As the group talked with Ariana, and Nishizumi and Delacroix offered friendly sparring, Alice gave her own playful quip [color=7ea7d8]“While I am at your service for whatever you may want, Miss Williams, sparring would be best left to your organic comrades.”[/color] To emphasize her point, Alice lightly slammed a fist into her other hand’s palm, the impact creating a soft, resounding thud. After, she let out a distorted but cheerful little giggle. Out of all her vocalizations, her voice flanged and echoed the most for the most emotional; her laughs, sobs, and growls. For some this added to her charm, for others it became uncanny valley.

[color=7ea7d8]“But still, don’t be afraid to ask if you’d like to, for example, play a game. Ah, don’t tell my engineers, but I keep a small collection of games under their noses. And by that I mean I have a private hiding spot for them. If they were actually held under their noses, they would undoubtedly be discovered.”[/color] 

Alice still had troubles with idioms and metaphors, at least until they were explained to her. She had overheard this one not long ago and asked Delacroix about it, who explained the connection. This was the first time she used this one, and she hoped she had used it correctly.

As soon as Trapp gave the order, Alice instantly found her way to her spot of the parade line and stood at attention, and saluted Captain Marquis when she was on deck, as protocol demanded.. Once dismissed, she went back to her machine like the others.

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At Captain Marquis’s arrival, Alice smiled and saluted. She opened her mouth to speak, but was set aside by her technicians, who began explaining the state of Alice and her Eagle instead. Her smile becoming a frown, she looked down in resignation. Alexis noticed this and without a word, pushed the lead technician to the side and approached Alice. Resting a reassuring hand on her shoulder and giving a smile, she asked her

[b]“Why don’t you tell me about your MAS, Alice? And more importantly, how are you?”[/b]

When her surprise subsided, Alice returned with her own smile.

[color=7ea7d8]“O-Of course, Captain Marquis! My body and the Eagle are performing at optimal levels.”[/color]

[b]“That’s good to know, but I was asking about you specifically, Alice. I’m aware that you knew about Williams inheriting the Astelion.”[/b]

[color=7ea7d8]“Oh...yes, I apologize, Captain. Ms. Astelion’s death has affected me as well, but I promise not to let it affect me on the battlefield. And I must admit, I am excited to welcome Ms. Williams to the team.”[/color]

[b]“I understand, Alice. Do make sure Williams adjusts well to the 7th. And also, if you’re going to snoop around, make sure you don’t get caught.”[/b], With a last salute and a wink, Alexis left to continue inspections.

[color=7ea7d8]“Yes, Captain Marquis!”[/color]

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After her inspection, Alice plopped down on the floor near the Astelion along with Delacroix and Nishizumi, playing around with something on her datapad. She watched with a small frown as Eric left to Marquis’s office. She couldn’t blame him for his grief, but at the same time, how he treated the new recruit was entirely unacceptable. She couldn’t help letting out a small giggle at Nishizumi’s joke and her speaking with a lollipop in her mouth.

[color=7ea7d8]“Ms. Nishizumi, it’s hard to understand you when you talk with candy in your mouth.”[/color]