---

Ana was happy. She was getting to experience a party, with so many people to make friends with and learn about! Maybe then she could figure out what made humans so… well, human! Though she also wanted to have fun at the party today, afterall dad had been so nice as to give her a pretty red dress. She twirled as if to accentuate that thought, and loving how her dress looked when she spun. No doubt she was surely getting some looks, but the android couldn’t really care.She had a date after all! Though it struck her as a bit strange, as all those books she downloaded depicted dates being between a man and woman. Oh well! Her date was beautiful as well so Ana could care less. Skipping over to where Irina was, Ana stopped just in front of her and tried to grab the other girl’s hand. Come on Irinaaaaaaaa, I wanna dance!” The girl said in a manner that by her calculations, should be considered rather cute to most.

Irina rolled her eyes, and sighed annoyedly as her hand was caught by the android. She did not want to be there, having to watch all these idiots as they were wasting their time, but Lorenzo convinced her she needed to socialize. She thought about putting on her parade uniform, as that at least looked like something a soldier would wear, but then decided not to draw attention that way, and so picked out a generic dress. Of course, she expected that Ana would want to dance; she was aware of the android’s energetic personality. She pushed herself off the wall, and gave a glare at her. “Fine. But only because you would bug me about it all day if I don’t.”

She then took her hand, and allowed herself to be taken to the dance floor; at least she would get to train her footwork, so it wasn’t completely pointless.

Ana dragged Irina along to the dance floor before stopping to listen to the music. "Not really a slow song soooo.” She said, before letting go of Irina’s hand and starting to move in elegant motions along with the beat. The Android didn’t know the song, but soon enough seemed to be perfectly in beat as if she’d been listening for years. While in reality, she’d just been downloading the popular dances for such a song. Looking towards Irina, she gestured next to her. "Just do what I do!” She said in an energetic as ever tone.

Irina’s eyebrow twitched in irritation. Does this android think I can’t dance? She spitefully thought as she saw Ana make a few twirls, her lips in a permanent pout. “Don’t you patronize me!” She then began dancing something resembling capoeira with complicated patterns of steps, her eyes glaring at Ana. “Think you can keep up with me? I’ll show you some real moves!”

Anastasia giggled to herself as Irina’s gaze seemed to change and she looked a little irritated. Why did humans get so irritated over such silly things? Whenever she was challenged, however, Anastasia stuck her tongue out towards her date then flashed a cheeky smile. "Of course I can, and I bet you know it.” The Android taunted as she stepped up her own game. Instead the girl now downloaded the exact dance moves meant for the song playing, moving perfectly in beat as if she created them herself. Twirling elegantly, and keeping up the momentum her body was in constant, fluid motion through elegant dance moves that also managed to flaunt her figure a bit. Something that was sure to draw looks from some around, and which was very much so the goal of the Android at the moment. "Come on Irina! Keep uppppp!” She teased in a singsong tone even as she knew she was cheating in their little competition.

By now the crowd seemed to shift to a circle around the two, as their dancing turned less friendly and more of a fiery competition. Even Dariya looked over from the buffet table, and put a hand to her mouth to mask her laugh. “My, It’s been a while since I’ve seen Rina so fired up! It’s adorable~” She commented, waving her hand to cheer them on. Irina ignored any outside distractions, her mind now occupied with the single objective of defeating Ana. However, she began to show signs of fatigue from her intense motions, while Ana continued spinning around, showing little signs of stopping. “I...Won’t...Lose!” She muttered between breaths, and went for the finale as the song was ending: she ran up a wall, performed a somersault, and landed with a split, her hands up like a ballerina. The crowd clapped, and cheered for Irina as she now panted. “How about...That...Doll?”

Seeing the human girl showing signs of fatigue, Anastasia knew victory was within her grasp. A confident grin appeared on the Android’s face as she heard her date muttering about not losing. So she still had some fight? Fine. Unfortunately for her, Ana didn’t feel like losing today! As Irina dashed off, Anastasia launched into her own finale. Keeping a slight pop in her step, the girl’s feet began moving rapidly in an older moved dubbed ‘shuffling’. She kept beat with the song and put on a complex display off footwork until the last moments when she suddenly launched into spin. Anastasia spun around until the song had properly finished, and when she came to a stop whipped her hair over a shoulder then blew a kiss towards Irina. Holding that for a few moments she accepted the clapping and cheering before dashing over towards Irina. "That was sooooo cool! Did you see how they were all watching us!? Then you went and flipped and that was amazing! That was fun!” The Android said in a torrent of words as she offered a hand to help Irina to her feet.

“It wasn’t fun, it was a competition,” Irina muttered, her cheeks still a bit colored after she saw the kiss Ana blew to her. Was she being stupid or what, doing such a gesture? She looked at the hand offered to her, and averted her eyes as she took it, and let herself be pulled back up. She wiped her hands, and put them to her hips. “Well, it was clear that I’m the victor. While you were simply flailing around like a missile with malfunctioning targeting, my performance was without flaw. However, I admit that you were a worthy opponent.” As she said that, she pouted, and offered the android a handshake. “Just don’t let that get to your head...Doll.”

Anastasia frowned at the girl as Irina went off about their competition. "I thought it was a fun competition. I wasn’t flailing around either, the others seemed to like my dancing.” The android said with a light pout on her face. "I think it was a tie! Besides, you got all flustered from me blowing a kiss to you.” Ana said with a grin before sliding closer to Irina. "Could it be that you think I’m cute~” She said playfully before stepping back in a fit of giggles. "Why do you keep calling me doll? Its not like I’m not a person like you.” Anastasia asked in a seemingly innocent tone, though there was a certain hint in her undertone as she waited to hear Irina’s reasoning.

Irina groaned, and threw the open hand to her side, her posture turning a bit more tense as Ana approached her. “Whatever. It’s not like we had a proper judge to assess our performance, so let’s just consider it training.” She continued keeping sharp eyes on Ana, but now kept her arms at her sides like normal. “Well, that was just...A bad habit. Forget what I said,” She then turned, and walked away, clutching her hands into fists. Ugh, of course she would be sensitive to something like that. Socializing my ass, I messed up...

Watching as Irina’s posture turned a bit more tense as she approached, Anastasia took a step back and tilted her head to the side in a moment of confusion. Humans were weird. This girl had gotten flustered earlier, didn’t usually mean some level of interest? However, her date soon started to turn away and walk off. As if being questioned about why she had called Ana ‘doll’ had upset her. Wearing a slight frown the android jogged forward and attempted to latch onto Irina’s arm. "Don’t be a party pooper! Come on, lets go say hi to Ariin and Paladin! Then I saw cupcakes, and you’re not human if you don’t like cupcakes!” The girl said, acting energetic once more to try to get Irina to show some emotion. Hopefully positive for once, it would be unfortunate to find her to be a total sourpuss. Letting out a long sigh, the Android attempted to drag her date over towards Ariin and Paladin.

Irina stopped when her arm was caught, and she slowly turned her head; she looked like she wanted to set her on fire with her eyes. “Look, I-” She was about to say, but then heard her mentioning her humanity. “Don’t you talk to me about being human!” She screamed, and wrested the android’s grip off her. She then spoke in a low voice, her eyes full of hate: “I know what you are, so you have no right to speak to me about humanity.” She now stood her ground, waiting for the android to answer. “Unless you think you’re better than us humans? Is that it?”

Anastasia stood there in utter shock at the other girl’s sudden flash of anger. There was a tense, utter silence before tears started to well up in her eyes. Wondering if this was how all the others who knew saw her. "No. I wanted to be one of you.” She said in an unmistakably hurt tone before turning away and running out of the room with tears falling freely. She didn't understand why humans all saw her as some… thing! She just wanted to be normal like one of them. It wouldn't be long before Ana found herself in a part of the base she hadn't yet actually been through. Finding a nice, darker corner she plopped down buried her face into her knees and cried as she wondered what she ever did to those humans to deserve their being so mean.

Ana whisked her head away, and closed her eyes with grit teeth, unable to watch at the android as she tearfully left. Her knuckles turned white from how hard she clenched her fists, slightly trembling with the emotion. “Why...” She quietly “Why does a mere doll...Make me feel like this?” She managed to slowly walk her way to a wall at the very back, and leaned her forehead against it, punching the wall.

“Dammit...That stupid doll...Why did she have to say that? These emotions…” She sniffled, holding back tears. “...are a serious nuisance.”

Zim was mostly keeping to himself as the party progressed, other than the Princess seemed to have latched on to him in her cold way while she waited for the chance to meet with the cute girl in the red dress. Then, the moment Zim was waiting for happened, Katya made her appearance. Was it just him, or was she actually glowing? He saw how she was dressed and once again regretted his decision to have come in the parade uniform. He liked what he saw, he had always had a thing for exposed necks and shoulders and the leggings only seemed to extend her legs further, however he worried that perhaps she would get cold. Maybe the parade uniform would come in handy, he could offer her his coat if it came to that. Though, in the back of his head he worried about what the regulations would say about such an action, and both of them not being in proper uniform. He would take the chance, should the opportunity arise. Zim thumbed the hairband tied around his wrist once more and resolved himself, this stupid, and immature, dance he had been doing with himself around his feelings for her was going to come to a close, one way or another, very soon. He had taken the first step with confirming things with Ariin. Now he was going to take the second step in getting closer to the object of his affections. He turned to Elizabeth, setting down the drink he had been sipping and excused himself. She was in the middle of dribbling on about something in her snide tone, Zim stopped listening a long time ago. He was already stepping away from her when she gave a flick of her hair and let of one of her trademark, "Hmph!" Zim paid it no mind as he continued on the way across the room.

Zim took deep breaths to control his heart rate as he took his strides across the room to the wall that Katya had landed at. All the same, he was acutely aware of the fact that he was more nervous about this moment than he had been about going into combat for the first time in Black Star. Zim reached up and scratched the spot on his shoulder where his tattoo was at the thought of his Werk, 'Wish me luck, partner,' Zim thought to himself, 'This is a battle I have to fight alone.' He immediately hated that he even thought that, hoping that he would get the cliche's out of his system before he made it over to Katya. Just a few more steps before he was within greeting range, one more long slow breath. This was it, he clenched his jaw tight like he was about to get punched in the gut, he released the tension as he exhaled.

"Hey there, Katya!" Zim said in an uncharacteristically happy voice. 'Tone it back, fool,' Zim reprimanded himself.

"Listen, I've wanted to talk to you for a while now," Zim said as he settled on the wall next to Katya. He untied the hair tie around his wrist and held it out for her to take, "I think we can call it even now, but I don't really want to give this back to you. I've grown attached to it, or rather, the thought-"

Zim was cut off by the commotion happening on the dance floor. Was that Irina dancing? She was better than he thought she would be... but who in the world would be dumb enough to ask her to dance, then again, who in the world had enough clout to actually get her to dance? Oh, the new girl that Elizabeth seemed pretty eager to be introduced to.

"Anyway, I've grown attached to the thought of having you near me," Zim said, but as he spoke the crowd erupted into a cheer as the girls dancing intensified their frenzies. Zim had no idea if Katya had heard him. When the crowd quieted down again he tried again. "I like having you near by," Zim said again, "You give me a reason to fight beyond revenge." 'Damn, another cliche'' Zim swore at himself as he was once again interrupted by noise on the dance floor. It wasn't the crowd this time, but Irina being... well, herself. 'Poor girl, didn't know what she was getting herself into with that one,' Zim thought to himself. But then it went on too far when the girl went running from the room crying.

"I'm sorry, excuse me," Zim said to Katya as he made his way over to dance floor where Irena was now moving to the wall. "I don't know who that girl is, or what might have happened to cause that kind of outburst, but I think you should leave," Zim said firmly to the woman as she punched the wall. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the flash of Elizabeth's red hair as she ran out into the hallway after the girl.

Elizabeth didn't see which way she had gone, and had already lost track of her, so she wandered for a while trying to find her but eventually was forced to concede. She decided that it wasn't worth going back to the party now that the cute girl was gone, so she went back to her quarters for the rest of the night.

Maria didn't want to. She was still too much spun up about stuff in general. Her renewed "emotions". Her now perfect sync. High command pushing for Elora and Serah's execution. It just kept her tensed up.

But now, she was walking with Jake towards the area were Ariin was throwing a party for his aniversary with Paladin. Normally, Maria would have thought such a thing weird but considering the circumstances, she thought better of it.

After all, it was because of the device she had that allowed Paladin to use Ariin's bionic eye to actually communicate with everyone last she heard.

As she walked, she noted that Jake didn't really wear anything fancy. Just his default getup with his headphones around his neck right now. Maria, on the other hand, still liked to dress up. Usually with different clothing so, she decided to wear something she thought she'd never wear.

While she was also casual in jeans, sneakers and a blue t-shirt, it was the black jacket she was wearing that stood out somewhat. It looked worn as if it had been used for a long time.

But it was the angel wings printed on the back that made it stand out more...

"...let me guess...that jacket-", Jake began but Maria finished.

"Yeah...it belonged to my mom", Maria said.

Jake didn't say anything else about it but then said, "I'm glad your going to this. I know your still concerned about Serah and Elora but we all did what we could. Now, we just hope Elise's contact can use the evidence I submitted to get high command to back off."

"I know...I'm just...still not used to social events such as these", Maria then responded.

As they walked, both did pass by Elizabeth as she was returning to her quarters. Maria did make eye contact with her but it seemed that she wasn't interested in her at the moment. In fact, it looked liked she was trying to find someone else.

"...she's in a hurry", Jake muttered.

"...and sooner or later, I have to break the ice with her and the other new pilots", Maria said.

"...it sounds like you have a history with her", Jake then asks.

"When I was "Seven" back when the Helldivers were active, I was assigned to bodyguard duties for her family company and framework testing...short story, she and I didn't get along", Maria then said.

Jake merely nodded at that.

Not too long after that, they arrived in the party area. Maria looked around and saw thing were lively there already.

"I'm going to hit the music stand. I can play DJ better than anyone", Jake said.

"I don't doubt that at all...I'll trying to mingle as best I can", Maria then responded.

Going their seperate ways, Maria then noted Ariin...but then another caught her eye...a girl in a weird mask with what looked liked some cybernetics all over said mask.

Walking up to the woman, she then knew who it was somehow.

"...Elora?", Maria asks.

Ariin was quite happy as people streamed into the party a few of Paladin's mechanics popped in snagging a cupcake or pizza waving at Ariin as they departed. The young man mostly remained off to the side greeting guests and shaking hands as needed, wanting to make everyone feel welcome... Well except for one, he glared at Irina as she entered. He disliked her beating him... But her treatment of Siggy and Iota that was inexcusable people like her were just as bad as the Cruxi.

Paladin was on a monitor, just behind where Zim and Katya had begun to talk the AI decided to let them know it was listening creating a waving emoji before it began to listen in. Hearing Zim fumbled through trying to flirt... Or was a confession? Oh! Paladin could help with that, better to let Katya know Zim and Ariin liked her, it was only fair both boys got a chance with the girl they had feelings for. Paladin figured it would be helpful.

So quickly Paladin brought up little images of Ariin and Zim, chibi versions as Ariin called them. Then put either side of a Chibi Katya hearts floating between both boys as they offered her gifts. It flashed brightly to get the two's attention as Paladin eagerly showed them image, Paladin was helping!

Taking a breath Ariin stepped back from the door to get himself a slice of pizza as he looked around the room enjoying seeing all his squadmates new and old around the room. He started to walk towards Zim and Katya, then started to back away blushing deciding not to get any closer as Paladin showed the screen with little animated version of them. He wanted to turn invisible Paladin was not leaving his head ever again if this is what the little AI would get up to.

The music changed as Irina and Ana ended their dance, then all eyes turned when Irina yelled at Ana and the girl began to have tears well up. Ariin stepped stepped towards Irina. "Leave. Now. before I do something to further ruin this evening... You inhuman trash." He whisper spoke, Ariin got very quiet his hand twitched the urge to throw a punch at Irina but he wouldn't do that. "The Cruxi are better than you." He added turning away from Irina, taking a couple breath.

Ariin looked diffrent... He was furious all could see it as he clenched his fists at his side, Ariin was usually talking or doing something but now his eyes rested on the floor as he stared at it. He was very much contemplating a fight but his respect for the others kept him in line, he remembered how avoided violence around his siblings when he could. How didn't want them to view him as someone hurting bullies he wanted them to rise above... Ariin wasn't above though, he was pefectly okay with causing pain to make his point known to teach those who hurt his friends a lesson.

Ariin took a breath then walked over pouring himself a drink of the soda and knocked it back, before going over to see Katya and Zim, his embrassment gone... He wanted to be near people who he knew who he could trust, people who could keep him from breaking Irina's stupid face in. He didn't care that Paladin had just shown them his feelings, he needed the people he cared about close.

Paladin had frozen the display when the AI watched the evil woman berate the girl... Paladin's friend. The AI decided it was time to do something, Pally had wanted to wait until later but transfering the AI into a small drone body near engineering. It was an early prototype for Katya's drones, six legged with a smaller rounded body and a monitor on it's back could be used to check it's energy and of course Paladin could use it to communicate. The drone had two small eyes and Pally could make small chirping noises and whistle as if it was an old sci-fi movie robot speaking in binary.

Pallydrone then scanned along the cameras, finding Ana crying the little drone set off heading for Ana eventually crawling up her arm and flashing a happy face at her then a tiny chibi version of Paladin letting her know who was in the little drone that was hugged to her arm. Giving her a friend to talk to as the drone gave a low sad whistle to try and comfort each other.

Ariin stared meanwhile at the screen which now just read 'BRB' slightly concerned he might have just let a combat AI into the base's wireless system. He hoped Paladin wasn't planning anything stupid then again... He had more pressing concerns as he remember what Katya and Zim might now know.

---

Even if she was one of the last to arrive to the party. Katya was pleased to see she had not missed too much of the fun. Looking around from her spot along the wall she could see people seemed to be enjoying themselves and for now Katya’s was content watching. Although it was partly out of nerves the last party she had been too. Had been back home and she knew everyone by name and knew what each one had done in the last few days. Although that was typical for an outpost, given they tightknit community and everyone knew what everyone else was doing. So being in a party with people she didn’t know or didn’t know well made her feel nervous. Something that amused her greatly given she had fought Cruxi in battle. Yet she still got nervous about not knowing everyone in the room well.
“It’s weird.” she muttered to herself pulling on her blouse so it sat better. Pleased she had opted to wear thermal legings and a vest as she was starting to feel a little cold.

When Zim came over. Katya was pleased, although wished he had waited for a moment as she was about to investigate the food on offer. Seeing cupcakes and some other foodstuff she had yet to try or learn the name of. Having seen it on offer in the mess. Although Katya made a note to avoid trying new food form the mess given it was never any good.

Zim's greeting earned a funny looked form Katya as his happy voice was uncharacteristic for him. Katya wondering if something was going on or something was wrong with him. The young woman about to ask when Zim mentioned he had wanted to talk to her for a while now. Which earned an interested looked.
“Oh? What about?” she asked interest and curiosity lining her words. Katya noticing Paladins wave emoji and gave him a small wave back before focusing back on Zim. Hoping the Ai would keep itself of this.

However, Zim’s words and him offering Katya her headband back earned a rather large frown form Katya. Given as much as she wanted it back she could not take it without dishonouring his people's customs and to her the few customs her outpost had were important to her. Given they something that reminded her of home reminded her of a part of the reason why she was willing to fight. Katya was about to cut Zim off when the a commotion the dance floor got her attention. Although it only lasted for a few moments before she lost interest putting her attention back to Zim

The rest of his words were listened and when the crowd watching the dance contest got loud she glanced at them and frowned not hearing everything Zim said although heard enough to know it was something important. So when he said it again and she heard him her eye darted away Katya’s cheeks going a little red as she noticed the emojis Paladin was showing.
“Dam it Paladin, how dumb do you think I am? When I get my hands on you next your going inside a toaster.” she thought looking back at Zim. Making a mental note next time she had that Ai in her hands to turn whatever it was hiding inside into something unpleasant.

Katya was about to speak when Zim asked him to excuse him the young woman giving a nod. Gesturing for him to go deal with the situation. Katya knowing she should step in and help given her role within the squad but given Zim had beaten her to it and Ariin had also told Irina to leave. So Katya was content to leave it and only get involved if the woman started to act up. Although she was pretty pissed at Irina for making that girl cry as it was just out of line. Parties where meant to be fun not something where you're brought to tears at.
“I’ll have checked in on the girl. When I see her next.” Katya thought, not willing to go off and chase her given she had no idea where she went so figured it would be wasted energy given the base was not exactly small and there where many places a person could hide.

When Ariin came over Katya found it a little difficult to make eye contact with young man for a moment. The young woman a little unsure how to handle being around the pair of boys after Paladins little stun.
“Hi Ariin. You feeling alright?” Katya spoke wanting to check in him make sure he wasn’t going to over and try to pick a fight with Irina. As if he did she would need to stop him. Katya unsure how she would do just that if he did opt to pick a fight with Irina.

“So Ariin this is pretty cool party I was quite surprised when I got the invite. But thanks for inviting me. I appreciated I know I’m not the most fun person to be around mostly working on Caretaker, or reading someone on my tablet.” she spoke her tone implying she was a little nervous. Katya unsure how to act now Paladin had put everything out in the open.
“Also … could you remind me to have talk with that Ai of yours at some point.”

---

The sounds of a weeping android echoed down the lonely hall, emanating from the sole occupant of the aforementioned hallway. With her knees pulled to her chest, Anastasia had never felt so alone before. Even when back in the lab, some of the scientists were nice to her and her papa had always been nice to her. Yet she was told to hide what she was, and some people who knew like Irina claimed she wasn't like them. She closed her eyes and for a moment could see flashes of her new team all looking horrified at her if they knew what she was. Why was she so wrong? She just wanted to be like the humans! No some... object! Burying her face back into her knees, Anastasia tried to talk herself through it. Her friends wouldn't hate her, she was fine. She didn't need to be a human, they could all just be happy together as she was. Right? Irina was just a big stupid face. She was so lost in these thoughts that she never noticed the little drone approaching until it sat on her arm.

She was still lost in her thoughts as she looked over at the odd feeling on her arm. She stared at it for a moment before her features went to an expression of pure shock. She let out a soft yelp and powerscooted herself away from the bug-thing. Stopping only once she was a good distance to look at it once more and see it to be made of metal. Some sort of drone? Meanwhile it seemed to be displaying a little figure that looked like Paladin. Could it have been her AI friend? Moving closer to it with an obvious caution, Anastasia poked the little drone and tilted her head to the side."Paladin? Is that you?" She asked even as the little thing made a sad whistle and clung to her arm despite her previous efforts to scoot away. Bringing up her free hand, Ana wiped away her tears as she gave a sad smile towards Paladin."I made a scene at your party, I'm sorry Paladin. But you didn't have to come all the way out here to find me..." She whispered softly.

Then quick as lightning her hand moved to grab the drone and peel it off her arm. Immdiately after hugging the thing to her chest. "But it makes me really happy that you did. I wasn't feeling too good since Irina was being so mean to me. I don't know why, I was just trying to have fun. She always seems so unhappy and I didn't think that it would be fun to be like that. So I wanted her to have some fun and be happy but instead she decided to be a big ol' butt." She mumbled out with a slight pout in both her words and her voice. Still hugging the little drone tightly to her chest, the girl would rant for a bit longer about various things and vent her frustrations while being careful to not let on what she was. After a few moments she looked down at the drone, as if remembering finally she were still clutching it to her chest and turning a slight color. Instead she now placed it on her shoulder. "Sorry Paladin, I didn't really let you talk did I? But I think you should get back to your party so lets go back together, 'kay?" She asked and flashed a smile before getting to her feet and heading back to the party while working on putting on her best mask to seem like she wasn't hurt by what happened. "Thank you for coming though, Paladin. You're the best." Ana said softly before re-entering where the party was.

"Hia guys! I'm back! And lookie who came and found me!" She declared as she gestured to the little drone on her shoulder. The girl attempting to keep an upbeat manner about her to hide that she was still hurting from Irina's stinging words.

Maria, Jake (Briefly) and Elora

Elora seemed quite passive in the party, only giving a cursory glance in the direction of the dance-off. However, when Maria spoke to her, she seemed to fidget a bit. "M...Maria." She seemed a bit dazed in her speech. "How are you?"

"...Honestly...I wish I could say ok...but I'm sort of an emotinal mess right now", Maria responded.

Maria did look at Elora's mask and could only guess what it was for. Perhaps to control her? Or keep her powers in check? It wouldn't be the first time she'd seen such equipment. She did use one piece of equipment from her Helldiver days to "fix" Ariin and Paladin.

As well as being tested on due to her link with the T-system back in the day.

"...Elora...I'm sorry. But when I heard what high command was planning to do with you and Serah I kind of...no I just did my best. But look at you...it just looks like your still in captivity", Maria said sadly.

Shaking her head, she then said, "No I'm sorry...I shouldn't be like this...but...I can only imagine what the mask is for so...I'll stop...actually, do you need space? I'll leave you be if you want", Maria then asks.

Elora lifted a grasping hand, as if she wanted to catch something. She then straightened the palm, and performed a stop sign. "No, please...I want you to stay. And it''s ok...It doesn't hurt. The professor said that the mask helps me stay in control. It is difficult to explain, but...It calms me. I don't feel so afraid." She looked down, and pinched her arm. "There's no pain at all. It's...Nice, I think." Then she lifted her head. "Wait, me and Serah? Who is planning, and what?"

"I probably shouldn't stay since it'll most likely make you lose control", Maria then said, understanding the purpose of the mask if Elora's explanation was correct.

"But...mind-reading or no, I won't lie to you...members of high command wanted to execute the both of you. In Serah's case, her attacking us during your rescue since they don't believe in Frameworks going berserk even though my fri-err...squad member Jake had evidence showing Serah's sync rate going below zero percent. In your case, they think the Cruxi brainwashed or compromised you in some way that'll come to haunt all of us..."

Shaking her head, Maria then said, "I got fed up though...after you...well put my mind straight, I started a pertition of sorts with Jake to mount a case for the both of you. Katya, Jason and a few others in our squad helped. Elise, our new superior, also helped by getting it to people that'll help out. Though I had a talk with her about my behavior when I had seen that Cruxi and lost my temper and her being grounded due to injury. Jake telling her that she could use his recon drones to help us from the bridge. Jason-"

Looking at Elora, Maria realized that she had overdid it.

"...I'm sorry. It's just been a crazy few days with me and several others and me worried sick about the both of you", Maria then said, looking down in shame.

There was a couple of seconds of silence before Elora responded. "Wow. That is a lot. Well, thank you for saving me, Maria, Jake." She bowed her head a bit, and lifted it back up. "So they are afraid of me...I don't know what to think." She sighed. "Anyway, I was given permission to have fun, so let's enjoy ourselves at this party, ok?" She reached out, hesitantly, and gently took Maria's hand. "Just like old times."

Maria herself actually was hesitant like Elora but then, she put her other hand over Elora's.

"Yeah...old times...well not for me...old times were...alot different from this...you'd probably know since you did swim around my head a little bit before...but all this..."

She then looked around the room and saw all the old and new people around.

"...it's still new to me now...or perhaps...I'd just forgotten what it's like or never had the chance...it's tough to explain Elora but it's like turning the light off in a house for a few years then suddenly turning it back on...I'm just not used to it yet..."

Still holding Elora's hands, Maria did look away.

"...and there's a part of me that's afraid to get used to it..."

Then, as she was touching her, Elora just happened to see an image...or perhaps a memory...a fraction of it. Perhaps she had gained it when she entered the then "Mai/Seven" mind during her rescue and duel with the Cruxi. The image, though, would most likely disturb Elora as it showed Maria on some high tech chair.



Elora pulled her hand away, her body language showing that she was startled as she tucked her arms to herself. “AAH!” Her entire body now trembled with shaky legs, at the same time as the fight between Ana and Irina; Maria noticed that her condition seemed to turn worse when Ana ran away. “I-I can’t...” Elora held her palms on her mask. Dariya soon ran in, and wrapped an arm around Elora’s waist, keeping her standing. “My, it seems we ran into some difficulties. Oh well, at least she got to meet with her friends.” The sexy scientist then dragged the masked girl off; Maria could feel how Elora continued looking on at her, mumbling something before they turned a corner.

Maria was slightly confused at first but instantly knew what may have happened. For that one moment, she felt...that connection again. When Elora jumped into her mind’s eye so to speak. Then it hit her.

...oh no...she saw something...something no one else should have…, Maria thought to herself.

Even from the DJ stand, she actually saw Jake wave at her and then point to the exit of the room. As if to say “Go after her”. Nodding, Maria quickly left the room. She had to make sure Elora was ok. But more important, like it or not, she also had to be more cautious when around Elora. Not because she was dangerous but because of possible “accidents” like this.

Even back then...on that chair...her work with the Telekenetic link system taught her to expect such instances with those with similar abilities.

After about a minute or so, she saw her being escorted into the R&D lab by that lady she remembered being named Dariya.

“Hey wait!”, Maria called.

But then soon entered the R&D door as it closed behind them. Maria quickly knocked on the door though not to be too forceful about the knocking itself.

Even as Zim turned and walked back towards where he left Katya, the older pilot had a tightness of unease in his chest. Which, to be honest, was totally insane. Here he had survived near death in the destruction of the planet that he had been working to terraform, had gone toe-to-toe with the Cruxi forces, not once but twice. Yet he was afraid of the answer he might recieve from asking for a little bit of company. He was anxious about whether or not the younger pilot felt the same way or not, adding to the anxiety was the fact that he had a competitor striving for her attentions. Yet even as he attempted to broach the subject she was distracted, her eyes darting away when he spoke.

Classic signs of discomfort.
Classic signs of 'sorry, we're just squadmates.'

Besides, who could blame her? Zim hadn't actually made a point of spending much time with her, and look at him. He was disfigured, scarred, and gravity stunted. Zim was best described physically as weird, and homely. Meanwhile Ariin was tall and lean and handsom, even if he was missing an eye... Zim could not blame her if she chose Ariin over Zim.

Despite these self-depreciating thoughts, Zim pushed on. Even as she was joined by Ariin in the place that Zim had just left her, Zim pushed himself forward. He wanted to hear her response. At least then he wouldn't later regret not acting when he had the chance.

Zim got within earshot of the source of his envy as Katya thanked Ariin for the invitation and asked to be reminded about getting her hands on the AI bot. Her voice, her body language, they all eluded to her being nervous. Was she nervous because of Zim, or was it because of the informal manner of meeting that they were experiencing in the form of the party?

Zim decided to inject himself into the conversation, taking up Katya's other side. She was now placed between Zim and Ariin, quite literally between two men. Zim questioned his choice, even as he took the position. It might be too petty, it might be too agressive or posessive. Zim had absolutely no claim to her attention or affections. But the choice was made, he would observe and react, just like on the battlefield. Where typically it was a battle of combat machines, this time Zim prepared himself for a battle of Wit.

"Yes, excellent party, Ariin. Thank you again for the invitation- I just wish you would have included what level of dress you wanted people to come in. I feel very over-dressed..." Zim glanced at Katya quickly to gage her reaction to his arrival.

Ariin sighed. "Yeah, I'm alright." Told Katya responding to her earlier quesiton. He leaned back and gave her a soft smile. "You care your werk and want to make sure it's in top shape. I'm the same way with Paladin, I know the engineers take care of the big lug... But I like to be there too." He smiled and then finally sighed. "As for Paladin, I'll let you know when I- What. Uh... Is that Ana with Paladin in a drone?" The pilot gave a long groaned and dropped his face into his hands.

First the damn AI pulls a stunt like that in front of Katya and Zim then runs off and now has a drone body. "I'm going to trash that bot when I get ahold of him," Ariin grumbled looking at the newly arrived Paladin. Then Zim walked up and Ariin looked at him, he really didn't want to cause this kind of trouble. "Sorry, I didn't really think about dress code... Never really had dress clothes to worry about before." He mumbled looking down at himself rubbing his arm slightly, his childhood wasn't exactly a normal one. To him the food and music was what made a party, well that and family.

Zim saw how Ariin seemed to be hurt by the comment. "Ah, well, don't worry about it, I could always have gone and changed my clothes if I really felt like I needed to. I don't mean for it to bring you down." Zim backpedaled and apologized.

"It's no problem, Zim. Just got me thinking about home," He chuckled and shrugged.

Hearing Ariin say he was okay earned a nod out of Katya, pleased to hear that was the case. The girl giving a soft sigh as he spoke of her werk. “Yeah, I do. Plus I feel it help me connect with it. That and it helps me learn.” she spoke, looking around the room. As Ariin started to speak of Paladin seeing the girl who had run off return with a small drone on her shoulder. Katya glancing back at Ariin then at Paladin pretty sure she had seen the drone before.
“Where did he find that piece of junk?” Katya spoke recognising the drone as a failed Eden prototype. Something she was not happy to see again having unpleasant memories of having to use those drones before she was given her EDENs. Having lost interest in the girl and Paladin for the moment, she turned to Zim who had come back over and positioned himself on the other side of her.

As Zim said he felt overdressed Katya took a moment to actually have proper look. As Zim backpedalled and apologised to Ariin.
“You shouldn’t let it bother you anyway Zim your not the only one still wearing Military uniform … although your only one in dress uniform.” Katya spoke point at Valeria for a moment, spotting the fact she was still in normal fatigues.
“Still … it does standout almost like trying to call attention to yourself.” she was looking at Zim but not quite making eye contact with him.
“So …” she spoke trailing off finding for the moment she had nothing to say, making her mutter several swears in her homeworlds native tongue. Just how was she supposed to act in a situation like this.
“Fucking Paladin I swear I’m going to murder that AI.” she thought bitterly.

A pregnant pause between the three people. An awkward chuckle broke the silence. "Hah, well, yeah, unless it worked it wasn't intentional, right?" Zim joked. He was stalling.

Zim's words earned a small chuckle out of Katya, although her facial expression exposed that his line had failed to amuse her and she was merely being polite. Although it was more she was merely trying to keep her mind off the situation. Paladin was so going to get a telling off for this.

Get it over with. Rip off the bandaid. Ariin already knew where Zim stood, the only person in the group of three who hadn't heard it from him was Katya, and that was the point of this conversation, wasn't it?

"So, anyway. Before that interuption happened, I was saying," Zim glanced at Ariin quickly, but it wouldnt read as a 'go away' or anything like that, more of a 'I'm going for it' look. "I have grown attached to the idea of spending time with you. I have grown fond of this hair tie becuase it is a part of you with me at all times. Its fine if you don't feel the same way. I guess I am just asking if you would be willing to spend more time with me, to see if anything were to grow between us?"

Zim had the hair tie in his hand again, offering it to her on his open palm.

"Okay," Zim said taking the hair tie back, "I felt that the favor had been returned when your Eden drones got Black Star and I back off of that Cruxi ship, but if you feel that way then I'll continue to hold onto it."

Hearing Zim felt the favour had been repaid when her drones had saved Zim on the Cruxi.
“Nope, as I merely doing my job. Would have done it for anyone else in the squad. The favour is something you need to ask of me. Not something I’d just do for you, because my duty demands it. I should have explained that.” she spoke feeling like that should cleared the matter up.

Katya looked at Zim making eye contact with him this time as he mentioned what he talking about before he had got interrupted by Irina being herself. Her expression becoming one of mild interest which faded the instant Zim mentioned he had grow attached to spending time with her. Instead it was replaced by a blank expression that masked her thoughts as her mind started to race. Katya was feeling like she was now caught between a rock and a hard place as she was very much aware that Ariin was standing next to her.

When Zim had finished speaking Katya was quite for a moment. The cogs in her mind ticking over, trying to work out what to do. She did like Zim, and would admit that the idea had entered her mind once when it came in conversation with one of Caretaker’s engineers who Katya had befriended. But then again, in that same conversation she had admitted the exact same thing when it came to Arrin. So she felt conflicted, which caused her to swear loudly in her native tongue which was followed by a sigh.

Still, before she adressed Zim's words she needed to address the hair tie having noticed he was offering to return it to her, causing another sigh to escape her.
“Right, I’m good.” she muttered, taking the hand the hair tie was in and pushing to Zim's chest.
“I can’t take it. It would go against custom. Even if I really do want it back. You just need to get of your ass and tell what favour you want … it could be anything you like. I won't reject anything reasonable,” she spoke with a somewhat stern tone giving him a slight momentary frown.
“Now as for what you said … I ... I … I… would … notbeopposedtoit.” she said blurting out the end giving a sigh. Again muttering a swear in her native tongue. This was not a pleasant situation to be in.

A bright red blush came over Zim's otherwise pale face. She was so cute, even now, when she was so flustered. "Great, I look forward to our time spent together."

Zim turned to Ariin now, he resisted the urge to move closer to Katya, being aware of how posessive that would look and knowing full well Ariin's self-denying feelings. "Sorry to have done that in front of you, Ariin. I had hoped it would be a bit more private of an opportunity, but-" Zim gestured to the dancefloor where Inara and Ana had been.

---Meanwhile---
Princess Elizabeth had kept a close watch on the war efforts, being a member of Royalty of a planetary system that made large financial and physical contributions to the war effort had a few benifits. One of them was having first round information on things that werent classified, she knew what everyone else would know a few hours before the public media outlets knew. So in her freetime she went over reports about troop movements and supply changes. It was all extremely boring, but she figured it would be good training for the possibility of her running her kingdom someday. It was almost always routine stuff. However, she noticed a sudden change in direction from a fleet, it was super recent. She followed the document trail back and found a distress call from a planet about a Cruxi Attack had caused the small fleet to be diverted from its patrol route. She continued digging and found which planet it was that had called out for help.

Fortress.

Pretty much everyone with any real knowledge of the military and fortifications knew that the Planet called Fortress was amongst the strongest footholds humanity had. It was fairly centrally located, though too close to a star for most peoples comforts. For it to be under Cruxi attack was a big deal, it could mean yet another turning point in the war effort as the front moved further towards the heart of human civilization. If it fell. then it would certainly mean the worst as that was probably one of the only planets capable of thwarting an assault. She hunkered in to watch the data-flow while the sat link established with the nearest observation satilite. Elizabeth sat there on her bed watching as Fortress's defenses were slowly defeated, wave by wave.



------------------------


When Katya saw Zim was blushing she frowned and when he spoke her eyes darted away.
“Just hush, or you’ll get nothing.” she muttered under her breath barely loud enough to be heard. But Zim’s next words made Katya look back at Zim then at Ariin.
“Huh? Zim are you saying what I think your saying?” Katya spoke looking over at Ariin for a moment before muttering yet another swear in her native tongue.
“Ummm … so you know you can too right Ariin … if that’s how you feel … it only fair, right?” she said unsure of what she was supposed to do or say in this situation. Back home the matter would have been pretty simple given most people didn’t hide their feelings. There was always too much work to be done to beat around the bush with matters of the heart.

"What I feel doesn't matter Katya. I'm a penal soldier, I will die out here or when it's done I'll be tossed in a cell... You don't want me for someone to be close to. I'm an assest not a person," The young man shrugged, "Paladin and I argue over it a lot... Truth is that if I wanted a relationship I couldn't have one... I'm a convicted of murdering military personal in a time of war, that probably means a treason charge on Mars, too."

He chuckled slightly wearing a sad smile.

"Short answer is... I'd never really have a chance," He smiled, "Why do you think I steal openly on the base? They can't do anything more to me than kill me, my job here is to die to keep you all safe."

Ariin looked over the party, "I count you all as friends, but lets face it... Most of you will have something to do when this is over, I'm going to prison or execution. My life has been over since I was fourteen, so I just make what fun I can."

He shrugged and waved his hands as if this was normal behavior. Ariin, who was usually the eternal optimist. He admited to feelings for Katya and then started to back out of it, Ariin was no coward... He believed that he had no future and he couldn't stand to see the people he cared about hurt when he was taken. He was trying to spare them pain.

"He told me the same thing the other day," Zim said sadly, "Though I had hoped that being face to face with you might have caused a change of heart, as it were. However, knowing what you know now, Katya, I would understand if you would rather spend your time elsewhere." His tone wasn't defeated, but it was resigned? He would fight for her affections if it were required, but he also wasn't going to put her in any more of an awkward situation than he already had.

Ariin’s words earned a frown out of Katya and actually really annoyed her. She could get if he was a convict pressed into service as her own world did something similar, although convicts where made to mine ore in the most dangerous of places, and to hear it merely said that Ariin was not willing to even try. Back home being a convict did not stop people doing what they wanted, it merely meant they had greater chance of dying.

“Fine, be a coward, see if I care. In the end it's your damn loss. As for you Zim, shut up, I already said I wouldn’t mind. Or would prefer I change my mind?” she spoke her tone going somewhat hostile.

Katya wanting to say more but with Zim here and with what he had just said she was unsure if it was okay, which made Katya feel very frustrated. This entire situation was not something she was used too and if she had not been stood in between them she’d of stormed off. All that Katya knew right then was that she wanted to scream at both of the boys for lumping her in this situation and tell them to screw each other. However, for the moment, she restrained herself... as difficult as it was.

Paladin meanwhile hopped up onto Ana's shoulder, Pally then made an arrow pointing at Ariin. Then translated what Ariin was saying into text, more importantly trying to get Ana's attention to assist in making Ariin not escape this, to actually attempt a relationship.

The girl had made her way over to where the desserts had been laid out in the time since returning, then set to unleashing a fury like none other on the sweets. She was quite happy with things at the moment, despite Irina being a stupid butt! Instead her new best buddy Paladin had decided to comfort her, and now the two were hanging out while she ate an unessecary amount of sweets! Best part being that her father wasn't around to tell her she was having too much, victory for Anastasia!

Then she felt something hop on her shoulder and turned to see Paladin, halfway through demolishing a chocolate cupcake. Quickly finishing it off, and frowning at the unloved desserts calling her name, Ana nodded solemnly towards Paladin. Accepting the mission the two of them had undertaken. She pulled the drone off her shoulder to hold securely in her arms as she made her way towards the trio assembled and awkwardly talking.

She had no plan for getting Ariin to pursue the relationship, Ana realized halfway there. She quickly whispered to her friend in a slightly panicky voice, "I don't have a plan Pally! I'll interrupt and get you close. Then you go smack some sense into Ariin! Okay? Break!" She said before humming to herself and making her way into the group. Ana purposefully shoulderbumped Ariin, releasing Paladin to make the jump to its partner's shoulders.

"Hia! I don't think we've met, pilots Romanova and Hero! I'm Anastasia, I'm new to the squad but Ariin and Pally know me!" She said in a rather upbeat and outgoing manner. As she spoke the girl twisted slightly from side to side, allowing the beautiful dress she wore to swish through the air. At the same time she kind of bumped into Ariin again, hoping that maybe Katya would get a little jealous of a pretty girl being so near to Ariin and make the move herself. Afterall, that's what Pally wanted and Ana was happy to help a friend. Though a few moments after she spoke Ana giggled and put a hand to her lips. "Sorry, I just realized It might be weird that I know your names! I read what I was allowed to of everybody's files before joining, so I knew a bit about my new squad." She said with a giggle, happy they couldn't see into her mind to notice their files being stored away. Maybe she'd hack it and see what their redacted info had to say. Nah. That'd be rude of her.

The moment Ana came over and an introduced herself and mentioned she was new to the squad. Katya was quite surprised to say the least having thought she had looked over all the new pilot's files already.
[color=Fuchsia][i]“I must of overlooked hears…”[/color] she thought as she gave the girl a small smile and wave. Sort of glad she was here to end the uncomfortable situation. Or at the very least provide a distraction.

“Pleased to meet you, Anastasia.” Katya said, her tone going more friendly.

"Ah, nice to meet you, Anastasia. We've gotten quite a few new members since-" Zim started, but was inturupted by what happened next.

Ariin would have tried to say something but as the others watched the tiny drone climb onto his shoulder, it pressed what would have been it's 'mouth' against Ariin's neck. Then Ariin gasped, as Paladin delivered a mild shock to Ariin as the young man grabbed the table, grunting as he began to recover trying to steady himself. Paladin crawled on to Ariin's chest writing out, 'Yes my idiot would like to spend more time with you.' While Ariin was to dazed to react. Great, the little drone was armed if they wanted to try and get back at Paladin.

"What in the?" Zim exclaimed as the Drone sent a shock through Ariin, he put an arm in front of Katya and carefully pushed her back away from the table so that he could shield her. It was something he would have done in any normal situation anyway, but now it seemed even more important? Neither here nor there, the point being that what everyone had been having fun making jokes about had just attacked one of the humans.

Ana gasped as Paladin tased Ariin. Immdiately the girl leaned over and hissed to the drone. "I thought we were gonna convince him, not taze him!" She said as the glared at the drone, wondering why her friend would do that. If her books were anything to judge by, romance meant flowers, dresses, and dates! Not shocking somebody for being an idiot.

To Zim, it was no longer a joke or anything cute. The fact that this AI had somehow been allowed to make it out of the prosthetic implant and into other devices showed traits of sentience, to that Zim no longer had any doubts, but it also showed signs of aggression. "Ariin, get that thing under control before I smash it!"

"Paladin is NOT a thing," Anastasia said firmly, fixing Zim with a defiant glare. "Paladin may have done something incredibly stupid, irresponsible, and all the other things. But Paladin is not a thing and destroying its body is like murder."

When Paladin tased Ariin, Katya could not help but feel like he had deserved it a little. Although she was still annoyed at the AI and then at Zim, who but his arm in front of her. Katya mentally sighing as she quickly grabbed his arm and move it away. Katya didn’t want or need protection from the AI. Plus, now able to see the drone Paladin had acquired, Katya knew it be another few minutes before he could tase anyone again.
“PALADIN! Bad AI! I told you to be nice to Ariin!” Katya shouted, her tone becoming one like a mother scolding a naughty child. Katya looking at Zim as he said he'd smash the drone.
“ZIM! Smash Paladin and I’ll swear you’ll be on punishment detail quicker then you can say 'Paladin'.” she threatened and moved closer Ariin. Stretching out a hand for the drone to hop on to.
“Come on Pally. Get off of Ariin, if he wants to be a coward then let him. He can make his own choices.”

Ariin groaned. "Ugh... Don't smash my buddy..." He spoke slightly out of it as Paladin hopped onto Katya's arm. 'I am to adorable to be smashed' the drone displayed as it crawled up, letting them all have a view of the screen. Paladin then added, 'Ariin, I'm staying with Katya and Ana until you are not an idiot.' The drone then made a image of a face with a tonuge stuck out at him. The two people they were supposed to be celebrating the friendship of were not talking anymore it seemed.

"Ugh... Fine Pally, you stay with them awhile," Ariin groaned and straightened himself. "I am many things... But a coward I am not, fine," Ariin straightened himself while shaking out his hand for a moment. His whole body stung like hell from the drone's poorly planned motivation, "I accept... Paladin's just going to give me more hell and I'm not going to tolerate being called a coward."

Ariin crossed his arms adopting his usual half smile. "Besides, it'd be weird to take you out for that picnic after this if I didn't make the effort," He looked at Zim, "And try to tone it down man, she's one of the best in the whole unit and she's on better terms with my Werk's AI than I am half time." Ariin added a short laugh, the shock might have added more damage to his brain... Then again he'd had a knife through it, tumors, and brain swap before, really Paladin might have fixed something.

Ariin’s words earned a small grin out of Katya, pleased that he was not going to take being called a coward. The girl giving the drone an affectionate pat. Feeling pretty satisfied that he’d given in, even if she felt a tiny bit bad for doing what she felt like was forcing. But in the end Katya was sure Ariin would get over it that and she saw it would benefit him in the end anyway.

Ariin looked at the group and then around at the rest of the party. "Paladin, be a good girl and don't cause anymore trouble." He added, which would probably be news to them that Paladin even had a gender. "Now... How about we actually get to the fun part of the party? I might have have borrowed some whiskey... And Vodka... And bourbon. I was going to wait until the room was a little more empty but... Might as well drink now, since I can't feel my face already."

Zim was conflicted. He didn't really know what to do. However, it seemed like everyone else thought that it was fine that a machine just attacked a human? Zim didn't agree with that, but for now he had no choice but to go with it. He stood there, unable to relax as the drone crawled over to Katya and Ana. Zim moved away, no longer trusting the AI. He really didn't say anything, he was so conflicted over what to do. Ultimately, he decided to follow military protocol, his superior officer told him to stand down, so he did.

Ariin slipped towards the DJ booth and produced the bottles stacking them on refreshment table. "Booze is out!" He called to the party as grabbed himself a cup and poured whiskey. He was plenty old enough on his home planet to be drinking, he figured he might as treat himself he hadn't a real drink forever.

"PALLY'S A GIRL!?" Ana blurted out, focusing Immdiately on the important details as ever in the tense situation. She didn't even pay mind that in the long run her and Pally's mission had succeeded in that Ariin had agreed to Katya's offer.

When Ariin mentioned the fun part of the party and mentioned alcohol, Anastasia knit her brow in confusion. She was pretty sure they were not legally old enough to drink, and that would be against the rules! Yet the boy brought out the alcohol anyways and she knew some would try it. Also... She was curious what it tasted like. Sneaking her way over, Anastasia tenatively poured herself a little bit of the vodka before knocking it back.

Within seconds she started coughing and got rid of the cup in the trash. Shaking her head she looked towards the others and said softly "That tastes so gross." Then making her way back towards the others without any alcohol. She'd stick to her sweets, at least Papa wouldn't get too upset about that.

What Ariin said next came as a bit of a surprise to Katya as Ariin said girl when speaking to the drone. Katya looking down at it with a raised eyebrow.
“A girl huh? I didn’t think AI’s could have genders,” she spoke wondering just what type of AI Paladin was. Having never seen an AI like Paladin before, it made Katya wonder, did all their werk come with something like this and Ariin little brain swap had brought out part of the werk they simply did not know about? It was food for thought but it would have to come later as Arinn continued to speak mention getting to the fun part of the party mentioning a trio of different drinks. One of them sounding very familiar to Katya. Vodka it being a fairly common drink although she was sure whatever Ariin had acquired would be very different from what she knew but it would not stop her from giving it ago.

So she watched Ariin slip away and call out that the booze was out. Katya snuck off at the same time as Ana, watching as she tried a little bit of the Vodka and snickered to herself before moving in to investigate the bottle. To see sure enough it was some off-world variant she had never seen before but that was a minor detail. As Katya was quick to grab a cup and poured just enough to get a good taste of the Vodka before downing it quickly.

“Not bad, who’d of thought people on other worlds could make something that tastes close to home?” she muttered thinking she’d have to ask Arinn to acquire more of it later. Given Katya actually did enjoy having the odd drink as she found he helped her unwind although normally it was only one or two as anything more than that and she tended to unwind too much.

It was in that moment that the red haired princess returned to the room in a tissy. "Everyone," Elizabeth called out to the room, "Fortress has fallen! It's just coming down the data streams now!"

Zim's attention was stolen now. "Did you say Fortress?" Zim responded, he didn't wait for an answer. He retrieved his datapad and pulled up the data stream on Fortress. It only took a few seconds for him to recognize the footage. "I uh... I gotta... Uhm... Go." Zim said, his head swimming, he furrowed his brow as he gave a half hearted wave at the group and rushed back to his room to try and reach out to his parents.

Elizabeth and Val would have no idea why such an announcement would affect Zim that way, but the rest of the squad would know from talking to him, and Ana would know from the personell files she had downloaded, that Fortress was Zim's homeworld.

Not long after she'd returned, Ana was once more distracted as she spun to look at who was entering the room.

Fortress had fallen? Ana remembered that was one of their biggest strongholds and... Zim's home. Immediately the android turned her attention towards the pilot as he excused himself with sadness in her eyes. "He's like..." She said before trailing off. Anastasia almost said herself, but knew those memories weren't her own. Just a side effect of her genetic donor. She frowned, wondering what to say next.

The news Fortress had fallen had come as a surprise to Katya, having heard it was a military stronghold and thought it would be one of the few places that would be able to repel a Cruxi attack. So to know it had fallen to the enemy was an unpleasant shock. If Fortress could fall, was any world safe? It made Katya worry about her own world. While Kromm was fairly well protected, it still was not Fortress. Then there was Zim, who Katya knew all too well Fortress was his home after all they had an entire conversation about it.

Katya first reaction was to look to Zim who she could see was looking at his tablet before taking off. Katya thinking she’d need to check on him sometime tomorrow. Pretty sure right now right now he’d want to be on his own or check on any family. Her second reaction was to take the of Vodka bottle and down a third of its contents. The news of Fortress combined with the situation with Zim and Ariin all become a bit too much for her to deal with right this moment. It only dawning on her after she had down the bottles content on what she had done.
“Crap … going to be fun once that get into my system. No pointing in holding back now,” she muttered looking at the drone on her shoulders.
“Pally I might start acting different soon so don’t be alarmed okay? Just stay out of my reach.” she told the drone before going back to Ariin and Ana.

“So … you all heard what was said? Scary stuff, but I think it be best to either end the party now or keep going. After all, nothing we can do about it unless we get deployed. Plus I got to say Ariin this Vodka is good stuff it reminds me of home. I also may of just downed a third of it. So it’s mine now.” she spoke taking another swig of it. Aware it was already too late for her so she didn’t really care if she drank more of. Plus it would help her forget everything at least for a little while.

"Drink as much as you like." Ariin offered pouring himself more whiskey, frowning when he heard the news Fortress had fallen. He knew of the planet by reputation but he'd never been, seeing how Zim had reacted it must have been his home. Ariin knew he could do nothing right now so he sighed and poured four fingers of whiskey knocking it back. "Might as well enjoy then," He paused looking at the others, "No point in all this going to waste, drink to the fallen," he answered with a shrug.

Back home they had done Wakes for the dead, parties to celebrate life and more booze than most would care to admit. They ate, drank, sang, and partied like they were all dying in the morning. It was an interesting tradition, one Ariin hoped would be what happened after he died.

All Pally could think to do was jump and climb up on to Ana's head, nesting to watch over the others as Ariin looked at Katya. "Well, give me a few minutes and I'll probably be just as far down the bottle as you are," He chuckled, he enjoyed the warm burning from the aged drink.

Anastasia watched the two and how they handled the news with interest. Did all humans resort to alcohol to handle bad news? This of course caused the android to frown as she wondered how any humans survived with what alcohol did to a body. Hopefully nobody drank too much, it would be sad to have to send them to the hospital. After a few moments of relative silence, the girl decided to step back to the group and try to lighten the mood a little.

Stepping over to Katya, Ana giggled and leaned on her shoulder a little bit a playful gesture that some might see a little flirtatous. "Well, if we're gonna keep going, betcha Katya will be the first one to finish her bottle. Or are ya gonna prove that you won't lose to a girl?" She said to Ariin, flashing them both a dazzling smile she knew was something that grabbed the attention of boys and some girls if the scientists to ran the tests were anything to judge by when she wanted to get something out of them.

Then she felt a presence on her head and reached up to feel the cool metal of a drone up there. Ana gave a less dazzling, yet seemingly more genuine smile as she realized it was her friend sitting up there. "Hey Pally, comfy up there?" She asked in a rather happy, yet content tone.

Ariins words earned a nod from Katya and she quickly took another swig from the vodka bottle. Pleased he was not about to try and take the bottle from her. Given like she had said, Katya had already drank a good amount of it. Although, if he really insisted she’d give it up pretty sure Ariin would be able to take it off her, one way or another.

Katya took another drink when Ariin spoke mentioned drinking to the fallen.
“For the fallen! May they find peace with their ancestors!” she spoke holding the bottle up and downed another swig of Vodka for the moment Katya trying to pace herself a little bit so she didn’t get too drunk, well, hopefully. Although she didn’t really care too much given she knew she’d pay having drunk as much as she had already. Pretty sure she’d be made to suffer tomorrow while on duty. However, it would not be the first time she had to deal with a hangover. Still Ariin's words did make her think of how they dealt with the dead back home. Knowing they’d hold a short memorial where the body was burned and the ashes committed to the sands, blessing where spoken. After that, life continued and family was allowed to mourn in private. Katya wondering if the people back in her home outpost would honour her in the same fashion if she died.

The thoughts lost when Ana spoke leaned on Katya’s shoulder. Katya giving the girl a raised eyebrow. Which became an amused smirk when she spoke.
“That sounds almost like a bet or a dare … I can’t quite work out which.” Katya spoke taking another swig, looking at Ana for a moment.
“Although I will say that’s a really sweet smile Ana, could make a girl forget her boy troubles or her interest in the other gender …” she spoke trailing off almost like she realised what she was saying. But merely left it there looking away from Ana, Katya cheeks going a touch red.

When Pally hoped of Katya’s head the young woman didn’t even notice. Until Ana spoke giving the drone a glance. Katya was quite pleased to have it off her, pretty sure once everything got into her system the drone might be at risk of being tinkered with.

Paladin could only stare trying to understand what was going on, while trying to understand why the humans insisting on poisoning themselves. Although Ariin's medical records indicated his family history would give him a stronger tolerance of booze combined with the fact he'd been eating, meant he'd probably be the last one to get drunk... If he didn't start chugging the bottle.

Ariin merely chuckled. "Good whiskey is like good company, you have keep it around long enough to enjoy..." He grinned smiling a little. "But I doubt either of you could really keep yourselves up right if we got to proper drinking. My home planet distilled the finest whiskey known." He sighed and poured four fingers more knocking it back. "Besides... Someone has to stay sober enough to keep things going and Ana your in charge of protecting Paladin... Since I'm pretty sure Katya and I would both like to give her a piece of our minds about her stunts."

Paladin heard that and scrambled down, peaking over Ana's shoulder looking at the other two, cowering slightly.

Ana looked towards Katya as she heard the compliment and her cheeks flustered a little bit before the girl responded. Though the algorithms in her mind told her she wanted to return the compliment. "Watch what you say Katya, yours might remind a girl of her interest in the same gender," She said, favoring Katya with a slight smirk and biting her lip slightly. It was just flirting, normal people did that right!? The girl obviously didn't think anything special would come from that.

As Pally hid herself, Ana smiled and giggled cutely. She reached a hand back over her shoulder in a way to pat the drone. "Don't worry Pally, I'll protect you!" She declared confidently, as if she were preparing to protect Pally from a Cruxi horde instead of two drunk allies.

Ariin's words earned a nod out of Katya and another when he mentioned his doubts about them keeping up with him a in proper round of drinking.
“More than likely but I'd still give it a go. Although, I’m not the best at holding my drink. This bottle alone will most likely get me drunk. Maybe not quite passing out drunk but enough where I won't give a crap about my duty, the Cruxi or my homeworld. For a little while, anyway.” Katya spoke glancing at the drone, “You Pally, listen to Ariin or you’ll end up in some appliance like a toaster or something. Of that, I promise you if you act up.” The pilot took a long swig of Vodka.

Ana’s words earned a slightly perverted grin out of Katya as she leaned in closer so she could speak to Ana without Ariin hearing her.
“And who says I wouldn’t like that?” she whispered giving Ana a slight peck on the cheek as if to hightlight her point and to see how Ana would handle it.

Ana's entire face flushed a bit as Katya responded, seeing it as a challenge almost. Katya's surely just trying to unnerve her, and she wouldn't win! Even if it did kind of catch Ana completely off guard. Looking towards Katya and mimicking that perverted grin, though keeping it as a rather cute twist on it, "I don't think you could handle that. Besides, you missed honey." Ana turned towards Katya, almost as if daring the girl, she was confident she had won their little game of flirting. Hoping so, at least, she certainly wasn't sure she'd last much before fleeing in pure embarassment. After having spoke, she awkwardly reached back to pat at Pally, finding comfort in her best buddy so far.

As Ana spoke, Katya’s grin grew.

“Sweetheart, you not seen me behind closed doors. I think I’d eat you alive… little girl. Back home playing around is not considered a bad thing and we young folk get bored very quickly,” Katya said her voice getting almost sultry undertone to it. Katya’s arm slinking around Ana’s waist and sitting just above her rump slowly sneaking down.

Ana giggled at the comment as Katya continued, although she soon froze up and straightened as Katya's hand snaked lower. Her entire face turned a very deep red. It slowly dawned on the girl that Katya wasn't playing. She immdiately shoved away and stammered out vague words before running behind Katya and shoving her into Ariin. "I thought we were joking! You're supposed to kiss him, okaybye!" she shouted out before turning and fleeing to the table of sweets, hiding nearby while stuffing her face with cupcakes until her face stopped burning.

Ariin burst out laughing as he watch Ana rush off, he caught Katya as Ana shoved her at him, helping her steady herself. "Well, I'm not sure what you said but she's blushing like a school girl that just got asked out." He relaxed grabbing his cup looking at Katya. "Glad you're having a good time, I think we all needed this... to unwind and just have a normal day... Doesn't hurt that the military bankrolled this thanks to my five finger discount." He smiled knowing Katya wouldn't care about how he'd gotten all this now.

To say Katya was surprised when Ana pushed her would have been a massive understatement and would have fallen flat on her face if Ariin had not caught her. The young woman giving Ariin a small smile as she steadied herself taking another drink of Vodka. Looking at Ariin and giving him a slightly perverted grin when he mentioned Ana was blushing like a schoolgirl. It fading slightly as he kept speaking. Sure enough, Katya didn't care that Ariin had stolen the supplies for this party. She had already figured that part out.

“Agreed, but I’m only just starting to have some fun. I’m not sure if the Vodka is getting to me or not, but Ana might have started something … remind me to punish her at some point.” the woman spoke, downing more Vodka.

"Eh, I think she's nervous. She's new and all... Currently the person she gets along with best used to live in my head... I wonder if Paladin or I need therapy with that..." He shrugged and took up the bottle knocking it back hard looking at her. "So... What should we do for a little more fun? I'd dunno know about you, but I might as well enjoy this while we've got the time... After all any of us could be dead soon." He added looking at her a moment taking another drink.

"But yeah... If I remember I'll remind you to punish Ana if were both not too hungover." He smiled again much more relaxed and calmed down from before.

“Oh she was nervous alright. I don’t think she expected me to be serious. But I can’t help it. I get like this when I drink or when I don’t have to worry about squad stuff, my studies, Caretaker and everything else,” she spoke taking another drink as Ariin asked what they should do for a little more fun.
“I could think of an idea or two. Butttttt it depends if you’re a good boy or not,” Katya spoke stumbling a little but she was able to keep herself upright.
“But I wish you'd stop mentioning that we might die. We all know we could end up dead. We don’t need to be reminded. Plus you’ll be fiiinnneeee you got best field repair girl money can by. One who right now … is really starting to think she overdid it with the drink. You don’t think we’ll be deployed anytime soon right? I don’t think Caretaker would let me pilot drunk? Fussy werk, so demanding.”

"Heh Katya I've never been good. I do bad things for good reasons, makes just another bad guy," Ariin shrugged, placing a hand around her waist to help her keep her balance. "I think Caretaker would be worried you'd knock both of you over, but right now? I doubt we're getting assigned anywhere." He added looking at her. "Fine I'll shut up about dying... You wanna talk about fussy Werks? Your's does not live inside your head and question every move you make... Gods that drove me mad!"

"She fussed about everything, it was like having a nagging sister telling you how bad you are at everything," he sighed, "Granted... I like the company, helps sort out my thoughts. It was like being back with my siblings, never alone and always someone to talk with. Never tell her that or she will never let it go," Ariin added, slightly more serious. "Still... I'm glad Paladin can get out of my head and enjoy meeting you all properly."

Ariins words made Katya give a small grin, “And that’s why I like you!” she spoke blurting the words out without thinking.

“That came out wrong,” she muttered. Glancing down she could see Ariin's hand on her waist. But ignored it doubting he would be brave enough to try anything and was pretty sure it wad just to help her keep upright.

As Ariin kept speaking Katya listened giving a small laugh as he compared Paladin to a little sister. “I was the nagging little sister. She's just worried about you, it is our role as the younger sibling,” Katya stated, sounding almost proud of herself for being in that role as she swayed a little bit.

“Still it good to meet Pally. Although now I just want to stick her in various appliances. You think she’d like being a toaster?” she spoke leaning into Ariin more.

"Heh thanks, I like you too, never met anyone who believed Werks were alive like I did until you, so it was... Nice to meet likeminded people, especially someone whose as good with her hands you are... I mean, fixings werk not..." Ariin blushed slightly, "You know what I mean."

"As for toaster... I'd not trust her with anything that could make fire, she'd try to weaponize herself. She kept trying to figure out if she could access my motor functions, Paladin misses having a gun I think, part of the reason she doesn't need anything she could make a weapon... Especially flaming bread."

Ariin chuckled at the thought of an angry toaster firing bread them. Ariin reached for the bottle keeping her close as to take another drink.

"I think this is the first time we've had a chance to talk since I helped cart you in from the last mission..." Ariin smiled, "and to think a few days ago everyone thought I was insane... Now Paladin's roaming around in a drone tasing people." He mock wiped a tear away. "Crazy combat AI's grow up up so fast," he joked.

The moment Ariin said good with her hands Katya gave the man a poke.
“Do I? Still, at the moment if play your cards right and if you luckily I might show you just how good I am with my hands,” she spoke her tone not giving any hint if she was teasing him or serious. Katya, at this point, was unsure of it herself.

His words about not putting the werk in a toaster made her frown. But she gave a small laugh as she thought of Paldan taking to the life of toaster more than a building-sized machine of death. “So putting Paladin into an Artermis is a no-no?” she asked in jest. No there was no way she’d be allowed to upload an AI into one of the attack drones.

As Ariin mentioned this was the first time that they had time to talk Katya gave a single nod which followed by a small laugh as spoke of Paladin growing up.
“Yep, well I’m a busy girl and you people rarely bother me. Still, you got an excuse now so I expect to be bothered. If you don’t, you might lose to Zim. Still it is hard to think not long ago no of us knew Paladin was even an AI. Just try not to go too crazy.” she spoke taking another drink.
“Soooo, good with my hands, eh? It almost sounded like you want to see,” she said trying to torment the young man a little.

Ariin blushed a deeper red at the idea, "I still owe a picnic with the werks... And probably Pally too, if I can tolerate her sitting on my shoulder. I cannot believe she tazed me... I should probably teach her the laws of robotics," he added before looking at Katya, "Besides, no matter how you skin it, you can barely stand so no matter how this ends I'm caring you home."

He looked at the girl, his cybernetic eye focus on her, "If you aren't joking, well... Guess things get interesting, if not I'm just happy to spend time with you. Like I said, I like you because your intelligent, funny, kind, beauiful, and- I should probably shut up now before you start teasing me again, right?" He said with a slight knowing smirk as he took one last hit from the bottle and moved to stand up right.

"We should get moving... Probably take us half an hours to stumble you back to your room... And then I have to find mine," Ariin chuckled moving one of her arms to wrap around him so they could support each other, putting him even closer to Katya.

“That you do! I expecting great things, so you better not disappoint or else I’ll make drills for you a living hell,” Katya spoke, her tone teasing. Although, there was a slight serious undertone about it. Given she was in a position of some power she knew she could make Ariin suffer a little and get away with it.

His next words earned a large girn out of Katya and a larger blush.
“Shut up, you flatterer … still, I think you’ve earned a treat.” she spoke shifting so she could put a kiss on the boy's cheek.
“Keep being a gentleman and you won't have to worry about finding your way home.” she whispered before moving away form Ariin, unsteady on her feet.
“I’d hurry, if I fall you’ll lose your reward.”

Paladin gave a chirp of happiness from on Ana's head as he watched Katya kiss Ariin's cheek.

Ana looked up at the sound of Pally chirping, barely in time to catch the kiss on Ariin's cheek. She quickly swallowed the remains of the cupcake in her mouth and squealed happily, bouncing and clapping before declaring rather loudly with no thought to the two drunks at the moment. "We did it, Pally!" before turning back towards the last of the cupcakes, having managed to polish off an absolutely obscene amount of the sweets.

Ariin laughed and moving after her staying close as she made her way back, he was only buzzed, not drunk yet. His movement wasn't graceful but he had muscle and years of running away from peole who he had pissed off to rely on. Staying close he grabbed her hand as they left the room. "Your going to out run a trained thief while drunk?" Ariin smiled at her.

"You are by far the bravest woman I know." He said letting go of her hand once she was steady so they could keep moving knowing she'd prefer to walk on her own, he'd just be there to help keep moving if she stumbled... Katya wasn't the type to be carried, he'd learned that by now.

“You’d be amazed how quick I move when I am drunk, outpost life demands we can move quickly in case of raiders, or more commonly, sandstorms. Nothing worse than getting caught outside in a storm, you get sand in all sorts of places! Plus I’m not too bad yet. Most of the Vodka is not in my system but I’m sure that’ll change!” She shouted as she kept moving forward her ability to walk in a straight line compromised, so she would need a guide to stop from tripping or walking into a wall when they needed to go around a corner.
“Remember, if I fall over you lose! Means poor boy would have to walk home alone. Personally, I’d cheat and carry me. But hey you're being a good boy, or are we too afriad?” she spoke using her teasing tone.

Pally chirped meanwhile realizing she'd need to make the long walk to Ariin's room alone, her legs were exactly long and the danger of getting stomped on would be present. She booped softly in binary to think out her conundrum.

"Come on were nearly there... Besides, carrying you would mean I didn't believe you could walk on your own," Ariin answered as he caught her once more just as they turned the corner to her bunk. "Come on, you should lay down. I told you before Katya... I've never been good and never plan on being good, being bad is to much fun... And doing bad things for good reasons? Easy way to take care of my family and let me do what I'm good at," Ariin answered while Katya unlocked her room, helping her in before starting to turn towards the door, thinking she'd just been teasing him. He figured she didn't really want to have him spending the night.

Ariins words earned smirk out of Katya.
“I knew it you're afraid,” she teased nearly walking into a wall. Pretty sure it hadn’t been then a moment before.

At her room Katya unlocked the door she entered and went straight for her bed before looking back at Ariin seeing he was already turning for the door.
“You’re a total idiot!” she shouted at him and grabbed him by the arm,
“I meant what I said now what are you going to do about it or are you too much of a coward to even try?”

Ariin let the door shut leaving them alone.

As the drunken couple made their way out of the party venue, Ana snuck after them to peer around the corner and watch them go down the hall. Her usually happy and carefree features changed as her attention turned downwards and a slight frown appeared. "I want that..." she softly muttered, admittedly a little jealous of the companionship. It must be nice to not be so totally alone. With a long sigh she then noticed the beeping in binary and remembered Pally was still on top of her head. Quickly forcing herself to once more look pleasant, she tried to look upwards and understand. She caught little bits of it, but hadn't heard the entire message. So she decided to play dumb. "Something wrong, Pally?" She asked the Drone, hoping for clarification.

Pally typed out a message for Ana. 'Can I stay with you? It's a long dangerous walk to Ariin's room.' She cuddled up on her shoulders curious.

"Like a sleepover!? Lets go ask my Papa!" Ana said happily as she took Pally off her shoulders and held the drone to her chest, then started skipping away towards Lorenzo's lab where she was sure Papa was at the moment.

Irina immediately left once she was confronted by the other pilots without a word, and only gave them a cursory glance with eyes as hardened as stone before she stomped out of the party, her hands still clenched tightly. She completely ignored Maria as she passed by the entrance to the laboratory, which was uncharacteristic of a strict woman like her. The door's window slit was opened, and Lorenzo's wrinkled eyes looked down at the pilot. "I'm busy, pilot! Go away!" He grumbled, before shutting the slit, until it was opened again when Ana came in. "Inside, Ana. Now." His tone was stern as he opened the door, keeping a hawk's eye on everyone as he only let Ana in, before he slammed the door shut. No matter how long Maria or anyone else would knock on the door, no response would come out. Lorenzo gave a lecture about staying too late at the party, and forbid her from having sleepovers before he retreated to the lower level. And so the party came to an end, and attendees left murmuring rumors about both Irina and Elora.

The next day, Ritsu announced through the loudspeakers that squad Sigma be summoned to a briefing once again. She waited until everyone was present, which curiously included Irina; she scoffed and leaned against the back wall, doing her best to not make eye contact with anyone. Ritsu activated the holo-projector once again, and this time, it showed a planet familiar to Zim: Fortress. "The Cruxi have managed to invade Fortress, a planet considered one of the most durable against a siege. As you know, we must take it back, and your mission is to spearhead the assault on the planet's capital and clear it of defending forces. Due to the importance of this mission, high command has given clearance on the use of three assault packs, to be distributed by the squad's lead officer." She gave a nod to Katya. "There will be a couple of changes to your squad, however. First off, Sergeant Steinhart, your request has been granted, and you may partake in this mission." Elise smiled, and raised her arms with a grin. "Yes!" "However..." Ritsu continued with a frown. "Due to the crippling injury you have sustained, you have been demoted to the rank of pilot, and will be held as a reserve unit." Elise clenched her teeth, but nodded. "Understood. If that is the price I must pay, then so be it."

Ritsu sighed. "Ace pilot Irina has been assigned to replace her in the squad, in addition to the new arrivals." Irina gasped, and gave an angry glare, looking like she might blow up. "Captain!" She stood up straight, and lifted a hand to ask a question, as per proper military conduct. Once given permission, she asked: "Executive Officer Lorenzo had ordered me to stay at Solaire for the time being." Ritsu shook her head. "This order came from the Colonel. He specifically stated your skills would be needed in this mission." Irina took in a sharp breath, and made the motions to speak again. "Captain, I...Never mind." Her eyes reflexively jumped at Ana before they returned to Ritsu. "Very well. However, I request that I may be permitted to be deployed separately from the squad." Ritsu lifted an eyebrow. "Romanovna, what is your opinion? Do you agree with her?"

Sense leaving the party Zim hadn't slept. He just kept going over the reports and the sat feeds, while attempting to reach out to family and friends who were still planetside at the time of the attack. No luck, of course, and no glimmer of hope, either. Zim knew from the training that the Cruxi wouldn't outright kill everyone, but they would kill enough of them to prove a point. Zim also knew that it would be better for the ones that died. Images played out in his unsleeping eyes of his Mother being pushed into a stasis tube, experiments ran on her. It got so bad that Zim could do little more then to stare into the corner of his room and sob as he tortured himself over thoughts of what could be.

He was finally shook from his madness when the call came for Squad Sigma to assemble. Zim was amongst the first to arrive. He was still dressed in his formal dress uniform. It was disheveled and unkempt, so unlike the night before when he had been so clean and precise. Zim's eyes showed no light and no glimmer, they were dark grey pits, and puffy red circles highlighted them against the pilots pale complexion. To be blunt, Zim looked like shit. He didn't care, he felt like shit. If Ritsu or someone else of rank mentioned his uniform he might make an absentminded attempt at pushing the uniform around as if attempting to fix it. It wouldn't get any better. His only responses when directly talked to would be half mumbled responses and automated reflexes. Zim was, to be sure, despondent.

When the briefing began Zim willed himself to focus on the briefing. It didn't take long before it had his full attention. His eyes cleared as he actually focused his whole mind on the holo-globe projection of his home planet. Assault Packs. Great. Elise was back on the squad, good. The new members too, of course. Also good. Inara too? Zim wasn't sure he liked that, but they would need every bit of firepower they could get, and it was no secret that she was able to do things with her Werk that nobody else in the fleet could come anywhere close to. 'A separate deployment?' Zim thought, 'Stupid. She is just being childish because of our previous interactions. Then again, maybe not such a bad idea? The main group could act as a decoy while she attacks high-value targets.' Zim thought back to the training mission, trying to remember if Inara's Werk was equipped with stealth capabilities. 'No, I don't think it was,' Zim's internal dialog continued, 'Katya, tell her to deploy with the rest of the group. Ritsu agrees, she's just testing you,' he urged her in his mind.

When the discussion about Ritsu's deployment ended Zim raised his hand to speak. "Ma'am," He started once called on, "I have been going over what reports have been made available at this time. I know that most of the weapons platforms were already destroyed. Do we have any information on the ground to space defensive cannons? Have the Cruxi taken control of them, any data on how many are still available? Additionally, what other support can we expect in this mission?"

Zim was already starting to work out strategy and thinking about how the assault packs could be used. Zim's eyes now burned with vengeance.

---

The girl took shallow breaths as she slowly circled on the dark foam that made up the ring she currently found herself in. Like her opponent, she did not wear any protective clothing beyond a simple wrap around her knuckles. Beads of sweat ran freely down her face, a forced reaction for her, not wanting to seem strange with an inhuman stamina. She could see her opponent was not faring as well as she, the chiseled chest of Jason was black and blue all over from Anastasia’s spar, along with spots on his face. It was clear the blue haired pilot was not expecting such an unassuming girl to put up such a fight. Suddenly he exploded into action, a one-two combo of jabs, which the girl deftly avoided by elegantly dancing out of the way.

The Android took this time to fix her long brunette hair, putting it back into a ponytail. As Jason turned towards her, Anastasia teased him by leaning forward and closing one eye while sticking her tongue out at him. Then straightening back up, she grunted slightly and rubbed her exposed flesh between the pink sports bra and spandex shorts as if in pain. Which she wasn’t, instead feeling a dull biting feeling. She watched as Jason once more exploded into action, and Ana once more dodged the initial attack. However this one was followed by a sweep of the leg which sent her crashing, although she caught herself and shot back up. In a blur she jab twice into his stomach to push him offguard.

Continuing her aggression, Ana surged forward wrapped a leg around his, then pushed forward so they both fell to the ground. She raised her hand as if to punch him in the face before stopping and hopping to her head. The previous combative attitude suddenly replaced by her typical bubbly one. Declaring her victory, Ana jumped happily before hopping out of the ring, humming to herself as she bounced happily like a pro-wrestler who had just won a match. With a smile on her features, Anastasia cast a look around to see who else was working out as she got down to stretch after the match.

The morning after the party Katya awoke feeling like shit. She had headache she could compare to having a herd of scuttles in her head. But she could help but feel content as she woke Ariin up helped him find his clothes before letting him get dressed and then shoving him out the door. Even if he had seen everything there was too see. She still wanted privacy as she got herself ready for the day.

The young woman hoping a little what she had done with Ariin would serve to motivate the young man to actually make an effort and not be a coward as she put it. Still, Katya could not help but think of Zim and hope she had not made a mistake. Hoping the Zim was faring okay. Knowing she would need to check on him, after all she was his friend. After all learning one's homeworld had fallen could not be easy to deal with. But before she did that she wanted to get easier of task of apologising to Ana out of the way first. Given Katya could vaguely recalling taking things a little too far. That being said she also was not able to let what Ana said slide after all Zim or Ariin had not won her heart yet.

So once she had been got a break in her morning routine she tracked Ana down finding her sparing with Jason. Standing by the door watching closely as she easily put Jason on the ground.
“Wish I could fight like that.” She thought eyes lingering on Ana’s form for a second longer then she was willing to admit.
“Not bad” she thought randomly Katya mentally slapping herself.
“Bad Katya! Focus you're on duty. You had your fun last night. Need to be serious.” she scolded herself mentally as she approached Ana. Giving a Jason a passing glance and nod to bid him
“ Good morning Ana. I would speak with you when you have finished. I’ll be waiting by the door.” she spoke before stepping away partly hoping Ana would at the very least change back into her fatigues before coming to speak with her.

Ana paused her stretches as she was approached by a familiar figure. A small smile grew on her lips as she noticed Katya, and nodded. Finishing the set of stretches she was doing, the girl got to her feet. Quickly she stepped over to Jason and thanked him for the spar, getting a nod and small joke about not expecting to be put down so hard. Ana simply giggled and stuck her tongue out at him before turning towards the door and skipping over while humming slightly to herself. Of course the girl didn't even bother to put her fatigues back on, not thinking anybody would be bothered by her current outfit.

Stopping in front of Katya, Anastasia gave a small yet friendly wave towards the other girl. ”Goodmorning Katya! I'd try to hug you but…” She said softly as she gestured at the sweat glistening on her body, once more drawing attention to herself. She simply shrugged it off and rocked back and forth in her pink sneakers. One looking at Ana’s outfit today would very easily be able to discern that the girl had an affinity for the color pink. After a few moments of silence the girl continued to talk. ”Soooooooooo… what did ya wanna talk about?” She asked, head cocking slightly to the side as she wondered what Katya wanted to discuss.

The fact Ana had not changed before coming to speak with her all too obvious to Katya. As she glanced at Ana’s form she could not help but recall the fuzzy memory of how Ana made her feel. The young woman giving a mental sigh as she focused.
When Ana asked what Katya wanted to talk about Katya gave a small sigh.
“Nothing major I can assure. I just wanted to apologise for my behaviour. I can’t really remember what I said exactly but I do recall it may of made you uncomfortable.” she spoke giving Ana a soft smile hoping she’d take it.

Anastasia’s eyes widened slightly as Katya explained why she wanted to talk. This of course was followed by a short giggle as Ana waved it off. ”No need to apologize Katya! I had moved on past it anyways, you were drunk and silly.” She said happily, flashing a brilliant and friendly smile. Ana fell silent for a few moments before her stance became a little awkward looking. ”Besides. It's not like I didn't like it. I just… Pally wanted me to help make sure Ariin wasn’t being a big dummy anymore and she's kind of my only friend right now. Unless you wanna be my friend!?” She admitted, shifting awkwardly from foot to foot. Admittedly, Anastasia preformed less than optimally when it came to weird emotional stuff. Emotions were weird. Humans are weird.

Hearing Ana say there was no need to apologise Katya looked quite relieved. Worried she was going to have to give some small long-winded speech about why she had acted the way she had. But it seemed Ana had understood Katya was a little intoxicated at the time and form what she had said did seem to mind.

The moment Ana’s stance become a little more awkward Katya wondered what was up with the girl. Listening to the words Ana spoke closely.
“I see …” Katya spoke tailing off for a moment.
“Well then you can call me friend Ana also …” Katya stated leaning in closer so what she said next reminded private form any potently listening in.
“But since we are going to be friends. I will make you pay for what you said to me.” she whispered before leaning back.

The adorable little android smiled widely when Katya said she could count her as a friend. Almost speaking out but then Katya leaned in, making it Anastasia’s turn to wonder what was on the other girl’s mind. But her words sent a shock through the android’s system as she stood straight up and her entire face turned bright red. ”I-I-I hope you're not mad!” She blurted out, wondering what else Katya could possibly be referring to. She was mad at Ana for not realizing she was seriously flirting, right?

Ana’s reaction was priceless. When she said hope she was not mad. Katya unable to contain her amusement and burst out laughing.
“No I’m not mad. You silly girl.” Katya spoke patting the girl on the shoulder before leaning in again.
“I mean for what you said to me yesterday at the party.” She whispered giving a sly grin.
“You’d of paid for it last night, but Ariin kept me busy. So don’t think for a moment I’ve forgotten as I’ll make you pay and you might even like it.” she continued before moving away again the expression on her face was a teasing yet a slightly serious one.
“But not today I’m feeling like crap but one day.”

Ana was… interested. She knew only from books what the humans did in bedrooms and wondered if Katya meant for that. She hadn’t much interest in it, but the female pilot was really pretty. She chewed on her lower lip nervously for a second before shyly nodding. Cheaply trying to keep up their game from last night before she had backed out, although this time it was painfully obvious Katya had Ana all flustered. ”M-maybe you won't feel like crap if you pay me back…” She mumbled softly, shifting awkwardly and trying to flash that seductive smile. Afterall, she couldn't let Katya think she was gonna have the upper hand!

Ana’s words came back unexpected to Katya but she was pleased to see Ana was brave enough to at least try to keep up with her in this little game. Katya also enjoying the fact she had managed to get Ana all flustered. But sadly Katya knew now was not the time for such fun. Given the day had only just started and she needed to just take it easy today.
“Don’t tempt me. As I said I feel like crap plus we both on duty. So sadly no. That and well … Ariin … well I spare you the details. But it was enough. So next time my dear.” she spoke giving a mild sigh.
“Plus I’d rather wait until I time I can take my time to enjoy it and at the moment time would to limited. Plus I want to make sure it’ll make Ariin and Zim jealous. Well … Zim when he’s feeling better …” Katya spoke giving a slightly evil grin which faded and was replaced by worried look as she mentioned Zim.

However, the look was replaced as quickly as it came Katya burying the feeling. Not wanting to show her worries to a squadmate. After all it was not Ana’s problem and they were having such fun teasing one another. Well so Katya thought and she didn’t want to ruin that.
“Now I must go, much to do. Plus given what happened to fortress I get feeling we might be called on. But before I leave…” Katya stated trailing off. Leaning in and giving Ana a kiss. Wanting to see how’d she react that and want to up their little game.

Anastasia did not miss the words or the worried look on Katya’s face. But before she could react, Ana felt her whole face flush as Katya leaned in and pressed their lips together. A sweet contact that sent shivers down her spine as she stood ramrod straight with that bright blush while staring at Katya. She could not find the words to respond, but she wanted more. Without a word Anastasia stepped in and pushed Katya towards the wall, aiming to pin then plant a firm kiss on her friend’s lips.

It seemed she would succeed, as she firmly kissed Katya, holding herself against the other girl as well as keeping their kiss lingering for a few moments before stepping away with a bright expression on her features. The sweet taste of Katya still lingering on the Android’s lips. She shook slightly before seemingly trying to apologize. Her mouth opened and vague sounds like ‘sorry’ left her lips but not complete words. Too flustered for words at the moment.

The reaction form Ana was priceless and Katya was pleased with herself. Feeling her confidence grow a little. Knowing she could fluster one of her friends so easily. Even if Katya had a feeling Ana was not used to such attention and was sure if they continued Ana would get more used to it and need more to fluster her.

Katya was about to turn to walk off when without warning Ana pinned Kayta to the wall. Taking the woman by surprise Katya unable to make any effort to break free when Ana kissed her. Katya quite surprised by the action.

When Ana broke it and stepped Katya looked at the girl for a moment noting her features and could help but laugh.
“This is utterly adorable. If only I had a camera. Still… well played. I’ll give this round to you comrade.” she spoke placing a hand on Ana’s shoulder.
“Next time let's do this in our off hours.” Katya stated patting Ana’s shoulder and before turning and walking off.

Ana simply gave a nervous nod towards Katya as she thought out what the offer could mean. However, her mind focused on another important aspect. She won that round. Immediately the Android felt rather emboldened to continue their game next time. Letting out a long sigh, she was about to return to stretching when she heard a small buzz in her mind. A call back, mission time. Her eyes went wide as Ana gave a nod then went running back. Needing to first have a talk with Papa before they deployed.

---

Not long after her chat with Ana Katya heard the captain call a meeting. Katya giving a loud sigh partly wishing her feeling of them being called on. Was wrong but sure enough it seemed they’d be going into battle. Katya wondering if they’d be going to Zim’s homeworld or be deployed elsewhere. It didn’t matter either way Katya hoped she’d get time to recover from the night before pretty sure if she went into battle now her performance would be hindered by how she felt.

Once the squad was gathered and the meeting began. Katya paid Ritsu full attention making sure not to miss a single world spoke by the captain. Katya watching as the hologram of Zim’s world appeared. Katya unable to help think how many must of perished in defence of the world. Only to have Cruxi take it, Katya, thinking it was such a waste of life. But knew if her homeworld came under attack she’d do her part to help protect it if she was there. Although she was thankful, her world was still safe.

When Ritsu mentioned the squad being given 3 assault packs to be given out by the squad leader. Katya was surprised when Ritsu looked at her.
“Me?” she could not help but ask. Quite surprised given Elise still looked like she was combat ready even if she looked a little worse for wear. Still Katya doubted the captain would nodded at her for no reason and even if surprised she could not help feeling a large pang of pride that she’d been picked to lead the squad. Katya making herself stand a little straighter. Still knowing she was going to be leading the squad made her feel a little nervous given any mistakes would be on her.

As the meeting continued Katya notice Irina’s didn’t take to the news of being attached to the squad well make Katya roll her eyes. Thinking the woman needed to get the stick form up her ass out. Katya pretty sure if she did they’d have a new weapon that could be used to kill the Cruxi.

When Ritsu asked for Katya’s opinion. Again she was surprised not expecting for her opinion on the matter to be asked.
“Well without knowing more about the enemy's strength and deployment I personally could not agree with such a request and even then no. Battles are won through teamwork. Not lone wolves trying to prove they better than their squad. Irina must learn to work with us or I apologise for any disrespect she can stay back at base.” She spoke giving looking at Ritsu. Making sure not to look at Irina even if she respected the pilot's skills she found Irina to be a little intimidating.

For Maria, it was a rough night. Not because she partied too hard but because of the incident she was involved in with Elora. She should have figured as much too.

She just hoped that Elora was ok. But not knowing anything hurt the most for her.

At any rate, it was new day and Maria just decided to do what she did best. Train.

Asking for Jake's assistance, he agreed to do some simulations in the V.R. pods to get her up to speed with her perfect sync. Jake admitted that he also needed some training. Said something about focusing on both his sync rate and his own physical body.

Though it wasn't long before both heard the announement to report into the briefing room.

Both Jake and Maria took seats and listened in. For Jake, though, it was no surprise that Fortress was their next stop. After the party, he had decided to see if there was any important news on the war. And the takeover of Fortress was the top of the list.

Pilots and cadets asked the usual questions. Maria, though, kept quiet for once. Usually, she'd had asked for something like intelligence data. Though for Jake, that was THE question for him. You always wanted to know what was coming or what you were going to get into if at all possible.

So when Jake heard Ritsu's order for Elise and Katya making her comment about Irina and her "without knowing more about the enemy's strength and deployment" part, Jake then spoke.

"If I may ma'am. We could always use my recon drones. I had spoke to Elise about this before but if you want, I can have Elise control the drones from the bridge of the ship and have them simply scout the capital out to see what were at least going to be dealing with initially. I know this ship has it's own sensors but the drones will be more accurate with visuals and data analyzing...I know it's weird to request Elise but I still acknowledge her as my superior despite her "demotion" so if you don't mind, I would like to put my trust in her to be this teams extra eyes and ears. Course, we'd have to be cautious. Despite their small size, the last battle has shown that they can be destoryed with precision fire."

Unlike everyone else in Squad Sigma, Roger had not gone to the party, so when he arrived at the briefing, he was doing much better than just about everyone else. He was alert, fresh and free of all the weird relationship entanglements that everyone else had developed in an astonishingly short amount of time. He'd had a cigarette an hour ago and he'd managed to wrangle his personal fears to the point where he was able to function as a human being and not as a curled up wreck. He was rested, properly hydrated and perhaps most surprisingly of all, feeling rather optimistic. Looking back, this was the best he had felt in a long, long time, and certainly the most put together he had been before a mission

So needless to say, everyone else there looked like a wreck of some shape or another. Mostly sleep deprivation as far as he could tell but a couple others stood out to him in particular. Elise was still injured, and if she ended up becoming an active participant could very well end up being more of a liability than an asset. It wouldn't be difficult for her status to worsen in the midst of battle, either from pushing herself too hard, or her Werk taking too strong a hit. On top of that, there was no way that she'd be able to pilot in top condition even if she avoiding taking any further damage. Her injuries would negatively impact either her physical ability to maneuver or her Synch rate, likely both. However, if the higher ups reviewed her and deemed her in acceptable enough condition to join, he didn't have the rank to adequately dispute that.

However, the worst of the lot by far was Zim. He had heard about his homeworld being taken over by the Cruxi, and it'd hit anyone hard, but it was kind of astonishing that he had been able to even get himself to the briefing. The way that he was carrying himself, he really doubted that the pilot was fit to even take part in the mission. That look in his eyes was dangerous. It was the kind of look that said 'I'll do anything to get my revenge, even if it means I'm taken out too.' Rooney couldn't help but think further along that line to 'even if it means everyone one else around me goes down as well.'

"If I may, too." Roger said, raising his hand after Jake's own interjection. "I'd also like to motion to have Pilot Hero moved to a reserve unit as well. He's too close to the matter at hand, and I believe his ability to act rationally and follow orders has been compromised." The last thing the Squad needed were butting egos in what could be their most difficult mission yet. He wanted the Cruxi dead as much, if not more than the next guy, but there was a limit, and past that point, things got self destructive real fast. Even if Irina deployed with the rest of the team, he had a feeling in the pit of his stomach that she'd shoot off first chance she got. And even on his calmest days, his Black Star's fighting style was rather reckless. Having one desperado on board was enough.

At the same time, Roger started thinking about his role in particular in the upcoming battle. Fortress was one of the most well-fortified planets out there, full stop. And now it was being held by the enemy. Unlike some of the heavier units, he wouldn't be able to punch a hole through any defenses set up since the place had been taken over; however, there were likely to be a buttfuckton of units trying to get at them from all sides. In that sense, his innate speed advantage would come in handy. He had enough power at his disposal to be able to act as a support unit, protecting others from infantry and the like before moving to other weak spots to cover there.

Until more was made known about their mission and its goals, (and he was sure that there would indeed be far more to the briefing. It would catch him entirely off-guard if they tried to just throw them into a mission with only those few scraps of information) he couldn't really come up with more. Retaking a planet was a far different beast from fighting in a city or assaulting a base. He could afford to stray from the others if he could help it.

---

Racing through the halls of the base, Ana didn't even bother to change from her rather revealing workout outfit. Nor did she play the part of the goofy, aloof girl like usual as she seemed to know exactly where she was going in the base. Of course, she did. She had already pulled up the schematic for the base and was following along to the quickest route. It wouldn't be long before she tore through the lab, no doubt getting quite a few strange looks from the scientists. Without hesitation she flung the door to her father's office open, using her access rights and stepping inside to close the door behind her. "Daddy! I have a mission. How am I supposed to fight with my Tayna, since she is all top secret?" She said immediately, waiting for the scientist to respond.

Lorenzo was behind large stacks of paper, with numerous wads of crinkled papers scattered on the floor. He moved hish ead to the side, and shot the android an irritated look.

"Anastasia, how many times have I told you not to dress like that outside of the laboratory? You will draw unwanted attention to yourself, dammit!" He stood up, and shut the door. Then, Ana heard a slight cracking sound coming from the old man's back, and he grunted, keeling over. "Ngh! Damn, my back!"

Ana's whole face turned a bright red as she was disciplined for her outfit. "But Daddy it looks cute and I was working out!" She complained, but this all changed the moment shd heard the crack. In the mere blink of an eye she was at his side, eyes seeming to gaze into the distance until she suddenly stopped and went to work, having looked up how to handle this sort of situation and help him feel better. "You better be taking your medicine daddy!" She declared, this time disciplining Lorenzo as she would help him to lay back on the floor, grabbing a small cushion for his head. "You need to stay like this for a bit so you don't stress your back. Are you okay?" She asked, still as concerned as any daughter would be about her father. 

Lorenzo grumbled, but hesitantly nodded and allowed Ana to help him down to the floor.

"If it only was about medicine...Must be the cyber-plates lining my spine. I built them myself twenty years ago, but nothing lasts forever..." He muttered, as if he wasn't talking to Ana, but then looked up at her. "Thank you, Ana. My kind daughter..." Despite all the hatred and bitterness he seemed to embody, at that moment his frailty showed, his wrinkles a testament to a rough life. He coughed. "Anyway, what was it you wanted to ask me, dear?"

Ana seemed to glow a little bit brighter at his compliment. But when he posed the next question she was suddenly back to all buisness again. "My Tayna is like, top secret. How do I fight with her during the battle since she is that top secret? Restrained or full power?" Ana asked, hands behind her back as she stood at ease. The military programming taking over at this moment as she talked about the upcoming battle.

Lorenzo dragged himself to the wall, and lifted himself to lean his back on it with a wince. "Yes, yes...I did mean to call you here to talk about it...I was so absorbed in my research that I forgot, it seems." He lifted the bridge of his glasses. "Anastasia, this will be a test run, so by default you will work together with squad Sigma and listen to every order they give you. However, if they ask you about your weaponry, you can say you can handle yourself. That is all they need to know. As for how you fight, well...Full force is granted permission. However, don't show off too much, and optimize your actions so there won't be a need for it. Understood?"

The girl nodded an affirmative before letting go of the professional act. "Daddy. Why did you program me to be able to feel fear? I don't like it, but I am scared of the upcoming battle. Its not fair!" She whined, stamping her foot. Though this reaction should've been expected, as throughout her short life Anastasia had always hated anything that made her seem weak or vulnerable.

Lorenzo took a hold of Ana's hand. "Anastasia, your fear is your strongest weapon. It is that instinct for self-preservation that led to humanity's evolution. It brought out our desire to improve, and to overcome that fear. Many foolish men die because they don't fear. Just don't let fear control you, Ana. Let it fuel your conviction to fight, and to protect those you love."

The girl shook her head towards her father. "It doesn't help! I'm scared to fight. I'm scared I am going to go out there and die, then never get to experience even half the things you humans get to do!" She whined in an outburst, that small hint of the fact she knows she is something different than the rest showing in her words. Then the girl suddenly threw her arms around Lorenzo and pulled the man into a tight hug. "I'm scared of leaving you all alone again, daddy. I just want to see you be happy." She mumbled, clinging to the man until he would peel her off.

Lorenzo first struggled, but then stopped, his lips trembling. Then, Ana felt a tear streak down his cheek. "Anastasia...I promise you, you will never die. We will be a family again, in a peaceful world. That much I owe you." And with that, he lifted his arms, and hugged her back. After what felt like a long time, he then dropped them. "Um, dear, could you let me go now? I still have some work to do for today."

"I can't let myself die. I need to make sure I find peace for you at least." The girl said softly, holding onto him for a little bit longer before letting go and taking a step back. "My Tayna and I will fight to get you that peaceful dream, Dad. I promise. When we do... think we can register me as an actual person so I can offically be your daughter to everybody else?" She asked sheepishly, thinking it a kind of silly wish. 

Lorenzo chuckled, and slowly stood up again, holding a hand to his back. "Of course, dear. And if there is no law that permits me to do so, I'll make them!" He now had a smile, and even showed his yellow-ish teeth. "Androids deserve equal rights, and by god they shall have them. Now, off you go, dear. Make me proud."

---

---

After promising to do her father proud, Ana rushed off from the office towards her containment unit and the cylinder next to it. Stepping into yhe cylinder, she had a small room where her plugsuit was hung, and privacy to dress in it. She did so quickly, stepping out of the cylinder even as she was zipping up yhe last of it, and her face turning a deep red as she caught some of the younger males gawking at what they saw before she dashed out. She was already late to the briefing, she knew, but surely they would excuse her! Daddy wouldn't let her get in trouble! As she ran, she pulled the files on the briefing to catch up to where the others would be as she arrived. Which wouldn't be very long after that thought which she arrived. Anastasia stealthily tried to sneak in the back, which of course meant she tripped and made a racquet coming in. The android simply moving quickly to be hidden among the back row in shame.

However it seemed she hsd arrived just in time for a show, as Irina tried to protest her being deployed. When the girl briefly looked towards Ana, the android met that gaze with a glare so cold, she could've sworn she saw ice forming on Irina's features. It seemed that the android seemed to be quote capable of holding a grudge. Yet her attention was stolen away whenever Katya's turn to speak was up. Admittedly Ana missed most of what Katya said, her gaze lost elsewhere on the other pilot. Yet Ana soon forced herself to refocus once more on the briefing. The rest of it was boring stuff anout assualt packs and such, nothing which mattered to Ana. So shd listened with mild interest as the group started soeaking to themselves. After a few moments Ana stepped out from the back and saluted, declaring she was going to go begin deoloyment of her werk.

Without waiting for an answer, Anastasia spun on a heel and was off towards her Werk's hangar. Once she entereted the top secret hangar, the entrance guarded by armed MPs. She walked right up to the only mech in the whole hangar, a rather alien looking machine. Its curved and smooth design similar to Cruxi ships. The girl then went and took the elevator to the top of her Werk, giving a friendly smile followed by a lighthearted push on the chest to engineer working on it to move him from her way. Across the short bridge she went, and into the back of Tayna's skull. As the rear hatch closed, Ana reached the center of the completely pitch black room. It all seemed barren until Ana calmly spoke. "Tayna. Wake up." She said as the room suddenly flooded with light, and the massive viewscreen ahead of her slowly started to display the outside of the cockpit.

A large cable fell from the ceiling and seemed to suspend itself in the air as it moved towards Ana. The girl reached back and unzipped the top of her plugsuit, leaving what was little more than clothing open to expose the area between her shoulder blades. Immdiately the cable surged forward and found purchase in the plug there. Ana let out a high pitched yelp of surprise, before zipping the suit back up as much as she could. At that moment, she started to flpst upwards as the anti-gravity engine kicked in in the cockpit. Holographic controls appeared before her, and she was held suspended in the middle.

"Tayna. Online. All systems green, and link is stable. Engaging pre-flight check." Ana said in a robotic voice as the massive alien-looking machine took a step in oerfect unison with Ana inside the cockpit. It then turned towards the command room at the top of the hangar, moving its arms before bringing its fist into its palm like from some movie. "Controls are green. Tayna, launching." She ssid once more before the mech moved outside. Immdiately four main flaps shot out from its shoulders and hovered not far from its body. They all glowed a brilliant green like Cruxi tech, but then the mech suddenly shot upwards, accelerating in the mere blink of an eye.

Even stranger, was the fact that the launch was utterly silent. The alien antigravity drive, and thrusters making no noise as they seamlessly cut through the air. Ana making a B-line for the carrier ship to avoid the Tayna being seen by her allies as of yet."Ready to kick some Cruxi ass?" She asked the werk, wondering if swould get a response.

Elizabeth had anticipated the summons for the briefing, had made a point to get breakfast in her stomach early and was on standby in her room in appropriate attire for a mission briefing. She arrived shortly after Zim did, and was therefore standing right next to him during the briefing. Barely a part of the squad and there was already a high-risk mission of critical importance. The princess wondered, only very briefly, if she had made the right choice in enlisting, rather then simply staying with the Royal Guard. No, she had made the choice to lead by example, like the rest of her family, and contribute to the war effort more directly. This was the only thing that would help keep Fortress's fate from befalling the Praxis system. She shook her head to clear the moment of regret away and to refocus on the mission briefing.

When questions started getting fielded, she was starting to form her own questions. Zim's questions were good questions, she would be interested in knowing that information too. She didn't know the history about Irina and the rest of the squad, but she gathered there was some bad blood between the ace and her squadmates. She had no choice but to hold no opinion on the matter and to agree with whatever command decided was best for this mission. Then Pilot Rooney made his recommendation that Zim be removed from the active roster. She could see through the corner of her eye the way that Zim's posture changed as it was suggested that he be moved to back up support. Zim started to turn to face Rooney, his arm already drawing back with a clenched fist of a punch. Elizabeth reached out and put her open hand on his shoulder, stopping him from rotating that direction. "Don't," She said simply. Her tone left no room for debate. Zim moved to step around the princess, not looking at her or acknowledging her word, Elizabeth stepped to stay in the way, "You want to prove him right?" She asked the older pilot. Zim finally looked up to her and made eye contact. She saw what Rodger saw, and she agreed with him.

It was the right call, everyone in the room had to know that.

Zim might not know it yet, but if the roll was reversed, he would have made the same call.

He clenched his jaw tight as he made eye contact with the pilot, she was obviously not going to back down. Zim stopped and returned to his position, facing the mission briefing.

When the discussion about Ritsu's deployment ended Zim raised his hand to speak. "Ma'am," He started once called on, "I have been going over what reports have been made available at this time. I know that most of the weapons platforms were already destroyed. Do we have any information on the ground to space defensive cannons? Have the Cruxi taken control of them, any data on how many are still available? Additionally, what other support can we expect in this mission?"

"Unfortunately, due to the very recent invasion of Fortress, we haven't had confirmed intelligence on the enemy's defensive formations on the planet's surface," Ritsu answered, and zoomed in on the holo-projector. "We can assume that while most of the Fortress' original defenses were destroyed by the Cruxi-created meteor shower, there should likely be some anti-air cannons left. Based on how the Cruxi have operated on previous battles, their modus operandi seems to integrate whatever weapons technology they find to suit their own designs. But that has only happened with planets that have been taken for an extended period of time." Then Ritsu sighed. "But, Fortress also has a high level of automation in their defenses, so the cannons might have been reprogrammed to target human intruders."

When Ritsu asked for Katya’s opinion. Again she was surprised not expecting for her opinion on the matter to be asked.
“Well without knowing more about the enemy's strength and deployment I personally could not agree with such a request and even then no. Battles are won through teamwork. Not lone wolves trying to prove they better than their squad. Irina must learn to work with us or I apologise for any disrespect she can stay back at base.” She spoke giving looking at Ritsu. Making sure not to look at Irina even if she respected the pilot's skills she found Irina to be a little intimidating.

Ritsu first looked stern upon hearing Katya's response. "Romanovna, that answer was..."
She smiled. "Correct. No matter how skilled or experienced a particular pilot may be, they will always be a member of a military unit, and will thus follow military doctrine accordingly. Understood, Irina?"
She gave an aside glance at the silver-haired woman, and she bit her lip in frustration. "None, Ma'm. I will operate under Romanovna's jurisdiction." Ritsu nodded, and smiled. "Very good."

"If I may ma'am. We could always use my recon drones. I had spoke to Elise about this before but if you want, I can have Elise control the drones from the bridge of the ship and have them simply scout the capital out to see what were at least going to be dealing with initially. I know this ship has it's own sensors but the drones will be more accurate with visuals and data analyzing...I know it's weird to request Elise but I still acknowledge her as my superior despite her "demotion" so if you don't mind, I would like to put my trust in her to be this teams extra eyes and ears. Course, we'd have to be cautious. Despite their small size, the last battle has shown that they can be destoryed with precision fire."

Elise seemed to perk up from the mention of the drones, and looked at Ritsu with anticipation. The captain put her hands to her hips. "That is a good suggestion, Pilot Armstrong. You are correct; field data will be more valuable than our on-board scanners could give us. And with a dedicated pilot to control them means they have a higher chance of surviving Fortress' defenses. Pilot Steinhart, are you willing to take on this mission?"
Elise immediately lifted his hand and nodded. "Affirmative, Captain! I will do my best to help out the squad."

"If I may, too." Roger said, raising his hand after Jake's own interjection. "I'd also like to motion to have Pilot Hero moved to a reserve unit as well. He's too close to the matter at hand, and I believe his ability to act rationally and follow orders has been compromised." The last thing the Squad needed were butting egos in what could be their most difficult mission yet. He wanted the Cruxi dead as much, if not more than the next guy, but there was a limit, and past that point, things got self destructive real fast. Even if Irina deployed with the rest of the team, he had a feeling in the pit of his stomach that she'd shoot off first chance she got. And even on his calmest days, his Black Star's fighting style was rather reckless. Having one desperado on board was enough.

Ritsu crossed her arms. "Pilot Rooney, you are correct in the fact that one more pilot has to be withdrawn from the mission. However, it won't be pilot Hero." She looked at Jason. "Executive Officer Lorenzo has specifically ordered for you to stay here, and to report to his laboratory, pilot Diavolus. That means you won't participate in this mission."She sighed heavily. "It seems that is all. Pilots, get ready to deploy. T-10 minutes! Dismissed!"

And with that, the pilots prepared themselves for their new mission. It would be the very first mission where they would have to perform a Deep Strike, a difficult maneuver only capable by experienced Framewerk pilots. And even then, survival was not guaranteed, as they would have to enter a planet's atmosphere from orbit.
After the Framewerks were boarded and they flew inside NOAH, they would find that there were strange items placed there; vaguely egg-shaped constructs that fitted a medium-sized and smaller Framewerk. As they were taught, they were to be used by lighter Framewerks to accelerate their dive using rocket thrusters attached to them, and protect them a little bit in the impact. And soon enough, Fortress was in sight; from space, it looked serene, but they all knew that the surface was the very scene of hell itself. NOAH's doors opened, and Ritsu could be heard in the commms: "There will be a fleet of ships that provide covering fire. In five minutes, they will drop a payload of explosives to distract planet's primary defenses. When it goes off, you need to dive in before the cannons target you. Good luck, and may your hearts be of metal itself."

Ariin had left Katya's room heading for the mess finally reuniting with Pally, the little drone scampered up into his hair as he moved to towards his mech. "Not a damn word about last night you little troublemaker. I hear a peep out of you I'll let Katya upload you to a toaster!" He grumbled, stopping for a cup of coffee as Paladin only gave chirping laughter mocking him. Ariin was annoyed and little hung over but he had the morning to himself he decided to get in a little training... While he had come a long way he wanted to make sure he could still run like he used to. So getting a shower and heading to the gym he arranged himself a little obstacle course.

Ariin tried not to think about last night, they were both a little more than tipsy and Pally had pushed him into admitting feelings not to mention Katya mocking him as well. He needed to really think... To do that he needed a good fashion run... Maybe lifting a few wallets could help too, that could happen after a workout. Stretching himself out he lined up several mats against the walls laid a couple out on the floor, running down city alleys was normally a lot dirtier than this... Good change if you asked Arinn. With that, he ran forward leaping against a wall jumping between them moving as quickly as he could. The goal was to use the walls to avoid the stuff most people would trip over chasing thief.

It used to be he would wake up early and go for a run before making breakfast for his siblings a perfect escape from being the big brother to just being Ariin. He began to practice again and again he ran the course, letting his mind wander... What he wanted, Katya told him he had to stop thinking like he was going to die. So he decided to think about it as if his service was voluntary, he wanted to go home and see his sisters and brother. He wanted to move them far away from Mars and maybe learn an honest trade, let his siblings go out and succeed.

He wanted to live, rolling as he stuck another landing Pally wondered over curiously. "Yeah, buddy... I'm just thinking." Little drone flashed up text which he read. "What? About you? Kinda... About my family." He picked up the little drone. "You might be annoying, violent, unhinged, and prone to disobeying but... I'm starting to think of you as part of my family too." She chirped eagerly sending another message.

"No that does mean I'm going to let you wander off on your freely... I'm still responsible for you... Ugh, I thought I wouldn't have to do this anymore when I joined the military." Muttered Ariin as he headed to get cleaned up and ready for a briefing.

---

Ariin arrived sharply in uniform, Pally sitting on his shoulder peeking up at the others as Ariin listened to the news. Seemed they would be taking back Zim's home, he hoped they still had people to help and it wasn't just another dead planet. Ariin almost stood up and yelled at the idea of having Irina of all people on their team, the women was a maniac and treated the members of the team like dirt. He didn't want to stand next to her let alone trust her on the battlefield he was also relieved until the moment when Katya shot down the idea. It made perfect tactical sense but Ariin didn't have to like it he just had to deal with it, be a good soldier and follow orders. He said nothing and saluted as the briefing finished before heading to his werk, Pally riding on his shoulder worriedly monitoring her human.

Ariin climbed in, before crackingly in over the comms to Katya. "Katya, mind letting me dropp just before the others... Paladin can take the stress better and the landing will make a crater. I can drop the shield create a beach head while providing supporting fire." He added as he keyed up the squence for the drop fine tuning the systems, Pally meanwhile had nestled herself behind the chair curious to watch how Ariin piloted the werk from a new angle.

For Maria, thoughts were still distracting her even after the meeting ended.

One of which was Jason being benched on his mission so Lorenzo himself wanted to...do who knows what. But Maria knew that it may have something to do with Serah.

Which started to fill Maria with dread. But it was also one of the sad things she had learned early on even when she first started to train as a pilot.

Those above you just looked down on you.

It was one of the first things that she and six others had learned from Caulder himself. Unlike other leaders slash scientists, he didn't sugar coat it. He told the truth. Even when high command themselves told him when not to.

Now...it may seem like Maria had to say goodbye to yet another pilot...but unlike when she was Seven, saying goodbye was going to hurt.

But was that the right way to live? Just turning off your brain to the point where your just numb to the war around you? Caulder had warned the seven of them at the time to be wary. Sure, such feelings and the thing she feared, attachments, did grant you impressive sync and unimaginable potential.

"But is it worth the price you'll most likely pay? No matter how much brutal physical training and experiences you'll most likely experience, the ones that hit your soul will hurt the worst...emotional pain is ALWAYS worse than anything physical", he had once said.

As Seven, she had accepted it and simply worked on her teamwork with the other six to improve their mission odds with sync rates around averages around seventy percent or so. Back then, things were simple. All that mattered were the orders given and the mission completed. Even if some were "dirty" work.

Now...Maria looked back on it and perhaps realized something...and as she sat there in the Neo Angel, waiting for the call to move out from the NOAH...maybe Caulder was wrong about THAT part at least.

Sure, she was an emotional mess...but at the same time, she was focused. Her sync was perfect now. And perhaps better yet...she made better decisions rather than falling back on suisidal tatics like the "Ash to Ash" protocol. But at the same time, Caulder was also telling her the truth about the emotional baggage it will bring.

At the moment, even she questioned whether or not this was the right way for her. To embrace emotions. To have proper friends as Katya put it. And even the things Elora had told her during that last battle...it was starting to make some sense now.

She had her eyes closed the whole time as she thought about all this. But now wasn't the time to think. Caulder was right about one thing though.

Once the mission starts, leave thoughts outside your mission at the door.

And from inside her black helmit and red visor, Maria then opened her eyes.



"Maria Angel Twilight in the Neo Angel. Standing by in the docking day", Maria said on the comm line, verbally checking herself in.

Elizabeth, having defused the situation with Zim and Rooney, at least temporarily, was perhaps a little proud of herself. That pride helped to mitigate the nerves she felt as she left the briefing hall and made her way quickly to the hanger changing room. She quickly pulled off her standard duty fatigues, stripping down to the bare skin and started to dress into her plug suit. She was flushed, her face matching her crimson hair, this was her first time changing in front of other pilots, but there was no time for modesty, and her plug suit afforded little of it anyways. Once her body was covered she used one hand to flip her hair to one side, pulling it out of the plug suit before doing a quick, loosely twisted knot. Once her hair was somewhat contained the princess donned her helmet, checked the status of her plug suit on her helmet's HUD, nodded in affirmation, and made her way to board Ojo.



Her pristine white Werk had yet to see any real combat, only training runs and experimental testing to see if the GDA was a viable tool or not for a Werk. As Elizabeth crossed the Hanger to her machine she looked over the egg shaped drop ships. While Ojo could fit into an egg, her GDA ring would not, at least not without taking it down. The ring could be separated and folded down, but it would require time to calibrate the ring once reconnected. During that time she wouldn't be able to use the ring for propulsion, or for defense. She would have to deploy last, hiding in the shadow of one of the eggs, leaving her exposed to the atmospheric fall. However, that would allow her to make use of the GDA to push incoming attacks off mark, both for herself and her other squadmates.

Once on board Ojo, Elizabeth would start the required status checks to verify operational status and required munition and fuel levels. She was being meticulous, perhaps more than necessary, but she wanted to make sure that nothing unavoidable jeopardized the mission. Especially for her first mission to include a starfall into controlled territory.

Once all final adjustments were made and all statuses showed green Elizabeth followed Maria's Lead, "Elizabeth Fullbright in Ojo, ready for launch!"

---

Valéria kept her mouth shut through the meeting. Merely watching and listening to everyone. Absorbing all information she deemed to be important to her role in this mission. Knowing she had knowledge of value to add and all her question were answered either by the captain or asked by her fellow squadmates.

When the meeting was ended, Valéria was quick to leave. Knowing she needed to ready herself for the mission to come. As even if it didn’t show on her face, she was nervous. However, she dismissed the feeling as pre-mission jitters and was positive after some meditation and sparing she would be fine.

Until it was time to deploy Valéria meditated and spared with anyone willing, until about an hour before they expected to arrive. Stopping to change into her plug suit early given her peoples customs did not allow for others to see her naked. Taking it back to her quarters. To change and apply the needed markings to her face. Which when done took the form of several intricate patterns on her face. With her markings done she pulled a black hood over which matched her the colour of plug suit. Adjusting so it covered her eyes yet did not limit her vision. Not that her hood had ever had gotten in her way. Once dressed Valéria looked over herself. Noting her plug suit still had markings of her old unit on it. She would have to change that in due time.

When it was time, Valéria was quick to make her way to the hanger climbing into her werks cramped cockpit. Placing her organic hand on a blackened control panel in front of her and slowly the cockpit filled the darkened control panels came to life. Filling the cockpit with light and a gentle hum as the werks main reactor powered up. Systems quickly coming online as Valéria pawed at the controls running systems check. The werk showing Valéria everything was up and running. She made the werks take a step forward.
“This is Pilot Jarmila, in Redeemer. All systems check. Standing by for deployment.” she spoke into the comm now awaiting orders.

---

When the pilots were dismissed to make final preperations, Zim immediately turned to Katya. "I think you already know what I am going to ask," Zim said, looking her in the eye, watching for any sign of her intention, "Please give me one of the Assault Packs."

There was no time for anything else, and all that mattered at that moment was making the final arrangements before launching for the mission. Zim needed as much focus as he could muster just to keep himself in check. All of the feelings of helplessness that he had experienced in the last few hours since he had learned of the attack had been transformed into a determination as strong as steel itself. Now, smouldering deep below the barely checked flames of rage was a small ember of hope. Zim had to keep focused on that or else he knew he would be lost in his own dispair.

However, to most other people, it would look like he had already lost his way.

The meeting had barely ended and Katya hadn’t even been given a moment to think before Zim had turned to her and asked for an assault pack. Katya eyeing the man for a moment she had hoped she’d would been given a moment to think about it.
“Let's discuss it in private, Zim. Also, anyone else wants an assault pack is come speak with me. If no one else does, I will assign them to who I think needs them most or will make the most use out of them.” Katya spoke and gestured for Zim to wait a moment and waited for everyone else to leave the room.

Once it was just two of them, Katya gave a sigh.
“Right, before I even hear you reason’s as to why you want one of the assault packs. I need to ask how are you doing Zim?” Katya spoke wanting to try and gauge Zim's current state of mind.

"I'm fine," Zim said, unwavering. Inside he knew he wasn't, he also knew that Katya wouldn't buy it either, "As good as you could expect, given that my home planet has been invaded by the Cruxi and there is a good chance that every member of my family and friends is dead, anyway. Plus, the added fun of knowing we are about to go in and attempt to retake the capital, essentially by ourselves. But, a small as it is, I still have hope that my parents are okay and that we can recover the planet and it's... my... people. The vast majority of the population would have evacuated into subterranean vaults, I lived here, I know the protocols and I know what the vaults were intended for. There is hope, despite the odds, that there are still a lot of people alive down there."

"As to the reason I want one? I'm the best choice for one of the packs. I've already used one once, as you know, so their won't be a learning curve. You know how effective I was in the last battle to recover Elora and capture the Elite Cruxi."

As the words “I’m fine” left Zim’s mouth Katya gave him a funny look not believing those words for even half a second. The looking fading slowly as he explained how he really felt. Katya feeling she could at least partly understand how he felt, having lost family to the Cruxi. Even if Katya felt she partly understood his feelings, she knew unless Kromm fell to the Cruxi she would not be able to fully understand and Katya prayed to the ancestors that she never would.

Once Zim had finished speaking Katya went quiet for a moment. Giving Zim request some serious thought.
“I can partly understand how you feel Zim, I’ve also lost family to the Cruxi, but you need to know I’m concerned about you. Especially since we have no idea what we’ll find once we land. For all we know, we’ll land in the middle of a massacre. The Cruxi are not exactly known to avoid non-combatants. So I need to know if the worst as come to past you’ll be able to keep your cool. In this mission I won't have time to wrangle rogue units. As much as it pains me to say it. If you lose it and go on a rage-fueled rampage, you’ll be on your own, no backup.” Katya spoke her tone becoming more serious as she spoke.

'All the more reason to equip me with an assault pack,' Zim thought to himself, 'More weapons and shields at my disposal for getting out of a situation like that.' Zim didn't say this out loud, he knew that it would only illicit more concern and a more probable rejection of his request.

"I appreciate the concern," Zim said with a long slow sigh, "I'll do my best to keep it together. I know that what we are about to land in is utter hell, more so for me than anyone else. I understand the situation."

Zim words did little to make Katya feel more confident he’d be able to handle what they’d find. The young woman giving a long and heavy sigh. She didn’t really have time be wasting.
“If you swear to me on the name of your ancestors. I suppose I’ll grant the request only because I know you well and know when you say that you mean it. I have other reason why I’m going to place my trust you with an assault pack. That being said before I grant the request officially. I want you to promise me if I tell you to fall back you’ll do it. No arguments, no questions. Otherwise, you can forget about it.” Katya spoke her expression and tone becoming very serious.

"I promise," Zim said solemnly, holding up his right hand, pinky finger extended, "You say get back, and I'll get back as soon as I am able, no arguments."

The moment Zim made the promise Katya sighed pleased to hear it although gave him a funny look seeing him hold out an extended pinky finger.
“Ummmm, is this some custom on your world?” Katya spoke touching the tip Zim’s pinky with her own. Having no idea what to do.

"Yes, it is," Zim said as he moved his pinky to wrap around Katya's, "More or less, if I break the promise, the punishment is physical pain- Generally the breaking of the pinky finger, but the severity varies on the violation and the promise." Zim raised and lowered his hand as if shaking Katya's hand, keeping her pinky hugged with his own. "With that, the promise is made."

“How weird. Back home we just drink on it and swear on our family names.” Katya stated watching how Zim shock hands with just there pinky’s intertwined.
“If you break this promise Zim, I can assure the punishment will not be pleasant.” she spoke giving him a stern look.
“Well if that everything Zim I have much to do before we deploy. Try to get some rest before the battle I want you clear minded as possible before we deploy.” she stated before leaving the room.

With meeting with Zim over Katya found herself a nice spot out of the way and set to work planning out different battle plans and going over the squad to see who she thought would best be suited for the last assault packs and once all three were assigned. Ether by requests or Katya assignment it as she felt it would be the most useful, Katya sent the captain a message so the arrangements could be made to have the assault packs fitted to Zim’s, Ariin’s and Maria’s werks.

Having not to worry about the assault packs any longer. Katya planned out the squad's deployment order along with doing as much research as she could on Fortress and the city the would be deployed into. Doing her best to commit the layout to memory. Even if the city was reduced to rubble, she still felt a basic knowledge of the layout be of use.

Once it was time to board the werks, Katya was one of the frists in the hanger. Katya quickly climbing into her werk. Bringing Caretaker systems online and interlinked the squad comms with the Hyperwave array. Listening as some the squad checked themselves on over the comes, Katya quickly sending the rest a status request.

Once she knew the squad was ready she open a comm channel once the captain was done speaking
“Okay listen up I’ll keep this quick. We land, we hit the Cruxi hard and fast. Take as many of them out as it possible before they can move to engage us. Do what it takes to quickly eliminate the Cruxi. Information on the Cruxi units is unknown so keep your eyes peeled and be ready for everything. For deployment, We go by weight class with our heaviest at the front and our lightest werks at the rear. First goal once we land is to secure our landing site. From there I will transmit further orders once I know enemy positions and layout. That's all for now good luck all safe landing." She spoke cutting the comms and making final checks. All she could do was now wait for the signal to go.