I feel like one solid bruise as we all hobble our way out of physical training. "I don't think your ability to beat my ass was ever in question, love," I say to Ko-lee. She gives me a grin, stretching out her shoulder as she walks beside me. "Yeah," she says, chuckling, "but you had a huge smile on your face the entire time. Don't lie, you had fun." "Amongst other things," I think, running my eyes up and down her body. She catches the look, and gives me a wink, and I feel a wave of goosebumps run down my arm. I cough, trying to pull my mind out of the gutter, before I continue speaking. "Yeah, well, I never realized how fun it could be to beat up my friends." Rease takes a step up behind me and Ko-lee. "So, we're friends?" he asks, in a purely curious tone. "Well, yeah. I mean, if we're not friends, then we should be," I say, looking around at the other four members of the squad. "Listen, I don't know how the rest of basic training will go, but I'm pretty sure that when it finishes, we'll end up as a squad for operations and stuff. If we're going to be stuck with each other, then shouldn't we be friends?"

  From a glance, it seems like opinions are mixed. Ella and Ko-lee are thoughtful, and Rease seems excited. Caz-V, unsurprisingly, looks dismissive. I shrug. "Well, it was just a thought that got knocked loose from when Rease had his hands on me," I say, causing him to laugh. It's a much softer laugh than I expected from such a large guy. He reaches a hand over and slaps me on the back, causing me to stumble slightly. "Happy to help!" he says boisterously. We roll into the next class, but unlike the previous two, the room is devoid of a teacher. The space looks vaguely reminiscent of a traditional American classroom, if a bit smaller, with the desk and chairs facing towards the screen at the front of the room. "Where's the teacher?" asks Ella, her eyes scanning the space. There's nowhere in the room for them to be hidden, and the only door is the one we had just come through, so after a few moments of confusion we all eventually make our way to the seats.

  The moment the last one of us sits down, the screen in front of us springs to life. "Welcome, recruits!" a cheerful voice says, as a digital avatar appears in front of us. "Holy shit, a cephalon?" I think, my eyes wide. The avatar of the cephalon looks like an icosahedron; a sphere made out of glowing light green hexagonal panels. The panels occasionally lift away from the ball to rotate, before settling back in place, and when the cephalon speaks, various panels are lit up. "Hello... sir?," says Ko-lee, after a moment. "This is equipment training!" the cephalon responds brightly. "You may call me cephalon Scientia! As a cephalon, I am unable to hold rank, so no need to refer to me as sir. Today we'll be covering the TEPA suits!" Ella raises her hand, and Scientia rotates as though to look at her. "Yes, Recruit Tygg! Did you have a question?" Ella nods. "Should we be taking notes? Will there be a test?" she asks, a look of focus in her eyes.

  "No worries class, there won't be a test on the information I've given you! However, if you have questions, or do not understand the material, please ask! It's important that you learn the operation of not only the TEPA suit, but all the equipment that we discuss, as your life will likely depend on the information!" says Scientia with an upbeat tone. The casual atmosphere in the room turns serious at her words. "Haha, we all literally just locked in... 'cept for Ella I guess. And Ko-lee. Whatever, 3 out of 5," I think to myself. "Are there any other questions before I begin?" asks Scientia. The room is silent. "Fantastic! So, as mentioned before, today's class is about the operation of the Tenno Enhancement, Protection, and Adaptation suit, or TEPA for short. The suit is really a collection of three different parts. The suit body itself, the optical system, colloquially known as the 'eyes', and the primary filtration system, colloquially known as the mask. Starting with the suit, it is a polyfibric material, consisting mostly of high tensile polymers interwoven with isomorphic circuitry..."

  As important as the information is, I can feel my mind drifting off as Scientia explains the minute details of the suit. "I mean, it's kind of sort of interesting, but it's not actionable. This is a spec sheet, not anything I can do something with," I think, as my eyes wander over to my squadmates. Ella and Ko-lee are fully focused as Scentia is talking, while Rease mostly looks confused. At a first glance, it doesn't seem like Caz-V is paying attention, but the longer I watch him, the more I realize that he's just pretending not to. "Come on man, who are trying to impress? Whatever. This is the ADHD, I gotta actually pay attention." I do my best to yank my focus off my squadmates and back to Scientia. "...by the other factions. In regards to the protection of the suits, they have a moderate impact and piercing resistance, but moderately useful slashing resistance, and no elemental resistance, which is something we will cover in tactics in the future. So, if you're stuck between a hammer and a sawblade while out in the field, I suggest choosing the sawblade. You will survive a moment longer, and the extra data uploaded during your demise will help improve the capabilities of our next suit model!"

  There's a tense silence in the room, and it feels like it stretches on for 17 years before Scientia breaks it. "That was a joke, class," Scientia says, and Caz-V lets out a snort. "In reality, your shields will be your primary method of defense reduction. Please raise your hand if you are aware of how a shield system works." My hand is in the air for about a second, before I really consider the question. The only other person to raise their hand is Caz-V, and he gives me an odd look as I lower it. I don't bother giving him a response. "Very well class! So let us discuss the basics of a shield system," says Scientia. The avatar disappears, and a cartoon representation of some sort of tech appears on the screen. "When a projectile encounters a shield system, the system attempts to disperse the kinetic energy of the projectile back into the atmosphere. The energy released manifests as light, sound, and heat, as well as a number of other effects unnoticeable by standard humans."

  "When the battery powering the shield system is drained, the system will no longer be operational. However, after a moment, the system can recharge itself, as long as it is not under fire, and the battery is not compromised. Depending on the density of the shield system, this can take up to a few seconds to fully recharge. Direct damage to the batteries will prevent the shield's from recharging. However, there are a number of auxiliary batteries located within the TEPA suit, so you are much more likely to perish before the shield systems do," says Scientia cheerfully. "There are many variations on the shield system, many being created by the Corpus and their various merchant guilds, but the basics are the same nearly everywhere. Even our vaunted warframes have a similar system! Does everyone understand?" There's nods around the room, and the cartoon display of a shield getting shot fades out to be replaced once again by Scientia's avatar.

  "Great! There are some limitations to be aware of. Some elementally charged projectiles will overtax the battery system causing it to lose charge much more quickly. This includes electricity, and magnetics." My hand shoots up into the air before Scientia says anything else. "Yes, Recruit Nova?" they ask. "What about elemental toxin? Can shields stop it?" There's a brief moment before Scientia responds. "The specifics of the elements will be covered in a later class, but yes, toxin will penetrate shields." Ko-lee gives me a nudge, and I look over to see a questioning look. "Later," I mouth at her, and she gives me a nod. "Beyond protection, the suit also contains a number of biofeedback systems. They are currently not enabled on your suits, but we will switch them on during tomorrow's class. We had received some feedback on the overwhelming amount of information presented to new recruits when a suit was first equipped, and so, to reduce mental load, portions of the suits capabilities are currently dormant."

  "The biofeedback system will let you know various things about your current physical health, and will report that information to your commanding FO, or field officer, as well as a simplified numerical representation of the health of your squadmates." It takes all my willpower to prevent myself from reacting. "Holy shit boiiiissss, WE'VE GOT HEALTH BARS. I'm dead, I'm literally dead, that's the fuckin' funniest shit ever. I mean, sure, video game, I've bought in. Maybe alternate world or whatev. But like, literal red bar with number? I can't, that's so funny," I think, doing my best to simultaneously freak out and pay attention. "The granularity of the display can be adjusted both for yourselves, and your squadmates, as needed," continues Scientia. "This can be helpful in cases such as attempting to treat injuries in the field. Next is the MCS, or magnetic clamping system."

  This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

  "The magnetic clamping system allows for a level of adaptability to the TEPA suit, hence the A in the name," says Scientia. Even though the avatar didn't have anything even remotely resembling a face, I felt like I could hear a smile in their words. "If you require extra ammunition, armor panels, insulation, or more, the MCS allows you to do so." Scientia's avatar disappears again, this time revealing a person wearing a TEPA suit, with the animation showing various things being attached and unattached around the body. "From my information, you've already utilized the MCS once today, to attach a kinetic dampener! As you've no doubt realized, operation of the MCS is quick and simple, and can even be utilized in high stress environments. Some operations will require Tenno to utilize the MCS for a specific purpose, but more often than not, you are allowed to exercise your own judgement."

  "If wish to do so, you may look into the various attachments during your free time. There are a number of different items available to spend credits on." I watch Caz-V's 'chill guy' persona fall apart the moment the word 'credits' is mentioned. "How much are we paid?" he asks, his pupils wide. "As recruits, you are only offered room and board," says Scientia, and I see his shoulders slump slightly. "However, as operatives, you are paid a base stipend. The specifics will be covered in your tactic's class in the future. To simplify, the higher your rank, and the more commendations you have, the more you will make. The base rate more than cover's your daily needs, however." I can see the gears turning in Caz-V's head, but he doesn't ask any more questions. "Now, the TEPA suit has three main 'functions'. Adaptation, protection, and enhancement. We've covered the first two, with the MCS and the shield system. Last is enhancement, which comes in the form of modules."

  I feel a shock of excitement run through me, and I can't help but sit up. "Who here knows what a module is?" asks Scientia, and my arm shoots up so fast it feels like it's going to yank out of it's socket. "Please, please please please tell me this is what I think it is," I think excitedly. I notice Caz-V and Rease also have their hands raised, although Rease is flying his at half mast. "I've recovered modules before, mostly for you gu- or... for us, I guess. But I don't know how they work or anything. Seen 'em though," says Rease, as we all lower our hands. "That won't be an issue Recruit Thomoni. For those of you who don't know, modules are conceptually embodied ideas, powered by harvested void energy, that allows us to drastically affect how a certain object or material works. For example, you might have a low caliber weapon unable to pierce through the physical shield of an enemy. However, with the right module, that low caliber weapon could not only pierce through a shield, but even a thick wall!"

  "Recruit Tygg? Do you have a question?" asks Scientia. "Yeah, I'm sorry but... that sort of sounds like magic," says Ella, looking around confused. "It is not magic," says Scientia, "simply high level Orokin era technology. They-"

  "Well, not all of it," interrupts Caz-V. "We... the Corpus make modules too." Scientia responds in a much less upbeat tone than usual. "Yes, the Corpus do create modules based off Orokin design, although they don't quite perform to the same specification. However, they have been able to create entirely new designs, which is very... creative, of them." There's a brief awkward silence before Scientia speaks again; this time with their usual cheer. "Modules are one of the reasons why warframes are so powerful. As Orokin tech themselves, many modules were designed specifically for the warframes. In any case, the TEPA suit is able to utilize a small subset of these modules, to enhance Tenno safety and effectiveness." My leg starts bouncing out of excitement, and I can't keep the wide grin off my face.

  "Recruit Tygg!" says Scientia, and I notice that Ella has her hand up again. "What sort of modules are we able to use?" Ella asks. "Modules to enhance armor or shield strength, modules to increase mobility, and more," says Scientia. "There is a default set of modules used by all operatives and agents, and they will be provided to you before your first operation. After that, if you wish to utilize different modules, you will need to purchase them yourselves." I feel the excitement begin to drain out of me, and I raise my hand for clarification. "Yes, Recruit Nova," says Scientia. "So... modules are like, really expensive, from what I know. I can't imagine we're getting paid that much, so I have to ask, how are we ever supposed to afford them?" The avatar of Scientia bobs up and down, as though nodding.

  "That's a great question, recruit. The ITO, that is, the intratactical officers, maintain a pool of modules that can rented by operatives and agents. This helps lower costs drastically. As well, unplanned recovery of modules during operations can go part of the way to the cost of purchasing a module," says Scientia. "Couldn't we just... keep one of the modules we find?" I ask, slightly confused. The cephalon laughs. "Oh, no, most of the modules you recover will not be usable by you. As well, any resources gathered by operatives and agents are Tenno property, not personal property. If you are found to be siphoning resources from your operations... well, there are repercussions for that. In any case, I believe that is just about the end of class! Tomorrow, we will cover some more functionality of the TEPA suit; more specifically, non neural functionality for the optical system. I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow!"

  Then, without any further warning, the screen shuts off, leaving us all alone in the room with one another. We look at each other for a moment, caught off guard by the abrupt exit of out teacher. "Welllll," says Rease, his arms stretching up and behind him, "I guess that's it for today." Caz-V stands up from his chair, and we all look at him as he does. There's a brief moment where it looks like he's going to say something, but he just gives a casual head tilt, and leaves the room without a further word. We all watch the door slide shut behind him before turning back to look at each other. "So... we've still got daylight. Relatively speaking. Do you guys wanna hang out and..." my words trail off as I note a blinking icon in my headset. Ko-lee gives me a questioning look, but the rapid attention shift makes it hard for me to immediately explain. "Sorry the... uhm... I got a notification," I say, pointing towards my eye.

  I focus for a second, then two, then five, and I start to feel a little silly, before the notification pops open before me. "Very official," I think, as my eyes scan the text. "Oh shit. The Lotus wants to see me? That's... I guess I didn't want it to be another repeat of the whole Unum-making-me-wait-forever thing, but this is a lot sooner than I thought it'd be," I look at my squadmates, who have been silently watching me read the message. "Uh... rain check on hanging out, I guess. The Lotus wants to see me," I explain to the three of them. Ella's eyes grow wide. "The Lotus wants to see you? Personally?" she exclaims. "Oh, yea, that's probably really weird," I think, desperately trying to come up with some excuse. "Yea... it's a long story," I say. "Nailed it."

  Ko-lee rolls her eyes at my explanation, but Ella just nods thoughtfully, before giving me a bright grin. "Well, good luck! Maybe you can come hang out with us later?" she asks, and I give her a shrug. "Maybe. I'll do my best to track you all down after this. Do you guys have any plans on what you're going to do?" I ask, as we make our way out into the hall. The moment we do, I can see a bright purple line rise off of the floor, indicating my route. Rease nods his head. "Yeah, there's this sport that I think people are playing. Lunum or something. I thought maybe we could all go do that, or maybe just watch?" he says, looking around questioningly. The other two give him signs of affirmation, and he grins. "Well, it sounds like fun. I'll try to catch up with you guys after this. I'm headed this way," I say, pointing down the hall. I give them a wave as I start to head off. "See you all in a bit!"

  https://discord.gg/5cPCfUCSkH