The after-action report, went as expected. They spoke at length about their various tactics and techniques, tabulated their kills, criticized each other's techniques and actions- in a professional manner of course, and reviewed everything in triplicate. McKnight frowned as they went over the data. They were getting sloppy. Overconfident and cocky. McKnight let himself get hit, because he thought it was a good idea to take his eyes off of his sensors long enough to send a transmission to Trapp. If his shields hadn't been full he would've been dead then and there. The rookie had her shields blown as well, and Gerard's machine took a big hit to the arm. 

Sterling was surprised when Trapp pulled out the box of dogtags and began reciting names, IDs, and various tidbits of information. The information was minor and trivial at best, but McKnight could see what he was getting at. McKnight wasn't as sentimental as some of the other pilots, like Sokolov, who dabbed at his eye with a handkerchief, or Sara, who used Sokolov as a handkerchief, but Trapp new how to play the heartstrings if he wanted to. Sterling listened quietly as Trapp continued his speech, agreeing with several points. The 7th was indeed getting entitled. It was obvious with their performance- sloppy, and ever since Trapp had been transferred to them, the usual clash of personalities had only gotten more abrasive. From Maki's almost complete insubordination and Astelion's criticism and whiny attitude, to Alice's increasing aggression and mood swings. And now they were all stuck each other for another good long while, sent on a deployment with no support for god knew how long and a royal family member's "hunch" for intel.

In the end, the team did what they always did. They drank. Maki was the first to speak up afterwards. She was of course, right- in her own way. Though her manner of speaking lacked respect and tact. How'd she even get through academy, with an attitude like that? McKnight wondered. The answer was likely talent. Or pedigree. Possibly a combination of both. In that respect, Trapp was right. Maki, like the rest of them, were entitled. She'd be the last person to admit it, but the only reason she passed Academy was because of her pedigree and skill- in no other circumstance would they allow a soldier to act out the way she did with little more than a slap on the wrist. 

Next to speak was Gerard, voicing his concern about the squadron's lack of empathy towards their enemy. McKnight's gaze softened. Gerard wasn't cut for a soldier's life. He was a talented man, and a vicious fighter, but his sense of empathy was one that McKnight would expect from a fresh-out-of-academy rookie, like Williams, to have, not a veteran like Delacroix. Alice, surprisingly enough, was the first to speak out against Delacroix. She was right, as AI often were, if not a bit blunt and cold. Despite that, McKnight agreed with the AI. A warzone was no place for such feelings. Pausing to consider the enemy's humanity was a good way of getting yourself shot before you shot the enemy.

[color=lightblue]"Sorry Rardy, but I'm going to have to agree with Alice on this one."[/color] McKnight said, speaking up. [color=lightblue]"Considering your enemy is the [i]last[/i] thing you should do before pulling the trigger."[/color] McKnight said pointedly, looking at Williams to make sure she understood what he was saying. [color=lightblue]"As cold as it sounds, sometimes we're better off considering them as numbers and statistics. Its difficult to pull the trigger on someone you believe to be a father or a son and has feelings and emotions. You're just making it harder on yourself that way- and thats a good way to get yourself killed.[/color]

Trent spoke up next, with the plain, blunt insight that only a man like Trent could have. This adrenaline junky, enigma of a man had the observation skills of a hawk, and spoke with about as much compassion as a blunt knife. Still, it was the closest to a sentimental or emotional outburst they had seen from the man in a while, so it was good to know he still had [i]some[/i] feelings in that. The man emphasized his point by grinding home a cigarette into his glass.

[color=lightblue]"I can drink to that."[/color] McKnight said with a nod.

[color=red]"Aye."[/color] added Sokolov as he refilled their glasses. They took a second drink, and watched as others began to take their leave. Sokolov got up and slugged McKnight in the shoulder. Sterling winced as he was struck by the solid hunk of synthetic-titanium alloy that was Sokolov's cyberarm. [color=Red]"Come friend McKnight, no better way of relieving stress than beating shit out of each other in boxing rink, no?"[/color]

[color=lightblue]"Its fun for you because you're so cybered up you can't feel punches."[/color] McKnight replied, still standing up regardless. He shot a glance at Trapp. [color=lightblue]"You want in, boss? You look like you could use a round."[/color]

[color=OrangeRed]"I wouldn't mind getting the chance to beat the shit out of you either, Trapp."[/color] Astelion added, his comment likely being one of the most light hearted things he had said in a while.

[hr]

As Alice walked, she was approached by a pair of technicians in white lab coats. [color=RosyBrown]"Ah, there you are ALI-009."[/color] one of the technicians called out, using her serial number as an identifier. [color=RosyBrown]"Have you forgotten to plug back into the ship's system ALI-009? We've been looking for you for quite a while."[/color] The technician continued with a slight frown. The other technician made a short clicking noise, and continued writing on his datapad.[color=RosyBrown]"Anyway, come with us ALI-009, time for your core system diagnostics."[/color]