Minerva and Elora
As Elora was lost in thought while touching Logic Diver, she did not notice that Minerva had come into the Framewerk hangar until she had stopped before Argo, causing her to blink and silently gasp. “Oh! You’re…Umm…Minerva, right? I saw your name in the list of pilots for the squad...” Elora spoke softly as she apprehensively approached her.
The Argo is stationed directly opposite to the Logic Driver, allowing the two pilots to hear each other despite the softness of Elora’s voice. “Indeed I am.” she spoke, a little surprised but pleased at Elora's initiative at learning everyone's names. Minerva didn't move from her location or give Elora a glance, as she was more concerned with ensuring that Argo is in peak condition for the virtual exercise.
“Is there any reason you asked?” the white haired woman asked, sounding annoyed despite not intending to.
Elora glanced reflexively aside while keeping her hands up to her chest, as if expecting her to be hit with another glare. “Well…I guess I wanted to confirm the list was correct,” she said, aware of how flimsy the excuse was. She wasn’t the best at socializing, especially with someone as intimidating as the white-haired pilot. So she decided to bring up something common to them both. “That’s Argo, your Framewerk, correct?” She asked, looking up and lifting a finger to point at the Framewerk. ”How long have you piloted him?”
‘Is this what they call a small talk? This is very awkward.’ Minerva thought as she looked at Argo’s cockpit.
“I've been fighting for the Federation with him for five years, and been piloting him for eight.” she answered, a bit of pride creeping on her chest as she let out a smile. “Been in some close battles with it.”
“How about you, how long have you been piloting your Framewerk, you called it Logic Driver right?”
“Eight years?” Elora stated with a blink and an open hand lifted up to her mouth. “That’s incredible. You must know a lot about Framework piloting.” When it was her turn, she managed a slight smile: it seemed she managed to get a conversation going despite the initial difficulties. “I’ve only piloted Logic Diver for a couple of years, and even then only for practice back at the academy, and basic VR stuff. I haven't seen real combat yet…” She admitted.
Minerva's gaze narrowed for a moment, they let someone inexperienced here? And here she thought she was done babysitting idiots.
“Oh, I see.” she muttered quite weakly. “You must be very good at the academy if you managed to get here.” she tried to diplomatically add.
It is clear to her tone however that she didn't believe or that the statement is a compliment in the first place.
Elora’s smile faded as Minerva’s demeanour seemed to worsen, and she held her arm apprehensively. “I suppose so…I did work hard with my studies, but I never really felt like I belonged there. It was full of rich kids, or kids who come from renowned families. I guess they happened to see potential, or something like that in me…” As Elora lifted her eyes up to look at Minerva, her gaze seemed to linger, as if she went into a trance.
”Stop.” Minerva's voice cuts through Elora’s trance, forcing the woman to look at her yellow eyes by sheer force of being. There is no outburst in our voice but that doesn't mean it wasn't overflowing with rage.
“Don't talk about potential, what you might be, what you can be, it doesn't matter. They won't wait, won't show any mercy, won't give you time.” she paused for a little moment to emphasize her next words.
“So don't be proud of what you will be and to be honest, I’m not impressed with what I see of you now.” Elora’s eyes snapped wide open at Minerva, and she couldn't stop herself from trembling before her open hostility.
“I-I didn’t mean it like that,” she weakly tried to defend herself, but she knew it was already too late for her: the more experienced woman had all but admitted that she had no respect or kindness for her, only cold hate for her weakness.
Biting her lower lip, Elora turned away. “I’m sorry. I…I gotta prepare. Goodbye.” And with that, she walked away, leaving a couple of tears in her wake.
The white haired girl watched Elora leave in disappointment, she didn't try to fight back, her defense is non-existent at best. She would get herself killed at their first deployment, if she didn't leave outright.
She let out a sigh, she definitely went overboard and she might've burned a lot of bridges once this incident leaks out.
But it's fine.
Her eyes fell on the red hair tie in her arm, memories of an annoying woman, a persistent woman filled her head.If she was this good back then, would there be more survivors in the aftermath? Would she see her once again?She'd never needed someone else since then.
Unbeknownst to Minerva, Elora had more reason to leave than was apparent: she was frightened by a vision of a scarred Minerva aiming a gun at her, followed by a blinding flash of light. She didn't know if it was an omen of what was to come, but she hoped it was simply a trick of her fearful imagination.
Minerva remained silent as everyone else prepared themselves in the forest. Her framewerk is properly calibrated and the weapons are functioning as intended. Sitting inside Argo her faithful armor, preparing herself for an intense battle. Yes she is made for this situation.
She made one last glance at Elora, it seems that she’ll be staying in the back.
Good, she might survive this simulation at the very least.
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