CHAPTER 7
Shane stood in the massive hangar of the PPDC main headquarters, watching as engineers and scientists bustled around Rajah, his one-man Jaeger. Unlike traditional Jaegers that required a dual-pilot neural bridge, Rajah was designed with a single-pilot system. It was an anomaly, and the scientific team wanted to understand why it worked—why Shane could handle the overwhelming neural strain alone.
Dr. Hermann Gottlieb and Dr. Newton Geiszler, the PPDC's top scientists, had been running tests on Shane since his arrival. They began by analyzing his brain activity during a simulated Drift session, scanning his neural pathways for abnormalities or adaptations that could explain his resistance to mental overload.
"Shane, we're going to run a series of neurological tests to understand how your brain manages the Drift alone," Dr. Gottlieb explained. "Normally, pilots share the cognitive load because the human brain isn't built to handle the entire weight of a Jaeger's neural interface. But you… well, you defy the very foundation of our understanding."
Shane nodded as he strapped into the testing chair. Electrodes were placed on his scalp and temple, monitoring his brain's electrical activity as the simulation began.
Within moments, the system engaged, and a holographic display of Rajah's neural circuits filled the room. Shane felt the familiar sensation of synchronizing with the Jaeger—an immense pressure in his mind, followed by the seamless flow of control. His vitals remained steady, unlike typical pilots who experienced distress when attempting to pilot alone.
As data streamed onto the monitors, Dr. Gottlieb adjusted his glasses. "This is remarkable. Shane's brain exhibits an unusually high density of myelinated neurons, increasing his neural transmission speed. In layman's terms, his brain processes information and forms connections at a rate exponentially higher than the average human."
Dr. Geiszler added, "And look at his cerebral cortex activity—it's off the charts! His prefrontal cortex and limbic system are working in perfect harmony, allowing him to multitask at an extraordinary level."
"What does that mean?" asked Marshal Pentecost, who had joined the observation.
"It means," Dr. Gottlieb replied, "Shane's brain operates like a quantum processor, integrating data from the Jaeger's systems at an unmatched speed. A normal human brain would suffer from synaptic overload attempting this."
Dr. Geiszler interjected, "It could also be a genetic adaptation. Maybe Shane's family line has a history of high neural plasticity, allowing his brain to rapidly rewire itself to accommodate the mental strain of piloting alone."
Marshal Pentecost nodded in understanding. "So, he's not just talented—he's biologically engineered for this."
After the tests concluded, Shane stretched his arms and exhaled. "So, basically, I'm a freak of nature?"
Dr. Geiszler laughed. "More like a neurological marvel. If we could replicate your brain structure, we could revolutionize Jaeger piloting."
Shane smirked but didn't reply. He had already deduced that his past life's memories and experiences had played a role in his success, but explaining that was out of the question.
After leaving the lab, Shane decided to explore the hangar. He wandered past various Jaegers, admiring their designs and specifications. His eyes landed on Gipsy Danger, the legendary Jaeger that had endured countless battles.
As he studied its frame, he heard footsteps approaching.
"Admiring Gipsy?" a familiar voice asked.
Shane turned to see Raleigh Becket standing beside him, arms crossed. "Yeah," Shane replied. "I've read about Gipsy before, but seeing it in person… it's different."
Raleigh nodded. "You've made quite an impact. A one-man Jaeger? That's unheard of. I don't know how you're pulling it off, but I respect it."
Shane chuckled. "To be honest, I'm still figuring it out myself."
Raleigh extended his hand. "Whatever the case, welcome to the front lines."
Shane shook his hand firmly. "Glad to be here."
Meanwhile, back in the command center, Marshal Pentecost continued his discussion with the scientists.
"If Shane is truly capable of handling the neural load alone, could this mean the future of Jaeger technology is shifting?" Pentecost asked.
Dr. Gottlieb hesitated before responding. "Theoretically, yes. If we can understand how his brain manages the Drift solo, we could create new Jaegers that no longer require dual pilots."
Dr. Geiszler added, "But that's a long way off. Shane's ability is unique—replicating it artificially would be incredibly difficult. His brain chemistry, neural density, and cognitive functions are all outliers."
Pentecost nodded thoughtfully. "Regardless, Shane Buron is our greatest asset. We need to ensure he's ready for what's coming."
As the conversation ended, the gravity of the situation settled in. The world had just witnessed the birth of a new type of Jaeger pilot—one that could change the course of the war against the Kaiju forever.
End of chapter.