2023-01-01: New Controls
- Cutscene: New Controls
- Cast: Enba Rezza, Licia Chovan (NPCs of Eight York)
- Where: Denver Colony, Side 6
- Date: 0097 1 1
- Summary: Enba Rezza and Licia Chovan work in secret on… something. It was Orlodhari's idea.
"These controls are very different from those of the Ra Mari. Are you sure that we should not ask them to use more familiar mechanisms? Mr. Orlodhari said that they could choose from a variety of options." Enba Rezza's voice is calm and clipped, as usual–they are regarding the controls in question with sharp features and a critical eye. Their green hair manages to be neat and well-kept despite the messy machinery.
The controls in question are half-installed in front of what was a much larger console before. The exposed metal of the room's interior is an obvious work-in-progress.
"They're different," Licia Chovan agrees, "But it's fine–these are actually more responsive, which is probably why he picked them. I can get used to them easy–I'm a great pilot." The black-haired woman points to herself with a beaming smile.
"You are skilled," they admit. Their nose wrinkles. It might just be because of the unfinished condition of the console, or it might be the discomfort of the atmospheric controls still being adjusted. However…
"You don't have to sound so begrudging about it!" Chovan complains. She puts her hands on her hips, waiting for a reversal.
"Over-effusive praise would be inappropriate, given my position and yours." Their nose unwrinkles. They level a brown-eyed gaze down at Chovan–they're taller, and Chovan is leaned over the controls.
So the helmswoman sighs, but she's hiding an amused smile. "I don't think it's over- at all!" She stands up and then leans on Rezza, who frowns a little. She continues, "You're nicer off duty…"
"That is different. …This," they gesture to Chovan affectionately leaning against their shoulder,, " is not an appropriate working relationship."
"Because we're serving together?" Chovan doesn't lift off.
"I am your superior officer." Rezza continues to peer at her.
"True! But according to the regulations, there's no prohibition on officer/officer relationships provided that you can remain impartial. And you don't decide my promotions…" She rattles it off like she's quoting regulations though she's really just paraphrasing.
"This seems like a technicality." Rezza's eyes narrow.
"It is," cheerfully. "But part of your job too is to motivate us. And I feel very motivated!"
"...Don't mistake me." Pause. "I like technicalities."
Rezza puts an arm around Chovan and squeezes her shoulder before, "All right. Back to work. We can continue that later." Pat, pat. They disentangle.
"Right!" Victorious, Chovan laughs a little–and then straightens to look down at the console. "Anyway I've done as the engineers asked, so we can go tell them…"
"Good," Rezza says. "We need this done as soon as possible. Mr. Orlodhari may be right…"
"I trust him," Chovan answers, finally taking on a serious expression. "And you know the rumors about the Captain. It might be a matter of time–I'm already feeling the pressure, myself."
"Because of your history," Rezza replies, already knowing it. "A pilot formerly of Zeon, serving under a Captain who was a secret project and now has ties to potentially subversive elements, who has already been investigated by G-Hound…"
"At least nobody's come to bother me like that in a while," Chovan answers with a grimace. "But that's mostly because of the Captain and Bright Noa. It was only Captain Ulyse who gave me a shot in the first place."
"And me, too. I owe the old Captain much. …But so too do I owe Captain York. Still… I will shield you as I can, as well." They pause. "Because you're a good officer. Not because of our personal relationship."
"Thanks. I actually believe that, too. …But c'mon. Maybe he has more for us to do."
The two leave the unfinished console, and continue through the cavernous halls that await immediately outside the chamber…