Finally up to date with my parts

FWD S2 Part 4: The trials

Sunday March 4th 2210

11:24:26

Wyvern AR HQ

Today was the day where David wanted to see the racing capability of Zoe, he planned for several events to be undertaken on the testing tracks located at HQ.
David steps outside and walks over to the hanger that use to house the XAF-72 that was destroyed in the last omega harbour race, Zoe was now living their under constant security camera monitoring. This was to make sure that no one tried to tamper with him under David's nose. The hangar doors slowly open and let light shine in on the XAF-10 chassis.

"Zoe, activate"

A humming noise is then heard as Zoe boots up ready to take on his challenges.

"Good morning David, how may I be of service?"
"Zoe today is the day, are you ready?"
"I am more than ready to start, let us begin my trials"
"Excellent, follow me to the testing tracks"

David escorts Zoe to the tracks and begins explaining the numerous trials he had planned.
"I have four tests for you to complete Zoe: a race, eliminator, zone, zone battle. These are the major events used in racing leagues and will determine all of your capabilities for the AGRC. You have a target to meet in each one and if you meet those targets then I will know you're ready"

"Understood David, let us begin"

The race set a target of 4th place or higher for Zoe, 6 laps of phantom class. the competitors were simulator bots designed to behave like a real pilot set to their hardest difficulty. Only Razgriz ever beat such bots and even former Falon didn't finish above 2nd. The race began with Zoe in 12th position. David shouts into the megaphone "3...2...1... GO!"
The race begins and Zoe instantly pulled to 9th place, his use of weapons were very strategic and very pacifistic. Despite never racing the track before Zoe was capable of analysing the track and exploiting barrel rolls that even Razgriz could not accomplish 100% of the time. by the end of the 3rd lap Zoe secured 1st position and just made the time gap between the Bots greater and greater. David was stunned and Zoe finished with a -4.6 second lead which was unheard of.

Eliminator saw Zoe have to destroy 8 of the same bots within 15 laps on Phantom, Razgriz holds record at 9 kills but even David knew that Zoe may be able to do better. The eliminator simulator does not cause physical damage to ships but the weapons are virtual digital constructions so every hit would digitally drain shield energy. Hitting 0% caused the engine to cut out temporarily. The event began and Zoe turned into a more aggressive pilot causing insane damage to the bots even despite Wyvern's poor weapon technology, and even with paper thin shields Zoe was capable of absorbing weapons to activate a shield mere milliseconds before a weapon hit him. Lap after lap Zoe scored eliminations and scored 12 kills at the end.

Next up was the Zone Battle and like the race Zoe was against 11 high difficulty bots, the target was set to 55. And to no surprise Zoe made quick waste of the bots, David just kept becoming more gob-smacked with every event.

The final event was Zone. A special simulator was designed for Zoe since he was a craft rather than a person. Instead of being a booth it was an entire facility that digitally constructed the track for the craft and pilot in a stationary position. It was as close as one could get to a real life Zone event. David stated just last as long as possible but at least reach Subsonic. Since Zoe was an AI core himself David knew that he could calculate an effective racing line easily no matter the speed. So he made a proposition

"Hey Zoe, little challenge for you. Can you beat the WR for Zone on Moa Therma?"
"The record currently held by Jennter? Most likely with ease"
"Then lets give it a try"

The Simulator was set, Zone mode on Moa Therma forwards. Soon after The event began and Zoe navigated each lap easily, perfect laps were constant and not long Zoe surpassed his target of Subsonic easily. He continued as the speed increased, but what was most notable was Zoe's score.

Zone 80 clear

David watches closely and thinks to himself
*Zoe hasn't even taken a scratch yet, he could have the potential to beat the world record. This could be big for us*

Zoe just completes laps like they were nothing and David becomes increasingly relaxed with every Zone. He felt irony in such a calm mood for Zone is suppose to keep getting more intense.

Zone 200 clear

It was unreal, Zoe had scored a perfect 200 zone run, not even a scratch yet. David sits up and watches Zoe flawlessly race around a track, the temptation of letting him Zone forever was great. But then....

*bang*
"DAVID!!!"
"Razgriz??"
"WE HAVE AN INTRUDER!!"