who have made it this far have been given the privilege of using the warcraft known as Pro-Ing. This mecha isn't as good as the Ingrid but has is enough to be mass-produced and used as "training wheels" for the Ingrid. "It's....a Pro-Ing, I love it!!! This is going to be mine for the rest of the time I am at GOA." Rei opened the cockpit and jumped in. He looked around and observe its complex technology. "This is the vessel used in your training, it is essential to be used before the Ingrid." "This is the one of the Goddess proto-types, it wasn't until 4015 SC. that they mass produced it. The main system isn't as complex as the Ingrids Orbital Pattern but it is tuned to the frequency that makes it just as good. But the problems were that this frequency made a stall reaction and it isn't as fast. It is very slow but I think I can adapt to it." said Rei. "How did you know all these things? " asked Keiko. "Mech's like these I have studied on and worked on prototypes back at my colony, they weren't as well built, but they had enough capabilities to work on the outer parts of the colony structure." "Your right, the down-graded Pro-Ing were used for construction of the colonies." "Yes and this one has capabilities to be used in battle with VICTIM. And that's exactly what I am going to do." "Then let's get started," said Keiko. The starting system was manually operated from the main repairer deck. As taught in the Repairer Curriculum, the Pro-Ing was able to hold certain amounts of EX and exchange it to whatever form specified. But the several times able to do this could either cause damage to the vessel or cause danger to the pilot. "It is very.....slow...and I can't....move...to easy...." "If I change the settings to the higher grade, than it will be easier to operate." "Wait if....I can get use to this.....type ....of resistance, than I ......will be able to train....and it will be...like a cinch....compared to the more...comfortable system...." "That may be so but can you get used...." "I can feel it, this is it!" Rei's movements got quicker and soon was moving fine, "There's still a little pause but I can get used to it!!" "He...did it, I don't believe it!!"

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                    "That boy, he has got the EX but does he have the skill yet Azuma?" "Director I believe that he has almost got it. I would give him another month but if he keeps this up than he will become a pilot for sure." "Orders came down from above and there might be a chance he will make it to the top of the top. If the current pilot fails to operate her duties." "That's great. I am sure that he will make a great pilot." "What's the boys name?" asked the director. "His name is...................Zero Enna." "Azuma I hope that you know that you are investing your top candidate to a roster of several other candidate that are eligible." "Yes but are they at the top of their game?" "The one in-particular. Number 87, Hiead Gner, he is almost as strong and has the skill, so what is wrong with that one." "He hasn't got full control yet. And when he does release his EX, he has to much output and is in danger of killing all of us at the least himself. He is not ready for the trials yet, as well as Zero but he is better selected because of his ranking." said Azuma. "How are the new candidates." " They keep getting better and better. Their stats are excellent and have a real chance of making the top roster. Especially 90, he has an attitude problem but I did to, he reminds me allot of myself when I was training." "I see, do you think he has the potential?" "Definitely, think of him as a second Zero Enna." "In time Azuma, in time."

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                          Morning rose quickly the day of the first fight was at hand. Rei stumbled out of bed and put on his clothes and boots. Walking slowly toward the battle ground the others watched as the tension continued to build. "Dead guy walking." said Kluze. "Have some faith in 'm Kluze, He has surpassed us all and he's going to kick the crap out of this guy as well. Were all rootin' for yah Rei!" "Two carrots say he gets his butt kicked!" said Riu. Rei continued his long walk. Keiko followed behind.

                              Walking inside the room, they noticed it consisted of several work places for the Repairer. "This is where I  leave it up to you!" said Keiko. "Ok let's get this over with. Wish me luck." Rei walked into the hangar and put the head gear and sensory armor on. Seeing Kizna walking past from finishing with Zero, he put his thumb up and she responded the same. Either it was her way of saying "good luck," or "he's going to cream you." Rei closed the hatch and the vessel activated.

                                 "Ok, this is the first of your tests to test your adaptation and performance in the Pro-Ing against an actual opponent. Good luck 90 and may God have mercy on your soul." Rei gulped loudly and put his fist together.(He did so to calm his nerves.) "GO!!!"  The sound of an alarm rang in the room. The fight had begun. "AHHHHHH!!!" Zero yelled as he lunged forward. " Ok here's for the insult yesterday." Zero punched a hard blow at Rei. He quickly side stepped and followed through with another dodge. "How did he do that so quick? You've got the movements of lightning but you haven't got the skill to attack me!" "Just watch me!" Rei circled around Zero as his fists took their aim. He lunged at Zero and made contact with his chest. Zero was knocked back and slammed against a nearby rock. "Too easy." "REI LOOKOUT BEHIND YOU!!!" yelled Keiko over the radio. Zero jumped forward and dashed his opponent into the wall. Rei yelled in pain as Zero pressed harder. "Give up, I don't want to do this but give up." "Like hell I will. I haven't come this far to be beaten by the likes of you!" Rei picked up his legs and pushed himself off the wall taking Zero with him. Rei got up and took his form again. Soon there were fists flying and the blood began to surface. Rei with a cut on his forehead and Zero with a gash in his side. "Line 02 cut, support on the way." "I can handle it." Rei catapulted of the ground into Zero, knocking him into the air. Zero regained control and counter attacked with a trip kick that knocked Rei on the ground. Rei's Pro-Ing slammed and dazed him. Rei retuning to his senses quickly regained his stance. "He is injured on the right side. Attack from there." "Alright ." But unfortunately Zero was in a defense stance that was specifically meant to protect the right, "Ok the left won't be as affective but take the shot any way." "I gotcha!!" Rei to the orders and attacked the unprotected side, but Zero dodged the attack and Rei fell to the ground. "It's a defense technique I learned a long time ago!" Rei:His defense style is terrific but how do I distract him?? "Ok I think I 'll show you one of my techniques." Rei stood still than put up his fist and then it glowed, "This is a technique that uses pure will to attacked. Flaming DRAGON!!!" Zero:What the heck is this??

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                  "This is so damn typical. They blame it on us. Dammit." "Common Garoo I figure they are just doing their job." "But I can't stand it. Those jerks can't handle we lost a battle it's not like....ok there was the colony. I can't stop thinking about all of them. Those people who were killed." "I see. But there is also the fact that we aren't getting any stronger. But the Victim are. Unless we can't find out some offensive strategy then I am afraid were all doomed. There will not be any other planets to be inhabited." said Riu. "This started over a hundred year before and only in the last fifty we've been able to hold them off from taking Zion. The home planet was destroyed in "Lost Property" and we've only been able to keep this star since. Thousands died. In the past year, the Victim have started attacking colonies. This was one of the casualties." "What happened in the battle "Lost Property"? "

Flashback: Garoo:  They said that there was no stopping them. The home planet or earth as they called it was under attack by Victim. This was no ordinary one they said. Several people were killed the hours before this, the Victim were making their mark on their opponents and since there were no other type Pro-Ings the battle was lost. A larger type Victim emerged from the hoard and shot a large plasma bullet from it's inner self and it turned black. It's submerged the earth and then it disappeared.

                                 The next galaxy over was Zion. A small universe where half our technology was stored. unfortunately the other half was on earth. So the Goddess plans were put to a halt and soon the whole project was shut down. But, thirty years later, a man By the name of Crowe Revold, re-opened the project and built the Ingrids Frames we know today. But this is not it's ultimate form. Even with the new armor, if we can't find a way to make a new frame even stronger than these, we are all doomed to the same fate as our origin planet.......earth.

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                "What is this, I have never seen this kind of attack before." Rei charged with his fist pulled behind him. Soon he lunged forward and was aimed right at Zero. His attack made an impact on his opponent as Zero staggered back with his hands on his chest. Zero spat the blood from his mouth and felt queasy. "Dammit don't do that! I have to clean that up after this!" said Kizna. "I...I couldn't see it coming. Is that an EX ability?" "No, there was no EX scanned or detected in that attack. He must have some huge strength to be able to do that!" "I was sure it was. But I sensed none either." "Hey are you going to stand there all day, or are we going to finish this!!" Rei stood up he had struggled to walk because of the energy loss. "I am surprised, I was sure you would faint. I had an hunch that you would be able to survive that." said  Rie. "This isn't over yet. Your fancy martial arts isn't going to stop me from kicking your butt!" "Right that's the spirit." said Rei."I can see your not easily beaten, so...lets finish this!!" Rei and Zero clashed fists and soon the two began to stand and hit each other. Together they stood hitting and kicking. Blood was dripping from their wounds and Rei started to get blurred vision. Rei: I'd better finish him off quickly. Or I'll faint. Zero caught Rei off guard and knocked him back. Rei dashed forward and slammed him into the ground. Rei spat a small amount of blood and continued. "I can't go on much longer ." said Rei. "Dammit! You keep going!" said Keiko. "Remember, the promise, you push me.....I push you." " I'll do this. I will NOT LOSE!!!!!" Rei began to get quicker and soon the energy from his EX ran it's course. Rei got in close and punched Zero back and forth. Several times this went on and soon Zero fainted. "And that's a wrap." Zero laid silent for several minutes. "I could get used to this." said Rei with his back to his opponent. " But I don't feel to good." Rei fell to his knees and put his hands on the ground."REI BEHIND YOU!!!" Zero lunged to Rei back and tore out his energy coil. Rei fainted for real and Zero was announced the winner. "And that is how it's done."

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                     "Rei you idiot, I'm sorry. Are you going to be ok?" asked Keiko. "Damn, I hurt. I need to get set down for a second." "Rei your bleeding!!" "I know, but I left my marks on number 1 so there!" "Hey!" said Zero." Let's go to the infirmary and get these wounds cleaned. "I don't know, I feel fine. " said Rei. "They've got some awful cute nurses!" "I'm there!" Rei quickly jumped up and followed Zero to the hall. "Boys their so weird." said Keiko.

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                  " Dammit! And I was hoping to win it that time." said Rei. He walked slowly down the hall with disgusted look on his face and soon was talking to himself." My gosh, why the hell didn't I finish him off!" Rei continued his walk when a sudden bump from another candidate caught his attention. "Ouch, watch it!" said Rei. "Sorry about that. I wasn't paying attention." "I guess that's alright, I wasn't either, I was thinking about that match I lost today," "Really, well I know what it's like. I have lost a match or two in my day." "Ok so what's your name?" "It's Clay Cliff Fortran, I  am from the K-03 colony and am pleased to meet you." "Hey aren't you that guy who tipped off my friends about the "so called" hardness of Quarble?" "Oh so your a newer candidate eh'?" "So what's it too you." "Your number looks new, just let me check......there, you are Rei Clou, from the K-08 colony. Hmmmm that is strange." "What?" asked Rei. "I was told that the K-08 colony doesn't exist anymore!" "Shows what you know, I am from  that colony but it was recently destroyed. So now you could say I am from nowhere." "Very interesting." said Clay pushing up his glasses. " What now?" "It's says here that you don't have any trace of atomic support!" "And that means to me what?" "Let's go take a seat and discuss this matter." "Why should I?" "If you don't have atomic, then you shouldn't have any trouble accessing your EX. " "My EX, what do you know of EX?" "Lot's, trust me, let's take a sit and I shall explain the whole thing to you."

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         "Hey Zero almost got his butt kicked by the newbie!" "Shut up Yamagi! You couldn't do any better." "But just think if he hadn't been so cocky, you'd be a lower class candidate like before!" "I would have come back.........somehow. Anyway, what's done is done and what's is snot. And this just happens to be snot! " "What do yah mean by that?" "Snot is what is inside your dumb head." "Hey shut....." "Zero," said Hiead who had crept up behind. "Ugh! Don't scare me like that. What do you want." "How's about a fight." "Are you sure your not going to blank out on me again?" Hiead grabbed Zero by the collar and held him up. "Listen, I was tired that last time, the doc' said I  was under some stress, fatigued. But I am going to beat your sorry ass and that idiot junior candidate of yours!" "Hiead!" said Ikhni. Hiead stared and soon dropped Zero. Zero fell to the floor and then spoke up," You bastard. You'll see! Does tomorrow sound like a good time to kick your ass!" "Be there." "I am looking forward to it." "Come on!" Hiead said to his repairer. "Damn him, he needs an attitude check." "What are you  going to do?" asked Yamagi. " I am going to accept his challenge." "No I meant about Rei Clou. What if he won't cooperate. You guys didn't hit it off so well! " "I can make it through this." "You'd better, or Hiead 'l succeed you."

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                    "I see so the main frames data base can be tricked into concentrating all of it's fire walls to a main server, and then while it's distracted you can hack it?" "Right, The system server's artificial intel, is very slow. So unless they can reroute those files to several areas at once they, than they can't stop one from hacking through their back door." "I see. So do you do this often?" asked Rei. "Yep, but the system can take hours to download onto  a little hand held like this!" "So can that be fixed?" "Yes but I'll explain that later. My point is, is that the EX is halted by atomic, which are defects in the body. If those are supported by the atomic filler here at GOA, than the EX flowing through one can be used to it's fullest, but I can't understand why they'd have it this way. There are only three others with this special ability. 88,87, and Teela Zein Eermes!" "I see, but how is this that I have received this?" "Well I for one have a distinct atomic, my eyes, if you haven't noticed are supported by these glasses. You on the other hand don't require any sort of hearing aid or eye contacts etc." "I see there's a blank in the DNA requirements in order to have this. The several strands required for your eyes are missing, but that is fixed by the use of you glasses." " Exactly. Every one has some defect, but I am still pondering why you don't have to use atomic. Let's check...." "Yah, I don't remember them saying anything to me about it after I left the infirmary after scanning that one day!" " Here we go, se compare these DNA strands to mine. " "All mine are linked! They have absolutely no braking in the link," said Rei," I see now, I am a complete form. But do they call this a special case!" "Yes and I am down loading this data that will supply us with the info on guys in your cases before......That's funny," said Clay pushing up his glasses. "You and three others are the only ones uploaded in this file." "Check mine!" "Here. C...L...O..U... there it is and......no background information again! Why are our pasts not needed." "What did they delete my history," "I am as shocked as you are! I had mine deleted a long time ago." "I don't get it, why is it I was brought here?" "I have no idea unless they were hiding something from us. Why is our past of any importance to them." " Could it have something to do with our ability to EX boost?!!" "I am not sure, I will check into this. There has got to be a rational explanation for this." "Where the hell are you going?" asked Rei. "I need a stronger connection. I will get my hack system in my room and check this out." "Great, what'll I do in the mean time?" asked Rei. "There is nothing you can do! For now you will have to wait until I have gotten my info." "Ok, I'll see you around." Clay walked off down the hall. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt if I got some info myself. Lets see.......CHILDREN, hacked it, Great! Ok now to see about these server frames,  I will set up a firewall to keep any server administrator out." Rei made several clicks and soon found a small file." What's this, *click click* future pilot ranking, and..... I have found it!"

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                         "Pilot's man your battle station! Victim spotted in area green 3!" "Maintenance check complete, priority check as well, opening hatch in 10 minutes, all pilots in their Ingids in 10 and counting." "Here we go again. I wish you the best Garoo!" said Reena. "Me too, God help us all! You ready Riu?" "Yes very ready!" "Let's not give em' any mercy this time."
said Yu. "Let's do it for the colony!" "Let's do it for our family!" "Let's do it because I am hungry and wanna have some time off to eat for a change!" "All pilots manned and ready. Airlock one and two ready too be opened, ready the catapult." "Take care, and best of luck!" "Ok boys let's finish this one off quick." "If only it were that simple Riu!" Reena: Victim type S, should be pretty easy to destroy, just so long as you stick to the plan Garoo, Got it?! "Don't have to worry Reena, I'll come back." "Victim is approaching, Attack pattern B/6." said Teela. "Alright let's do this aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!!!

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                      "Why is it that? Oh well, I'll have to wait till Clay gets back to me on this one." Rei walked into the hangar to pick up his gloves and to tweak the Pro-Ing. But he sensed someone else and went to take a look at the cockpit. "What the hell...." Wham!! Rei was smacked by someone that was in the cockpit. He stood with his mouth bleeding and a disgusted look on his face. "Ah, oh...I...uh I'm sorry." said Ikhni. "Dammit that hurt! You should try going for a pilot yourself." said Rei. "What the hell are you doing in here anyway." Ikhni drop the wrench and fell on her knees. She started to cry,"Augh! Don't cry I...aw god! Keiko's going to kill me if she find out I made you cry. Common." "I'm sorry,  I was only trying to help my partner, so he'd respect me." "Respect you? Uh what do you mean??" "He doesn't appreciate me, if it were up to me I'd kill him myself, but..I can't." "Hiead isn't that much of a boyfriend huh?" said Rei. She blushed and looked away, "No it's not like that, I just am sick of him." "From what I've seen, he is an aggressive person, maybe he doesn't know how to be kind to a cute.....er I mean nice person like you, just give him time." "Damn, I don't know if I can take it much longer, I hope your right." She shed a tear, and Rei lifted up her head, and wiped it. He winked and then began to refix the Pro-Ing. "Oh and this never happened got it?" said Rei. "Uhu. I'll catcha later....I guess." She walked slowly out.  Rei finished the damage (wasn't much) so he went on.

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                  Rei,Tia and Kluze went to bed, Rei couldn't help having to remember what had happened earlier and felt very sorry it had to.
Rei: The first battle is lost, but this next one will be a victorious one. I hope I can tap into my strength. Some day I will be a pilot. But only after this.

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                    Teela: The star Zion, the last remaining star that is the hope of all mankind. The light that shines to all who see it, whether it be man or Victim. Either know that. But what is to become of it. Will Victim destroy it, or will humanity wipe it out with war and violence. The star we work for and is hoped to last ......forever.

                                END   TRANSMISSION

Next Time On Pilot Candidate: The journey of a pilot takes him through the field of battle and sorrow. The only way to take this is to become strong but can they do it, or will they fall. Can they take the harsh beating before they become a goddess?

                              Pilot Candidate Curriculum 17:

                              Pro-Ing Part 2: The Sorrowful Battle.

   For those with wings......

                        Fly to your dreams.