Training (Day T-2, Afternoon, Simulators, OPEN)

[James Hall]

Mata nods vigorously.

[Alexei Herald]

That brought a chuckle, and Alexei gently pushed the pod closed.

"I'll have to go fetch the helmet for that - they aren't the exact same model, after all. I think we still have some in the loft... I mean, the Aerospace Hangar. I'll see if I can find one this evening."

[James Hall]

"If you need any help, I'd be glad to. I used to work on aerospace fighters. It'd be nice to just be in a hanger again."

[Alexei Herald]

Alexei waved a hand idly. "It's a mess up there. Haven't opened it up in years."

Glancing between the two, he added, "How'd you two meet, anyway?"

[James Hall]

Mata gives him a confused look. "He's my daddy."

"I think he means how I became your daddy. I was a tech for her mother's mercenary unit. We were the only members taken alive. Mata was born shortly after, but her mother died in childbirth. I have taken care of her since."

Mata digs a handmade aerospace fighter toy out of her bag. "My mom flew one of these." It vaguely looked like a Sabre.

James messes her hair up. "She was a good woman. A fine warrior."

[Alexei Herald]

Interesting.

Very interesting.

"Well, I'll try and bring you something to work with. I'm curious to see if Miss Mata is a flygirl or a mechwarrior at heart."

[James Hall]

"Why not both? I heard..."

"No." James interrupts. "Those things are an abomination. They should be annihilated." He bends down to her level. "I don't care what you wind up being. I will be proud no matter what. But I will keep you away from such monstrosities. It is a father's job to protect his children from such things."

[Alexei Herald]

Alexei's brow furrowed.

Did they mean...?

What periphery mechanic would even know about...

Couldn't be.

Shaking his head, he chuckled. "Some people do learn to operate more than one type of machine, but it's hard to call yourself a master if you split your attention."

[James Hall]

James nods. "See. The captain is wise. They are very different things. You will find your place Mata. I'm sure of that."

Mata nods acceptingly, figuring that she can't argue with two adults.

[Alexei Herald]

"That's the spirit."

There was a vague disappointment that this tech sounded like he wouldn't be interested in the project, but that was the way of things. Not everyone could be a visionary.

Taking a swig from the flask, he then screwed the cap back on, and added, "I should get going. I'll have that helmet for you this evening, Mr. Hall, Ms. Mata."