Maki smiled as she listened to Ariana's story, and nodded when she ended it with an acknowledgement of her rookie status. [color=00a651]"We all have to start somewhere. The odds are more stacked against you than they are for me."[/color] She stated flatly, blunt and honest. It was true - most of them had started their careers in fairly simple roles, compared to being a pilot in the 7th. Even Wes, who started out in the infantry, had to have an easier time jumping into a MAS cockpit for the first time than Ariana did.

As the sirens blared and Alice barked out her warning, Maki snapped into her combat mode almost immediately. [color=00a651]"Fuck! Here?"[/color] She cursed as Captain Alexis' gave the orders to brace and she heard Trapp call them to their machines. [color=00a651]"Well, Ariana, it seems like you're about to undergo your baptism of fire. Congratulations."[/color] As she pulled Ariana along and pushed her ahead towards the hangar, urging the rookie to run. [color=00a651]"Don't worry about breaking in the Astelion, there's no better warm up than an actual combat flight. [i]Keizoku wa chikara nari.[/i] Now get your ass in gear!"[/color]

She rushed back to the hangar, and wasted no time clambering up the catwalk and into the cockpit of her Hellcat and listened to the chatter of her team. [color=00a651]"If you blow yourself Wes, try not to take anyone with you!"[/color] She retorted back with a chuckle as the Hellcat booted up and she ran her eyes along the console to make sure nothing had been damaged in the time it took her to get there. [color=00a651]"At least they're lucky the Coalition attacked while the 101st were docked here, huh? Not so lucky for us."[/color] Maki commented, her lips cracking into a feral grin as she fell the anticipation building in her veins, readying her for a fight.

[color=00a651]"This is Hunter. All systems online, Hellcat ready for launch!"[/color] Maki reported back once the machine was ready. [color=00a651]"Two more kills till I earn my ace. Let's do this."[/color]