for striker_eureka

[gipsy_danger]

((starting here))

True to her word, Gipsy waits.

Of course, she can't do much other than that -- she's fairly constrained by previous injuries, and though her arm has been reattached and repaired she still can't quite walk on her own. This, Gipsy makes abundantly clear in beeps and grumbles, but it's mostly ignored because there's nothing they can do about it quite yet. Progress is being made, but it's not nearly fast enough for her satisfaction.

It's why she's grumpy as hell when he comes the next day; beeps decidedly irritated and far too loud for someone that had been drifting solo with a jaeger the previous day.

(( other conclusions Here. ))

Comments

[striker_eureka]

You know why.

If he were anyone else, Herc would probably find it weird that he's flirting with a thousand-ton robot. But, this is the reality of his life, so he doesn't really make a big deal about it.

[gipsy_danger]

Enlighten me?

She won't beat him right away. She will at least take her time.

[striker_eureka]

Girlie, you tease me more than anyone else in this 'dome.

He appreciates her restraint.

[gipsy_danger]

Laughter echoes and she steals another piece.

Do you dislike it? I could stop.

[striker_eureka]

I never said that.

He manages to steal a piece of her own, but like he predicted, this is going to be a short game. Hercules never really had the patience for chess.

[gipsy_danger]

Very short.

Very vehemently spoken. Are you that fond of me?

She moves a piece in response.

Check.

[striker_eureka]

I'm here every day, aren't I?

He looks down at the board in surprise and scowls.

Aw Christ. Dammit, Gipsy, you're just smarter than me, it seems.

[gipsy_danger]

You are. It surprises me. You have other duties, yet you still set aside time to entertain me.

She chuckles, the sound echoing around him.

You can still win. Think, Hercules. This is a strategy game.

[striker_eureka]

I just want to make sure you're okay. And I like you. That helps a lot.

He keeps scowling, feeling put out about losing to a giant robot, but then he remembers that they're sharing a consciousness right now, and that makes it a little easier. He moves a piece on the board.

You give me far too much credit, love. I'm just a pilot.

[gipsy_danger]

She gives a nudge to his consciousness, berating him a little for that mentality. She takes another piece in retaliation.

You are far more than just a pilot, Hercules. You are a jaeger pilot - you must be on your feet at all times and think outside the box. Do so now. You can beat me.

[striker_eureka]

Battling a Kaiju is far different from battling you, Gipsy.

Still, he does his best. It takes him a little longer to make his next move, but make it he does, snagging one of her pieces and putting it "off the board" where it promptly dissolves into nothingness.

[gipsy_danger]

My point stands.

She approves of that move and looks down at the board, pondering before making another move.

You are a smart man, Hercules.

[striker_eureka]

I think the jury's still out on that one, love.

It takes him longer and longer to make his moves now, thinking over what would and wouldn't be a sound strategy.

[gipsy_danger]

Gipsy is losing more and more pieces in the task, and she seems pleased that she's losing.

Are you truly going to argue with a jaeger?

[striker_eureka]

I argue with everyone. It's the only way I've gotten this far in life.

He can sense her pleasure, and it makes him feel pretty incredulous, but whatever. If that's what she wants...

[gipsy_danger]

I suppose I should thank you for being equal opportunity.

She considers the board.

I do not have any moves, Hercules. I believe you have checkmate.

[striker_eureka]

I'm not going to go easy on you just 'cause you're a pretty girl, love.

He stares at the board suspiciously for a moment before visibly brightening.

Well, would you look at that. Checkmate.

[gipsy_danger]

She laughs again.

Congratulations. You have just beat a jaeger in a game of chess. Are you proud of yourself?

[striker_eureka]

I'm right tickled, as a matter of fact.

He grins at her, or the vague idea of her that is hovering around the edge of his consciousness.

[gipsy_danger]

She floods him with her pride, enveloping him in it.

Good. Now, you should go. Rest, and come back in two days. I will have a surprise for you, Hercules Hansen.

[striker_eureka]

Two days? He huffs, playing up his distress at being banished even though it feels surprisingly good to have a robot be proud of him.

Gipsy, darling, you're breaking my heart.

[gipsy_danger]

Two days will be torture, but-- it'll be worth it, she thinks.

I know, Sweetheart. You'll survive. I promise.

[striker_eureka]

You know, it's very cruel to send me away and then tell me you have a surprise for me. I'm not very good with surprises.

He's trying not to laugh, though. Apparently his bad habit of slipping into flirting with women is rubbing off on this Jaeger. By the time Raleigh comes back, she'll be incorrigible.

[gipsy_danger]

I have no doubt that you will be able to handle it.

Raleigh is going to either be pleased or very confused.

Go on then.

[striker_eureka]

This time he lets himself laugh.

Alright, fine. I can see you want time away from this old man.

Being Drifted means he doesn't stand up or pack away the chessboard, it just disappears.

I'll see you later then, Gipsy. And, because he knows when to follow orders, he starts the disconnect sequence.