Thrive in Catastrophe Chapter 7

Chapter 7 Simulated Driving

"If it's only the ones who distort the truth can be soldiers, I find it truly regrettable." @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

"It seems that I'll be discredited by this Lieutenant Colonel and his adjutant in their report to the superior for being a 'follower of Special Task Forces'. Well, since what’s done is done, why don’t I speak whatever I think? Worst comes to worst, I’ll be expelled by the Central Academy of Science, and back to an ordinary citizen. True that I won’t be getting any student subsidy anymore, but at least I can live without constraints." Xiao Yan said to himself. @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

"Distort the truth?" Will clenched his fist tightly. Xiao Yan lowered eyes, thinking he was going to get punched. @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

"Will!" Lieutenant Colonel Raven placed a hand on the adjutant's shoulder, "You're overly swayed by your personal emotions and lost your rationality to make clear judgments. Don’t forget that this young man here had a fracture shoulder when he was brought back to the base. He too, had nearly lost his life." @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

"So, White is dead?" Will still firmly believed that Captain White's death was due to Heine Burton's dereliction of duty. @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

Xiao Yan stared at his own feet. Despite Heine had grazed his face with his blade, or even his fractured shoulder was all thanks to him, he still believed that Heine is not as cold as he looks. If he was ruthless and completely unconcerned with human lives, he wouldn't have gone through the trouble to carry him back when he had become a burden back then. @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

"Do you have anything more to say?" Lieutenant Colonel Raven looked at Xiao Yan. He could feel something in this young man that was different from the A ranked researchers, despite being just a B ranked student. He did not possess the eagerness to present himself in hope for promotion, nor is he compliant like the other B ranked students. @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

He was just standing there, unperturbed by fame and fortune. @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

"I just find it difficult to understand, Lieutenant Colonel." @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

"What is it that you do not understand?" @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

"Captain White was killed in the gunfire struggle with the Tides Organisation. As for the situation at that time, I believe the report from Special Task Forces has explained in a much more detailed manner than my verbal report. However, never did Captain Will detest the Tides Organisation nor the zombies, rather, he had blamed Special Task Forces for everything. I wonder what decision would Captain Will make if he was on the same aircraft with Captain White? To stay in the aircraft, or to leave with the Special Task Forces while bringing along the raw uranium?" @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

Will was about to break into rage, but his raised fist stopped abruptly in mid air. @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

"Those who stayed behind in the aircraft would be killed by the Tides, this was a known outcome. But you said that your aircraft had escaped from the guided missile, this, is hard for us to believe it. Even with Heine Burton as the pilot, I doubt that he could escape from a guided missile. On the a.s.sumption that your reason of landing was fabricated, everything that happened after that would lost its credibility," Lieutenant Colonel Raven said with a smile, but Xiao Yan could not discern his intention. @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

"Let's have a test then. The flight simulation system can simulate the terrain at that time and you will drive the aircraft to avoid the guided missile. To make your 'story' more convincing." @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

Xiao Yan stared at Lieutenant Colonel Raven in his eyes, dumbfounded. This guy is serious. @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

"The system will be ready in half an hour. I'll be looking forward to your performance. Show us if miracle truly exist." @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

Xiao Yan was then taken away from Lieutenant Colonel Raven's office by his secretary. @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

Confused by Lieutenant Colonel Raven's actions, Will looked at his smile in puzzlement, "Lieutenant Colonel, if you wish to test their possibility in escaping from the guided missile, shouldn't the opponent be Heine Burton instead?" @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

"I'm merely a Lieutenant Colonel, do you think I have the authority to request Colonel Burton to conduct the test? Besides, that fellow called Xiao Yan is quite interesting. Indeed, one who speaks the truth is admirable, but one who speaks the truth regardless of the situation, needs to be taught a little lesson." @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

Xiao Yan trailed behind the secretary. Aircraft driving was a compulsory course for all reserves, but he had never simulated a situation of being attacked by a guided missile. @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

On his way to the simulation room, Xiao Yan was a bundle of nerves. @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

What will happen if he fails? Does Lieutenant Colonel Raven really plan to denounce Heine Burton for dereliction of duty with this simulation test? @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

As he was lost in thoughts, they came across the oncoming Special Task Forces. @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

Reeve was walking in front of the team. She winked at Xiao Yan, "We'll be cheering you on!" @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

"Hey kid, we're the ones who had gone through all the trouble to save you, don't you dare disgrace us or I'll wring your neck!" @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

Mark had a ferocious look on his face and Xiao Yan was taken aback by it. Looking at Xiao Yan's reaction, the big fellow cracked up laughing in satisfaction. @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

The lean figure of Heine Burton brushed past him, without a single glance or pause, as though nothing could hold him b[email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

Xiao Yan sat within the simulator room, with numerous people standing on the second floor observatory. There were researchers, military officers, as well as several Special Force soldiers who were all Heine Burton's subordinates. @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

Reeve stood on higher ground, leaning against the railing, waving at Xiao Yan. Whereas Mark clenched his fist, showing him a "I'll hit you if you fail" pose. @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

Xiao Yan gave a wry smile. You might as well beat me unconscious. @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

He looked around the room and as expected, he did not see Heine Burton. He disdain such occasions. @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

Putting on the helmet, Xiao Yan connected himself to the driving system. In the next second, a vast terrain appeared before him. He even had an illusion of the wind gusting around the wings of the aircraft. Beneath him was a forest of trees that stretches to the horizon. @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

As the supply platform came into his sight, Xiao Yan felt his heart clenched, he could not [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

I have to descend carefully, otherwise, everything would be over before it even began. @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

He had revisited the the situation for countless time before he arrive at the platform. In which situation did Heine elevate the aircraft, how did he avoided the missile over and over again, and in which direction was the mountain located. With just one minor error, or even a slightest slackening in his reaction, all his efforts will go down the drain. @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

The aircraft approached the platform, preparing for landing. @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

Everyone held their breath. @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

The aircraft was descending in a normal speed as Xiao Yan paying close attention on the missile launcher. @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

It was decoying him. @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

Just as the launcher showed a slight jolt, Xiao Yan elevated the aircraft speedily and soared skyward. @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

A guided missile was then launched, pursuing behind closely. @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

The aircraft zoomed towards the direction of the mountain. @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

He continually changing his direction with great speed, delaying the flight path of the guided missile. Everyone broke into cold sweat with every narrow escapes he had. The once relaxed atmosphere tensed up instantly. @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

Every flight angle that Xiao Yan took was dangerous and tricky, his control over the radian and speed made everyone’s jaw [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

"This kid's pretty awesome!" Mark blinked in [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

Reeve glanced across the crowd and spotted Lieutenant Colonel Raven, "This guy’s just up to no good."@Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

Lieutenant Colonel Raven watched closely at the holographic projection screen, his eyes [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

The mountain was already right before his eyes, but the distance between Xiao Yan and the missile was getting much [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

"Haiz…… He probably won’t make it till the mountain…." Mark touched the back of his head, feeling sad for Xiao [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

Xiao Yan's back was soaked with sweat. Before his eyes was the numbered distance between him and the mountain. In responding to his thoughts, the terminal was calculating the time lag that exist between the maximum velocity of the aircraft to collide into the mountain and the speed of the guided [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

The moment the data reached its critical point threshold, Xiao Yan zoomed [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

"What is he doing! Trying to kill himself!?"@Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

Lieutenant Colonel Raven's fingers gripped tightly to his armrest, the corner of his lips turned upward, "Everything he did was for this moment." @Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

The warning tones of the aircraft system rang in Xiao Yan ears, alerting him the speed has exceeded what the aircraft engine could [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

But Xiao Yan continued to [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

"Oh— G.o.d—"@Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

Some of the students covered up their eyes, as the holographic image was too [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

Xiao Yan clenched his teeth. He still remembered clearly how Heine Burton led them into a high-speed turn and then into a perpendicular flight across the mountain. The tree bowed before his aircraft and heat in the air caused a wild blaze upon the [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

The aircraft raised steeply, soaring towards the mountain peak and into the distance [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

Whereas the guided missile crashed into the mountain before it could alter its direction, giving out an earsplitting [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

Xiao Yan was panting heavily while the whole room fell into dead [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

After a while, Lieutenant Colonel Raven applauded from the observatory. Beside him, Captain White clapped in acknowledgment in Xiao Yan’s driving skill, despite having a glum look on his [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

Mark was so excited. He whistled in amazement and shouted: "Hey rookie! Not bad!"@Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

A system alert rang in his [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

"The aircraft engine is overheated. It is impossible to continue your flight. Please land slowly."@Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

Everything was exactly the same as what happened [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

After Xiao Yan landed, he closed his eyes and breathed out a long [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

He had no idea how on earth did Heine Burton done all of these like a breeze, when his nerves were nearly crushed by the pressure from high-speed arithmetic as well as every moment of opportune during critical [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

Xiao Yan removed the helmet that was connected to the terminal, body wavering and staggered out from the simulator [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

Everyone stared at him. And before Xiao Yan could make clear of their behaviour, Lieutenant Colonel Raven came forward and stood before [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

"Xiao Yan, you have proven the practicality of an aircraft escaping from a guided missile. Well done."@Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

"No, Lieutenant Colonel. What I have proven is, what was done by Special Force soldiers, can be done by technical soldiers as well."@Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

Xiao Yan's face was as white as a sheet, and his body [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

Lieutenant Colonel Raven stunned for a second, and lifted a smile, "This is the most pleasant truth I’ve heard from you since the moment I have met you."@Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

"You d.a.m.n kid! Don’t get too full of yourself! Or I’ll wring off your neck!"@Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

Xiao Yan [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

"Tell me, Xiao Yan, do you think Captain White was a respectable senior?" Lieutenant Colonel Raven asked all of a [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

"Of course!"@Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

"Although he wasn’t an A ranked researcher as well, I’m certain that he won’t be able to do what you did just now. People with remarkable talent are meant to bear more responsibilities than others. The pursuits of every field are never-ending persistence, not a doughty man would stay aloof in the affairs. Do you understand?"@Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

Xiao Yan paused for a second before replying with a nod, "I understand."@Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

Understood. But that does not mean I will waste my energy in those so-called "never-ending persistence"[email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

In Xiao Yan’s point of view, all men will only live once, and he will live this one lifetime to the fullest for himself, and not for some high-sounding reasons. Hence, he was still going to live on with his ident.i.ty as B ranked student, and continue muddling in life until he graduates. He would then be a.s.signed to some scattered and meaningless, but uncomplicated technical research group, getting an average income, court a pretty but simple-minded woman, and live an idle [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

"Very well. 'Outstanding' was never determined by ranks, but this," Lieutenant Colonel Raven thumped his chest with his fist, "Now, you’re an outstanding apprentice and reserve soldier. And I hope you'll be a responsible man in future."@Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

Lieutenant Colonel Raven turned around, "Alright, the test is over. Everyone, back to your positions!"@Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

With that said, all researchers and military officers left the observatory without a word. Mark and Reeve were the only ones left, and some Special Force [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

Xiao Yan left the room and staggered along the pa.s.sageway, head reeling. As he walked around the corner, he lost his balance and [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

"I might as well take a nap here…" Xiao Yan thought as he closed his [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

However, he did not feel the contact with the ground as he had expected. A hand grasp onto his arm and regained his [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

With a glance at the person, Xiao Yan felt himself plunged into a bottomless abyss of frost. Less than a second, he was wide [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

"Colonel Burton!"@Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

The hand supporting him [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

"You’re lucky, rookie."@Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

He had his eyes lowered, as though he was always looking from above, arrogant but [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

Xiao Yan opened his mouth to speak, but not a word came [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

"The aircraft did not only encountered a guided missile, but the infiltration of the 'interrupter' as well."@Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

"Interrupter?"@Copyright of Rin Translation [email protected]

Without answering, Heine Burton turned around and left. Xiao Yan's eyes followed his back until he was out of [email protected]right of Rin Translation [email protected]

When Xiao Yan came to his senses, he finally understood what Heine meant in his [email protected] of Rin Translation [email protected]

Rookie, don’t get too full of yourself, your skill is still far from being of Rin Translation [email protected]

Translated by Winly ~~~ Coming up next: Chapter 8 Your Brains are So Compatible ~~~

Note: Hi guys! How’s the chapter? Sorry for taking longer than usual to update. There isn’t much fluff in this chap but their relationship is definitely getting better. (When did Heine get there?! Was he watching the whole time? For what? Hmm… curious and curiouser…) 

No Author's note this time Π∇Π