Work it (Pregame 1 EM Gym)

[Richard Winter]

snip

"Good Work Sgt Major" complimented Richard, "Do you want to cut it or get on?" he asked assesing the big woman before him. Her form was good and she had big muscles, maybe she just needed more encouragement? "If not, I could use a spotter for the benchpress." he said politely to give her an option for a break if she needed one.

"I can't wait to see what everyone wears, we have to dress so practically most of the time."

"They want us to dress fancy?" Richard frowned, what did he have that could be considered "fancy" besides his dress uniform? Maybe he could ask Jester if he had something fancy, he had roughly the same size as Richard.

[Monique McConnel]

"I can't wait to see what everyone wears, we have to dress so practically most of the time."

Mei giggled slightly imagining both her companions in one of her dresses.

"Soccer uniform. About all I've got. Costume parties aren't my thing."

She gives Richard a nod. "Thanks. I'll... I'll leave it there today." She could try another day. "I'll spot for you."

"They want us to dress fancy?" Richard frowned, what did he have that could be considered "fancy" besides his dress uniform? Maybe he could ask Jester if he had something fancy, he had roughly the same size as Richard.

Monique paused before swearing under her breath in a near-dead language. She cleared her throat. "Fancy dress means costume party Lieutenant. Not formal. The opposite. Like... a... like a comic book character or someone in a historical movie."

[Richard Winter]

Richard prepared the weight bench, got some plates and started warming up.

"Ohhhh, a costume party! Well, too bad I don't have a costume, maybe I have an old uniform lying around somewhere that passes for a costume?"

He lay down on the bench and had put on a moderate weight of 50 kilos. Slowly and surely he lowered and pressed the bar. The buzzing of the prosthesis became louder under the load, although it had not yet reached its intended limit, but he could already feel it pulling on his shoulder.

[Mei-Ling Zhou]

"I don't own any costumes that are socially appropriate." Mei said sounding disappointed.

[Monique McConnel]

"Keep going. That's good."

Monique gave encouragement.

She glanced to Mei at her socially appropriate remark. "Just wear something nice then. It's probably fine."

[Richard Winter]

Grunting, he finished his set and took a short break in between. He checked his arm and smelled the elbow joint to see if it smelled like burnt cables. After making sure that wasn't the case, he continued with his set.

He would repeat this process until he had managed two more sets, after wich he put on a few more weights.

Before he would start the heavy set he grabbed a water bottle from his bag and drank some, then turned to Monique "Sgt. Major, is there anything I, or we as newcomers to the Angels should know? Kelenford is just not that long ago now."

[Mei-Ling Zhou]

"Yes, please, information saves lives after all." Mei said echoing Richards sentiment. "I know there will be a briefing, several I imagine, but anything you could share even if it's just person feelings could help."

[Monique McConnel]

An earnest interest in the outfit and how to integrate wasn't a topic Monique had anticipated, but it was one she could get behind. She actually smiled for a second.

"That's a smart inquiry. Let's see... we value our pilots more than some units. We've avoided any pyrrhic victories or attrition situations so far. Since you're both commanding a lance I suggest you keep that in mind. If you think you're in a bad situation you can fall back. We're not defending our homeworld or anything. Hm."

She gave it some more thought.

"Check the cafeteria schedule. Taco Tuesdays is popular. There is also a notice board for what films are being shown when. The library is good for self study. I mean, there's more to do on board this ship than a Union. Our CO encountered a lot of bad behaviour on longer journeys in the LCAF. We both agreed to invest in ways to keep soldiers entertained as a result. Hit the sims. Find a hobby. That sort of thing. I don't know if you were big into that in the Knights. Hm. Listen to the strategists. We pay them for a reason. They might not look like they've seen a battle, but they've given advice that has won battles for us. Often before they've even started." She goes on to say. Monique makes another thoughtful murmur as she scrunched up her face a bit. "I can't share much about the contract, but everything we can share will be shared in the briefings. If it's militia then striking hard and fast will be key. Our mobility is our biggest asset."

[Richard Winter]

"A library?" Richard's eyes lit up. "I'll have to take a closer look at those."

"Hopefully they have some issues I don't have yet" he muttered.

"That's very detailed information Sgt. Major, thank you for that" He lay back under the weight bench and continued with his exercise, this time it seemed the prosthesis was at its limit. The hum of the servos became more of a drone.

"Scheiße" Richard cursed

[Monique McConnel]

"You got that?" She asks, her hands moving to where they were ready to intercede if there was an issue.

[Mei-Ling Zhou]

Though she didn't hear his murmured words the mention of a library told her what her friend was thinking.

"They probably don't have any here Richard, the Major's daughter might have some though if you're willing to share."

She stopped rowing and toweled off.

"So if you don't mind me asking Sgt. Major what are your hobbies? I mean, I gather we are standing in one of them but you got anything else you like to do? I knit and do various needlework and given enough space and freedom I play the drums."

[Monique McConnel]

The Sergeant Major would study Mei for a moment. The woman was forward. Either she was oblivious or fearless. Either way, she was possibly an idiot.

"You don't really need to know my hobbies Sergeant. I don't care if you do needlework, drums or you knit yourself a thong. I only care about whether you do your job. You only need to know that's what I care about. And to do. Your job."

On the one hand it was nice for someone to inquire about her for once, but on the other she couldn't afford to be too close with anyone. It could damage her ability to keep discipline.

"Are we clear Sergeant?"

[Mei-Ling Zhou]

"Yes SGT-Major, my apologies for prying, just trying to bond with my new family is all."

So I guess I shouldn't start calling her Monique

[Richard Winter]

....

"Yes, i got that, i can do it," he squeezes out of his teeth.
With the greatest effort, Richard lifted the bar up one last time and reinserted it into the holder. The droning of the servo motors subsided and became a low whirring sound.

He took a towel and dried his forehead. Meanwhile, he watched Monique and Mei's interaction.

Like a big hedgehog. A big, muscle-bound, scary hedgehog, but still a hedgehog.

"There will be no doubt that Sergant Zhou will do her job satisfactorily. As her superior, she is my responsibility. If there is any doubt on your part that Sergant Zhou is not performing her duties, you are welcome to address those complaints to me, are we clear Sgt Major?" he said seriously.

[Monique McConnel]

Monique flexed her shoulders and replied coolly. "Crystal."

She gives Mei-Ling the eye once more prior to hopping onto one of the treadmills for a jog.

[Richard Winter]

"Good"
Richard got a dumbbell and, using his normal arm, started doing some curls.

That was an interesting introduction to the new company.

(Should we /scene? I don't have anything to add to this ^^; )

[Mei-Ling Zhou]

Mei was dumbfounded by the exchange that had happened before her. It was weird to see Richard as her CO, she had always respected him but now it was different.

"Well I think I'm about ready for a shower and some breakfast."

(Fine by me either way)

[Monique McConnel]

Monique didn't have anything to add. She'd finish up her set and then go for chow.

/ Scene