P.D.’s Reviews > Testing of the Stars > Status Update

Max was just about to wonder if he was being paranoid when he heard a commotion coming from down the corridor ahead of them, yet Max still couldn’t tell what was going on. If he’d been by himself, he might have charged ahead, but it wasn’t only his life on the line, and he wasn’t going to risk Aidan’s safety like that.

That was about childish Cadets, other than you guys, breaking something they shouldn’t have,” Aidan said, smirking at Harris. “I know you’ll all be heartbroken, but I’ve got to go and fix it.”
“It can’t wait?” Max asked, his shoulders slumping a bit.

Before he could think about it anymore, the stripes on Max’s shirt flickered on and turned green. He glanced over at Harris and instantly realized his stripes had turned orange. It was obvious from Harris’ face that he’d noticed too.
“This is awkward,” Harris said.

“It’s alright, O’Brian,” Mungo said. “This wasn’t your fault. The simulations are programmed to cause fear. If I’d known about this... I wouldn’t have put yours as high as I did.”

“Whatever,” Aidan said, shaking his head as he moved away. “If you want to become a crispy-critter, that’s up to you. I just don’t want to see it, and I’d hate to end up coughing on your ashes.”
Max grimaced. “Thanks for the heartwarming sentiment,” he said. “And lovely mental picture too.”

“Don’t flatter yourself,” Aidan said, tossing his tool back onto the workbench. “Not everyone here thinks it’s something to be celebrated. Personally, I think it’s a sign that the Novans might just win this war after all.” He smirked at Max. “I mean, are you really the best we have? It’s a sad realization.”

Max laughed. “I’ve heard of a lot of reasons for time travel, and I’ve got to say, that’s not exactly the noblest.”
“What? Do you chat about making time machines with most people you eat lunch with?” Aidan asked.
“Oh, yeah!” Max laughed. “All the time.”

Sweeping the sword around in the air, Max could feel the power pulsing through the blade. No wonder this was the Defender’s weapon of choice. He was already in love with it, and he’d just started using it.

“Are you alright, Harris?” Max asked, forcing himself to keep his eyes open. He waited, but Harris didn’t respond. Slowly, he turned his gaze toward the video feed of the Mentalist and realized his fellow pilot was no longer conscious. Great... Just what he needed. “TF-45-14 to Control,” he said, grimacing. “I could use some help up here; Harris just passed out. And my head doesn’t feel so good.”

Rubbing his neck, Max gulped in as much air as he could. His head spun, and he forced himself to lean back against the wall as he deactivated his sword.
“O’Brian!” Aidan said, hurrying to his side, and Max felt a hand on his shoulder, steadying him. “Are you um… okay?”
“I think so,” Max mumbled, reluctantly opening his eyes.