Iteration Start

[a_linear_mind]

[1]

[A few days before the Unity Group announcement, a knight-like machine enters Fort Alhambra. The pilot that emerges from the machine is a rather scruffy looking young man - who looks like he's been wearing the same jacket for years.]

Let me see if I remember how to do this...uh nice to meet everyone. My name is Willis Clades. I'm just a regular old merc who's been hired by the Unity Group. So yeah, I hope we'll be able to work together well in the future.

[2]



[Several days later, the real reason behind Willis joining the Unity Group was made clear. Willis can be found in the cafeteria with a mountain of empty plates piled on one side of him, full plates on the other. ]

Real food! No more scrounging or having to wash dishes for a meal. This is the best!

Comments

[star_of_sad]

No, no. It is not a problem at all.

New perks you say. Does that mean you didn't have any, well...

[Another glance at the food graveyard.]

[a_linear_mind]

Food? Barely any, I was a starving merc. It was all quite tragic really.

[star_of_sad]

... Oh.

I'm sorry to hear that.

[a_linear_mind]

I'm just joking around Setsuko. It wasn't that bad. I just like to spoil myself sometimes.

[star_of_sad]

Ah. I see. Ha ha...
[Awkward forced laugh.]

I honestly believed it though. Life can be really harsh and unfair sometimes.

[a_linear_mind]

It really can. I've had my own fair share of that.

[For a brief moment Willis actually looks like he's being genuine here. His usual demeanor quickly returns though.]

What's important is that you keep going, no matter what life throws at you.

[star_of_sad]

[Nod.]

That's why I'm here, with the Glory Stars. I'll keep going, no matter what. And if I falter... Chief and Lt Watson will support me.

[a_linear_mind]

Hey, don't forget about the rest of us.

[Somehow he's gotten to dessert throughout this conversation. His expression changes to one of pure joy as he digs into a cheesecake.]

Aaahhh how did I ever go three years without eating one of these.

[star_of_sad]

Of... of course not! I am counting on your assistance.

[Setsuko bows lightly - but her eyes start to shine as she notices the cheesecake.]

[a_linear_mind]

Heh, do you want some? I'm feeling a bit full after all of this.

[star_of_sad]

Umm. That would be nice, actually...

[a_linear_mind]

[Willis obtains a spare plate and fork before cutting off a rather significant portion of his cheesecake to place on it.]

There we are. This should be fine right?

[star_of_sad]

Uhm!

[Setsuko wastes no time digging in. In fact, the plate disappears from your hands as soon as she's within her reach.]

Mmgh, I mean, yes, thank you.

[a_linear_mind]

You're welcome. That's one heck of a sweet tooth though.

[star_of_sad]

Ah, please forget you saw anything!

It is rather embarassing...

[a_linear_mind]

No worries, I'll keep quiet about it.

[He's not going to share how adorable this was to anyone else.]