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1
[In a move to capitalize on the fame the Rabbits got from their deployment at Nora Colony and to alleviate civilian morale following the attack on South Ataria Island, Kei has been sent to talk to the refugees on the Macross, listen to their worries and reassure them that people are keeping them in mind. As part of her busy schedule doing so, she's currently visiting those injured in the battle, having been put into a nurse outfit for this part. Between stiff smiles and very limited, awkward small talk it's an open question how good an idea it was to pick her for the job.]
2
[A small break is scheduled after the hospital visit and Kei is using it in the nearest breakroom she can find away from the masses of refugees. Still wearing the nurse outfit, she's somehow scrounged up a can of soda and a bar of chocolate to comfort herself with.]
What am I even doing here?
3
[Sometime after the endless handshaking and reassuring speeches ends, Kei is back to base clearly affected by what she saw.]
This is going to be something we will see over and over, isn't it? Except the next time, we might not succeed in evacuating everyone like we did at Nora and South Ataria. And that's not even talking about the places we couldn't get too because the new enemies force us to respond to even more places at once.
[In a move to capitalize on the fame the Rabbits got from their deployment at Nora Colony and to alleviate civilian morale following the attack on South Ataria Island, Kei has been sent to talk to the refugees on the Macross, listen to their worries and reassure them that people are keeping them in mind. As part of her busy schedule doing so, she's currently visiting those injured in the battle, having been put into a nurse outfit for this part. Between stiff smiles and very limited, awkward small talk it's an open question how good an idea it was to pick her for the job.]
2
[A small break is scheduled after the hospital visit and Kei is using it in the nearest breakroom she can find away from the masses of refugees. Still wearing the nurse outfit, she's somehow scrounged up a can of soda and a bar of chocolate to comfort herself with.]
What am I even doing here?
3
[Sometime after the endless handshaking and reassuring speeches ends, Kei is back to base clearly affected by what she saw.]
This is going to be something we will see over and over, isn't it? Except the next time, we might not succeed in evacuating everyone like we did at Nora and South Ataria. And that's not even talking about the places we couldn't get too because the new enemies force us to respond to even more places at once.
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Re: [3]
[Sorry, Stella, no smiles appear to be forthcoming. Not even a faint hint of one.]
And wouldn't that expression mean that we all have an obligation to help carry the weight of others' lives, rather than that we should be careful doing so?
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It's both Kei, you really need to lighten up a bit or you'll drive yourself into a corner. [She motions for the younger woman to sit down before continuing.] There was a reason I said "unnecessarily" for taking on that weight and perhaps an example would help to drive the point home.
A wave of BETA emerge heading towards Stockholm. TSFs are sortied to intercept between the coast and the city and the battle line is drawn. During the battle one squad is unengaged on the front line when the call for reinforcements comes from down the line, rear guard units are being pulled but it will take time for them to arrive so the squad leader orders her team to move to reinforce. They arrive and the loss of one pilot from the squad saves a dozen others. [Stella's face hardens further as she continues.]
As they begin to return another emergence is reported at the squad's original location and the presence of large numbers of laser class are reported. The pilot who fell was the one equipped for ALS bombardment which could have prevented the laser class from attacking so widely and helped seal the tunnel but instead the lines were pushed back from within and more casualties are incurred on front line and rear guard forces, including the Squad Leader's best friend and sister-in-law. [Stella finishes her coffee and turns to throw the can away.]
That Squad leader blamed herself and pushed herself to excel to keep that from happening again. She did so well that she was sent back to help test and improve the newest TSF units for front line deployment.
That's a typical Eishi's story and there are many like it throughout the world, anyone who pilots long enough will have one like it including you if this goes on long enough. Nobody want's to pass that tradition forward but combat is cruel and unpredictable. You'll have enough to mourn by the end of this, don't make it harder on yourself by crying for them before they're gone.
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But it's still something else to see it yourself twice in a week. And that's without even going into the wider issue of the war as a whole.
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Kei you're what, 16? You need to lighten up and actually be a kid when you get the chance or you're just going to burn yourself out. I tried to get you to laugh and smile by teasing you and while you got embarrassed you still didn't seem to appreciate the humor in what I was saying. I know things have been bad but when this is all over if you haven't kept up that side of you that can enjoy peace and have fun you're not going to be able to adapt to a time when your combat ability isn't needed.
That's why I want you to choose, something you enjoy that will take your mind off of the state of the war. It can be a Spa, shopping or whatever but it'll be my treat as long as you can promise to enjoy yourself and get your mind off of what's been happening at least for a little while.
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And...please stop talking about things you don't know anything about. [While she was clearly trying to sound cool and aloof, this last bit had a bit of the air of a plea.]
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I'm sorry if I offended you I just thought you could use something for yourself after the day you had. I'm a test pilot, one of the elites of my country and I've been trussed through the dog and pony show that is PR myself on occasion and it always leaves you feeling worse since you spend all that time and in the long run you just feel terrible because you've just traipsed through a tragedy with pretty words and a camera and nothing that you feel will really help like food, blankets, or any idea of where they're going to live after the initial public outcry is done.
I was hoping that my offer to do something for you to enjoy yourself would at least help a little bit to make your day better. Everyone needs something to take the edge off every now and then.
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Well then I guess that just leaves my earlier invitation, assuming I haven't upset you too much to be comfortable around me through this conversation.
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Though if you'd prefer a rain check on the offer it's not like it's a difficult trip and the view alone makes the trip worthwhile.
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Cake does sound nice.
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[Stella smiles as she motions for Kei to move ahead while keeping the conversation on lighthearted and silly subjects]
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