I waited for days, then weeks, then months. I eventually got my legs back, and was walking around shortly there after. While not fully fit and hale, I was sufficiently mobile enough.

  In March of 2448, a few months after face tanking a brute and the consequences there in, the spooks came. Or, well, a spook.

  A knock on my door in the army barracks where I had been transferred shook me awake. I was in the very final stages of recovery now, and preping to return to the front.

  I opened the door and a Corporal stood in their typical apathetic fashion. "Orders. You are to go to room 013a for a meeting, Sargent. Oh, and a bit of advice, heard that brass was movin' and a spook came in. Good luck, I'm betting they're related." He walked away before she could reply.

  Bemused mostly, she jogged to the location indicated. It wasn't far and I arrived in short order. She knocked at the door and stood at parade rest.

  "Enter."

  She opened the door and strode in. There were 2 people inside, one in a black uniform with the signature ONI insignia, and the second being a Captain in the Army.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  "Sargent Nivka Feirbon, please, sit." The Captain ordered. I saluted, and sat.

  "So, you have indicated interest in the project specified in the message sent to you. This is an initial interview to ascertain if you will be admitted into said project. Do you understand?" The captain asked.

  "Yes sir." She stated. She recalled the details of the message and recalled their distinct lack of detail.

  "Be advised Sargent. This project is classified, and breach of secrecy will lead to imprisonment. This is your final warning before NDA's will be signed." The spook said.

  "Yes sir. I understand sir."

  "Very well, we will begin with you personally before details of the project are stated."

  The conversation (more like interrogation), went on about her service, her enlistment, age and service and so on.

  "So, to reiterate, you have 7 years of service not including cryo, refused officer track for "childish spite", are 25 years of age, served multiple fronts. You have had all 4 limbs amputated due to various severe injuries... I see." The spook said.

  "Yes sir." I said emotionlessly, sweating at the temple.

  The two across from her conferred for a few minutes, while she tried to calm down. This was as stressful as the time I enlisted. Yesterday I knew it was worse now.

  They turned back when they were done, and the agent leaned forward. "You have been accepted. Congratulations." He said.

  My shoulder twitched visibly. "Thank you sir, I'm happy to hear it." She said.

  The agent smirked, and pushed a pad across to her. "You'll find the questions you have answered in there. Take your time."

  She picked it up and read. I thought I knew what the hell I was getting into, but I was wrong. As I read, my eyebrows twitched visibly.

  It was a mech. Specially, a new mech was being produced and they needed troops for testing and field trials. They called it the MK IX, and it was a thing of beauty. And hell, the officers commission didn't hurt.