So, About That Research (CO's Office, D10 EA)

[Charlie Schroeder]

Charlie thinks and shakes his head. "I have encryption suite in my room. I won't know until I start, but I shouldn't need any other specialized equipment than that. I'll probably get Bill to help. He's pretty good with computers himself."

[Eric Voelker]

"That's good. You might need someone to test some data. Let me know if you need a mechwarrior to assist. I can think of a few who have enough computer smarts to be useful."

[Charlie Schroeder]

"Well, considering how much data we probably got, I can use anyone you can spare."

[Eric Voelker]

"I'll find you someone. In the meanwhile, keep prioritising your normal responsibilities as necessary. When you can, check the data, but not if that means a mech won't be ready to sortie." Eric wanted to make it clear where what the highest priority was. Worse case scenario they'd have to check the data once the contract ended.

[Charlie Schroeder]

"Don't worry. I've been at this long enough to know what happens when someone goes out there in a mech that isn't in perfect condition." Albeit, not something that can be helped in desperate situations. "I don't plan to have anyone's death on my conscience over this."

[Eric Voelker]

"That's good. It's something we need our mechtechs and technicians to keep in mind at all times. Speaking of, how is your team doing?" Eric asks, expressing an interest.

[Charlie Schroeder]

"I have been happy with them. Christian is as talented as he is ambitious. He'll be ready for his own crew in a year or two. He just needs relax and remember he's a young man. He has plenty of time to climb the ladder.

"Mitsuri has an excellent eye for finding problems. She has potential to become a very talented mechtech. Her laidback personality is also nice to deal with.

"And Bill? Bill is a good man who puts others first. As for being a mechtech, he is adequate. I don't see him ever being much beyond that. Not bad in any way. Just lacking the skill Christian has or the potential Mitsuri has. However, I have noticed he is excellent with computers. You may want to consider reassigning him once the job is done." Charlie wondered if he would wind up being the one explaining things to Bill if Eric took advice. He started mentally noting that it needs to be about how good he is with computers than his averagness with mechs. Bill didn't come off as overly sensitive, but the man took pride in his work.

[Eric Voelker]

"Alright. We'll be able to confirm that about Bill when you're checking the data. Let's talk more about this with Kenna when the contract's over. At this rate we'll need a few more senior mechtechs and new team members. We might be growing to a full second battalion." He looked a little torn over this, not that he went into the why.

[Charlie Schroeder]

And Charlie knew better than to ask. Instead, he tried to make Eric confident in his decision promote him, "I will give Christian a chance to prove himself by assigning him a different shift with Mitsuri. I'll tell them that I want Christian to continue education and that he is the first among equals. I'll be able evaluate his ability and give him pointers so that he'll hopefully be ready by when you need him."

[Eric Voelker]

"You can agree that with Kenna, although he'll likely handwave it. He mostly only cares about results."

Eric enjoyed another sip as he allowed himself to relax.

"Aside from your crew and the research data, anything else on your mind? I'd like to hear your thoughts on how the lance leads are doing. Quite a few new faces, as you know."

[Eric Voelker]

Eric asked a few more questions until it was time for both of them to return to work.

"Good seeing you. Let's keep each other updated on those files."

/Scene