Eli had to shake the feeling back into her limbs after disconnecting from Blur, the neural separation having left her a tinge numb, though it was likely more the cold than anything else. She listened closely once again as the captain debriefed them, her attention honed upon the idea that there were possibly more like Bishop. A troubled pit formed in her gut, could she make it through another one-on-one like that? She'd clearly been out-matched, and while the shotgun had been a necessity for survival, the fact that she had to use it at all made her bitter. Even when he had taken the shot, Eli wasn't sure if he had anything else up his sleeve, and had it not been for Jingo's admittedly impressive acrobatics, the fight's outcome might have been severely different. It pained her to think that Bishop might enjoy some form of validation in the afterlife, but in the end he was there, and she was still firmly planted on the earth. 

It wasn't until they were dismissed that Eli remembered she had neglected to eat before mission. But the urge to see the state of her living quarters won out against her hunger, and despite assurances that the stop would be brief, her stomach still growled in protest. She moved briskly through the base, silent with eyes avoiding any she passed. It might have seemed rude on the outside, breezing past the hard-working individuals who were breaking their backs out in the frost, who might have simply wanted to congratulate the pilots on their success, but Eli was of a one-track mind. They did their jobs, she did hers, and as she opened the door to her room, she knew her job was to inspect it, and then get something to eat.

But things were rarely so simple.

[color=662d91]"Lizzy!"[/color]

Eli was barely able to suppress a shout of surprise, and she stared with wide eyes as the tiny, bundled-up form of Vera hopped off of her bed. The girl was donned in clothes similar to her own, but atop her head was an old, weathered ushanka. Eli recognized it from when Vera's parents had still been around, it had belonged to her father. 

The girl scrambled over and wrapped her arms around Eli's waist in a hug, and before she returned the gesture, Eli shut the door. [color=6ecff6]"What are you doing here?"[/color]

[color=662d91]"Celina said I getta be your assistant!"[/color] Vera chimed, and Eli held back the same cringe she did every time someone used her mother's first name. The girl pulled a small piece of paper from her jacket and held it out. [color=662d91]"Oh yeah, this's for you."[/color]

[hider=Letter/Vera's actual reason for being at the base][color=9e0b0f]Elizabeth,
Due to recent events it has become evident that Vera's safety is at risk in Smith's Rest for the time being. Will explain later in the case that things do not blow over. She is unaware of the potential danger and will stay that way until further notice. As well, I've given her her father's old hat, seeing as she won't need to hide out there. Try not to let her lose it. Keep her safe.[/color][/hider]

Eli stuffed the paper into her pocket and turned back to Vera. In the back of her mind she worried if her mother was in any danger herself, but decided that it couldn't be anything she couldn't handle. With any luck, word that her daughter had moved on to become an NC pilot would deter any possible trouble. For the time being however, she had the younger girl to worry about, and in an instant Eli's whole demeanor changed. She smiled and gave Vera's nose a flick.

[color=6ecff6]"Well then, care to assist me in getting some food? I'll tell you all about the mission today."[/color]

Vera's eyes lit up. [color=662d91]"Wo-oah, you went on a mission already? Like you got to pilot and everything?[/color]

Eli nodded, heading out and towards the cafeteria with Vera close behind. The girl held tightly onto Eli's jacket with one hand, a tad shy to her surroundings, but she looked far happier than she was nervous. After all, what kid didn't want to be around giant robots?

[color=662d91]"Didja get to blow anything up?"[/color]