Dr. Kardinovsky came across the loud speaker, “Now if you will all make your way over to the first test.  We will compare your test to your results from your most recent physical performance exam.  Any significant increases will indicate that you are synchronizing with your suit.  The higher the synchronization, the better your results.  Not to worry though, some of you will synchronize more with your suit as you use it.  Sadly, some of you will never synchronize with your suit.  Regardless of how well you do or do not synchronize during tests; I expect you to go all out.”  “So what threshold do we have to reach to be assigned to the special elite taskforce?” Ibara, who hadn’t said anything the entire time, spoke up and asked.  “I am glad you asked.   There is no set synchronization level.  It will be based on your test results, previous physical performances, initial synchronization, and final synchronization results.  We have a formula to then put the results in and determine those of you which are most prepared to use these suits.  In other words, you will receive a message by the time you have returned to your quarters this evening.”  Dr. Kardinovsky replied.  “Well, he definitely evaded that question with a bunch of fluff for an answer.”  Ibara thought, silently.

“Now, you all have received instruction manuals.  If you will turn to page three; I will explain how these suits work and what you need to know for your own safety during these tests.  In the near future we hope to have them designed to be more universal, but for now, we still have to custom design each one based on your gender.”  Dr. Kardinovsky started out.  Immediately, one of the troopers raised their hand and sarcastically asked, “So what would happen if a man put on a woman’s suit?”  “Well, since you ask, since the suit is programmed for a woman it would be loose fitting in the chest and try to correct itself for any difference in size located in that area.  However, since it was a female suit, it would not be set to correct itself for your balls, and would most likely crush them.”  Dr. Kardinovsky revealed with a serious and slightly annoyed tone.  All the laughter about the question immediately stopped among the troopers, “Guess it is a good thing I asked.” the trooper whispered to those nearby.  “Are these things really safe?” another trooper whispered.  “Would hate to have that happen.” another trooper stated.  Whispers about the suits began spreading around the troopers.  Dr. Kardinovsky then pulled a suit out of the crate and stated,  “Each suit is made of a new myomeric fiber.  This fiber, when exposed to electrical impulses, is far stronger than the material your current battlesuits are made of.  This fiber can take much more damage and can self repair to a limited extent.  The suit, however, cannot repair injuries to your body, so make sure not to take unnecessary risks during the testing. Next you will notice that there is a hole in the back of the neck.  Your neural net link goes through here.  The myomeric fiber must stay in contact with the neural net link for the suit to operate.  Seeing as how the suit will be skin tight, this will not be a problem.  Just as a precaution, the ring around the hole will electromagnetically connect the suit to the neural net link.  No worries though, the electricity involved is so small that you won’t notice it even if you could touch it directly.  Once the link connects to the suit, the suit will be powered by the electrical impulses in your body.  In other words, as long as you are alive, your suit will have power unless you disconnect it from the neural net link. As such, it is required to have direct skin contact with the myomeric fiber, so the suit must be worn with nothing under it.  Flattering I know, but the gains are well worth it.”  

What the ever living hell are these guys thinking?! One way or another we are being sent right back into the fire, regardless of what happens here.  These techs act like we are just lab rats to do their bidding.  I have never been so aggravated and insulted in my entire life.  Who the hell do these guys think they are?

~Excerpt from Private First Class Dai Kono’s Journal Entry 124

  Dr. Kardinovsky continued on to say, “No normal person will be able to pull the suit off of you.  There are only two ways to get it off: number one is to remove the connection of the neural net link from the skin, or number two is someone strong enough to pull the suit off of you,  meaning someone else with a suit of their own or you yourself.  With proper synchronization and your suit on, you will be able to loose the myomeric fibers from the neural net link or from themselves.  So in case of an emergency, you can remove your teammates' suit.  Understand that if you remove the suit from the neural net link directly, the suit will be nothing more than a piece of nearly indestructible cloth.  Also, you will be naked as the suit will most likely fall off.  The suit will not only fall off, but it will not resist blows, heat, or any other form of attack you may encounter.  However the helmet works on its own system so air purification and computer imaging will still work unless the helmet is removed.”   One of the troopers said, “Excuse me Doctor, so you’re saying that if the suit loses power we still can’t be burned by fire since the suit is “near indestructible” right?”  Dr. Kardanovsky looked at the trooper, slightly annoyed by the question, and said, “Think of it like a casserole dish at that point.  The suit will not burn, but the heat from the flame will still boil you on the inside of it.” Returning back to his original speech, “I strongly suggest that you do not disconnect the suit's power in the field, ever.  You will notice that it is no different than wearing a spandex suit, minus the discomfort of being exceptionally hot.  These suits are temperature and humidity controlled.  They will disperse sweat and recirculate it to cool the body.  Excess amounts will be evaporated from the suit, so you will not get bogged down with sweaty suits.  If you are in the field for long periods of time, make sure not to use the bathroom in your suit as you will be stuck with it in the suit.  The same goes for if you think you might vomit.  Make sure all bodily functions occur outside the suit or they will be trapped in there with you.”

Again out of nowhere, Ibara questioned, “You say we have to try to better synchronize with our suits, but you have yet to tell us how to achieve that goal.  So, how do we better synchronize with the suits?”  Dr. Kardinovsky cleared his throat and said, “I was hoping no one would ask that question, but I guess it is inevitable considering how many of you there are here.  Though I was hoping for a completely organic synchronization.  Synchronizing with your suit is not a one time thing, but rather a continuous thing.  Meaning that your levels can fluctuate from one moment to the next.  The key to the process is to be able to maintain it without it being its own thought process.  The process, albeit a simple one, is very straightforward.  All you must do is be able to think of what you want it to do.  While things such as walking and running are things you can do easily with little to no concentration, the suit can augment these abilities if you focus on them.  You simply have to think of yourself as being able to do whatever it is you want to accomplish; however, if at any point, you doubt your ability to do something then the suit will not respond properly.  If you allow your thoughts to go astray, the suit will no longer obey the task at hand; instead, responding to what you are thinking.  Therefore, you must be conscious of what you are thinking about or the suit may end up not acting the way you want it to, but rather in the way your emotions are telling it to.  It is important to understand this fact and keep your emotions in check.  Emotions are a very powerful tool with these suits, but they can also be a catastrophe waiting to happen.  Just remember there are limits to how much these suits can actually handle. They are limited by the structure underneath them, your body.  If you were to try to do too much; the suit could crush you like an aluminum can.  As such, don’t do anything stupid.”  “Damn, he dodged the question again.”  Ibara thought, observing the doctor closely.

“Man, Ibara has gone into total serious mode on this.  I don’t think I have ever heard him say this much about any one subject, ever.  What is he trying to get at?” Sara thought as she listened to the questions and answers very closely.  Ibara then asked another question, “I guess my last question is, do we have to be the spandex heroes or can we wear actual clothes over top of these things?”  To which Dr. Kardinovsky replied, “You can wear anything you want over them, but not today.  Also, the suit can operate without the helmet, hence why there is a separate connection port for the helmet compared to the suit.  So if you were to need to go undercover, you could completely hide the suit or even disguise it as undergarments.  In fact our first test is going to work with the suit's ability to change appearances.  Now then, please follow me over to the first staging area, and we shall begin.”  The troopers followed the doctor over to the first station.  He continued talking as they walked, “You will complete each stage in heats of five. As you finish one stage you will then get a small break before you move to the second stage.  To ensure adequate rest between each test, the heats will perform in the same order at each station.   We should finish the tests by early afternoon.  As such, once you complete your tests, you will return your suits and helmets; then you are free to do as you wish until you receive your results later this evening.  Those of you that are chosen will be assigned a suit and helmet permanently and stay here for further testing.  The rest of you will receive a ticket for the transport heading to West Pan-Am base.  There you will be reassigned to the rebuilt unit 37 or to other units as reinforcements.  Either way, you will be directly involved with the hunt for the flame dancer.”

As the troopers arrived at the first station, the technicians at the location greeted everyone, “Good morning.  Here we will test your ability to control your suit’s color changing features.  The test is quite simple, you will be shown a picture of colors, patterns, or clothing and you must get your suit to mimic them as closely as you can.  Though this test is simple and extremely safe, you will find that the tests get progressively more dangerous as you go from station to station.  As such, I highly recommend that you not do anything stupid.  Should you have any injuries during testing, we will, of course, get you treated immediately.  Also, should anyone die during the tests; we will see to it that you next of kin are contacted and your final wishes carried out, though I highly doubt that anyone will actually die during testing.”  

I can’t believe I got cut so early.  All I got tested for was changing the suit's color.  They said it was too dangerous for me to continue since I couldn’t synchronize with the suit; and there wasn’t time to help me to learn how.  I wanted to be one of the elite.  Maybe I can at least rejoin Commander Norman once I leave here…

~Excerpt from Private Second Class Aerin Cross’s Journal Entry 164

Meanwhile, back at West Pan-Am base, Commander Norman was in his quarters going over paperwork.  “Incoming comm line.” the computer said.  “Open comm line.” Norman replied to the computer.  “Commander.  Good morning.  I hope you are doing well, all things considered.”  Commander Faraday said in his business-as-usual voice.  “I am fine.” Commander Norman replied also in his business-as-usual tone.  “Commander, I know you have probably already know this, but you will be taking command over unit 37.  This is your official notice of assignment.  I will be sending you a list of troopers later today that will be in your new unit.  Also, I am sending you a list of available sergeants for you to choose from.  Please send me your selection by 00:00 hours.” Commander Faraday said as he interlaced his fingers, while placing his hand on the desk in front of him.  “Yessir!” Norman replied.  “I know this is a bit sudden, but once your unit has all arrived back at West Pan-Am base, you will receive your official orders.  I am going to go ahead and tell you though, it is not a pleasant assignment.  You are being sent back out to find and eliminate the flame dancer.” Faraday said, closing his eyes and bowing his head slightly.  “Damn!  That’s a tall order for someone who just got promoted to commander!”  Norman thought, while attempting to hide his look of concern that was creeping across his face.  “Furthermore, you will be coordinating with the Pan-Am military on this operation.  Your official orders will have your contacts with whom you will be working.  I apologize.  Really I do, but the high brass made this call not me.  Just do me a favor, kid, and don’t get killed out there.  I couldn’t face Herman in the afterlife if I sent you to your grave.” Faraday stated, opening his eyes and raising his head.  “I understand, Sir.  I will be careful and I will make you proud.” Norman replied, steeling himself for what he knew was an awful task.  The comm line closed.  Neither Norman nor Faraday were able to comfortably face each other given the situation they had both been put in.