How is my baby? (Pregame 2 LA Hangars)

[Richard Winter]

The mechtechs brought the good piece forward. Richard was a bit intimidated by the big mech. His commando was by far smaller and lankier than the Vulcan. But still, he made his way to the cockpit with glee.

The cockpit was a bit more comfortable than the Commando's and Richard started to familiarize himself with the control console.

One of the mechtechs helped him and told him about some quirks and problems the mech had.
Richard's biggest problem was his right arm. Yes, the arm had rudimentary pressure sensors that gave him a "feel", but it wasn't the same as real fingers. Fortunately for him, the right arm was loaded with the weapon that required the least finesse: the flamethrower.

He put on the neurohelmet and went through the systems step by step

[Lakshmi Kaala]

Even so, Laks' concerned gaze lingers on Cat for a few more seconds. Only then did she smile back and look reassured.

"Alright, that's good, me too. Lucky Strike is all set. Eric promised me that I get to be first one out the gates." She grinned impishly. "Perk of being a captain."

Her attention switched to Richard's Vulcan. "Shall we linger and hear how he gets on or... did you want to head off?"

The Vulcan definitely had a different role on a battlefield. Anti-infantry and mech backstabbing. It could scout too, sure. If anything the jump jets made it a slightly better scout than the Commando, as it had the same speed but could get to a better vantage point. However, the feel was very different.

On the plus side it felt a bit safer. The extra armour, more weapons systems and greater height all had that effect.

With the cockpit open, the mechtech switched to explaining the diagnostic procedure for the Vulcan. He also pointed out where all the cockpit compartments were for when Richard wanted to stow some gear on a mission.

[Catherine Maia Hayes]

Noticing her Captain's discerning gaze, Catherine draws herself up a bit further. Her smile may be a bit on the meek side right now, but it is genuine. And she is still brimming with the energy of knowing her Dúthracht is ready and in excellent condition.

"I'll be our the gates right after, as soon as they let me." She laughs.

The question makes Hellcat turn her head to shoot a glance in Richard's direction.

"Hmm. Looks like they will be a while. They are going through the basics, I think. Shall we go tell him to get some Sim time in, before we head off?"

[Lakshmi Kaala]

"Iie. He's a lieutenant and he's older than you. He knows that much." Laks pressed her lips together a moment before adding. "You might bother him, saying that. A little more tact, Cat."

She thumbs toward the hangar doors that led back toward the rest of the Overlord. "Let's go. I know you mean well, but take it slow. Some officers can be prickly. They're not all going to spoil you like I do." Laks turned to smile at Cat as she headed toward the door. "On the other hand, you might be an officer yourself after this deployment."

[Catherine Maia Hayes]

Catherine acquiesces with both hands raised up to try and ward of any further admonishment. "Okay, okay. It just popped into my head and then out my mouth. I'll try and keep myself in check a bit better." Not that she can change her nature that easily, as they both know, but a little restraint is better than none.

Falling into step beside her captain, she too begins to smile again. "Getting a promotion is the plan! I'll work extra hard to make it happen. Give it my best!"

[Lakshmi Kaala]

"I hope so. I have a bottle of something special hidden behind the bar in the officer's lounge. It's going to be you or Ez that gets to try it first."

/ Exit

[Richard Winter]

Unlike the two women, Richard was not yet used to the mech and would be busy for a while with calibrating, configuring, analyzing and so on, especially because he insisted very pedantically on setting everything to his liking.

The Mechtechs were not very enthusiastic about it, but Richard could care less, after all he was the one who risked his life in the war machines.
Later, when everything was set, he would notice that the two women had already left. He would shrug, light a cigarette and strut towards the dropship bar.

(/exit)
(thanks for the thread )