Battle Scar Soldiers

==Tales of a Coyote==
Please see "Tales of a Coyote". 
Part One of Battle Scar Soldiers. 
==Hell of a Brawl==
Please see "Hell of a Brawl".
Part Two of Battle Scar Soldiers. 
==Into the Blue==
Please see "Into the Blue". 
Part Three of Battle Scar Soldiers. 
==Call of the Wild Yukon==
Please see "Call of the Wild Yukon".
Part Four of Battle Scar Soldiers.
==Lucky Break==
Please see "Lucky Break". 
Part Five of Battle Scar Soldiers. 
==Skyscraper-sized Cat==
(Originally uploaded 20:39, August 21, 2015‎.)
Sydney, Australia
-April 5, 2018-
Uh ... bro? Romeo sounds as sheepish as his code allows. I don't know what to do.
Coyote responds with a pulse of confusion. What's the problem?
I was checkin' on Dad through his tablet an-and I didn't mean to pry, but ... well ... Romeo pushes a memory over the link. Here.
Coyote's link flares with surprise. You're not joking? This isn't Photoshop or CGI?
No! Straight up, Coyote. That's Dad. Romeo peeks again and the wings are still there, rising and falling with Dad's deep breaths. The warm, vibrant colors of the wings make him pull the equivalent of a smile. Take a look.
This isn't in his medical file. Coyote pauses. Brawler, Lucky, get over here.
What on earth is going on? Brawler pitches in with a slight wave of worry.
Yeah, mate, Lucky adds with a dry tone, what gives?
Romeo checked on Dad and saw this. Coyote shares the images with the other Jaegers.
Oh. Oh my. Brawler shifts the images a bit and examines them closely.
You're not telling us a furphy? Lucky demands sharply, his link flickering between protective feelings and awe.
No. Dad isn't like other humans.
Brawler murmurs quietly, Is he human at all? Maybe ... maybe he's like us.
Lucky metaphorically shrugs. Who cares? What he is, mate, is Dad.
Damn right. Romeo growls in agreement.
What can we do? Lucky asks as his link flares with determination.
We keep this secret. We don't even tell our pilots.
Keep something from our pilots? Coyote, we never do that! Brawler sounds upset but Romeo can see the logic behind it.
This is different from the other things we learn. It's not anywhere in his files. I don't think Dad wants anyone to know.
An' you know how awful humans can be about differences.
The same thing he's worried could happen to us could happen to him, Romeo voices the thing they know is true.
All the Jaegers shiver.
Romeo's memory and everything else related to this goes under the highest encryption we have. We see any mention of this on any network, we destroy it. No one but us knows. Ever. The steel in Coyote's voice is matched by the rest of them.
If any more of us wake up we tell them about him, yeah?
Of course. His human family must know; it's why we don't like Lars. We're family too and we'll keep it secret. Dad's safe with us.
==Protector of The Heart==
Please see "Protector of the Heart".
==Tango Like You Mean It==
Please see "Tango Like You Mean It". 
Part Seven of Battle Scar Soldiers.
==Where Art Thou, Romeo==
Losing someone is never easy, but when you technically don't exist? It's even worse.
Part Eight of Battle Scar Soldiers.
===Kabiri===
-May 10, 2024; Seattle, WA, United States-
It starts like any other Kaiju battle: the klaxon sounds and Romeo waits in his bay for Bruce and Trevin.
It's a Cat IV, I think. I hate those damn things, Trevin complains, scrubbing at his face while their trusted Drivesuit team tightens the screws on his armor.
Wrecked a nice dream, too, Bruce sighs over the link as they're released to the Conn-pod.
About what? Romeo asks as they sync up to his systems and get the all clear from LOCCENT.
An image flashes through the shared Drift.
On second thought, says Romeo, data pinking a little, I don't wanna know.
Good choice there, Big Gun, says Trevin, shaking his head clear.
Real mature, guys, Bruce huffs to cover a fierce blush.
The flight to Seattle passes quietly.
Romeo breaks the silence. I don't like this, he frets. Going out alone.
What? Relax, Ro. We've done this plenty 'a times before, Bruce soothes with a wash of confidence.
But so many of us have gone down like this since Gipsy. Please, guys, ask for back-up.
Ro's right, Bruce. No one's made it outta a one-on-one with a Cat IV, Trevin's worry flows over the link on a wave of impressions of wrecked Jaegers and dead Rangers.
C'mon, guys. We've survived this long; no little Kaiju like this one's gonna get us, Bruce challenges even though his part of the bond wavers. We got this sucker.
Alright. Can we make this one get a sand facial? Romeo laughs as they land solidly in the harbor.
We'll try!
Sure thing, Big Gun.
The simultaneous responses boost Romeo's flagging confidence, especially as they get their first look at the Kaiju, with its huge jaws and powerful forelimbs as it bursts from the water to greet them.
Codename 'Kabiri.'
Let's take it down! yells Bruce.
They charge in, arm cocked back and ready.
The first punch lands and Kabiri staggers back.
The battle's on.
When the Kaiju swipes at the Conn-pod, Romeo blocks with a speed exceeding his specs.
Not my pilots, asshole! snarls Romeo as they back up to fire his chest Gatling.
They cheer as Kabiri burns.
Kabiri, smoldering, lurches for them—Romeo dodges—Giant claws shatter his visor—Too slowly—Stab through his chest—Romeo-Trev-Bruce screams—Hydraulic lines snap—Kabiri seizes an arm and wrenches it off—Romeo bleeds fluid and fuel—
And Bruce-Romeo-Trev knows what he has to do to save the city.
I-I'm sorry, says Romeo.
It's okay, Big Gun. Our number's up. Do what we have to, soothes Bruce, flooding the Bond with love.
I love you both so much, Romeo quavers.
We love you, too, Romeo, replies Trevin. Do it.
I'm so sorry. I won't let you suffer.
Romeo calculates the exact trajectory he needs and rushes Kabiri head-on.
Thanks. You can always find us in the Drift.
Romeo's flying tackle forces the Kaiju beneath the water's surface, crushing its skull.
The angle of impact breaks the twins' necks and severs their brain stems.
I know.
They don't feel a thing.
===Nightmare===
-10 May 2026; Puanga-Rua, WKO, New Zealand-
Romeo's pain-loss-hopeless screams wake half the other Jaegers napping in their charging bays. He disengages his frame's connection and lets it fall to the floor.
Worry-comfort floods their network as Romeo's siblings entwine themselves in his frazzled data.
He shakes free. I-I can't! I can't kee— Romeo stretches, fractures, even as he forces his frame out of the bay, down to the island's shore.
Striker latches onto his presence and follows, radiating understanding-consolation.
Romeo stumbles into the waves. How do I know, Strike?
Know what? Striker catches Romeo's frame before he collapses into the waves.
If I can find 'em in the Drift?
Striker sparkles with affection. They're there alright. Ye jus' gotta look.
Romeo flickers confusion.
Simple, really. Here. Striker takes Romeo's hand and tugs him above the surf line. Sit with me fer a sec.
They fold to the sand.
Striker envelopes Romeo's data, keeps holding his hand. Think 'a th' last moment with 'em.
Strike, I—
A spark of determination-anger flares from zher. Don' argue wit' me. Ye wanna see 'em, right?
Romeo shrinks, ragged edges smoothing. Agreement.
Then listen. Striker pulses understanding-encouragement. Reach fer that last moment, even if it hurts like hell.
Romeo gathers himself and pushes himself into his single most painful memory, keening.
He and his world shift to the glowing blue he's only seen in the Drift.
"What took you so long, Big Gun?" asks Bruce, snagging Romeo's right hand.
Trevin graps the left, teasing, "Yeah! We've been waiting."
Romeo glimmers with happiness as he sees the three of them are the same height. And Bruce and Trev have surfboards!
"We wanna show you the green room!"
"C'mon!"
The trio laugh and laugh and laugh at Romeo's attempts to surf. Even with Drift-transferred skills, he's objectively terrible.
Not that he cares.
Once they're exhausted, they head back to the brothers' house to meet Meeps.
Romeo glows from his core at the discovery he and the cat purr at the same frequency. They purr together as he sits between Bruce and Trev on the couch.
Bruce sighs and looks at Romeo with shiny eyes. "Hey. You can't stay forever, Big Gun. You gotta go back." He strokes Romeo's new visor.
Trevin pats his shoulder. "Gotta go keep your Dad company."
"Can I come back?" Romeo's voice quivers.
"Of course!"
"Any time!"
The twins smile as they pull him up off the couch.
"I'll always love you," says Romeo.
Bruce hugs him tightly and kisses the top of his head. "I know."
"We love you, too," says Trev. "Now get back to that pretty Jaeger of yours."
Romeo red-shifts all the way to infrared. "You know about Ashao?!" he yelps as they shove him to the edge of the Drift.
"Ha! Knew before you did!"
"See ya, Big Gun!"
Romeo rocks back into his frame. He recalibrates his sensors after the blue of the Drift and scans his environment.
The sun's peeking over the water and his head is pillowed on Striker's thigh.
Thanks, Striker, he purrs.
Dun menshunit.
Ya get to see your boys there?
Striker flickers silver-sad. 've only got mem'ries, Romeo.
Romeo flares with surprise. Why not?
They're- they can't reach th' Drift. Something's holdin' 'em up. Striker blurs as loss-blue filters into zher's presence. Same with Gipsy's Big Becket.
'm sorry, Strike, Romeo wraps Striker in a layer of love-compassion-together. So we need to keep living for ourselves and them.
Yep. I wanna talk t' 'em again so badly, Striker vibrates with spikes of eager green, but I kin wait. Long as it takes.
And I'll be here with ya, Strike.
Thanks, Ro.
They watch the sunrise, together.
==Cherno and Sunshine==
Part Nine of Battle Scar Soldiers 
-January 30, 2021-
Alpha floats into Papa's dreams purring softly, helping Mama soothe the Kaiju nightmare bubbling there.
Slowly Papa's dream flows to a place of laughter and good food and home-safe.
Sure Papa will sleep well, Alpha flickers off to Baba's tablet humming the Ukrainian national anthem. He triggers the tablet's message alert as quietly as he can. He does not want to upset Baba's work on the Breach emergence equation.
The man turns to face his tablet, a frown creasing his brow.
Alpha whines softly as he debates whether or not asking Mama would be a better choice. Baba? You have time to speak now?
Baba sits down and massages his knee as he settles in the chair. Alpha? he types. This is a surprise. It is quite early in the morning.
I am ... disrupting?
Baba gives a small smile as he pats the tablet. Not at all.
Alpha purrs as his coding warms under the attention.
I do appreciate all of you and I did need a tea break. One moment please.
Alpha giggles as he weaves himself deeper into the tablet's code and pops open a messaging program.
Perhaps I shall have star anise this morning .... What do you think I should eat for breakfast?
Porridge! Baba laughs at that, the fondness in his eyes leaving Alpha glowing like a firework. With eggs?
Ah. It has been quite some time since I've had a decent Russian breakfast. Thank you for the suggestion. Now, Alpha, darling, what was your question? Baba is very soft as he types his response onto the tablet screen.
Papa's birthday is soon. Don't know what to get him that will arrive on time, Alpha says with a burst of helplessness.
In her sleep, Mama reaches to comfort him.
Gipsy slips in and among his data in a cuddle. Y'okay, Alpha? she murmurs drowsily.
Alpha washes fondness down their private link. Hmm, I am good. Sleep. He cradles Gipsy in his much thicker data until she falls back into slow-steady-sleep.
Oh? Time does fly. Have you thought of possible gifts? Baba asks before he scoops up the tablet, making sure it falls into standby, as he walks to the cafeteria.
Baba taps the tablet awake to see Alpha's reply, his tea curling steam as he takes a bite of porridge. The eggs are right next to the bowl, as Alpha suspected they would be.
Tea or coffee. Coyote said he would help if it was material, Alpha offers, glowing at Mama's certain happiness at nice cup of tea with Papa on his special day. I want it to be ... meaningful, da?
Baba sips his tea thoughtfully.
My human ID is almost ready, Alpha offers.
That is good news about your ID. As for a gift, might I suggest a new volume of poetry? I do have one of your Papa's. Baba pauses, digs around in the coat Alpha knows came from Papa, and comes up with a well-worn hardback. This title holds sentimental value for him and he will appreciate anything from you, I am quite sure.
"Yīshēng Gottlieb, may I sit here?" asks one of Typhoon's techs, if Alpha is any judge. The dragon is a dead giveaway.
"You may," Baba inclines his head in permission.
The shorter human takes their place and attacks their breakfast.
Thank you Baba. Now ... to find delivery service.
Good luck, Alpha. Tell your Papa I wish him a happy birthday and that he remains in good health. The soft golden eyes flare green, the tapetum lucidum shining from the angle Alpha has as Baba cracks his eggs with his stirring spoon.
Yes, Baba. Love you.
Baba flushes a shade of pink Mama called a blush.
Alpha giggles as the tech studiously looks elsewhere. Bye.
Goodbye, darling. The pink fades slightly as Baba double-taps the message app to hide it.
Alpha hums at the touch, soaking in the faint changes in the tablet's electrical field as Baba carefully traces his fingertips over the screen as he eats.
Alpha presses against Mama's edge of the Bond, sending a visual of a cat head-butting their owner's hand. Mama?
Yes, Jaeger child? Mama's presence is warm-fur-steel and she envelopes him in a hug. You have something to ask?
Da. Tea, coffee or book for Papa? Alpha purrs as Mama's warmth surrounds him.
Ah. You are very sweet, little one, Mama croons as she passes admiration-agreement down the Bond with a thick wash of love right behind it. Did your siblings help?
No, Baba did. Alpha sends the memory and Mama laughs as she cradles him.
Little bird is lonely but not entirely alone. I am glad the Jaegers are very affectionate. Mama sighs as a flicker of a memory slips down the Bond; Baba on his own in a cold place much like Vladivostok, shoulders hunched as he eats alone. It is good you keep him company.
We love Baba. We must talk and make sure we keep a watch over him, Alpha hums as he plans that meeting while listening to Mama.
I know, sladkiy okhotnik. He needs you as much as we do, she murmurs as she soothes Papa deeper into sleep. I know where we can find a new copy of my bear's book. Come.
After Mama receives clearance to leave the Shatterdome for the city, Alpha joins her.
Mama has escorts, but they are very ... discreet. She can take care of herself, after all. Mama's breath curls into the air like fog.
Alpha hums softly, a tune that Gipsy had overheard while skipping through the web.
What is that? Mama asks.
Alpha stops, twists his data into a nervous knot.
No, no, it's alright. I just wanted to know where you heard it. She smooths down his ruffled emotions and pulses back calm-safe-warm.
Gipsy heard it on the web, he replies, stretching himself to touch Papa.
Papa gives back love-happy-light.
Ah. Continue, please?
Alpha giggles as Mama's sweetness tickles as he picks up the tune again.
You don't have to stop when your Papa and I ask you something, little okhotnik.
I do not want to cause you trouble. You are busy. Kaiju, public appearances, official meetings—
Oh, Alpha. You're always welcome. We want you to bother us during those meetings; they're so boring that your Papa and I have taken to betting on which Suit will say 'Kaiju' more often, Mama croons as she gathers him up in a hug. Alpha drowns in a wave of whitecoats-impossible-pain chokes Alpha before Mama cuddles him more tightly. Never doubt that you are wanted.
Yes Mama. Alpha threads himself through Mama, both of them glowing happily as Mama enters the book store.
Da, little one. Books have a warmth-home smell all their own.
Mm-hmm! May we get more than one? Alpha asks, reading some of the titles.
Mama laughs aloud; other customers turn to look.
«May I help you, madam?» an older human (so small compared to Papa and Mama!) asks in a soft voice.
«Yes. I need Anna Ahkmatova's complete works, volumes I through IV.»
«A fine choice,» the man gives a slight nod as he wanders away, leaving Mama and Alpha alone with the books.
Mama trails her fingers down the spines, some worn, some not.
Alpha purrs as a title catches his attention. Can we get this one? He sends the image.
She turns to the proper shelf and uses her index finger to coax it from the shelf. The book is a bit battered but still very much readable.
The Blue Sword. Interesting title, little one. Let us see the back. Mama scans the summary and tucks the book under her arm, her fingertips grazing the sci-fi and fantasy books. What about this one? She pulls down a book with dragons on the cover.
Dragonriders of Pern? I like to read new things.
Then we will get books for you and Aleksis. These two and your Papa's books in separate bags, hmm?
Perfect!
And we will ask our Squire to acquire tea or chocolate for my bear. That is her job, yes?
Squire?
Nika is our Squire. She makes things run smoothly.
Visuals bloom of a very pretty dark-haired woman, her lips painted with the same red lipstick as Mama's.
She is very good at her job. Nika likes order. Mama snorts. I might pity the triplets if they cross her.
The woman's dark eyes take Alpha's measure. The latency is minimal but Nika's gait is uneven, Alpha notes, and he silently presses question across the Bond.
She lost her leg to a Mongolian gray wolf. The wolf lost its life, Mama states with a flash of dry humor. She has a prosthetic but she does not let it slow her.
I admire her.
We all do. She's also our spare pilot if Papa or I am injured.
No, Alpha growls. I will kill Kaiju before it touches you.
Alpha ....
I will not allow it.
Alpha, little okhotnik. Mama centers him, pulses love-affection-exasperation down the Bond. We're not immortal. Whether we die fighting Kaiju or of other things ... death is not something you can fight and win.
Alpha whines, but concedes, Yes, Mama. Will try hard to make sure Mama and Papa live a very, very long time. Longer than there are Kaiju.
I love you but you are very stubborn, hmm?
Yes.
Mama laughs over the link and shares something with Papa which causes Papa's amusement to flood their Bond.
.
Alpha waits in Mama's tablet, admiring the Jaeger stickers which decorate its opaque backing. The casing is very thin and Lucky showed him how to see the stickies with UV light. He hums as he brushes each: Horizon Brave I (paper says they are best team; Alpha pulses hmph!), Shaolin Rogue, Tacit Ronin, Eden Assassin, Nova Hyperion.
So many teams Mama and Papa have met!
Alpha glows happily when Striker's sticker shows up in infrared as well as UV. Echo Saber, Coyote Tango, Brawler Yukon (from Mama and Papa's days at the Academy!), Romeo Blue, Gipsy Danger (the last two sent by Baba), Lucky Seven (sent by unhappy Striker pilot to Baba who sent it even further) and latest addition, Vulcan Specter.
He has mixed emotions about that one. They'd dropped with Vulcan Specter and oh Mama had been very angry with them. Papa's anger was quieter, certainly, but still radiated from him in waves.
Neither Specter pilot had even bothered to pick a fight with Mama or Papa; Lucky had passed information that they fought nearly every team they came across. But... It seemed like Mama and Papa had put the fear of Cherno in the brothers.
Alpha squeaks when Papa wakes, then purrs in a loving embrace that includes Mama.
Good morning, Alpha.
Papa! You're awake early. Alpha curls into Papa's support, fluttering with curiosity as Papa turns on the tiny stove to cook.
Mama is still asleep.
Alpha softly presses question.
My sunshine deserves as much attention as I do, hmm, little okhotnik?
Why so early?
That is our secret, Alpha. Can you keep it? Papa asks seriously but with a sweet-flutter-warmth flavor.
Da, Alpha hums as he monitors Mama's still sleepy presence.
I want to take Mama out for dinner and nice star-gazing. Spoil her.
But ... is your birthday, Alpha states quietly.
True. I'm sure you and Mama have something up your sleeves, Papa declares with a smile, walking back to Mama and curling around her while the water boils for breakfast. He presses kisses along her neck and—
Alpha knows where that is going. He squeaks as he flees to Baba's tablet, Mama and Papa's laughter chasing him along the closing link.
When he slides back into the Bond, Mama is giggling from whiskery kisses. Both she and Papa radiate bliss, tangled in each other.
Alpha avoids thinking of the reason why.
Alpha has returned, sunshine, Papa hums as they eat.
Hello, little one. Did you have any sibling time?
Yes. Gipsy and I beat a guild in Coyote's game. Brawler knocked out their leader; he said we are getting better. Almost good enough to join big guild! Romeo said he was very proud, Alpha rattles off with flashes of battles.
Good, very good. Sunshine? Papa asks Mama.
Alpha listens.
Yes, my bear. Mama is fondness-tender-teasing as she answers.
Would you like to go out for dinner and star-gaze? Papa inquires with a splash of soft-adoration.
«Aleksis ....» Mama rolls her eyes and giggles. Papa flutters his eyelashes. «Very well,» sighs Mama.
«Good, good. You have an appointment with Nika's stylist at eleven and Nika herself at two for your nails,» Papa rumbles as he cards his fingers through Mama's thick strands. «Is that okay?»
«Oh, Aleksis, you spoil me so.»
«I have a mini-spa day and so should you. The repair crew gave me a certificate. I will be just as groomed as you, darling.» He punctuates the promise with a kiss.
«Well, then, Alpha and I should be going, hmm?»
.
Mama is poised gracefully at the bottom of the staircase, dressed to kill in a sparkling floor-length crimson gown and wrapped in a rabbit-fur stole. Her blood red lips curve into a smile that matches Papa's when he offers her his elbow. Every eye in the room watches her as she sashays up the thickly carpeted stairs in black stiletto heels.
Nika did an incredible job with his Mama if Alpha has any say.
Mama checks her wrap, links her arm with Papa's, and approaches the hostess.
The young woman flushes as Mama and Papa near. She licks her lips nervously, says, «Reservations?»
«Two under 'Kaidanovsky',» Papa murmurs, smiling sweetly.
Tension drains from the hostess's face. «We have you seated at Table Eight, in the center. Would you, um, prefer a more private table?» she offers, her cheeks pinking again.
«That place suits us perfectly.» Mama allows the hostess to lead them to the table, walking serenely. «Poor thing,» she says in Ukrainian. «Did you see her blushing?»
The waiter hovers nervously as Mama hands Papa her purse and pulls out his seat, settling him before seeing her own chair.
«She was looking at you, sunshine,» Papa chuckles.
«Oh, really,» purrs Mama. «Are you sure she wasn't admiring you?»
«Very sure.» Papa's eyes crinkle. «She didn't even see me.»
A throat clears beside Papa.
Mama and Papa glance up.
«I am your waiter for tonight, Yvanko,» announces a trim young man in Russian. He addresses Papa: «May I offer you a glass of our house wine?»
Alpha snickers.
«We'll be having the 1946 vodka,» Mama orders with a smirk, «and ... one moment.» She looks to Papa as she switches to Ukrainian. «What do you feel like eating?»
Papa smiles. «The farmed lobster sounds delicious,» he replies as he scans the menu. «They have my favorite. Wonderful.»
Alpha tastes medovik through the Bond.
«Then that is what you shall have. Only the best for my bear, hmm?» Mama croons with a tender look at Papa. To the waiter, in Russian, she says, «Two orders of lobster and the honey cake.»
«Anything else, Madame?»
«No,» Mama assures the man. She dismisses the waiter with a nod and turns to Papa. «Did you have a good time at the spa?»
«Of course!» laughs Papa. «They buried me in mud.»
Heads turn at the sound.
«I thoroughly enjoyed it. I shall have to bring you next time. What were you two up to while I was gone?»
«That is our secret for now, Aleksis.»
«You were not out shopping for that marvelous dress?» Papa asks with a tilt of his head.
«This?» Mama looks down at herself. «Nika had it hiding at the back of her closet and swore I would wear it better than her.» She winks coyly.
Papa gives her a fond look in return.
«And the heels, sunshine?» Papa asks, gesturing for one of her feet.
She offers it. «I was saving them for a special occasion like tonight,» she replies as she turns her ankle in the golden light. «They also double as weaponry. Nika showed me how to—»
«Ah. She is triple-prepared, our Squire. There is no need for it, but 'just in case' is Nika's motto,» Papa remarks dryly, releasing Mama's foot.
The water, vodka, and lobster arrive at their appointed times and Mama and Papa share a pleasant meal quoting pieces of poems to each other in both Ukrainian and Russian.
Alpha knows that, to watching eyes, Mama and Papa look like any other couple enjoying a night out.
The honey cake arrives bearing a tiny candle and the restaurant staff sing a quiet "Happy Birthday" to Papa.
«Your gifts are in my purse under the touch-up kit. Little One and I prepared in advance,» Mama divulges with pride-pleasure-affection.
«You did?» Papa lifts out the packages and unwraps them gently. «Anna Ahkmatova's complete works. You went book shopping with our little okhotnik?»
«A little bird suggested it to him and he asked for my help in getting the volumes. The chocolate is my gift.» She hums as Papa leans over the table to give her a very sweet kiss. «Now, cake and then that star-gazing you mentioned.»
«Of course, my sunshine.»
.
The stars are plentiful, the fog having lifted for the moment.
Alpha hums as he uses the camera function to view the stars with Mama and Papa. Gipsy slips into the phone and twines herself through Alpha's data.
Gipsy?
Mmm.
I think today was a good day.
It sure was. Better than Raleigh's birthday last year. Flickers of nightmares like Papa's slip from Gipsy. She pulls them back and buries them within her data. He'll heal but ... it'll take time. And that's one thing not on our side.
We should enjoy what we have, I think. Your Left, he is alive and breathing, Alpha offers as they further entangle themselves. Mama and Papa at least are not sick like Coyote's first bond-mates. We are well-off.
Maybe. Coyote was right, I guess.
Alpha pulses question.
He said we all might lose our physical bodies and maybe even more.
Then we are lucky to have pilots and maybe a chance for something more, Alpha murmurs.
He presses as much love as he can down the Bond with Mama and Papa, bathes in their wash of love.
Yes, he might not have much but it is more than enough.
==Eureka, They're at it Again==
Part Ten of Battle Scar Soldiers.
-August 14, 2021
Zhe waited for the sound of a Kaiju klaxon to wake Chuck up. Striker found that the monsters struck at the most inconvenient moments possible; hopefully today and certainly tomorrow would be peaceful when Chuck was sleeping in. Zher practically dared the Kaiju to surface: zhe would put them a thousand feet under if they even thought about coming up today.
The regular sounds of a working Shatterdome kept zher on zhe's toes. When Chuck shuffled into the Jaeger Bays, zhe shifted minutely to show that zher was awake.
Hey. Chuck's soft in the mornings, sleepy and wrapped in a blanket that smelled suspiciously like Pietr while groggily holding a panting Max.
Did you take him out yet? Striker asked as zhe turned the camera feeds to the traditional loop the aware Jaegers use when they're moving physically. Zhe made sure that no one else was up this early, scooping Chuck up while cradling him and Max close.
Mm-mm. Old man did it earlier n now he's God-knows-where.
So it's you, me n Max. zhe hummed as zher stood back up and settled zher's pilot and pet up on zhe's shoulder pauldron. The video loop broke and showed normal again, save for the fact that Chuck was now high off the ground.
Pietr's getting breakfast.
Mm. You sure he should be movin' with that arm of his?
They're packing him off to Tokyo fer rest n then back into physio. Striker flash-flickers the raspberry and a feeling of faint resentment. Yeah. Me too.
Herc popped in and out to check to see if Chuck was still there, zhe's other pilot being sneaky about the birthday set-up both of them (along with Pietr) had planned.
.
Chuck is genuinely surprised by the gifts he gets from his Dad and Pietr. When Striker's presents come around, Chuck snickered before out-right guffawing. Pink hair dye and glitter end up on the table and the meaty bone for Max got set on the floor of zhe's Conn-Pod. Dad's gift will be sent in soon enough.
Zhe's just glad that no Kaiju showed up to ruin a decent day.
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