Recogntion

=== Recognition ===
31 December 2024
Hermann recognizes the blonde man in the elevator before Marshal 
Pentecost introduces him. He ducks behind a sample tank, hoping to avoid
 any interaction. Despite himself, he feels sympathy for the former 
Jaeger pilot. He's never been comfortable expressing emotions in front 
of strangers and the temptation to do so now and embarrass himself is 
strong. Hiding is the best strategy, he thinks. Of course, Newton has to
 make a scene and needs to be saved from his ignorance. Hermann does his
 best, but his lab partner insists on saying a number of exactly the 
wrong things to the newcomer. Even Miss Mori rolls her eyes at the 
exchange and Hermann is impressed with the pilot's restraint.
When their temporary companions leave for the Jaeger bay, Hermann
 allows Newt herd him back into the elevator before rounding on the 
smaller man and grabbing him by the back of his collar. Newt squirms 
free of the grip and looks at Hermann in confusion. It's exceedingly 
rare for Hermann to initiate any physical contact and the action has him
 on edge.
“Have you any idea who that man is, Newton?” he hisses.
“Yeah, another jerk Jaeger pilot,” Newton replies sulkily, straightening his collar somewhat.
“That is Raleigh Becket.”
“Doesn't ring any bells, man. Should I know him? He come to the 
Christmas party or something? You know I don't remember much of what 
happened after Tendo showed up with the moonshine.”
“Idiot! Mister Becket was a Jaeger pilot....”
“I already knew that....” Newt rolls his eyes and starts to turn 
away. Hermann seizes him by the scruff of the neck and spins him around,
 bringing their faces within inches.
”Listen for once, you insufferable little menace! Mister Becket's
 brother was killed by a Kaiju during battle. While they were still 
engaged in a neural handshake.” Newt freezes for a second while the 
information sinks in. ““He died with his brother. That man was killed by
 a Kaiju. And you,” he jabs Newt in the chest with the handle of his 
cane, “spout nonsense to him about how wonderful and beautiful those 
beasts are.” Hermann takes a step back as Newt looks appropriately 
horrified. “You are very lucky he did not beat you senseless.”
Newt's response is quiet. “Oh. He was one of the Knifehead guys. The one who made it to shore on his own.”
“Yes, Newton. He is.” There's a pause while Newt adjusts his rolled up sleeves.
“Okay. We were both jerks,” Newt says, turning his palms up in 
gesture of acceptance. Hermann sighs. That is as close to an admission 
of wrongdoing as one is likely to get from Newt. “Pentecost has him here
 to pilot that rebuilt Jaeger, right?” Hermann nods. “Great! I'll make 
it up to him by figuring out exactly how to get that bomb into the 
Breach.”
“Your ridiculous plan to Drift with the Kaiju brain? As I've told you before, that's not going to work!”
“It will totally work, dude!”
“I should have encouraged Mister Becket to knock you unconscious.”
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