The Cat Returns (D6 EA, Hangars, Open)

[Yori Hakamada]

"Laks is an amazing pilot." Catherine laughs. "That is what I am really working hard for. To be as good as her."

She then blinks at Yori. "You do strategy?" An excited smile blossoms on the young Lieutenant's face. "That's great! Then I can ask you too, if I end up stumped by something in the book. I learn better from direct experience."

"Yes....I do strategy.
A single nod with a single blink.
"Please ask me anytime, if it's one of the classics then reasonable odds I have already consumed it at one time or another."
Raising a finger.
"Not that I have eaten many books, but rather I probably read it voraciously at some point in the past. I would also urge you to study logistics. If you find reading long lists interesting it would be beneficial."
Leaning forward slightly
"Do you enjoy reading long lists?"

[Catherine Maia Hayes]

"Hm ... pretty sure it's a classic. SLDF Battlemech Divisions. The book is also about Logistics and organizing, not just strategizing." Catherine replies.

She grins at Yori's weird wordplay. "Got ya."

The question is easy enough to answer. "Not really. Most lists are really dry and difficult stuff. Although I really love Technical Readouts for Battlemechs. Those are kinda list like too, but they just work for me. I look at a readout and its like I can see the actual mech, or even feel it."

[Yori Hakamada]

"Hm ... pretty sure it's a classic. SLDF Battlemech Divisions. The book is also about Logistics and organizing, not just strategizing." Catherine replies.

She grins at Yori's weird wordplay. "Got ya."

The question is easy enough to answer. "Not really. Most lists are really dry and difficult stuff. Although I really love Technical Readouts for Battlemechs. Those are kinda list like too, but they just work for me. I look at a readout and its like I can see the actual mech, or even feel it."

"That is a classic, I read all the volumes in the academy. The SLDF were some the best strategists I've ever heard of, compared with their stubbornness it was quite formidable."
With almost the faintest traces of sadness.
"Still, it was not enough in the end. It is not pleasant to win war but in the process lose the next."

Yori doesn't exactly brighten at the talk of readouts but she does go more neutral
"I almost sometimes experience synesthesia in moments of high passion. A good readout is akin to looking into the soul of a vehicle, if one believes in such things.Do you feel that way about your machine? I know the captain does about hers."

[Catherine Maia Hayes]

"Yeah. War is unpleasant like that." The little lieutenant agrees.

"That's when you see numbers as colours? Dunno if I have that with readouts, or my imagination is just that good, but I look at a readout long enough and I can feel the Battlemech inside it. The soul goes deeper than a readout though. You have to sit in the cockpit or a running Battlemech for that. When you have felt the soul of your Battlemech, then you can name it. I named mine Dúthracht."

She gives Yori a smile. "I come after my Captain in many regards."

[Yori Hakamada]

"Yeah. War is unpleasant like that." The little lieutenant agrees.

"That's when you see numbers as colours? Dunno if I have that with readouts, or my imagination is just that good, but I look at a readout long enough and I can feel the Battlemech inside it. The soul goes deeper than a readout though. You have to sit in the cockpit or a running Battlemech for that. When you have felt the soul of your Battlemech, then you can name it. I named mine Dúthracht."

She gives Yori a smile. "I come after my Captain in many regards."

"That is one form of it. It is the trigger of a secondary sense in response to stimuli. I say 'Wolverine' and you smell the grease used to lubricate the mech, for example. You would certainly know if you have it."
Yori appears to just stare off into the distance for a few moments before turning her stare back to Cat.

"A name can be a good thing. I just called my own mech '#4'. I do not take over the captain so much. But given I did not grow up with her, to my knowledge, that is understandable."

[Alex Kovac]

"I'm sure our mechtechs can fix the Vindicator, so please cheer up Alex." Catherine calls after her leaving friend.

Alex shook the head and sighed. "I can't let the techies have all the fun." The Penguin winked.

"Alex, I'll walk with you," Butcher says and follows after.

"Sure..." Alex nodded.

//exit

[Catherine Maia Hayes]

"Say Dúthracht and I think I can smell my cockpit." Catherine smiles. "And right now my sweat, because I ran a bit warm this mission."

She gives Yori a little shrug. "Be who you wanna be, and all that. The Captain's way just clicks for me. Whether that is from growing up with her or not ... I have no idea. I am having fun and feel more alive that way."

[Yori Hakamada]

"Say Dúthracht and I think I can smell my cockpit." Catherine smiles. "And right now my sweat, because I ran a bit warm this mission."

She gives Yori a little shrug. "Be who you wanna be, and all that. The Captain's way just clicks for me. Whether that is from growing up with her or not ... I have no idea. I am having fun and feel more alive that way."

Yori sniffs once.
"Yes."
She confirms

"I am not sure I am who I wish I was. But I..am being who I am. If that makes sense."

[Catherine Maia Hayes]

"I think I get what you mean. Who we are changes and who we wish to be can change too. Sometimes we get lucky and it matches, often times there are differences. What we can do is keep moving forward to try and get to where we want to be. Who we want to be."

[Yori Hakamada]

"I think I get what you mean. Who we are changes and who we wish to be can change too. Sometimes we get lucky and it matches, often times there are differences. What we can do is keep moving forward to try and get to where we want to be. Who we want to be."

"Quite."
Yori nods gravely
"I should leave you to your shower. This has been suitably pleasant, thank you for the conversation."

[Catherine Maia Hayes]

"Yeah it was fun. Thanks." Catherine agrees with a smile. "Can I come back to you about strategy lessons, when we both have some time?"

[Yori Hakamada]

"Yeah it was fun. Thanks." Catherine agrees with a smile. "Can I come back to you about strategy lessons, when we both have some time?"

"Of course, I am happy to conduct some strategy lessons. I have not had a pupil before, so it will be an interesting experience."

[Catherine Maia Hayes]

"Will I have to call you Hakamada-sensei during lessons then?" Catherine asks with a grin.

[Yori Hakamada]

"Will I have to call you Hakamada-sensei during lessons then?" Catherine asks with a grin.

Very seriously
"Of course. Although if you wish you may also address me as senpai given the closeness in our rank. I will endeavour to teach you as I was taught, although I fear I will not to as good a job as my instructors."

[Catherine Maia Hayes]

"Can do, if you prefer that, Hakamada-senpai." Catherine smiles cheerily. "Let's both do our best together then. Thank you."

She takes a quick look around. "I have delayed my nice hot shower for long enough now, so I'd like to get to that. I wish you good Luck with your 'too much alcohol' celebration. Have fun."

[Yori Hakamada]

Yori salutes
"And you with your shower. Have a pleasant day."
Exit stage left


((Thank you all for the scene ))

[Catherine Maia Hayes]

"You too, Hakamada-senpai." Catherine waves after the pink haired woman.

To the three members of her lance she calls out. "Party this evening, my room." And then she runs off.

____
(Thank you all for the scene as well. ^-^)