2

"…So, that's what you signed up for. If you reconsider your choice, then take the opportunity to leave before it's too late." A chair shifted. "Everything you'll need for the next few weeks will be in the locker room where you left your stuff this morning. Go change and we'll meet up here in twenty minutes. The fun will begin after that."

Matti sighed inwardly; Batou was obviously enjoying himself from the wicked grin on his face.

After leaving the classroom-style room, she boarded an elevator with some of the other potential recruits. The rest waited in the hallway, as there were fifteen sign ups in one group. Once the ride ended, Matti separated from the others, walking to the women's locker room.

Sitting on the bench nearest to the doors was a neatly folded black t-shirt. Beside it was an ID key card sporting a black lanyard.

Matti picked up the shirt, holding it up to look at the small, bold lettering printed on the upper left chest area. It simply read 'SECTION 9'.

Then, she glanced around.

'Oh…Looks like I'm the only one…'

With the shirt in hand, she opened her locker. She pulled out a pair of dark grey cargo pants. Without bothering to find a stall, she started to undress.

During the orientation, Batou gave everyone a packet of paper work. In it was a list of personal belongings they were required to bring with them during the recruitment process. A change of clothes was noted.

After putting away her formal wear, she adjusted the straps to her gloves.

Her bright eyes narrowed as she warned herself, 'Don't fuck this up.'

Taking a deep breath, she forced it out quickly before heading for the double doors.

Once she made it back to the meeting room, there were a few others that were already there. Batou was absent. She took her seat and tied her hair back. As she did, she noticed how quiet everyone was.

Some of the men were clearly fresh from the military, or somewhere similar; their body language and attitude conveyed that.

The sinking weight of uneasiness rolled down to the pit of her stomach.

Several minutes passed when Batou finally returned. Grumbling a lame greeting, he sat behind the main desk at the front of the room and focused on a work tablet.

Matti flinched as her cell phone shuddered in her pants pocket. She pulled it out and read a text that was sent to her.

'Relax,' it read.

She glanced to Batou across the room, who ignored her and continued with his work. Somberly, she looked back to her phone.

The cyborg finally looked up when two more men entered the room and sat down.

"Alright, that's all sixteen of you," he said, standing, "I'll take you guys to our indoor training field for your fitness tests."

He lead the group to the hallway. He continued by the set of elevators without a passing glance.

"We'll take the stairs," he announced, "It'll be easier."

Someone asked, "How many floors are we walking?"

"Oh, only thirty-one," Batou answered mischievously, "It'll get the blood flowing."

Matti turned to the young man beside her as he sighed with annoyance.

'I wouldn't want Batou to hear my opinion,' she joked to herself, 'He'd work my ass even harder.'

Eventually, after what seemed to like a few hours of trekking on an endless loop, they arrived at the training grounds.

The arena was used by Section 9 rather frequently to practice standard skills, such as shooting and tactical maneuvering. In all, there were three similar rooms within the building with different set ups for different drills.

"All of your testing will take place here," Batou explained, "According to the checkups, you should all be in good health for this. Still, I'm having a member of our medical staff meet us here." He shrugged. "Because, well…you never know. Anyway, let me explain what I need from you guys."

Matti sat on a bench near the double doors alone. She was leaning her arms on her knees as she stared at the earthy floor, which was shuttering wildly behind her eyes.

'Shit-shit-shit,' she groaned to herself hurriedly, 'Focus and stop it!'

"Alright, boys, break is over," she heard Batou call, "Get your crap and go home. We'll meet after tomorrow. If you're not going to show, send me an email so I don't have to waste my time getting the rest of the tests ready for you."

Matti looked up, as she heard footsteps approach her. She leaned back and stared at a man. He was tall with short brown hair and had a strong build.

"Hey, are you going to be alright?" he asked, "I don't mind taking you to the infirmary."

"Uhh, no, it's fine," she said, "But, thank you."

They turned as Batou joined them and said, "You should just take his advice. You don't look that good. I'll go and bring the doc back here."

"No, I'll be fine!"

"What's your name?" Batou wanted to know, ignoring her.

"Shiro, sir."

Batou started, "If you really don't mind, Shiro, take Matti. It's down the hall to the right. I just got a call, so I need to leave."

"No problem," Shiro said.

Before going, Batou looked at Matti, saying, "Let me know how you're doing when you're out."

She stood up after the doors closed behind him.

"You can take your time," Shiro told her.

"I'm fine, I just needed to catch my breath," Matti replied, "Thanks for offering to help me, though."

As they exited the room, Shiro asked, "As long as you're sure…?"

"Yes," she assured, "I'll fine."

"Alright then," he said, "I hope you do well."

She watched him walk down the hall before turning and heading for the ladies locker room, feeling humiliated.