In the name of...

[jianai]

[1]
[The conversation from a few days' back assured Ren into making this decision.

Here they stand, wearing a pilot suit sans helmet - two obvious reasons get in the way of wearing one.]

Hello again. I was taken to your leaders and just a few moments ago it was made official. Starting from now on, I am Unity Group's newest pilot.

[Salute.]

I can't just sit back and wait while everyone is risking their lives. I'll help too! I had some experience piloting mobile suits already, but it seems it's time to add "combat pilot" to the list of things I've done during my life. Also, well.

I love everyone.

But I understand that sometimes, there is no other option than to hurt someone to save someone. I won't hesitate.

[2]

Well then, which one of those would suit me~?

[Ren is checking out Unity Group's hangars, trying to find a unit for themselves. They act more like they're picking up groceries though.]

I must say, the selection is quite amazing! You have some really rare suits... I think. I'm not much of an expert. But some of them don't even look that much used.

Comments

[jianai]

Did you study mostly tactics and other forms of warfare?

[majestic_keiki]

It was a comprehensive military education, but probably with a bias towards mecha piloting.

[jianai]

Aha.

You can probably guess why I asked. I wanted to know if you learnt ordinary school things too, or just strictly military ones.

[majestic_keiki]

Mostly military ones, there was only so much time, but we did learn history, math, science and so on too.

[jianai]

I see. This calms my worries, actually.

[majestic_keiki]

I'm not sure we could be decent soldiers without knowing basic physics or math. And history helps explain why we're fighting.

[jianai]

It's not just about being a soldier. It may be a naive wish, but I want everyone to have a future outside of fighting.

[majestic_keiki]

I was just thinking about the logic of the ones choosing what we learn.

[jianai]

Oh. I got a bit ahead of myself, didn't I?

Whatever the case may be, if I may say so - you are a sharp and responsible young woman, Kei. People who raised you should be proud of themselves. And of you.

[majestic_keiki]

I guess. I wouldn't really know.

[jianai]

Oh? What do you mean?

[majestic_keiki]

It'll probably come up again until I say it...

All the students of the MJP program are clones created for space exploration, but turned to military purposes after the Wulgaru attacked. We were raised in foster care until we turned 12, then we were taken to the academy, had our memories wiped and were trained to be soldiers. I literally don't know anything about the people who raised me.

[jianai]

[Hearing this, Ren just freezes for a few seconds.]

But... memories are some of the most precious things you can have.

I don't think I like that.

[majestic_keiki]

I know. The military doesn't care about us, except as a way to defeat the aliens. It's important, but still.

[jianai]

I see.

That explains pretty much everything, doesn't it?

[What a vague statement.]

[majestic_keiki]

What do you mean?

[jianai]

People are built on their past. Knowing yours, I have a much better view of who you are as a person, and I know why your opinions and stance on life is the way it is.

[majestic_keiki]

And what is that supposed to mean?

[jianai]

You are... actually, should I be doing this, Kei? Please tell me to stop if this kind of armchair analysis gets annoying, or uncomfortable.

You are rather reserved and distrustful of others, especially authority figures, aren't you? Not without good reasons, of course. And I know those reasons fully now.

[majestic_keiki]

That's not it. I just know enough about civilian society to know that people tend not to see me as a soldier, but as some kid in an odd position.

[jianai]

Are you concerned that people not take you seriously?

[majestic_keiki]

Yes. Or just see me as a victim.

[jianai]

I see. Considering you are a person whose past was stripped away, and who is not really given a choice on this matter... could I blame the public for thinking that?

I personally do not think you are a victim. Nor someone not to be taken seriously. Many young people become pilots these days.

[majestic_keiki]

Maybe not, but it still means I wouldn't be taken seriously.

In any case, it's how it is.

[jianai]

Isn't it weird? People think that, but on the other hand they can't disagree with results of your work either.