“I think I’ll go with that. Sounds like faster leveling will partially include the benefit of the other two traits.”

“That’s probably a smart decision,” Nori agreed. She made her own selection and read the next message that appeared.

Path Selection:

Based on an analysis of your genome and disposition you may choose one of the following Paths.

Note: Once selected, a Path cannot be changed. All future crossroads will derive from your Path.

Option one: Navigator

Operate all types of vehicles and ships, and their related subsystems

Primary: Agility, Control

Secondary: Intelligence, Awareness

Option Two: Hunter

Operate long-ranged weapons, traps, and surveillance systems

Primary: Agility

Secondary: Awareness, Strength

Option Three: Miner

Operate mining and surveying equipment

Primary: Control

Secondary: Intelligence, Awareness

Nori didn’t give a second thought to the Miner path—it wasn’t for her. Hunter drew her in, but Navigator offered possibilities she couldn’t ignore. Tightening her jaw, she selected Navigator.

Attribute points to Assign: 3

Pursing her lips, Nori put two points into control and one into agility.

A faint glow emanated from her body, flowing over her and settling on her legs, arms, and stomach. Her eyes opened wide as information flooded her mind, nearly overwhelming her senses while her muscles tensed and shifted beneath her skin. The flow ended almost as soon as it started, leaving her feeling woozy, yet somehow energized. She opened and closed her fists and a sense of power washed over her.

Grinning to herself, she accessed her Status.

Nori, Human, level 3 (5 Tec)

Path: Navigator (score 10)

Attributes:

●       Strength 2

●       Agility 4 Ⓟ

●       Intelligence 2 Ⓢ

●       Control 4 Ⓟ

●       Awareness 2 Ⓢ

●       Appeal 2

Conditions:

●       Level Suppression -2

“I’m done!” she declared and turned to look at her companions. Both were standing with their eyes closed, deep in concentration.

***

Hmmm, what should I choose, Lana thought, re-reading the messages.

Path Selection:

Based on an analysis of your genome and disposition you may choose one of the following Paths.

Note: Once selected, a Path cannot be changed. All future crossroads will derive from your Path.

Option one: Watcher

Operate surveillance and communication systems

Primary: Awareness

Secondary: Intelligence

Option Two: Berserker

Melee fighter that revels in the blood of its victims

Primary: Strength

Secondary: Agility

Option Three: Expert

Operate communication and analytical systems, including science subsystems

Primary: Intelligence, Awareness

Secondary: Control, Appeal

Lana stifled a nervous laugh as she read through the Berserker description. A fleeting image, of her, standing in the middle of a blood-soaked battlefield flashed through her mind. She shuddered, then took a closer look at the other two options. Watcher sounded boring and having to rely on only two attributes looked suspicious. Expert, on the other hand, sounded right up her alley.

Lana made her selection and a new message appeared.

Attribute points to Assign: 3

That was easy. As her new Path’s primary attributes were Intelligence and Awareness, she increased both to four.

Lana, Human, level 3 (5 Tec)

Path: Expert (score 10)

Attributes:

●       Strength 1

●       Agility 1

●       Intelligence 4 Ⓟ

●       Control 2 Ⓢ

●       Awareness 4 Ⓟ

●       Appeal 2 Ⓢ

Conditions:

●       Tec Infusion Boost +5%