[D3 EA, break room] Preparations

[Aleksandr Korolov]

(Open but expecting)

Alek had got the word that they were heading out to an outpost to clean up some tanks so they didn't reinforce the comm site.

Everyone prepared differently before a fight and it seemed Alek was just killing time in the break room feet kicked up on a table watching something that didn't matter on the TV. He seemed relaxed enough.

[Mei-Ling Zhou]

Mei wandered into the break room bouncing with energy. She grabbed a drink and then spinning around plopped down next to the big Lyran.

(Russian) "Hello Mountain how's it going? You look like you're having a good day."

[Aleksandr Korolov]

Alek looked up smile already forming hearing the voice as he looked to Mei (Russian)"Ah my little Hawk, yes it is a good day! Today we engage the enemy!"

His body shifted toward her as she sat "just found out I'm about to ship out to a check point a couple miles away from the comms array. Just a little prefight relaxation to level out."

"And how are you this afternoon? Seem to have a good bit of energy yourself."

[Mei-Ling Zhou]

"Yeah, call it nervous energy. I've been wrestling with the idea of taking my lance out all day but I just got the word that my lance should expect a standby order later so it looks like it's happening. I don't know any specifics yet, we may never get deployed but we need to prepare for it. The other Owls are doing their thing, I just finished telling them the news and they all seemed to be relieved, as am I."

[Aleksandr Korolov]

Alek put a hand on her shoulder and gave her a somewhat softer smile "You have nothing to worry about. The comm station is pretty lightly defended and if you're being held in reserve the worst you should deal with is a few tanks. You're a good pilot, you'll do well."

[Mei-Ling Zhou]

"Thanks, I'm actually worried we are too eager for a fight. Too bloodthirsty. That's why I wasn't sure if I wanted to deploy, I'm worried that anger will make us sloppy. Maybe w should have done some patrols first or more time in the simulator but were here now and I know my guys will listen to me.

But that's assuming we even need to deploy, I'm sure you will crush everything out there and be back in time for dinner. Try not to win the war before it begins huh? Save some for the rest of us."

[Aleksandr Korolov]

Alek laughed a little "ahhh you think too much if me! I'm not even involved in taking the station that's going on right now. I'm just the clean up crew to make sure reinforcements don't come."

"But I've seen you and your Lance work. You all work well together, they respect you. And if they get a little battle lust, we'll, they would hardly be the first. If anything a nice light target is the best place to get that out. It's war after all, no one will look twice at you letting a little aggression out."

[Mei-Ling Zhou]

"If you're the cleanup crew what does that make me?" She laughed. "If you're going out and I'm gonna be on standby maybe I will be your backup. So if things do get hairy just remember my lance is the fastest, I WILL get there." She said placing a hand on his shoulder. "But I don't think you will need me."

[Aleksandr Korolov]

Alek nodded and smiled patting her hand softly "Aye I trust you will be. Best scout Lance in the company couldn't ask for better back up." He said taking a long drink from a big cup.

A deep breath as he relaxed back into the couch long, thick arms spread across the back of it "So outside of practice and Simulations and the like how have you been? Been seeing less of you around recently. Keeping busy?" His lips had a small grin on them as he looked over to her.

[Mei-Ling Zhou]

"Yeah it's been a minute since we spent any time together hasn't it? I've been trying to keep busy, hitting the gym more often been practicing my drums down in storage. Did you know we have big star singer on the ship, have you met Alice?"

[Richard Winter]

....

Mei's phone would make some kind of jingle (i suppose) and a text message would plop up (when she looks at it):

Hey, I'm back! We made it out in one piece. No major damage and no casualties on either our side or the enemy side, but plenty of prisoners and salvage. All in all a good fight!

[Mei-Ling Zhou]

Snip

Mei pulled out her phone and checked it.

"Sorry this night be the call.

Oh hey, Richard is back at it looks like they kicked some major ass. No casualties on either side! Looks like this is going to be a good day."

Mei fired off a quick congratulatory text and set the phone on her lap.

[Aleksandr Korolov]

As she checked her phone his own went off signaling it was time for him to get him and his Lance ready "oh ho alright guess it's time to get on the move. Comm site is ours and they need that clean up!" He declared with an open excitement.

He leaned forward and quickly, if she allowed it, would plant a kiss on her cheek. Regardless he would look at her with that big smile "wish me luck little hawk." He would say before standing

"We need to hang out soon Mei! You be safe out there."

/exit

[Mei-Ling Zhou]

As she checked her phone his own went off signaling it was time for him to get him and his Lance ready "oh ho alright guess it's time to get on the move. Comm site is ours and they need that clean up!" He declared with an open excitement.

He leaned forward and quickly, if she allowed it, would plant a kiss on her cheek. Regardless he would look at her with that big smile "wish me luck little hawk." He would say before standing

"We need to hang out soon Mei! You be safe out there."

/exit

"Be safe out there, come back in one piece and we can hang out anytime you want." She said returning the kiss.

(Russian) Go kick some ass!

/exit