So much for just being a test pilot...

[whats_a_good_end]

[1]

[In the wake of the massacre at the Yukon base and the theft of... pretty much everything of value associated with the Breaker program, Ana's just trying to piece everything together.  There's debriefing and internal affairs people asking why she hadn't been with the others and a lot of exhausting things to go through after a day that was already plenty exhausting.

[And then someone finally let her look at the death toll.]

Mechanics, pilots... project heads and even the top eggheads...

[Of course the death toll would be like that.  Legato's men and women had just slaughtered everyone in-person at their little performance.  One that had specifically been arranged to celebrate the completion of the Breaker program...]

We went through all of that, buried so many of our own, finished our jobs... and then this!

[2] (frontdated a few days)

[There's a new pilot being transferred to the Unity Group.  She's not thrilled about this -she's a test pilot, not a combat one- but the theft of the Breakers has sorta convinced some of the upper brass she'd do more good here than helping try to salvage the whole program.  But, as she comes in to Fort Alhambra, wheeling a cart behind her with her clothes, guitar, and a few other things... she's got something else on her preoccupying her.]

-And that white-haired girl at the Yukon's a monster too?  And it's not just the Autobots... but there's a Wulgaru princess helping us?  And we might share some genetic ancestor with them?

... And that blue-haired girl from before is ANOTHER princess?!?

[In short: being just a member of the vanilla ESUN locks you out of the loop about some things.]

-And this person's "kin" want to eat them to become immortal?!?

[A lot of things.]

-And Shu Shirakawa was somehow ALIVE?  And he had some talking pet bird?!?

[A whole lot of things.]

... And the cat thing just has to be someone messing with me!

[It's gonna be one hell of an adjusting period.]

Comments

[sang_av_helten]

[The cat seems to puff up and look proud at her expression.]

Indeed! And I can see that you are in awe of my mighty appearance, is this not the image of a great warrior?

[whats_a_good_end]

If you were about ten times that size I'd agree, but like-

[But wait.]

... No. I suppose that works.

[After all, all her friends and coworkers had gotten massacred by a girl in a frilly dress with bunny ears.]

[sang_av_helten]

Of course it works! Size is clearly not a measure of strength on its own! My own ancestors after all had scaled cliffs with their claws and were renowned as the chariot bearers of Freya after all.

Of course I cannot simply speak of my ancestors without introducing myself. I am Skald Skogkattson. Who are you and from what lineage do you hail?

[whats_a_good_end]

... The lineage I 'hail' from is one that's disowned me. The feeling's mutual.

They felt risking your life as a test pilot was somehow a less noble calling than risking your life on the frontlines... and I'm just sure they're thrilled at recent events with me.

[sang_av_helten]

BAH! Then your fore-bearers clearly must have taken one too many blows to the head. Bravery is bravery and I can smell that you have had your share of scars and battle!

[whats_a_good_end]

One fight... and I'm not looking to the ones that are going to follow.

But as for scars... your nose isn't far off.

[Off go the gloves. Prosthetic right hand and two fingers on her left.]

Got the lesser of these two before helping with the Breaker program, got the second during.

... Probably saved my life too back there by having me away from the concert.

[sang_av_helten]

If one should die it should be in the fires of glorious combat, or at the end of a life well lived after numerous glories of victory. Dying through subterfuge or simple slaughter...

[The cat makes a hacking noise like he's about to cough up a hairball.]

In any case I welcome you to our number and praise you for your courage under fire! I look forward to battling alongside you against all odds.

[whats_a_good_end]

Hopefully it'll not get that bad...

... But if it does you can count on me to do my part.