[i]". . .Actions, not words. Remember that. . ."[/i]

Her father's voice resonating within her mind. Her true father that is. Not [b][i]this[/b][/i] psychopath. She couldn't help but feel intensely disturbed and sickened by the way Dr. Lorenzo acted thus far. His persona closely resembling that of a child in her mind. The thought of considering him to be her new 'father' made her want to vomit. The acidic taste of bile rising in the back of her throat every time her mind revisited the idea. But, what choice did she have? For now, she would reluctantly play his game. 

Regardless if he was in charge and made the rules or not, the good Dr. Lorenzo said himself that all of them were considered MIA. If anything were to happen to the other pilot candidates, it would be end of things. However, in Esther's mind, it could work both ways. If things didn't pan out, she would go down fighting and take down the neurotic scientist with her. His corpse would be forgotten alongside hers. She closed her eyes and shook her head, now was not wasn't the time to start planning the death of someone she felt uncomfortable around and didn't like. Maybe the good doctor was something like her father, damaged and broken. Maybe it wasn't his fault for the way he currently is. Inevitably, she would be in the good doctor's care and tutelage and she owed him that respect. She would cooperate, if albeit with a sense of apprehension and caution. In return, she expected to get what she wanted out of all this.

[i]"The greatest minds in all of military leadership can sit around all they want. Free to discuss and plan however much they want at their big meetings and big tables. But in the end, it all comes down to execution. The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry. Sometimes it's more important to take action than to just sit around, waiting to be told what to do. Actions, not words. Remember that, Esse."[/i]

Her heart grew heavy and sank at the idea that her father would be receiving a message of her MIA status. How would he take that news while undergoing mental treatment? For his daughter to enlist into the military at such a young age, go to the frontlines of battle, only to go missing? She hoped he was well and in good health. She was determined to complete this program successfully and return to her real father in the future. Returning from her thoughts, she caught herself absently staring at the ground. Blinking, she looked up as a Spartan handed her a weapon. 

Taking firm grasp of her given weapon, she looked it over to examine it. Pointing the muzzle of the weapon in a safe direction, she presented the weapon and looked down its sights. Relaxing her stance and bringing the weapon in closer, she made sure the weapon was on 'Safe' and kept her finger off of its trigger. Ejecting the magazine, she took quick note of how much ammunition it held. Reinserting the magazine, she racked the slide back and chambered a round. Pulling back on the slide slightly, she did a press check to ensure that the round had indeed chambered. Satisfied with her inspection of the given weapon, she kept positive control of it at her side. It brought her a sense of comfort. It was an insurance. It may not have been a significant enough weapon to go toe-to-toe with the Cruxi in a direct confrontation, but at least it gave her a slight fighting chance.

Tired of waiting for the 'adults' to come up with a solution and plan for evacuation, she sighed. Exasperated with the whole situation, she looked at her fellow future pilots and made a decision. She would skyline herself for what she was about to do. She would probably be punished severely for her choices, but in this predicament she didn't quite care. They were being attacked and no one seemed to have any clear idea what to do. Some of her future comrades content with just looking to others for guidance instead of taking matters into their own hands. They were all essentially sitting around with their thumbs up their asses. Not her.

Clearing her throat, she decided to finally speak up after remaining silent. Done with observing everyone in the background, under the radar.
[B]"Excuse me, gentleman."[/B] she addressed the Spartans blocking the entrance to the room they were in.
With that, she muscled her way past the Spartans and slipped out of the door.
Looking back at the rest of them, she continued.
[B]"By your leave."[/B]
Turning away from them, she quickly took in her environment. Soldiers were running in one direction, possibly towards the 'fight'. If their goal was evacuation and safety, then they would want to move in the opposite direction. Her thoughts were confirmed when she saw other staff and scientists running towards what only common sense could say was the right way to sanctuary. Looking over her shoulder, she projected her voice as loudly and clearly as she could so that they could hear her.
[B]"If any of you want to take matters into your own hands and are tired of sitting around waiting, then follow me. I'll lead the way. We can think and figure out a plan as we move. To remain stationary right now means certain death."[/B]
With weapon in hand, she took off running in the direction of the other non-combatant personnel.

Actions, not words.