Pathline by Kaede Lazares Page B

turned and faced Suri who was offering her 'spare' cup to Rook.  Rook seemed taken aback by the kindness, he accepted it and seemed to soften up to Suri a bit.  The four of them made their way to the training rooms.  Along the way they caught up with Helo and Ash who both greeted Rook pleasantly.  When they arrived at the main training room they found Serk and Catha were already there , in the midst of a conversation .  Both turned to look at the group entering, but didn't address anyone.  After a few minutes they were followed by Blythe, then Nave and Felix, and finally Delph.  At the appearance of the final team member the group started separating by tactical team , heading towards either Serk or Malik. 
    Serk gestured towards the door leading to the next training room for his team to follow, but Malik stopped him. 
    "I was actually thinking that we should work together today, sinc e it's Rooks' first day with us and he's the only charger we've got . " 
    Serk seemed reluctant, but after a moment he agreed and stepped back towards the center of the room next to Malik. 
    Serk walked up to one of the electromagnetic generators and turned it on.  "We've been working with these for the past two days, they send out streams of energy at random and we've been devising ways to avoid or attempts to deflect the streams.  I think we've done very well on our own ” he said, mainly addressing Rook. 
    Catha, who was standing next to Malik, gave a smug smile.  Rune turned to glance at Rook; he had the slightest sm ile on the corner of his mouth as he star ed straight at Serk. 
    Malik, sensing the tension, added " W e've done what we can , given the situation; obviously we're aware that a machine is not a n equivalent for an actual C harger.   We look forward to the ad ditional help you can provide Rook." 
    Rook turned to Malik and smiled, nodding cordially . " L et's hope your faith in me is merited."   
    Ash stepped forward. " M aybe we should start by showing Rook and Rune what we've worked out so far, then they can join in, how's that sound?" 
    Malik nodded. " T hat sounds perfect Ash, would your team like to go first Serk?" 
    Serk stepped back. " B y all means Malik, you should go first since you've had a whole team to work with . " 
    Malik nodded and signaled his team.  The rest moved to the back of the room, away from the generators range.  Catha started the energy stream in the machine and stepped back moving into formation.  At first small then larger streams of energy shot out of the machine. T he team moved around, evading the streams, sometimes even managing to deflect the streams with makeshift shields.  They did well, with the streams only coming close to hitting members of the team on a few occasions.  Their military training clearly showed through.  After about fifteen minutes Malik made his way safely to the machin e and switched it back to standby.  The rest moved back into the center of the room to discuss the tactics, nodding in approval.  Catha turned towards Rune, a self-satisfied expression on her face. 
    Tactical T eam - I steppe d back and Serk stepped forward. " G ood work Malik, that's in line with our own tactics, minus the missing members of course.  Rook, Rune, would you two care to step in for our teams demonstration , I'm sure supers of your caliber can catch on quick enough . " 
    Malik frowned but Rook stepped forward . " O f course, let's not hold the team back any longer, where would you like me?" 
    Rune stepped forward as well, her eyes cautiously on Rook. 
    Serk placed Rook to the far right and Rune to the far left as the team took their positions around the generator.  Ash stepped forward and re-activated the machine.  The streams of energy began to shoot out again, close range at first, only affecting the front members of the team.  Rook stood back at his ease watching.  As the streams began to get bigger one shot out towards Rune's corner, she shifted her