Flight Training (D3, EE, Simulators)

[James Hall]

James and Mata waited for the captain.

[Alexei Herald]

After a while, Alexei arrived. "Mr. Hall. You needed me?"

He was dressed in a gray and red greatcoat, expression somewhat harried.

[James Hall]

As he arrived, James and Mata saluted him.

James gave a puzzled look for a second and then understood. Before he could speak, Mata spoke up, "You said you could teach me to fly some if you weren't busy."

"Mata..."

"Father said you might not be busy after a few days, so that's why I asked you down here." With James's noteputer, no doubt. Eight years old and throwing him under the mech. Well, she is supposed to be a warrior. It is the natural order of things. But he is her father. Should he... punish her? Tell her a good job? This is why she should have grown up in a proper sibko instead of be raised by a technician.

"Forgive me, captain. It was to my understanding you had agreed to train her today. If this is an inconvenience, I will ensure she understands the importance of your time." Yes. Let the warrior decide. That's how things should be.

[Alexei Herald]

Alexei returned the salutes with a casual ease born of practice.

"Ah. Bold. She took initiative. That's admirable."

The man smiled tightly.

"She also bucked the chain of command, which is less so - why did you bypass your father, young lady?"

Walking into the simulator room, Alexei stretched, and then began unbuttoning the greatcoat.

[James Hall]

"He has been really busy fixing all the mechs, like you have been busy with the ship. So, I figured my best was to try find a time when both of you were not busy," she then quickly corrected herself. "As busy." She did it for them. Really.

[Alexei Herald]

Alexei arched one eyebrow, turning to faced the girl.

"And tell me, how did you determine when we were, and were not, busy?"

[James Hall]

"Well, I watched my father. For you, I asked the astechs and tried to guess based what they said." James may not have been raising her to be a tech, but she was a technician's daughter and had a somewhat grasp on how repair schedules go.

[Alexei Herald]

"Fascinating."

Alexei glanced at James.

"She'll make a terrifying wife, or commanding officer, some day."

He said that as if they were the same thing.

"Since I'm here, I suppose I may as well show you something."

[James Hall]

James nods. "I know." And he tries not think of his partner.

Mata responds eagerly. "Ready to learn."

[Alexei Herald]

"Very well. Get your helmet."

Alexei took off the greatcoat, revealing button up shirt, long board shorts, and tall tanker boats.

He was in surprisingly good shape for a man of uncertain age.