“Why him?†the voice was male, and perhaps a touch tired. The scent of fresh roast spread throughout the air as the maker dinged its readiness. “I mean….he’s not particularly impressive….kind of plain in every way really?†the sound of coffee being poured into a cup, which is gratefully accepted by the rooms other occupant.
“He carries nothing into the drift.†Female voice this time, an inhalation of aroma followed by a pause as the speaker enjoyed their companions skill with a fresh morning brew. “That makes him perfect for our needs.â€
The sound of a pot settling into its home, as the male considers. “You’re worried about your sister.â€
A soft sigh followed by a slight chuckle “I knew I married you for more than your looks.†The woman began as she took another sip. “Motoko….is having issues with seeing what’s in my head….I think you’re….passionate performance during our honey moon shocked her.â€
“She has been avoiding me….well more than usual….†The male admitted
“I…probably should’ve considered that before….well. Anyways between that and my upcoming maternity leave I felt it best to bring in someone who will not distract her during a fight.â€
The sound of paper shuffling, the husband’s footfalls carrying him to his wife’s side as he thumbed through the folder. “I understand….but I’m really not sure, Keitaro Urashima is the best partner for her….I mean he won’t impair her…but aside from sharing the load is he worth much else?â€
A slightly smug grin touched the woman’s face. “Trust me, I have an eye for talent.â€
*******
“That was brutal.†Kitsune said as she lounged in the pilot’s lounge, sipping from a flask of the cook’s finest. Her ‘reward’ for a successful sortie. “And when the second one sprang from the water….†She took a swig this time. “I figured you and Keitaro were done for….heck I’ve NEVER seen Aeon Dragon take that kind of beating and get back up! How’d you and the Newbie do that Motoko?â€
Motoko, dressed casually, fidgeted with her cup of tea, the liquid long since having grown cold, the fight having forced her to reassess her first impressions of her partner. “It….it was like…being clad in armor…made of confidence.†She raised the cup to her lips, made a face and set it back down. “It just felt like….nothing could keep us down.â€
Kitsune and Naru shared a look, the sprong haired girl asking the question they were both thinking. “Keitaro…confidant?â€
“Not in himself or in his abilities…..confidant in ME…†the young sword’s woman looked outside at the launch bay, watching as Kaolla su and her crew worked feverishly to repair the damage her Jaeger had sustained, the young girl cackling madly as she scrambled all over the mech without benefit of any scaffolds or safety lines, her team racing to keep pace with the Mad Engineer. “Confidant that I could do anything….†She turned and looked Naru in the eyes. “…Sister told me he carries nothing into the drift but she’s wrong. In there, with him I sensed support, warmth…and assurance that I would no fail….it’s hard to described.†She finally said.
“So…you believed in the him…that believed in you?†Kitsune teased, to which she received only a blank stare from her companions. “….Really? Neither of you have ever seen….you know what, never mind.â€