[Day 2 EE Base Camp] On the Fence About Things (Expecting)

[Yori Hakamada]

The juxtaposition of their demeanor was amusing and always had been to Alek as he was rather casual as he leaned against the boxes.

The other thing he always appreciated about Yori was her complete lack of tact she just asked what was on her mind. Alek laughed at her question and shook his head a little "Well, I guess if anything happened to the Angels I might go back. Still have to make a living and finding a new company has a lot of challenges."

"As far as being old, I'm still as quick as I was in my twenties! And for injured" He rose and clenched his Prosthetic hand "Well I never let an injury stop me."

"I see, you are very resilient both physically and mentally. These are good traits in a mechwarrior. Do you think they have also contributed to your popularity? I have noticed you have many friends and have been pursued on occasion for romantic interests."

She seems genuinely curious as her unblinking gaze hovers on Alek

[Aleksandr Korolov]

"You see there's never a dull moment with you Yori, one of the reasons I love talking to you." He said with an amused smile "I can't say why I have so many friends, I think that has more to do with I consider everyone a friend until they prove not to be. I like people and like being around them but trust me I've met my fair share that don't enjoy being around me."

"As for romance Well I'd like to think that has more to do with my rugged good looks." He said with an exaggerated confidence

[Yori Hakamada]

"You see there's never a dull moment with you Yori, one of the reasons I love talking to you." He said with an amused smile "I can't say why I have so many friends, I think that has more to do with I consider everyone a friend until they prove not to be. I like people and like being around them but trust me I've met my fair share that don't enjoy being around me."

"As for romance Well I'd like to think that has more to do with my rugged good looks." He said with an exaggerated confidence

Yori raises an eyebrow, thinking through something
"I...am not usually regarded as an interesting conversational partner. Is it because you are so friendly that you believe me to be?"

It would explain a lot.

"Oh, you think it is based on pure physical attraction? Curious."
Yori's gaze tracks up and down Alek
"Is it the beard?"

[Aleksandr Korolov]

Alek shrugged "You are honest, things are straight forward with you. Other people hide how they feel about things but you speak your mind. Other people can be sensitive to things even if they are the truth. Like your question about my age, if I was too old to do something. A lot of people would be offended by it but I just find that kind of....honesty curiosity" He said after struggling to find the word "pretty refreshing."

He couldn't help but laugh at the last "I was mostly kidding, though I do think the beard looks pretty good on me. But I don't know about romance, most of my encounters have been pretty...casual."

[Yori Hakamada]

Alek shrugged "You are honest, things are straight forward with you. Other people hide how they feel about things but you speak your mind. Other people can be sensitive to things even if they are the truth. Like your question about my age, if I was too old to do something. A lot of people would be offended by it but I just find that kind of....honesty curiosity" He said after struggling to find the word "pretty refreshing."

He couldn't help but laugh at the last "I was mostly kidding, though I do think the beard looks pretty good on me. But I don't know about romance, most of my encounters have been pretty...casual."

"Oh...I am sorry, I did not mean to imply you were decrepit. For your age you seem to be in good shape."
Pause
"I believe I just did it again. I will probably try not to mention your age in the future."

Cocking her head at the second part.
"Oh, just casual intercourse? There is nothing wrong with that, it is how I have usually pursued things in the past. Although mostly with women so there was a comparative complete lack of beards."

[Aleksandr Korolov]

Alek just laughed and waved a dismissive hand "no no Yori it's fine feel free to speak your mind with me. Don't worry about offending me it's pretty hard to do." He said smiling "but thank you I do try and keep in shape so glad you think so." He said giving her a playful wink

He couldn't laugh anymore so he settled for an amused smile "yes mostly casual sex to let off steam, especially during months on the ship between jobs."

"So mostly women? But not exclusively?" He asked with a raised eyebrow

[Yori Hakamada]

Alek just laughed and waved a dismissive hand "no no Yori it's fine feel free to speak your mind with me. Don't worry about offending me it's pretty hard to do." He said smiling "but thank you I do try and keep in shape so glad you think so." He said giving her a playful wink

He couldn't laugh anymore so he settled for an amused smile "yes mostly casual sex to let off steam, especially during months on the ship between jobs."

"So mostly women? But not exclusively?" He asked with a raised eyebrow

Yori nods.
"Yes. My preferences are more tied to the character of the person than matters of gender. But I noticed a clear pattern in my records that indicates female partners scored 9% higher on emotional support, 14% higher on foreplay and a very significant 23% higher on...something inappropriate for casual conversation."

Yori checks her commpad again to make sure she has the numbers right.
"Also, male partners were considerably more likely to provide false statements to my interview questions beforehand, to the point that I believe many men are not taught exactly how long an inch is."

[Aleksandr Korolov]

And he couldn't help himself as another bark of laughter erupted from the man "Well lads these days do tend to tie a bit too much confidence into the size of things."

"Oh my" He said with aftershocks of light laughter "but interview questions? I guess I shouldn't be surprised really." He crossed thick arms across his chest "I must admit I'm curious how those interviews go, can't say I've ever heard of such a thing."

[Yori Hakamada]

And he couldn't help himself as another bark of laughter erupted from the man "Well lads these days do tend to tie a bit too much confidence into the size of things."

"Oh my" He said with aftershocks of light laughter "but interview questions? I guess I shouldn't be surprised really." He crossed thick arms across his chest "I must admit I'm curious how those interviews go, can't say I've ever heard of such a thing."

"Oh I think it's very simple. I can demonstrate if you would like? You have to sign the form specifying its contents will remain confidential though, I would not want people to be able to study it ahead of time."

[Aleksandr Korolov]

Amused smile back in place Alek nods "Aye I should be able to do that, don't mind signing anything wasn't planning on spilling your secrets everywhere anyway."

[Yori Hakamada]

Amused smile back in place Alek nods "Aye I should be able to do that, don't mind signing anything wasn't planning on spilling your secrets everywhere anyway."

Yori quickly draws up a contract and hands it over before sitting and clasping her hands looking over at Alek

"Question 1. How would you describe yourself as a lover? Greatest strength? Greatest weakness?"

[Aleksandr Korolov]

The whole time Alek had that amused expression as he signed the form and handed it back. She asked her question and he looked thoughtful for a moment

He rubbed his chin "Hmm well I think I'm attentive, enthusiastic, good Stamina, have a decent amount if experience which I suppose can be good or bad depending on who you ask." He made some thinking sounds "I'd say enthusiasm is my best attribute, I'm not one to do things halfway or not give them my all."

"Weaknesses are tricky, I'm probably Overconfident. I'm sure I'm not as good as I think I am but I've never gotten feedback about that so I guess you'd say I have a lack of data on my weaknesses." He replied honestly

"Mind if I ask the same of you?"

[Yori Hakamada]

The whole time Alek had that amused expression as he signed the form and handed it back. She asked her question and he looked thoughtful for a moment

He rubbed his chin "Hmm well I think I'm attentive, enthusiastic, good Stamina, have a decent amount if experience which I suppose can be good or bad depending on who you ask." He made some thinking sounds "I'd say enthusiasm is my best attribute, I'm not one to do things halfway or not give them my all."

"Weaknesses are tricky, I'm probably Overconfident. I'm sure I'm not as good as I think I am but I've never gotten feedback about that so I guess you'd say I have a lack of data on my weaknesses." He replied honestly

"Mind if I ask the same of you?"

"That is unusually honest. I note you did not say your weakness was that you 'work too hard and care too much' which I have heard quite often."

Yori fills in the answers and then, to stay organised, draws up her own questionnaire to fill in with her answers.

"Myself? Let me see. Positives are that I am extremely energetic. I see little point in wasting time or dancing around something. That also ties in to being willing to try new things. I have been told that is also a weakness so would you allow it to count for both? I understand it is unorthodox and can substitute another answer if you prefer."

Tracing a finger down to the next question.
"What do you look for in a partner? What qualities do you not want present in a partner?"

[Aleksandr Korolov]

Alek shrugged "No point in lying, this is an interesting experience figure only way I'll get anything out of it is honesty."

"Your answers are fine, though I wonder who considers energy and willingness to try new things a negative. But I guess maybe they could mean the lack of dancing, some enjoy the chase I guess." Again he shrugged and shook his head a little

"But what I look for, well honesty and communication are important. Enthusiasm as well. And adventurous nature. And negatives....well hmm obviously lack those other things and then maybe being judgemental never been a huge fan of judging when it comes to this stuff. Not everyone agrees and that's fine but shaming someone isnt." He finished and then raised an inquisitive eyebrow back at her.

[Yori Hakamada]

Alek shrugged "No point in lying, this is an interesting experience figure only way I'll get anything out of it is honesty."

"Your answers are fine, though I wonder who considers energy and willingness to try new things a negative. But I guess maybe they could mean the lack of dancing, some enjoy the chase I guess." Again he shrugged and shook his head a little

"But what I look for, well honesty and communication are important. Enthusiasm as well. And adventurous nature. And negatives....well hmm obviously lack those other things and then maybe being judgemental never been a huge fan of judging when it comes to this stuff. Not everyone agrees and that's fine but shaming someone isnt." He finished and then raised an inquisitive eyebrow back at her.

"Hmmm, Sergeant Slaktare might fit your profile there. His communication style can be curt but he is invariably direct and honest."
Nodding, as if Alek was scoring high marks.
"Those are a good range of positive qualities. I value the honesty, particularly after being 'pranked' by some other graduates in this context. I also like people who say nice things about me, it's a rare quality but I have found a few in the company. As for negatives...if they do not practice good personal hygiene that is distasteful. Also if they do not know what they are doing but pretend they do I find it tiresome."

Making a few more markings on her commpad
"Next question. Do you snore? How much hair do you shed? How do you feel about fish?"

[Aleksandr Korolov]

"Butcher? He's good people. Though I can't say I've ever considered that sort of thing with him." Alek chuckled a bit "but yeah I agree staying clean is important for just about anyone and the second sort of loops back to honest I'd say." Alek didn't seem to shy away from giving commentary on her answers

"I probably snore a bit big guys tend to from how I understand but nothing bad enough to drive someone out of bed." He looked slightly confused for a second "and I suppose I shed as much as any person? Can't really say it's something I've thought about. Like fish though, at least have no issue with em."

[Yori Hakamada]

"Butcher? He's good people. Though I can't say I've ever considered that sort of thing with him." Alek chuckled a bit "but yeah I agree staying clean is important for just about anyone and the second sort of loops back to honest I'd say." Alek didn't seem to shy away from giving commentary on her answers

"I probably snore a bit big guys tend to from how I understand but nothing bad enough to drive someone out of bed." He looked slightly confused for a second "and I suppose I shed as much as any person? Can't really say it's something I've thought about. Like fish though, at least have no issue with em."

Yori scores this, slightly lower marks.
"It is good you like fish at least. Snoring is acceptable provided it falls within the level capable of being blocked by ear plugs. Otherwise I tend to stay away all night listening to my partner's breathing."
Pause
"I also do not shed.

Tallying up all his answers
"Okay, only one question left:

How do you deal with separation? Would you describe your approach to relationships as (a) casual, (b) romantic, (c) fixated or (d) you do not form relationships?"

[Aleksandr Korolov]

Alek nodded along these were things he hadn't thought about but it was interesting seeing how Yori's mind worked. "Hmm if you mean break ups I tend to be pretty cool about them. We're all adults right, no need to be upset if we realize we're better off with other people." He said with a casual tone "but thats something I haven't had to deal with in a while."

"And the majority of my recent relationships would be called casual."

[Yori Hakamada]

Alek nodded along these were things he hadn't thought about but it was interesting seeing how Yori's mind worked. "Hmm if you mean break ups I tend to be pretty cool about them. We're all adults right, no need to be upset if we realize we're better off with other people." He said with a casual tone "but thats something I haven't had to deal with in a while."

"And the majority of my recent relationships would be called casual."

She nods.
"Let me see."
A few moments of silence
"B+" Yori declares.

[Aleksandr Korolov]

Alek simply grins a little as he leans up against the box "and how does that measure up? B+ sounds pretty good to me but I was never one much for school."