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[indeliblepast]

Sumeragi glared at the console, and instructed the computer to bring up the simulation once more. It was a fairly simple one - just dodging an oncoming asteroid field - but she'd run it three times now, and each had ended with her ship as an asteroid bug-splatter not too far in. She could drive a car just fine, but the finer controls of the ship eluded her. She had imported the Ptolemy's basic design and control scheme into the program, so at least it was a ship she was vaguely familiar with.

Nonetheless, ten minutes into this fourth run, a fairly loud stream of curses - in more than one language - could be heard outside the door to the sensorium she was using.

Comments

[indeliblepast]

She instructed the computer to change the scale, and then spoke into the comm systems. "Asteroids have the important benefit of not shooting back."

[zouichi.livejournal.com]

Obfuscating much?

"There's nothing wrong with wanting to broaden your skillset."

[indeliblepast]

"Yeah - I ended up having to pilot, during the last battle. We got through it, but... the ship's a bit roughed up."

[zouichi.livejournal.com]

"Oh yeah? What happened to your usual pilot? They get injured?"

[indeliblepast]

"Nah. Never came out of the pods. I've flown the thing before - but not in a fight."

[zouichi.livejournal.com]

"Hmm... unfortunate. But why not get another, instead of taking on another role for yourself?"

[indeliblepast]

"My crew..." She trailed off awkwardly, trying to figure out how best to explain the situation. "They don't mesh well with a lot of people here."

[zouichi.livejournal.com]

"Yeah. Aren't you part of Setsuna's group? I heard Allenby tried to punch him out earlier."

[indeliblepast]

Sumerai buried her face in her hands. Honestly, could they go a week without something new happening?

"I... hadn't heard about that one yet."

[zouichi.livejournal.com]

"Well, it happened kind of a while ago. I'm sure she hasn't tried it since," Zouichi offered.

[indeliblepast]

There was a heavy sigh over the comm line. "Still. He and I need to have a talk."

[zouichi.livejournal.com]

"...yeah, that's probably for the best. So I guess he makes it a little more difficult to recruit people?"

[indeliblepast]

"Mm. The rest aren't much better, though they're quieter, at least."

[zouichi.livejournal.com]

"In that case, clearly what you need are new members just as dysfunctional as your old ones."

[indeliblepast]

There was a short, slightly hysterical laugh at that. "Yeah, I suppose that'd do it."

[zouichi.livejournal.com]

You might want to get that hysteria looked at, Sumeragi. "So, why do you put up with them if they're all a bunch of cards?"

[indeliblepast]

That would be what the drinking is for. "Because they're capable, and despite the social flaws, dedicated."

[zouichi.livejournal.com]

"And I suppose there are no similarly competent pilots who don't make people want to punch them in the face?"

[indeliblepast]

"Apparently not. I wasn't in charge of the selection process."