[IC] The Jaeger Program (Always Open)

[Phloem]

Having been part of the entourage headed to the control room, Emmett had a great view of exactly what happened. He'd been excited about seeing a pair of veterans in action, and on his first day here, no less! When the group reached the control room, he took in his surroundings Beeping monitors could be found in every corner of the room, and the low hum of electricity filled the air. Claiming his spot right by the door, he watched the two glowing dots on the radar got closer and closer to each other. For a while, everything seemed to be going well for Iron Hunter. And after that, it appeared that their mission was complete when they took down the Kaiju. However, things only went south from there, as two more Kaijus appeared. Despite the fact that Gipsy Danger was being deployed, Raleigh and Mako didn't manage to get there quickly enough. In the aftermath of the battle, Leo had been killed, but he died saving Iris.

Emmett let out a breath he didn't know he'd been holding, and tried to swallow the lump in his throat. He knew being a ranger was dangerous, but casualties had been lessened exponentially these recent years. He supposed it just went to show that you could never underestimate Kaijus. Before he knew it, the show was over and he and another were being herded back to their rooms. Emmett just watched in concern as Mako ran off, presumably to the med bay. He considered heading there as well, since he was pretty worried about Iris. He didn't think she had suffered any serious injuries, but he couldn't really be sure. In the end though, he decided it'd probably be best to back off. Too many people might aggravate her condition, and he didn't even know if he was welcome. Maybe he'd check on her tomorrow, instead. As Emmett retreated back into his room, the metal door slammed shut with a resounding bang.

---

The next morning, Emmett awoke to the shrill cry of his alarm clock. Letting out a pitiful groan, he rolled over onto his side and threw the too-thin covers off of himself. His eyes were barely open as he dragged himself to the showers, towel and a change of clothes in hand. He vaguely wondered if he was going to be able to make it through the day. But one ice-cold shower later, he was wide awake. Now dressed in a dark grey v-neck and a pair of sweatpants in a lighter shade, he made his way to the cafeteria. Despite last night's events, his stomach was grumbling and it wasn't going to feed itself.

Upon reaching the cafeteria, Emmett found that it was already filled with people. You'd think getting up this early in the morning would give you a headstart on the breakfast time crowd, but apparently not. Grabbing a tray for himself, he soon got a serving of mashed potatoes, bread, and some sort of stewed meat. Eyes darting around, Emmett managed to find an empty table. As he sat down, he noticed Iris milling around the area. He briefly contemplated calling out to her, but as of the moment, sating his hunger was priority number one. And he didn't really want her to see him wolfing down his food like a barbarian.

[Avanhelsing]

Jack woke up and looked around for a second. He had completely forgotten about the day before. He looked around and got up. He did not have a lot of clothese with him but he still changed up. Before leaving he had a 30 minute work out in his room consisting of push-ups and sit-ups. Nothing too much right now. He had training today.

Afterwards he walked out of his room and sat down in the Cafeteria. He didn't know anyone so he sat down alone at the table and looked around. He grabbed a bit of whatever they had. Some kind of stew. He noticed Iris come in and motioned for her to sit with him. Might as well get to know her.

[Garrison]

Josh woke up early to work out in his room, much like everyone else these days. Staying in shape was the only recreation they had. He cleaned himself up and put on a pair of tan cargo pants with a dark blue long sleeve shirt and headed to the cafeteria to get some chow. He didn't expect anything great and sure enough, he got a mystery stew. He nodded to the guy serving him in a motion that said thank you but he remained silent. Josh was a very quite guy until he got to know people. It didn't help that his first day in the Shatterdome was so depressing. For no reason in particular, he felt responsible for the death of Leo, as if he was a bad omen up them. He found a spot with hardly anyone at the table and sat down, pushing his food around with his spoon. It was weird for him, to be like this. He was a much more lively person, competitive in nature too. To be so down like this was painful for him.

[Shadowcatcher]

Iris walked into the Cafeteria and headed straight for the food. She grabbed a tray and piled it high with bowls of cubed fruits. She grabbed a water bottle as well as a bottle of apple juice, fitting them under her arm before making her way farther down. She saw there were two breakfast sandwiches left so she walked over to them. A guy walked up and appempted to grab both but Iris slapped his hand. "Ladies first." she said smiling and taking one, putting it between her teeth.

She looked around and noticed Jack, Josh, and Emmett were sitting at different tables. That was not going to do.

Walking that way, she passed a table where a guy was saying something. She heard her name then something along the lines of "Thats why chicks should stick to being sluts and not Rangers."

Her eyes narrowed and she dropped her sandwich from her mouth. She swung around and bashed the back of the guy with her tray. She didnt hit as hard as she could, just enough to make him hurt real bad and realize she was pissed. He cried out and she dropped her tray since her food was all smashed.

"Thats really sweet coming from you. You mad this slut wont stoop to your level, filth? Its cuz im to good for you." she said gesturing to her body.

"Iris, no beating people up." she heard Marshall Raleigh say as he walked over with Mako, both with trays of food.

"Did you hear what he just said? He's lucky i didn't bash his head in with my fists." she mumbled the last part, putting her hands on her hips.

"I heard him." he said pulling the rat to his feet. "Go get the lady some more food now."

"Fruit only. I gotta stay in shape, unlike you." she said reacing to pick up her sandwich. Thank the gods it was wrapped. She also grabbed her water and juice that had fallen in the ruckus. Alot of people laughed at the other guy, used to Iris's morning rampages.

She contiuned over to the others then. Becket and Mori went to sit with Jack as she went up to Joshua. "Hey. Sit with us." she said pulling his arm, not giving him a choice. When he stood, Iris went to Emmett who was eating alot like how she usually did. Patting him on the back she said "Dont forget to breathe. C'mon. Over here." she said as she led them up to the table with the others. Just as she sat down, the guy brought her tray of fruit. She waved him away and noticed everyone was looking at her expectantly.

"Eat first, talk after." she said stabbing some apple slices with her fork and taking a bite.

[Avanhelsing]

Jack looked at the assembled group. He only knew Iris and Milo in the group. The other two were even more new than they were. He looked at the new too knowing not to bother a gal like Iris when she was eating. He instead turned to Josh and Emmet. "So uhh. Nice to meet you guys? Name's Jack Conway. " He said not really feeling all that hungry. To jittery and excited to eat.

[Garrison]

Josh was pulled reluctantly to a table with the others. He brought his tray though unsure why, he wasn't sure if he was going to eat the food on it anyway. Josh couldn't look Iris in the eyes, it was her that pulled him to the table, it was her that just suffered a loss, it was her that reminded him of himself. He hated feeling this way but he couldn't help it. He stirred his strange stew some more with his spoon. His concentration was broken by Jack who was introducing himself. "I'm Joshua Stone." he replied simply to the man with a scar on his chin. His appearance was that of a soldier, now surprise there considering the types of folks this program attracted. With those brief words, Josh did feel himself starting to loosen up, not a lot, but more than the shitty way he was feeling. "I look forward to serving with you." he added, wanting to at least appear that he wasn't a silent jerk.

[Shadowcatcher]

Iris looked between Josh and Jack when they spoke, but she said nothing. As soon as she was done eating, she was sure everyone was going to expect her to say something. What? She didnt know really. But she figured it would be about buisness, likely what the next step would be regarding her co-pilot, her Jaeger was gone so she needed a new one. Emmett and Joshua still had training to do.

Hopefully it would be about that, and not what happened with Leo. She was in a good mood and trying to not let her sadness consume her.

She took a long drink of her water and sighed, running a hand through her hair. Looking at Josh sitting next to her, she raised her arm.

"Hey, can you smell me? I dont stink do I?" she asked, particularly to break the silence and also because she actually wanted to know if she smelled.

She smiled at him, hoping to ease his obvious discomfort with something silly.

[Garrison]

OOC: Not sure what Iris looks like, I just assume she's a kick ass senior pilot that might as well be attractive.

Iris's comment certainly took Josh by surprise, it was so off the wall that he didn't know what to say at first, he stumbled over his words for a moment. "Wh-what? Wait you. Are you asking me?" he tried to get out. He swallowed the lump in his throat and looked away from her, regaining his composure. "You're fine." he said, now finding a reason to eat his mystery stew. She was beautiful, she was strong and independent. She was unlike any woman he'd ever seen before but he didn't want to just cave like a pansy. He turned back to her, quickly regaining his self confidence, one of his best traits after all. "You smell fine." he added, keeping it simple, as was his norm.

[Avanhelsing]

Jack had to admit he was a bit jealous. Course he and Iris were going to have to get to know each other rather well later that day with the drift training. So he was not to jealous. "Uhh Iris? Which jaeger are they putting us in with what happened to Iron Hunter?" He asked trying to change the subject. He figured it would be one of the American ones but any of them were fine. He wondered of Josh and Emmet would be paired together? Or with Milo?

[Shadowcatcher]

Iris smiled and lowered her arm, taking a bite of melon. She had caught him off guard, she could tell. She wanted to have some more fun with him before she beat him up during their training. She had alot of pent up anger that he was unfortunate enough to have to be the outlet for sooner or later.

"Anyone else want a wiff?" she asked jokingly. She giggled a bit when she saw Mako laugh and try to hide it.

"I'm kidding guys. Just trying to break the silence. ...Anyone know where Milo is?" she asked under her breath at the end to no one in particular.

Then Jack had asked about the Jaeger and Raleigh spoke up. "Woah, hold on a minute. Jack's going to be your co-pilot? When did yo decide that?"

"Well just last night. I dont have many other options. It was either him or Milo. Though i got a feeling he would do better off solo. Jack on the other hand i think would do well with a partner. I'm in need of one and the only other options are Emmett who im getting a single vibe as well. Josh is untested still and if a Kaiju attacks today, what would be our options?" she finished. Raleigh looked at Mako and then asked "What Jaeger's have you chosen then?"

"Titan Lancer for Milo and SHIVA for Jack and I. Its the only other one i've been in." she said.

Mako nodded then. "Good choices. Both have been recently modified. I think they are the best ones." she smiled. "Your good Iris."

Iris smiled back at her then looked around the table. "The plan today will be that Emmett does sim with Mako while Jack, Milo and I go on a test run. Marshall im sure you'll want to be there. When i get back, I'll do a training with Joshua." she took the last drink of her water and opened her juice then.

"Any questions?"

[Avanhelsing]

Jack looked worried for a second. Just a fraction of a second. Was he ready for this? He thought so and Iris clearly did. He smiled to himself to not too seem to proud or haughty. He was ready. "Maybe he is smoking? I could have sworn I smelled weed on him when we were going to the sim yesterday. Never touched the stuff myself. " Jack said shrugging. "I have one question. When do we start?" He asked sounding hopeful.

[Shadowcatcher]

Iris thought about his question. "Um, right now i guess if everyone's done eating."

Mako leaned closer to Iris. "Are you sure you can go back into a Jaeger in your condition, and...so soon?" she asked.

"Of course. I'll be fine. The only way im staying out of a Jaeger is if I die." she gave a look of determination at her teacher.

"Alright. I trust you." she said. Iris stood up then and looked to Jack. "Wait...you gotta finish eating. What'd i tell you about that?"

[PhoenixEye9]

Milo walked in, dazed still confused at randomly seeming to black-out and go to other places without meaning to. "Well, I'm here." He said smiling

"Shit knew I shouldn't have bought that bad stuff from that creep on the dock son of a bitch got some crazy stuff in it." He thought to himself, "No more of his stuff"

[Shadowcatcher]

Iris raised her brow when Milo walked in. Handing him an untouched bottle of water from the table she frowned at him.

"Did you get lost man? You almost missed us. Ready to see your Jaeger?" His randomness made her mood brighten a bit.

[Avanhelsing]

Jack finished eating quickly. "There. Done. " He was clearly excited to give SHIVA a test run. That and he had to start training with Iris. Not a terrible idea.

"Maybe you should be smoking dude..." Jack said standing up quickly. He did not find talking about weed all that funny considering what was going on outside. He should be on time. "Let's get going then?"

[Shadowcatcher]

Iris nodded, content that Jack had finished his food. Mako, Raleigh, and the others rose from the table. Iris casually left her tray there for someone else to get it and started walking to where the Jaeger's were held.

"I will take you to the simulation now." Mako said, turning down a different hall with Emmett close behind her. Iris spoke to Joshua. "Your free to go where you want. I want you to meet me in the training room in 3 hours exactly, got it?" she said to him and he nodded. As they approached the area where the Jaeger's stood in all their glory she looked to Raleigh. "Can you go to Choi and tell him we're about to deploy these two?" She pointed to two Jaeger's one with four arms, another smaller one with swords coming out of its arms.

"Right. I'll see you up there." he said to her. As he left, she looked at Milo.

"Lets check out yours first." They walked over and looked at the smaller of the two. "TITAN Lancer, make in the UK. Single Ranger operation. The fastest and lightest of the singles that cant fly. It does have foot boosters that will allow you to hover in the air, but coordinated flight won't work. Wepons systems include the basics like chest and shoulder missiles, Plasma Cannon and dual sword attachments. Pretty basic like i said but, if its not broken, don't fix it right?" She finished talking then and left Milo to check out his Jaeger.

Turning to Jack, she took his hand and led him to the other one. "SHIVA's over here."

She looked up at it and smiled. "This one's great. Made in Japan, so you know it has some wicked tricks. She's the 4th fastest Jaeger ever built. The two extra arms help for a wicked trick. Default is that one Ranger controls each arm right? With this one, you can activate a system than changes the settings. One person controls the two in front, the other has the two in the back. It seems complicated but if the two pilots are working together, its very effective."

She raised her hair up then into a ponytail and paused before continuing.

"There was a Kaiju that Gypsy took out on its first mission. It emitted an electrical shock that fried the systems of all the digital Jaegers. The Japanese found a way to counter that. The headpiece on in it deflects the impulses and the effects wont work." she thought about anything she might have missed. "Um...it has standard wepons other than that. 2 Plasma cannons, chest and shoulder missiles. Boosters at the rear for speed. 2 swords." she finished.

"This was going to be Leo and I's first Jaeger. I connected well with it but he didnt so we were changed to Iron Hunter. Not complaining though. After Gypsy was rebuilt, it's been just the four of us defending this city and the others near the coast...."

She looked down and started to feel bad. "3 years i've been a Ranger. Four in October. For the past 2 ive been taking Mako's place as recruiter. In that time we've had about 50 candidates try out to be pilots. ...I rejected all of them. We're not desperate but...now im tninking if i would have not been so harsh...so strict with the candidates. Leo and i could have had backup. Maybe he'd still be here..." Iris sighed and shook her head. "Mako told me not to treat you and the others so hard...and dont think im saying i'd have rejected you. ...I just should have been easier from the beginning."

[PhoenixEye9]

"Maybe a little lost, but hey," he said then they rose to look at the jaegers, he was ready, ready to fight, ready to die, and most of all ready to protect everyone from the hell he found fast.

Assigned to TITAN Lancer, sweet deal, with double swords, quick and nimble. "Well let's try hook up," he said already going to grab gear so he could test out TITAN

[Avanhelsing]

Jack looked up at SHIVA. "Damn it is amazing. Never figured I would be piloting a normal Jaeger but this is amazing. Gotta hand it to the Japanese that is smart. Though I have to admit I feel like dancing with this Jaeger in a ring of fire. " Jack joked thinking about a picture he had seen once of the Hindu god Shiva.

"Iris. I told you what happened wasn't your fault. We all will miss Leo. He seemed like a nice guy." Jack said gently. "So you ready for this? Any advice for, what's the term? Not chasing the rabBit?" He asked eager to go and suit up.

[Shadowcatcher]

Iris smiled as Milo ran off eager to suit up. Her and Jack followed and she thought about his question. "The RABIT? Hm...just try not to follow a memory. Good or bad, dont hold onto it. You know its over when all you hear is silence."

They walked the way up to the drop zone. They waited for the Jaeger heads to get put in place before they were helped into their gear. Iris's suit felt tight but it was expected since they were fresh. She helped Jack and Milo by demonstrating how to put certain things on and once they were all suited up she waved to Milo. "Have fun talking to yourself." she joked and led the way into SHIVA's head.

There was nothing different about it. The added feature of the arms had a toggle switch on both sides. She made a mental note to test it out and went to the left side. Stepping on the foot braces, she checked her systems as some people helped her hook up. She looked to Jack and saw he was doing the same.

Fast learner. she thought to herself watching him.

"Ready for Neural Handshake?" she heard Marshall Becket ask, likely talking to all three of them.

[PhoenixEye9]

"Sure as hell I will enjoy talking to myself. Taking Narnia with me," he said with a smile walking into the pod. He got himself prepped with a little help from the engineers.

"Ready for Neural Handshake?" he heard asked on the comm channel.

"Ready, thought I was supposed to be talking to myself in here" he said joking around. "While you're on comm, make sure no crazy shit will happ.... Wait, anyone know where my headphones are?" He asked realizing those weren't with him, and he didn't remember taking them off or where he put them. "Son of a... Ignore that, make sure no crazy stuff happens while we are out."