CHAPTER 10
The testing for Raleigh and Mako began, mirroring the events from the movie. At first, everything seemed to be going well. The synchronization process initiated smoothly, and the team in the control room believed they had achieved a successful neural handshake. However, things quickly spiraled out of control when Mako unconsciously chased her memories, triggering a dangerous situation inside the cockpit.
Gypsy Danger's systems began reacting to Mako's unstable neural connection. The warning sirens blared as the Jaeger's plasma cannon started charging. Raleigh, who was already connected to the neural drift, desperately tried to pull her back from her traumatic memories, but she was too lost in the past, reliving the horror of the Kaiju attack that had taken everything from her.
"Wake up, Mako! You have to pull back!" Raleigh shouted, gripping the controls tightly, but Mako remained unresponsive.
Outside, panic erupted in the hangar. Engineers and ground crew members scrambled to safety as the plasma cannon prepared to fire. Marshal Stacker Pentecost, watching from the command station, ordered an emergency override. The control team frantically worked to disengage Gypsy Danger's weapon systems, but the neural feedback between Raleigh and Mako was too strong, causing a delay in the override sequence.
"Mako, listen to my voice! You're here, with me! Come back!" Raleigh continued urging, his voice growing more desperate.
Finally, the override kicked in just seconds before disaster struck. The plasma cannon powered down, and the situation was defused. Mako, breathing heavily, blinked rapidly, disoriented and shaken. Raleigh turned to her, eyes filled with concern. "You okay?"
She nodded weakly, unable to speak.
Outside, Marshal Pentecost and Herc Hansen were discussing the situation. Herc sighed, shaking his head. "They almost blew the entire hangar apart. She's not ready."
Stacker remained stoic, but his eyes betrayed his concern. "She's one of the best candidates we have."
Just then, Chuck Hansen, Herc's son, appeared. He wasted no time in throwing insults. "That was embarrassing," Chuck sneered, arms crossed. "You two are gonna get us all killed."
Raleigh clenched his fists, trying to ignore him, but Chuck pressed on. "She's not cut out for this, and neither are you. You're both liabilities."
Without a second thought, Raleigh punched Chuck square in the face. Chuck stumbled back, wiping blood from his lip before lunging at Raleigh. A full-blown fight erupted between the two, drawing the attention of everyone in the hangar.
Just then, Shane happened to be walking by. He stopped in his tracks, assessing the situation before stepping between them. With a firm stance and an authoritative glare, he held up a hand.
"That's enough," Shane said coolly, his presence alone enough to make them hesitate. "This isn't the time for petty fights."
Marshal Pentecost and Herc heard the commotion and immediately rushed outside. Seeing his son and Raleigh fighting, Herc sighed in exasperation. "Chuck, stand down."
Marshal Pentecost's voice cut through the air like a blade. "What the hell is going on here?"
Everyone fell silent. Mako looked away, embarrassed. Raleigh breathed heavily, his knuckles red from the impact. Chuck just smirked but backed away, knowing better than to challenge the Marshal directly.
Pentecost turned to Mako and Raleigh. "My office. Now."
Inside the office, Mako and Raleigh stood before Pentecost, who looked at them with disapproval. "Mako, you are not suited to be a Jaeger pilot. You lost control, and you nearly cost lives today."
Raleigh tried to interject. "Sir, it was just one mistake—"
"It wasn't just a mistake," Pentecost cut him off. "It was proof that she is not ready."
Mako stood straight, her expression unreadable. Then, she took a deep breath and spoke in a calm, yet firm voice. "Permission to be dismissed, sir."
Pentecost regarded her for a long moment before nodding. "Permission granted."
Mako turned and exited without another word. Raleigh remained behind, frustrated. He looked at Pentecost, determination in his eyes. "Sir, you know she's the right co-pilot for me. She just needs another chance."
Pentecost stepped towards the elevator, his face impassive. "She's not getting one."
Raleigh, unable to contain his frustration, grabbed Pentecost's arm. The moment his fingers tightened around the Marshal's sleeve, Pentecost's entire demeanor changed. He turned sharply, eyes filled with warning.
"You do not touch me," Pentecost said in a low, authoritative tone that carried the weight of absolute command.
Raleigh, realizing his mistake, immediately let go and took a step back.
Pentecost stepped into the elevator and pressed the button. Before the doors closed, he left Raleigh with one final statement. "We're not going to risk everything just because you 'think' she's the right choice."
The doors shut, leaving Raleigh standing alone, frustration clear on his face.
The weight of the situation settled heavily in the room. The fate of the battle against the Kaiju rested on the pilots, but whether or not Mako would get another chance remained uncertain.
End of chapter.