The last few days had been a waking dream for Wolf – surreal even. He had never even considered the possibility that he might actually be going to Lunar Academy, and now he was being placed in one of the most elite teams on the entire campus – or so he was told. He had figured the surgery would leave him as a scientific experiment, albeit one with many benefits, but nothing more. His fingers unconsciously felt at the back of his neck, feeling for the familiar cold metal jack and its rubber cap.
That metal jack had been the spark for many social interactions – some good, some less than so. Overall, most considered it something to be proud of, a grand leap forward in the science world. He still did get the odd look now and then, from those who took the time to notice it. He fondly remembered his (ex) girlfriend complaining that a giant sparkplug ruined the moment every time she tried to wrap her arms around his neck.
He mentally shook himself, bringing his attention back to the world around him. He was immediately aware yet again of how uncomfortable the school’s uniform was – it was far too tight and well-fitting for his tastes. He began to absentmindedly pick at the black folds as the Colonel talked into the open door, and he shifted uncomfortably. Luckily, the heavily one-sided conversation was mercifully short, and the Colonel beckoned him and the girl next to him, Sasha, into the dorm room.
As the whir of mechanical parts – probably NeuroLeg, although he’d need a closer look – receded down the hallway, Wolf set his jaw and calmed his nerves as best as he could. He didn’t know any of these people – even Sasha was no more acquainted to him than through idle chitchat. Even so, he strode confidently into the room alongside the other newbie, and immediately began sizing up all four of the others. The “elite team” didn’t look like much, even with the addition of two new members. In fact, if push came to shove, he could probably take any of them in a fight - not that he’d necessarily want to.
The boy on the left looked timid at best, annoyed at worst, and altogether cranky. Probably just as uncomfortable as Wolf, if not for different reasons. He quickly paired a face with the picture file he had received earlier, and identified Jack Roman. The bookish girl next to him would be Thessalia, then. That left the guy with the obnoxious shades as Richard. Dude, leave the shades for the outdoors… Come to think of it, none of the three standing in front of him looked like they particularly wanted to be there. Well, aren’t they just overflowing with excitement….
With first impressions out of the way, he figured it was time to actually introduce himself. As far as he knew, the others may have no idea who he was. “I suppose I should probably introduce myself. Wolfgang Feuer – or just Wolf. In fact, please call me Wolf.” He put on a smile, as a hint of pride crept into his voice. “I pilot the Helios – fastest A.W.E. you’ll ever have the pleasure of seeing – if you can catch me.” His eyes sparkled with arrogant amusement as he touted his abilities, before he returned to a slightly more serious tone. “Now, I’d love to say more, but I want to get out of this damn uniform. I’ll be much better company once I’m comfortable.”
His curt introduction finished, he took a step back to allow Sasha her own introduction. Once she was finished, the tension in the room began to fade, and he immediately turned to grab his bags out of the hallway. Conversation would be met with a request to let him get settled first. He discreetly fed a wire up the back of his shirt and into the jack, hooking himself into the PDA in his pocket. Beaming a floor plan of the dorm into his brain, he figured out which bunk was his and moved his luggage in, not bothering to unpack more than a change of clothes, which promptly found their way onto his body. Comfortable at last in a red hoodie and jeans, he moved into the main room, flopped down into the nearest seat, and made himself at home.