Disclaimer: I don't own Infinite Stratos

The IS fanficiton site is full of stories with OC's but after years of reading them I wanted to join in as well. The series is a guilty pleasure of mine, and while it isn't one of the more popular anime it still holds a special place in my heart. I came up with ideas on how to stand out and with help from friends I've managed to begin writing.

Hope you all enjoy it

-Xenonwishes

An IS soared in the sky, breaking through the atmosphere and reaching the expanse beyond Earth known as space. A machine used for warfare and sport was now being used to achieve the goal of space exploration

Inside the IS, the pilot looked around in awe at the black void filled with planets and stars spanning distances that could only be imagined.

"This is…. I'm really…. I can't believe I'm actually here!" From the white glow of the full moon to the blue pearl we call our Earth. His brown eyes couldn't look away from the sight all around him. "Being up here takes beauty to a whole new level!" His gaze was mesmerized on the Earth. Seeing the water and landmasses form the continent with a starry background from space felt so different than just seeing it from a picture in a textbook. He could've started at it for hours if he had the time.

"I know you wanted to be an astronaut, someday right Jayden?" A female voiced spoke out from his communicator, waking him up from his trance "So tell me, how does it feel to be living the dream?"

They say in space, no one can hear you scream, but if you were up there, you'd hear the squeal of one very happy teen. The squeal of what sounded like coming from a little girl in a candy shop was his only reply.

"You're that excited huh?"

"Jayden I'm really happy for you getting to live your dream, but in case you forgot I'd like to point out the giant elephant in the room!" A different female voice spoke out through the communicator. This one sounding panicked. "The one that we need to address IMMEDIATELY".

He sighed, remembering that there was something he had to take care of. "Right I'm on it." He reluctantly turned away from the world to the matter at hand. A large space satellite floated in the distance, pointing at the Earth.

"Uhm…. Jayden…. wait." Another female voice spoke out to him, this one sounding concerned and worried. "I want you to promise me Jayden"

"Promise you what?"

"Jayden…" It spoke out again this time a little louder.

"What?" He felt the world shake around him, as the image of space began disappearing"

"Jayden"

"Jayden…."

"JAYDEN!"

"WAKE UP".

"GAH!" The teenager known as Jayden jolted himself up the car seat and banged his head. He rubbed the newly formed bump on his head. "Geez dad, could you be any gentler?"

"Sorry sport, I just didn't want you to daydream through what you've been waiting for all month. But if you'd rather live in a fantasy world I'd understand." He grinned.

"No no no!" Jayden panicked. Scurrying out of the car, he stood as tall as four feet and seven inches could be. He brushed his long light brown hair over his shoulders and patted down his clothes to try to look presentable. Even licking brushing down a cowlick in his hair for good measure. "I just can't believe you set this up! I mean how many kids can say their father got them into an IS research facility!?" His smile grew from ear to ear imagining what he would see. Weapons in the process of being made and maybe if he was lucky enough, he could see an actual IS up close.

"Well you've been asking for months now and with my recent promotion as a security guard, I was able to pull a few strings to set this up for you." He gave out a hearty laugh as his son showered him with praise and gratitude for the kind act. As they got closer to the main facility, someone who appeared to work at the facility waited at the door. It was an older man in his late 20's with a white lab coat and black square glasses. His posture was hunched, and the bags under his eyes showed he needed a few more hours of sleep. This was all topped off with his uncombed white hair, giving him the definite look of a scientist.

"Thank you for taking time out of your day to organize the tour for my son. Jayden, this is Prof. Gelimer, a friend of mine and the head of this IS research facility here." Jayden's father introduced.

"The pleasure is all mine Marc, I'm always happy to help a friend." The two adults shook hands firmly. "How's the wife been?"

Marc coughed into his hand while Jayden looked at the ground. Neither one wanted to answer that question.

"Still bad I see." Gelimer coughed into his hand, trying to settle the awkwardness, and think of another topic.

"Your daughter is quite adorable Marc, no wonder you're so fond of her. Although Jayden is quite the unusual name for a girl." Said 'daughter' clenched their fists and growled.

"I'M A BOY!" The boy yelled out. The two adults took a step back from his outburst.

"Really!? Huh, could have fooled me" The professor admitted.

"Did you not tell him I was a boy!?" Jayden glared at his father.

"That may be my fault; I never specified his gender. Jayden here gets mistaken for a girl often. If you ask me, I think it's cause of his long hair". His father said, patting Jayden's shoulder to calm him down, ceasing his son's growling. Gelimer made a mental note not to make that mistake again.

"My apologies Jayden. I didn't think any boys at your age had an interest in the field of IS. so, what makes you so interested in the field of IS?"

Now that he cooled off, Jayden replied peacefully. "I've had a huge interest in the IS sport field for a long time, even though I can't use an IS. Seeing them go head to head in a fight is the coolest."

The Infinite Stratos (Usually referred to as IS) is an advanced exo-suit developed by Tabane Shinonono. Originally developed for space exploration, but due to humanity's desire for conflict, the IS never came out as a voyager, but instead came out as a powerful weapon. With the ability to fly, carry weapons, and protect the user with a barrier, it was deemed without a doubt the strongest weapon on Earth. A single IS was powerful enough to neutralize the threat of over 2,000 missiles launched at Japan.

There was only one problem with the IS. The IS could only be used by women. Call it bizarre but the powerful machine wouldn't activate when a man tried to use it. This meant that only females could become pilots of the Infinite Stratos. As such, the dynamics of the world had changed to where women were the dominant gender.

"It's so amazing to think about the feats and power they can show off. If possible, maybe they can be used in daily job position like deliveries or putting out fires. I'm here because I want to see it in person if I can." His eyes sparkled with a passion as he talked about the many uses of the Infinite Stratos to the professor.

"Or maybe you just wanted to ogle the girls in their IS outfits" His father chimed in.

"DAD!"

The two adults shared a laugh. Jayden tried to hide his blushing face.

"Although I must admit, when people talk about the Infinite Stratos, it's always for the violence and or sport, you're the first I've ever heard talk about its non-combat capabilities. Perhaps you aren't as ill-informed as I originally thought. Then surely you must have heard of Gelimer Brighton." His smile grew wide.

"Wait? Gelimer… Brighton?" Jayden asked.

"That would be me, yes." The man pointed at himself

"The actual Gelimer Brighton! Top IS developer in North America and famed researcher for many breakthroughs in IS weaponry and theories!?" His eyes shined.

"You… you actually know me!". He raised a hand to his mouth in shock. It seemed like he wasn't recognized often despite his accomplishments. His smile grew even more. "Jayden, you just made my good-list. Consider yourself one of the privileged few".

"My dad said you worked here, but I thought he was just messing with me. You're the top IS developer in America, second only to Tabane herself in all of IS research."

"Yes… that's me." Gelimer gritted his teeth as he looked like he was in pain. He did his best to force a smile while his right eye twitched unnaturally. "Do your best to not say that ever again. For everyone's sake of course." He did his best to laugh to shake it off.

Jayden's father nudged his son with his shoulder. "Icx-nay on the Abane-Tay". He whispered to him in Pig-Latin.

"Huh? Come on dad, you know I don't speak Japanese".

"Well, you have a good time Jayden, I'll see you later. Make sure you listen to Prof. Gelimer." His father waved goodbye as he headed inside. Before Jayden could follow, Gelimer blocked his path, placing his arm in front of him.

"Now Jayden, before I let you enter, we need to go over a few ground rules Jayden." Gelimer bent over staring at him eye to eye.

"First, do not touch anything. Second, you only go where I say you can go. Third, no use of digital devices for video recording and photography. Speaking of such" The professor reached into both of Jayden's pants pockets pulling out an I-Phone from the left one.

"Hey! You could have just asked you know."

"May I have your phone for the duration of the tour?" Gelimer pointlessly asked.

"You already have it."

"Thank you." Jayden gave the scientist the evil-eye. "Don't worry, I'll return this when we conclude our tour. No hard feelings, but I can't risk private information being leaked. Finally, and most importantly. Don't. Touch. Anything." He emphasized each word with a finger poking Jayden's chest.

"You already said that"

"All the better so you don't forget it. Just follow these rules and we'll have no problems." Gelimer said. "Do you understand?"

"Yes sir, I'll behave myself".

"All right, let's go" Gelimer announced.

"Out of my way" A woman in a US military outfit wearing black shades pushed Jayden aside, knocking him onto his butt.

"Hey!" Jayden yelled. He watched her ponytail swish side to side as she ignored him, picking up her pace once she got inside.

"Good morning Irene." Gelimer called out to her. The woman presumed to be Irene didn't give any reply and walked until she was out of sight. "Forgive her, she keeps to herself a lot, but I swear she's a hard worker"

"But she-".

Gelimer raised an eyebrow. "Do you wish to file a complaint at H.R? We can spend the day there instead of touring the facility."

"Never mind, can I see the cool stuff now?

"Yes, yes you may, lets commence the tour." He led Jayden into the facility. With Gelimer taking the lead, the boy followed along for a behind-the-scenes look at the development of the IS. His hands shook about with excitement for the tech he would see.

Jayden followed Prof. Gelimer through many of facilities located in the IS research development center. So many people had gathered in one place to create the machinery, weapons, and other devices that future pilots may one day use. The place was full of developments like the IS design stations where the outer appearance of IS's were designed and the finance department where budgets were created and approved for certain facilities to use. Not to mention the place itself was massive as it was about the size of a sports stadium. Gelimer lead Jayden through the building making sure to show every important room that he could think of.

"And here we have our weapons development lab, where we create and test in theory future weapons to modify IS units." He led Jayden over to a computer screen where a digital IS was shooting a multi-barrage gun at a target. The target of the barrage was reduced to pixelated dust as numbers flooded the screen displaying results of the simulation. "A weapon like that could tear through a person like a hot knife through butter".

"Sounds deadly." Jayden remarked. "But if you wanted accurate results, why not just build the weapon and try it out in a real-life scenario?"

"That would be the best action to gather data, however it would take large amounts of time and money to create the test while using our programs, we can input the variables and get at the very least, close to the same data we would get otherwise."

"So, it's to save money?" Jayden guessed.

Gelimer snapped his finger. "Bingo. While we have funding we're not made of money. So, it's best to test our weapons and ideas with digital simulations. We can't just build the weapon, test it, and keep taking it apart over and over"

"Speaking of weapons, what about energy-based weapons? Like lasers, plasma cannons, and particle beams. The kinds of weapons you find in anime." Jayden looked excited, hoping to see a futuristic weapon.

"We don't have any of those here, and in terms of practically they're less useful then standard weapons. Lasers and such will need a power source to draw the energy from to work and can bring strain upon the IS if too many are used or if something went wrong." Gelimer explained.

"It would've been cool though" Jayden sighed.

"Oh no doubt about it, I believe it would be as you kids say, "totally rad". Gelimer made air quotes around his lingo.

"No. We don't." Jayden shook his head. "What about an IS unit, do you think I could try one out?"

"No."

"What! Why not?

"Jayden, you're a nice boy and I've grown fond of you over the past few hours, but I'm not going to spend the time nor resources so you can touch an IS. I don't need you getting hurt or confirming what I already know."

"But maybe I can pilot an IS-. "

"Yeah, and maybe I can find a genie in a lamp to wish for the fame I deserve" Gelimer cut him off. "But we all don't get what we want."

"Just give me a chance. Please"

"Hmm Let me think… no". Gelimer replied stoically. "And that's the last we'll discuss of this.".

"It's not fair" Jayden mumbled.

"Life isn't fair kid, it's something we all have to accept. That's the last we'll talk about this. Come along now." Jayden refused to budge, clenching his fists although he couldn't tell if he was angry or sad hearing Gelimer's words.

"Look Jayden, I understand you want to get involved with the IS but piloting just isn't an option for men. There are other professions that can be just as rewarding and honorable. Like a mechanic or a researcher. I know it's not the same but it's a respectable profession. Come along Jayden the tour isn't over just yet".

The two continued through the building as Gelimer talked about the history of the facility and his recent accomplishments. Jayden followed along, dragging his feet while nodding to whatever the professor said. He knew he couldn't pilot an IS but until he tried there was always a chance…. Right? The hallways seemed to blend into one another with walls, windows, giant strange metal door, signs, wait a minute…

"Hey Gelimer, what's this place?" Jayden asked, pointing at the giant strange metal door. It looked much more fortified compared to other areas Jayden had seen so far. The door looked reinforced and there appeared to be a keycard slider to open it up. It seemed like the only way to crack it open was with a keycard.

"This area is under the jurisdiction of yours truly"

"It must be important then." He tried opening the door, but it locked tight. It wouldn't budge as all and the lights around the door glowed red. "So, what's in it?"

"That's classified".

"Not even a little hint"

"Let's just say it will change the world". Gelimer smirked.

"Oh, come on! You can't just say something like "This will change the world" and leave me on a cliffhanger. I'm going to be thinking about this all day. You have to tell me, pretty please?" He got on his knees and grabbed onto Gelimer's lab coat to beg.

The man closed his eyes as though he was considering it.

"Only the number one scientist could have something truly amazing in the works, right?" He cupped his hands together, pleading to hear secrets. "I won't tell anyone, I swear!"

"Well…Ah what the heck, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to tell you a little bit. But what I'm about to tell you doesn't reach anyone else's ears understand?" Jayden made a motion to seal his lips and threw away what seemed to be an imaginary key. "Behind this door is a new type of IS prototype. With third generation models rising in popularity, I've developed my own IS to allow us to showcase America's might. Best of all, it was done by yours truly from start to finish. However, it still has a lot of tests and updates that need to be performed but give or take a few years and the world will recognize me as the greatest IS inventor. Who's a poor-man's knock off now Tabane? GAHAHAHA" He laughed out that last bit to the heavens, declaring it to wherever Tabane was.

Gelimer laughed wildly as Jayden stood there. The professor may be a little off, but the man knew how to draw someone's attention. Gelimer reached into his pocket, taking out what appeared to be a keycard. He spun it around on his finger for added flare. It was probably the keycard one needed to open the door.

"So about me seeing it…" Jayden asked.

"GAH-HAHAHAHAHAHA!" He laughed even harder, stumbling about as he tried to keep himself standing.

"Oh, heck no. Sorry kid, but that area is off limits. Please understand, I can't take any risks or leaks getting out."

Jayden folded his arms and pouted. He was getting a chance for a behind the scenes look at an IS research facility, but it was lacking the actual IS.

"Now then." Gelimer said. "Next up on the tour is- "

Suddenly the facility shook as a loud explosion went off in the distance, immediately red lights flashed throughout the facility while a warning alarm went off all throughout the building.

Jayden covered his ears as an alarm rang loudly throughout the building. Meanwhile Gelimer pulled out a phone from his lab coat. He scrolled through his device to check on something before putting it away.

"Son of a bitch. Ok Jayden here's the rundown, somethings gone wrong and I need to go check on it, that's all you need to know. Just… stay safe and go hide somewhere, I'll send security to look for you once things have settled down. Don't do anything stupid" With that explanation he ran off, muttering some curses under his breath.

Jayden watched as he ran off and began thinking of a place to hide. "the bathroom is a good place as any" Before he took a step, he noticed what appeared to be a card on the floor. Upon examination it was the same card Gelimer spun around earlier when talking about the big metal door. He must have dropped it from the sudden explosion making him lose focus. Jayden looked at the door, then back to the keycard and repeated the process a few more times. Jayden swore he could hear the door whisper his name, tempting him to open it. He did need a place to hide and where better to hide than behind a big metal door?

One swipe later and the locks on the door hummed to life and unlocked.

The room beyond the metal door was 25 feet by 40 feet, containing a computer with multiple monitors, a chair, and a large curtain that hid a section of the area. It was dimly lit inside this secret area with the only lights coming from the light bulbs on the ceiling. They flickered enough that they should've been changed a long time ago. Jayden steadily moved deeper inside, stepping over papers scrambled about on the floor, and a mess of empty bags of snack.

He stepped over some more trash and papers making his way to a dimly lit computer. An open word document was on the screen.

"Day XX, Project ISAI passed basic initiation tests. While movement was achieved, forms of combat couldn't be utilized without severe damage to systems." He continues to read out loud for a bit, losing interest in the process. "The process for activating…. Blah blah words words words…. Internal damage from overloading systems…. more words…. Scientific mumbo jumbo." The longer he read, the more his enthusiasm drained until he lost interest completely.

Having enough of this, Jayden got up. Bored of reading and turned the looked towards the curtain, it was the only clean thing in the room, maybe it was added recently. Upon the curtain was a small post-it note reading "DO NOT MOVE CURTAIN"

"I'm sure Mr. Gelimer wouldn't mind a little peak. Yeah, just a small one. Then I'll leave and no one will ever know" Curiosity overtaking him, Jayden parted the curtain.

What lie in front of him was a genuine IS unit. At least, that's what it looked like.

It was a grey colorless unit, yet it looked different from any of the IS's Jayden had ever seen before. The IS had along arm and leg length that looked to be heavily armored. There wasn't much anything blocking the joints or covering them making its limbs seem thin.

His breath taken away, Jayden leaned in for a closer look at the machine. For a brief instant it began to glow then fade back to normal as he approached it. He then moved himself further and back from the IS and it seemed to glow faintly whether he got close to it. Jayden's heartbeat quickened realizing it was himself that was causing the IS to respond.

For one last test, he moved his hand to place it upon the IS. The machine glowed with a faint glimmer then grew brighter and brighter, the same glow that occurred when one was activating an IS.

"What are you doing here?"

Jayden shrieked, turning around he pulled his hand back and the glowing dimmed. Behind him was a woman in a military uniform wearing dark shades. In fact, it was the same person that knocked over Jayden outside the facility. She walked towards him with a quiet demeanor.

He gulped, realizing what trouble he was in for going somewhere he wasn't supposed to go.

"I'm here to…. uh…. Clean the lab for the professor?"

"You shouldn't be in here little girl." She looked over the IS, taking note of its design and lack of parts. It would need more time to be worked on to be finished.

"Hey I'm a boy" Jayden glared. This happened so many times, but it always hurt his male pride to be called a woman.

"What?" She bent over to take a closer look at his face. "That's impossible, you're activating an IS. you can't be male. Are you a boyish looking girl?" She studied his face, if he was telling the truth about his gender. "No. How are you activating an IS?"

"I don't know. It just started glowing when I touched it. Is that supposed to happen when a guy touch one?"

"I take it this is your first time seeing one up close?" "This appears to be a custom-made IS, however it is missing a lot of components. No thrusters,"

"It's not even painted." Jayden added in.

"Ten out ten for observation." She rolled her eyes and looked over the IS once again. "Doesn't seem worth it right now, it needs to be developed further before it's worth it".

"huh?"

"Never mind. It wasn't important"

"YOU!"

A familiar voice yelled behind them. Gelimer stomped forward with his fists balled up all the while glaring at Jayden.

"I set up a nice little tour just for you and showed you the latest in IS tech America has to offer. All I asked were to follow a few rules and to not enter a specific room. And where do you go?" Gelimer cut him off before even giving him a chance to reply. "THE ONE PLACE I TELL YOU NOT TO GO!"

"But Prof Gel- "

"SHUT IT. Do I even want to know which stupid thought you had that made you think this was a good idea? DO I?" The professor clenched his fists as they shook.

Jayden was about to reply.

"THAT WAS RHETORICAL YOU IDIOT! Gods forbid, if you ruined what I've been working on, I swear I will make you regret ever existing". He grabbed the collar of Jayden's shirt, lifting him up a few inches. Jayden appeared too frightened to speak while the professor listed threat after threat.

"Prof. Gelimer I was the one who brought him in here." Both men turned towards the female military personal. "With the alarms going on, I thought it would be best to bring him in here due to the labs fire suppression system. It was the safest place for him to be given the current situation." The professor looked to be buying her lie.

"Jayden, step outside for a moment, I need to have a chat". He released his collar. Jayden immediately ran out leaving the two adults alone.

"You didn't see what happened did you professor?" She asked.

"I Can't say I did, I ran over to investigate the alarms and the explosion. Thankfully no one was hurt, and things are under control. Still, the matter is someone tried to attack this facility. I'm not sure why but we've got security looking into that. I'll be joining them shortly to see what they've learned".

Gelimer was about to leave before she stopped him.

"Actually professor, there is another matter I need to bring to your attention. It's about the child that you yelled at. Specifically, about what he just did".

He slammed his palm into his face, resisting the urge to do something very illegal to Jayden. "What else did he do? I swear if he broke something…."

As she explained in detail what happened, Gelimer's eyes widened and a smile crept onto his face.

"Keep calm Jayden, just keep calm. I'm sure everything will be ok in the end."

Jayden paced back and forth across the hallway outside the door. He was sweating as he was trying and failing to not freak out.

"So, I did break the rules by going in there and I did move the curtain. but I'm sure they won't punish me too bad. I mean I'm only 13. I'm a minor so I think they can't send me to jail. Maybe a court of law will-

Jayden froze.

"Oh, who am I kidding? This is a government owned facility; that means these guys are the law!" Hyperventilating, he leaned against a wall to steady himself. "They'll probably hold a mock trial because they have to when they already know I'm guilty. Then there going to lock me away forever or make me disappear to keep their secrets. Just like in those movies Oh no! Does this mean my dad will get fired to? And what about my life afterwards, this means I'll have a criminal record"

He imagined scenario after scenario that only got worse as his imagination went wild. He frantically looked for a way out, he had to escape before Gelimer wanted to talk.

"YOU!"

Too late.

Gelimer stormed up to Jayden, once again grabbing him by his shirt collar.

"I'm so sorry, please don't arrest or kill me! I have too much to live for!". Jayden begged. He began to cry out tears as snot began to leak down his nose.

"Kill you? Why would I? Never mind. Come with me." He pulled him along back to the lab as the boy continued spouting out apologies and pleas for mercy. "Do the thing you did earlier" Gelimer ordered.

"Disobeying you?

Gelimer resisted the urge to face-palm.

"IS. Touch. Now."

Jayden once again moved his palm, resting it on the IS. At first it glowed faintly then brightened over time to where it glowed as though one were activating an IS. Gelimer began chuckling then it grew into laughter.

"Um…. Are you all right Prof. Gelimer?

His laughter grew more maniacal.

"Oh, I'm better than okay! I've done it, I've done it! Not only is my new IS type nearing completion but I've managed to find a pilot that's also a male. Just think of the press coverage and attention I'll get for this! I should thank the gods for this achievement. No what am I saying? I should be thanking me! Talk shows, textbooks, medals of honor! Oh, I can see it now." He continued his self-praise and gloating and didn't show any signs of stopping.

"Thank you for covering me…." Jayden approached the woman "Uhm… I don't remember your name"

"Call me Irene." She held out her hand

"My name is Jayden. It's nice to meet you Irene". The two shook hands. Meanwhile Gelimer continued to gloat now talking something about the pinnacle of perfection and more about becoming number one. This continued for a few more minutes and he didn't show any signs of stopping.

"Does he always do that?" Jayden asked Irene while he watched Gelimer pointed to the roof, continuing his rant on how he was the greatest

"Only when he's in a good mood."

"You!" Gelimer pointed his index finger at Irene. "You've just been promoted to my new assistant".

"I normally interview my new assistants before I officially hire them. However, I have a lot more work to do now so let's make this quick." *He pulled out some cards from a drawer in his deck and cleared his throat. "Hello, I'm Gelimer. What's your name? Where are you from? What are your skills? Wow, that might be impressive". He spoke faster and faster trying to rush through it, dropping the cards as he finished reading off them. "Question, question question… and thank you. Congratulations, you're now promoted to be new my assistant Irene."

"My, what big shoes to fill. I will do my best to meet your expectations." She gave a bow, accepting her promotion.

"I look forward to it. Now Jayden, this is a lot of information to take in and I know you must still be in shock"

"Actually, I feel perfectly fine! Now if you excuse me, I'm going to take this out for a test drive" Gelimer and Irene each clamped a hand on Jayden's shoulder.

"Hold on there speedy, that IS is still in development and isn't ready for testing" Gelimer walked in front of Jayden. "It's good you want to get started right away, but you have to learn how to crawl before you can walk".

"Then let me get in and let's get started". Another hand clamped down on his shoulder keeping him in place, this time it was from Irene.

"Do you know about thing about the IS outside of sporting?" Irene asked him. "How it works, weapon types, the components, absolute defense, the forms of an IS?" Jayden was more and more confused as she listed topic after topic. "Do you even know how an IS takes flight?".

The look on his face told them he didn't.

"I'll take that look on your face as a no" Gelimer answered. "Fear not. I believe I can help you. How would you like to run some tests with me? We can teach you all you need to know about the IS and you'll be able to test-fly my latest invention. What do you say Jayden?"

"I'm in!"

This was going to be so awesome!

This was so boring.

"B… Y…. G…. no wait that's a J."

Jayden read out loud the letters on an eye chart about 20 feet away while Irene covered one of Jayden's eyes.

"Actually, that last one was an S." Gelimer scribbled down on his clipboard. "I've seen enough, it's safe to assume your eyesight is average, you should have no problems with vision when piloting the IS."

Jayden perked up at the sound of the word "IS"

"Does that mean- "

"No Jayden, not yet but very soon" Gelimer answered.

Jayden groaned into his hands. Every time he asked if today was the day he could get inside the IS, leading to a no. That was always Gelimer's answer. For a month they did nothing but teach him through lectures and perform physical exams.

"Professor with all due respect, all we've done is perform basic tests on Jayden's physical health, mental health, and his synchronization rate with the IS." Irene chimed in. "Not to mention the physical-checkup".

Jayden shuddered at the memory and cupped his crotch. Gelimer wanted to be 120% sure Jayden was in fact a natural born male. This included interviews, background checks on family history, and a physical that got way too uncomfortable. In the end Gelimer was convinced Jayden was indeed a guy and not a girl in disguise.

Irene patted Jayden's shoulder to comfort him as recalled the horrid event. "Wouldn't it be more beneficial to have him pilot the IS for better data rather than use simulations?"

"That is true, however we have to be certain that he is in top form. Not to mention, the IS needs some more work before it is ready for a field test. I wouldn't want my specimen… I mean Pilot! To get hurt, now would I?"

"Could you repeat that?"

"Not important all I can say is we can begin the IS testing soon."

"I think you and I have different definitions on what "soon" means". Jayden got up, stretching his limbs. "So that was the last test today?"

"That's right." Gelimer confirmed. "I'll update your health physical and get things ready for tomorrow. Not to give any spoilers but…. I hope you like running and electrodes. "Translation. No IS tomorrow.

"woo-hoo" Jayden gave a mock cheer.

Saying his goodbye's Jayden headed out. Having finished earlier than usual and his father out on business, there was some time to kill before he could be picked up.

"Jayden!" Irene called out, catching up to him.

"Oh, hi there Ms. Irene, dis you need something?"

"I told you, you can just call me Irene. Ms. Irene is too formal. Anyway, I was wondering if you wanted to hang out for a bit?"

"Hang out? Sure, is there anything here to do for fun?"

"You only saw the work facilities, here right?"

Jayden nodded. From his last tour, all Gelimer showed him were the offices, and the research facilities.

"Just follow me". Irene smiled.

"I can't believe the military has a golf course and virtual reality headsets!" Jayden recalled the activities he did with Irene today.

"Contrary to popular belief, the military isn't all work and no play. Even soldiers and scientists need to relax and unwind." The two had spent the rest of the day with Irene showing Jayden the non-research facilities. They played some games and hung out to pass the time. She even offered to take him out for dinner once they were finished.

"Are you sure it's okay for someone like me to be here though?" The restaurant they were at appeared to be high class. To say he was under-dressed was an understatement. Every guest here was in formal wear and yet here he was wearing a long sleeve t-shirt and jeans.

"Don't worry about that, instead worry about what you're going to order" She handed him a menu. Jayden almost choked when he saw the prices of everything. A meal here could buy him a couple months' worth of lunches at school. Was the food made of diamonds here?

"I think I'll just get some water" Irene frowned at his choice.

"You're a growing boy Jayden you need to eat. Don't think about the prices. Everything is on me tonight". Irene said.

"Still…." Jayden groaned as he looked at all the numbers next to the dollar signs.

"How about this? I'll pay for your meal and you can tell me a little about yourself. We've worked together for quite a while and I know so little about you."

"Well when you put it like that how can I say no?"

The two placed their orders and chatted amongst themselves. Jayden telling Irene mostly about his life at school and what he did before working with her and Gelimer. He seemed too eager to talk that Irene had to ask him to slow down a few times just so she could keep up with what he was saying.

"So, your biggest dream is to go to outer space?" Irene asked. Jayden nodded.

"Uh-huh, I want go past the clouds and see what's out there." He pointed out a window towards a cloud.

"And that dream hasn't changed with your IS training?"

He scratched the back of his head. "It's like a second big dream. Don't get me wrong I love the IS. Probably more so when a certain someone will let me pilot it for real. The boy pouted.

"I'm sure it won't be much longer Jayden".

"You're like my best friend Irene"

"Best friend? What about anyone else at school. You go to an all-male school, right? Don't you socialize?

Jayden groaned. "I don't get taken seriously by people at school. It's because I have to look up to everyone."

Irene seemed confused. Something wasn't adding up. "But you said you're in your second year of middle school. What about the first years? They don't respect you?"

"No. I literally look up to everyone" He got out of his chair and stood up. With a height of 55 inches, he wasn't exactly seeing eye to eye with most people his age" Irene let out a chuckle

"I'm sure you'll grow up someday". She reached over, ruffling his light brown hair. "Until then enjoy being tiny and cute Jayden."

The boy groaned as he sat back down. Next Christmas he was wishing to Santa for height. "I swear you're almost as bad as my parents."

"Speaking of your parents how have they been?"

Jayden turned away.

"Gelimer mentioned to me that it was a sensitive subject for you and your father. If you want to talk, I'll listen."

Jayden looked at her for a moment then back to the ground.

"Do you hate your parents?" Irene asked.

"No! Of course not." He shook his head wildly. "It's just… I don't think they love each other and I'm in the middle of it."

"Is their relationship in a rough patch?"

"No… It's been like this for a few years…" He recalled how his parents had been avoiding one another. Sometimes he felt like they stayed together only for his sake. He shuffled about in his chair not making eye contact with her.

"We don't have to talk about this if you don't want to." She reached over, rubbing his head again trying to cheer him up. "I'm sorry if I brought up any bad memories".

Before he could answer a waitress arrived bringing their meals on a cart. She smiled at Irene while trying her best to ignore the underdressed boy in the fine dining establishment.

"Oh good! The food's here!" He began digging in, eager to get out of this conservation. Seeing how uncomfortable he was, Irene decided to drop the topic, letting him eat in silence. "You're a good boy Jayden. Don't forget that"

He tried to reply with his mouth full, then swallowed enough so he could speak. "I won't. And I meant what I said, you're my best friend Irene." He wiped his meal off his mouth with a napkin then smiled at her.

She smiled back at him; everything was coming together all to easily.

A month had passed with Jayden performing experiments with Gelimer and Irene. Every day after school Jayden would be picked up by Irene to take him to the IS research facility. They continued testing his reactions with the IS unit while also teaching him the fundamental basics about the IS. While Jayden was showing results Gelimer still refused to let him pilot the IS, citing it wasn't ready yet and that it would be soon. Until…

"You really mean it! I'm actually going to pilot the IS today!" Jayden bounced in the car seat in the front of a jeep. Next to him in the driver's seat Irene drove the vehicle through some rocky terrain, smiling quite wider than usual.

After weeks of IS preparation training, Irene had announced today would be the first field test training.

"Today we'll be testing your flight skills as well seeing how well your IS can perform"

"Shouldn't we do that in a safer place in case something goes wrong?"

"Don't you worry about that, we have precautions in place, and we don't want anything getting destroyed nor anyone getting hurt. Not that I don't trust you… but better safe than sorry and all that."

"Speaking of Doc, where is he?" It was only the two of them in the vehicle. When it came to the IS, Gelimer refused to even let it leave his sight. "Shouldn't he want to be here to see this and take notes on that clipboard of his?"

"Prof. Gelimer is…. Busy now. He will be joining us later."

"Busy with what? "

Irene grinded her teeth as she continued to answer all of Jayden's questions. Her nails dug into the wheel as she reached the limits of her patience.

"If you would rather play 20 questions, I can take us back to the facility and reschedule this for another day". That seemed to shut him up.

"I guess it doesn't matter. What does is that I finally get to try my IS out".

"Yes, we can finally see it in action." Irene smiled.

They drove until arrived in the middle of an open rocky field. It was deserted with no one presumably around for miles.

"This spot will do for testing. Are you ready for your IS Jayden?" Irene asked, stepping out of the jeep.

"I've been ready for monthes!" He replied, looking all over. "So…. Where is it?"

"Are you familiar with the stand-by form of an IS?"

"Stand-by form?" He remembered Gelimer going over it with him, but he couldn't remember exactly what it was.

"When an IS isn't in use, it can take the form of a small object for easier transportation." Irene explained, as Jayden nodded along. "Most IS's take the form of small trinket or decoration. Okay., hold out your hand" Jayden did as instructed. Irene got down on one knee pulling out what a golden ring from her pocket. Taking his hand, she put the ring on his ring finger. "I now pronounce you, IS Pilot."

Jayden stared dumbfounded at his finger.

"What the heck is this?"

"That item is known as a ring. The stand-by form of your IS"

"I see that, so what the heck is this?

"Your IS. In standby form" Irene repeated. It was like she was saying words but in a way that didn't make sense to him. A few seconds later he finally put it all together.

"A ring! My IS is a ring!". Jayden's mouth hung down trying to piece together what his eyes were seeing. A piece of jewelry usually worn by women was the stand-by form for his IS unit. Irene was doing her best to contain her laughter and failing at that. "Why the heck is it a ring? Why did Gelimer design it like this? I want a new one!"

Irene laughed out loud, clutching her hip as she tried to remain standing.

"Don't be like that" Irene managed to speak out in-between giggles. "I'm sorry, I'm trying not to laugh but…." She bent over with one knee on the ground, the same position one would assume when proposing another's hand in marriage. "If the IS training doesn't work out, I'm sure you'd make a great house husband.

Her laughter continued while Jayden wanted to do nothing more than crawl in a hole and hide forever.

"All right." She wiped a tear from her eye. "Now let's start with deploying your IS Unit. You remember how to do that right?"

"Yup. Concentrate and focus only on your IS. It also helps if you call out your IS's name". Jayden spoke what Gelimer had instructed him on. "But just to be sure…. What's its name again?"

"Have you not been paying attention?" Irene sighed. "Just a little longer" she told herself. "The name of your unit is

"Edel Gleam? Jayden looked unsatisfied. "What does that mean?" He tried to think of what it could stand for. A foreign language? A name of something historic or famous?

Irene shrugged her shoulders.

"I don't hate it but I kind of wanted to name the IS."

"Name it? What did you have in mind?"

"Nova Union. Even though I can be an IS pilot, I still want to go to space someday. So, I wanted to name it space related to remind me of that dream, so I never forget it."

"We can Bring it up with Gelimer later, no promises but you may be able to convince him to change the name of the IS. Now then, lets begin the test deployment"

Jayden into position, covering his ring finger with his left hand. "Come out, Nova Union!"

A bright glow enveloped Jayden as he felt the metal of the IS appear and clamped onto his body. The legs were colored a teal green in the front and white in the back, with the sides of them appearing heavily armored. The arms were thin and decently long. They were colored yellow and cyan with the hands being all black. A greenish metal bar clamped over Jayden's chest, other than that there was nothing else on his body.

He stared speechless at his IS. He moved his arm and the IS moved along with him.

"I'm moving it! I'm really moving it!" He stumbled around the field trying to get use to walking.

"You should be able to check on the status of your IS, give it a try" She told him. Jayden followed her advice as he looked down at a holo-screen displaying the status of his IS, everything seemed normal according to the system.

"Hey, wait, where are the weapons?" He scrolled over to his weapon slots, his IS had two slots for use and both were empty.

"Perhaps they weren't installed yet" Irene gave her best explanation.

"Seriously! I was really looking forward to blowing up rocks and stuff." Jayden looked over the IS, while amazing as it was to be piloting a real IS, something just felt off. Like it wasn't complete. In addition to the arms and legs, there was usually some accessory part that was featured on the IS. Galaxia didn't have anything like that. Not to mention who would say an IS was ready without installing the weapons?

"Maybe we should ask Gelimer about this"

Irene panicked.

"He already told me to expect this, let's not waste his time".

Jayden seemed hesitant, things weren't adding up here.

"Hold on, a second, I think I found the problem" Irene called out. A holo-screen came out from her communication device as she typed on it. "Jayden, there appears to be something wrong with your IS, is everything all right?".

"What!?"

Jayden frantically looked over the status of his IS from his own holo-screen. The status screen listed everything as functional. He double checked to make sure but according to the IS, there were no damage or problems.

"Are you sure Irene? The IS seems fine to me."

"Then it could be an internal problem or a glitch perhaps". She paused for a moment. "Anyway, you better come over and let me take a look just to be safe."

Jayden didn't think much of it, Irene probably knew something that he didn't. He managed to descend himself back to the ground and returned his IS to its stand-by form. Jayden deactivated the IS, not accounting for his newfound height being lost with the IS vanishing, he fell on the ground, leaving a face plant on the dirt. Once he finished brushing the dirt off himself, he removed the ring and handed it over to Irene.

"Thank you" She pocketed the ring and her eyes narrowed on Jayden. "I must thank you Jayden. It's been a long time coming, but you've made this so much easier".

"Well I am getting pretty good at piloting an IS" Jayden blushed.

Without warning, Irene delivered a first onto Jayden's face. Punching him with enough force to send him onto the ground.

"What the heck was that for!?" He gripped the area she punched, trying to rub the red area.

"Shut up. I swear you're so annoying" she pulled out her pistol, aiming it at Jayden's face.

"I-Irene?" He raised his hands in the air out of fear. "Why are you doing this? I don't understand?"

She made no reply

"Aren't we friends? You wouldn't do this to me, right?"

A bullet whizzed past Jayden's head burrowing itself into the ground behind him.

"Oops. My finger slipped. Test my patience again with your friendship bullcrap and I'll try aiming next time".

"You…." Jayden could barely think straight. This couldn't be happening. He pinched himself, trying to wake up from this nightmare. "You can't be-"

Irene was enveloped in a flash of light originating from the clip on her hair. An IS materialized onto her, it appeared to be a bulky unit in multiple shades of black with long extended arms. On the back of it were dual thrusters that resembled like a jetpack, yet it floated behind her. The outer armor was thing except for the arms which looked heavily fortified.

She floated above Jayden, blocking out part of the sun and enveloping Jayden in her shadow. Smiling menacingly at him. She flew towards him, reaching out her arm at him. Frozen in terror, Jayden couldn't do anything as the IS curled its fingers around him, grasping his body.

"An IS?!" Nothing was making sense. Why was Irene doing this? Where did she get an IS? Was he going to die? Too many questions, not enough answers. "You already have the IS. What more do you want from me?" He hyperventilated trying not to completely freak out. She lifted him up to her face, now seeing him eye to eye.

"Isn't it obvious? Why stop with just an IS when I can take a rare male pilot with me as a bonus. You'll make a nice little gift for my superiors."

Jayden tired with no success to shake himself from her grip. Here he was held in the fist of an IS by a person who not only had his IS, had her own IS on top of that, and worst of all, was his best friend at the IS facility. The person he trusted the most was crushing him in a giant fist getting ready to take off. Jayden tried to cry out, but nothing came from his mouth. He was too terrified to make a sound.

The next thing Jayden knew, the world sped by him as Irene too him away.

I don't have a beta reader so there may be some mistakes. Hopefully you all enjoyed this, it's my first work so I hope to improve upon it in the future. Let me know what you think in the reviews and if you spot any errors in grammar or spelling, let me know and I'll correct them.

Keep your wonder everybody, see you next time.