Ariel convinces her Bestie, Jenna to sign up with NASTI for the final round of beta testing before the simulations go public. With these games, zeroed in cyberspace, is zeroed for real. While conversing with the ripperdoc, she comes to the realization that she is responsible for many of the replacement beta testers NASTI needs for the final round of beta testing before the simulation goes live to the public.
The ripperdoc warns, “You’ve made quite a name for yourself with your high kill count, and rapid rise in the ranks. The other beta testers will be gunning for you.”
If that isn’t bad enough, Ghost, her AI construct, warns, “Nasti is grooming you, potentially for a combat experienced NCO, or an officer to lead a battalion into combat.”
She is not worried about herself. She is worried about Jenna. Ariel brought her here; she is responsible for her wellbeing.