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James Caldwell wasn’t exactly sure what to think of his fellow pilot. Her lackadaisical dress, unprofessional bearing, and bruised face spoke to a disappointing lack of discipline.
On the other hand, she was clearly experienced, obvious augmentation and the sharp salute she gave to the Colonel spoke to that.
“Lieutenant Romanov. Would you be willing to accompany me to the galley?”
Her eyes snapped back on him.
“No. hangar.”
“Hangar, then.”
“Caldwell. You were in the 2nd Royals, right?”
“The brave and true. Lieutenant.”
“A dog-and-pony show. Never left the Capitol, and spent more time in a sim-pod than in a mech.”
That was an insult he wouldn’t take.
“We did our part. Detachments were scattered around to various fronts. I achieved six kills on peer combatants in the West. Do not disparage us.”
“Six. Whoop de do.”
“I don’t want to start this off on the wrong foot, Lieutenant.”
“Because I want to talk to the Core, and see if I can link to it.”
“What?”
“You asked why I want to go to the mechbay. That’s why.”
“That’s extremely reckless. It just got rid of its prior pilot, that’s why we are the replacements.”
“I either waste a week listening to eggheads over video calls about meditation techniques and ‘focusing your thoughts’ before finding out if it is willing to operate, or use this.” She gestured to a metal plug at the back of her neck, “and my silver tongue to get some more direct confirmation.”
“And how much experience do you have with linking?”
One of those piercing eyes rolled. The other lagged behind with a little up-down motion. The effect was rather off-putting.
“Find your own way to the galley. Lieutenant. I’m going to get an answer.”
He followed her a couple of steps behind, pulling out his own tablet.
“I can be on hand for the cockpit setup.”
A grunt was her response.
