DT 2022: Booster Frame Prep

“Have you ever used one of these before?”
Merlin-D032 didn’t quite hear ONI technician Hassani staring up at his unemotive visor.
His eyes stuck to the spindly construct of skeletal missile tubes, chin-mounted gauss rail cannon, and starfighter-grade mini boosters at the rear. The techs strapped a control console and a cheap plastic seat at the center. An amalgamation of parts; a sight never meant for average eyes and the ugly metal war-beast probably knew it somehow.
Hassani offered the Spartan another brief pause, and then asked again.
Pulled from his thoughts, Merlin shook his head.
“No. I’ve not used the…”
The Spartan’s outstretched metal hand gestured in circular invitation.
“—Booster Frame.” Hassani finished, disinterested doubt materializing upon her oil-smeared face as she shifted her weight to a hip.
Merlin nodded, “Right. Booster Frame. I’ve done sim-time on them; I’ve got an idea how they work.”
“Do you need a refresher? We can postpone the mission a little if you need…"
“No, it's alright,” Merlin shook his head as his eyes glanced to the hooded, hologram-blue lady standing next to Hassani for which only he could see. “I think I can get the hang of it. My personal AI can do the rest.”
“You Spartans are a little attached to your AI…” Hassani trailed off once more.
“Know many Spartans?” Merlin asked back.
Hassani paused for a moment, “Not really.”
Merlin shrugged, “Well, you’re somewhat on the mark. We do like our AI.”
“Right,” Hassani shrugged and walked off to do something better. “Good luck on the op. Bring me a postcard or something.”
Merlin’s eyes drifted back to the hologram hoodie standing next to him with a small smirk on her transparent lips. Somewhere in the conversation, Althea, his said Smart AI, went around to stand next to Merlin.
“I get this feeling you got more enjoyment out of annoying her than I did.” Merlin noted.
“Well, I do appreciate knowing I’m wanted. Your unfiltered thoughts are a nice ego boost, but it's nice to hear you say it."
"Oh, so it wasn't about annoying her then?" Merlin asked, shifting towards his companion and playfully waving his hand through her form.
Althea swiped at him and ducked despite the unnecessity in the overgesture. She continued, "I can't exactly be jealous since you already belong to another me. But it was nice to see you chase her off."
Merlin couldn't hide his smile, remembering his-and-Althea's "other half."
"Hassani's nice, but she's not Andra."
"No one ever can be."