[color=gray]Alexis opened her eyes, she had realized she had dozed off in her chair. She sat straight up for a moment before leaning forward over the desk. The captain clenched her teeth, a headache had crept over her, she was mulling everything over so much it had caused a migraine. She pinched the bridge of her nose and looked over at the clock, she had only been asleep for a few minutes, it sure felt like a couple hours to her.

Alexis stood up and stretched, arching her back as she did, sleeping in a chair was never good for the back or neck. [color=white][b]"I should get back to it..."[/b][/color] she mumbled to herself. Alexis reached for her pistol and holster, setting it up to her belt and straightening it away after. Just as she finished, there was a knock on her cabin door. She stopped and raised an eyebrow, curious as to who it might be.

[color=white][b]"Come in."[/b][/color] she said, waiting for the guest to open the door.

When it did, she was surprised to see a man in all black armor stepping in. He was ever silent like every other soldier of the Imperial Service. He didn't come to attention or salute, he didn't need to, he served the imperial family only. The masked individual walked around the room, looking everything over and finally settling his gaze on a picture of Alexis with her family outside of the local store the group of seven owned.

Alexis crossed her arms, [color=white][b]"If you're going to berate me for talking back to your Admiral, go ahead. You aren't making any progress with silence."[/b][/color]

The serviceman looked back to Alexis and then turned to her, moving his hands to his helmet at lifting it off. Alexis's facial expression went from apprehensive to surprised. Her mouth even dropped open a bit, [color=white][b]"Andrew?"[/b][/color] she asked, not believing her eyes.

[color=white][i]"Been a while, cousin."[/i][/color] the man said, his face was a pale white, a bar code and serial number tattooed on the left side of his neck. He had short hair and signs of five o'clock shadow for facial hair. His eyes were a gray blue and his facial features were rigid.

[color=white][b]"I can't believe my eyes, right now."[/b][/color] she breathed, moving over to him so she can give him a hug.

[color=white][i]"I can say the same thing. I never thought I'd see my baby cousin half way across the galaxy, commanding a warship like the Lincoln. You did good for yourself."[/i][/color] he chuckled, hugging her back. [color=white][i]"Seems you hardened up too, I have never seen anybody talk back to Ardin, you're definitely a Marquis."[/i][/color]

Alexis bit her lip. She'd say something about Ardin, but she knew his cousin's loyalties were strictly in Ardin's best interests. [color=white][b]"Well... I couldn't hold myself back."[/b][/color]

[color=white][i]"I don't blame you, in all honesty."[/i][/color] that comment made Alexis blink, [color=white][i]"I may be charged with his life but I'm still a person under this armor. It's cold, I know, and if I was in your position I would have done the same."[/i][/color]

[color=white][b]"I see..."[/b][/color] Alexis clicked her tongue, [color=white][b]"Good to know we're on the same page there, then."[/b][/color]

[hr]

[color=forestgreen][b]"Those idiots are at it again."[/b][/color] Maki watched the guys walking into the gym, heading into the ring to spar with each other. It had become some sort of a ritual for them, especially when the squad was wound up after a battle like the one they just had. She rarely joined in, mostly because the last time she did she had left Solokov with a broken nose. To even bruise that guy was a feat in itself.

She watched, silently correcting them and thinking what she would do if she were in their position. Of course, knowing how sensitive men were about getting their groin kicked, she supposed she would have to concede that they probably weren't too keen on doing that to each other in the ring. Though that was what she would have done regardless. Maybe she would do that to remind Wes to keep his mouth shut around her next time.

She got up close to the ring practically hanging off the ropes as she watched the men duke it out with each other. She had to admit that they were impressive fighters, even if they weren't as prone to dirty fighting as she was. "Wimp." She teased Trapp when she heard him talking about Astelion's strength. Mostly it was to let him know that she was behind whatever was said in the room earlier. The man had a point - it wasn't professional for her to just run her mouth off. Tori might have appreciated her frankness, but Ardin was a different animal.

Listening to the theory on where they going, however, Maki nodded silently. [color=forestgreen][b]"Besides, there's no other reason why an Admiral would come aboard our ship otherwise. The 101st already gets the toughest missions of the bunch, but for someone like Ardin to come and babysit? Shit has hit the fan. Besides, it's not like it's our first time fighting in enemy territory."[/b][/color]

A worried expression crossed her features briefly. [color=forestgreen][b]"The only thing that worries me, is that Ardin apparently thought it was worth sacrificing Cerol. As much as we don't like the call he made, if he thought it was that important... We're going to dislike what's coming up even more."[/b][/color]

She straightened her posture and shook off a few beads of sweat clinging on to the ends of her hair. [color=forestgreen][b]"Well, I suppose the point is moot until we get the mission from our dear Captain, and I expect she's going to be busy for a while."[/b][/color]

Ideas for mischief aside, Maki groaned when Alice walked in and tried to join in. The 7th never held back during their sparring sessions, so it was one thing to walk away smarting and bruised, but that was with their regular, flesh and bone bodies. Maki didn't want to imagine the kind of damage an android could inflict if she wasn't careful.

[color=forestgreen][b]"Alice, the only way they'd ever let you join in is if you wrapped pillows around your fists. Please don't forget you're the only one actually made of steel here."[/b][/color] She commented, though she was mostly grinning, her mind conjuring up a rather comic book image of someone getting punched by Alice. It would certainly be interesting to see how well the AI could control her strength. Not so much to be on the receiving end, however.

[hr]

[color=white][b]"It's been a while since we last saw each other. How did you manage to get into the Imperial Service?"[/b][/color] Alexis asked as she was gathering her PT clothing. Alexis hated the stuff, she knew nobody else wore the standard physical training clothes, but being the captain, she needed to set an example.

[color=white][i]"Well, it's a bit of a uh... Complicated story."[/i][/color] Andrew ran his hand along his scalp.

[color=white][b]"Oh perfect. I love complicated stories. They're all I deal with. Try working with the 7th."[/b][/color] Alexis said as she got her stuff together.

[color=white][i]"A fair point. Well... Basically, I was just a tech specialist on a regular forces martian base when Ardin and his bodyguard showed up. Apparently he was short a man and needed a replacement. So the base commander gathered up his best men, myself not included, and Ardin interviewed every one of them. During the evaluations, an Imperial Serviceman approached me and had the audacity to say I was doing my work wrong. Well, you know how proud our family is."[/i][/color] Andrew went on to explain.

Alexis chuckled and listened on.

[color=white][i]"So it went from a heated debate, to pushing and shoving. Then to a full blown fist fight. I never thought those old martial arts classes we took way back when would kick in the way they did but..."[/i][/color]

[color=white][b]"You're telling me you beat an imperial serviceman with civilian martial arts?"[/b][/color] Alexis seemed skeptical.

He nodded slowly, [color=white][i]"Turns out the guy had taken a shot to the leg in their last operation and a lucky kick took him out instantly. Ardin didn't see the fight, he just saw the aftermath and started congratulating me on my ability to point out an opponents weakness and that I was able to take down one of his best men. Next thing I knew, I was next to his royal highness on Earth being trained as an Imperial Agent."[/i][/color]

Alexis whistled, she was impressed. [color=white][b]"So what if I were to challenge you to a spar? Would your service training prove to beat me? Or will I end up wearing that snazzy armor you got on?"[/b][/color]

[color=white][i]"I'd like to think that I can finally beat you."[/i][/color] he grinned.

[color=white][b]"Good. It's been years since I got to take you down a peg."[/b][/color] she laughed and headed back out into the office with all of her PT gear packed in a duffel, [color=white][b]"Keep that helmet on, though. I don't think it'd be good for appearances if the crew knew a face behind the Imperial Service."[/b][/color]

[hr]

Maki was considering actually taking Alice on, despite her better judgment, when she spotted Alexis walking into the gym with an Imperial Serviceman. Various scenarios went through her mind, from the logical [color=forestgreen][b]"Ardin is keeping a close eye on her because she said something to him"[/b][/color] to the fantastical [color=forestgreen][b]"she defended my honor and now there's duel"[/b][/color] kind. Little did she know how close to the mark the latter was, at least regarding the duel.

[color=forestgreen][b]"Wait..."[/b][/color] She began to say as she confirmed that yes, the two of them were headed straight for the ring. [color=forestgreen][b]"Oh this I've [i]got[/i] to see. Our fearless leader against Ardin's lapdogs."[/b][/color] She made sure that her comment was only heard by those closest to her, if only to prevent the serviceman from taking offense at her comment. She was going to fight a man in his armor.

Either they had a bet going on, or one of them pissed the other off big time. Maki wasn't sure which was scarier - that Alexis was friendly enough to make a wager with someone from the Imperial Service or that she would be pissed enough to fight one. No doubt there were going to be rumors flying around after the match. Though it was rare for them to see the captain in action. Well, sparring like this, anyway. Maki had seen plenty of other things she was never supposed to talk about in public.

[color=forestgreen][b]"Kick his ass, Cap!"[/b][/color] Maki cheered the redhead on, a mischievous smile on her face. As the man in black armour crossed the ropes into the ring, the Japanese pilot seized the opportunity while nobody was looking closely at her to gesture at Alexis. It was roughly translated as [i]"what the fuck is going on?"[/i]

Alexis was already in her PT clothing when she reached the gym, it was obvious that she was off duty and releasing some steam from earlier. The clothing consisted of a flat gray muscle shirt and matching sweat pants. She had wrapped some boxing tape around her hands and wrists and she looked like she meant business as she approached the ring. Alexis heard the encouragement from Maki, making her look over to her and smirk devilishly before climbing through the ropes and into the ring.

The serviceman was about to remove his armored gauntlets before Alexis stopped him, [color=white][b]"Fight me with your armor on. Saves time."[/b][/color] that elicited more than a few cheers and hoots from the other crew in the gym.

The imperial agent looked at Alexis with his blank helmet on and simply got in a stance that indicated he was ready. Alexis adopted a stance that kept her spread out and low to the floor. Her fists her clenched and guarding her torso more so than her face. Her feet were facing sideways to the serviceman.

There was an awkward silence in the gym for a few seconds before the agent made the first strike. His fist was sent at lightning speeds toward Alexis, she knew that with his suit amplifying his strength, she couldn't afford a single hit taken by him. She had to be quick. Being low to the floor allowed her to move quickly from side to side without throwing her balance off too much. She strafed right and sent a punch into the unarmored spot in the armpit. A muffled grunt could be heard coming from the serviceman. He kicked out at her and she raised her arms in a tight block to cover her face, sending her staggering back. The armor had cut her forearms a bit and left them red, surely they were going to bruise.

Alexis made the next attack, stepped forward for a punch straight to the helmet. He raised his arms to block, but it was a feint. Alexis now targeted his exposed ribs with a kick that made him stagger just like she did. It was surprising that the force behind her hits could even phase a man in armor. A left hand punch took him in the gut, were those sparks? Then a swipe to his legs put him on his ass.

The crew was hugely surprised at first that Captain Marquis could fight like that, it was silent again and then there was a cheer that spread through the room. Alexis stepped forward and offered her left hand to help him on him feet, he looked at it for a moment, seemingly hesitating before taking it and being pulled up.

He then shook the hand and left the room without a word. Alexis then slipped her hands in the pockets of her sweats and left the ring. [color=white][b]"So, Maki."[/b][/color] she called out to her, [color=white][b]"Think you can beat that?"[/b][/color]

[color=forestgreen][b]"Is that a challenge, cap?"[/b][/color] Maki replied with a feral grin on her lips, wondering what prompted Alexis to address her informally in front of the crew. It wasn't as if she was against the idea of people finding out that they were sort-of-flirting, but it was rather uncharacteristic of either of them. [color=forestgreen][b]"If it is, you best remember your safe word."[/b][/color] She added with a laugh, brushing it off as a joke to the rest of the crew, but more like pillow talk to Alexis.

There was a chorus of whispers and drawn out [i]oooh's[/i] as Maki taped up her hands. [color=forestgreen][b]"Well, if you want to borrow that guy's armor, best do so. I intend to show the boys how it's done."[/b][/color] She jested with a confident smirk. She wasn't underestimating Alexis, since she knew the captain of the Lincoln was no pushover, but at the same time, she wasn't afraid of hurting their commanding officer either. Not while they were sparring in the ring. She thought it an insult to go easy on her opponent, no matter their rank. If her commander wanted to take up the challenge, she knew full well what she was getting into with a Nishizumi.

Alexis took her hands out of her pocket, her left hand looking beaten of torn from punching rigid armor. Surprisingly, Alexis didn't seem to mind the pain. [color=white][b]"Well."[/b][/color] she started, looking around at the rest of the gathered crew, [color=white][b]"I'll with spar you, but it's gotta be quick. I'm back on duty in ten minutes."[/b][/color]

[color=forestgreen][b]"Aw, here I was thinking we might share a shower after."[/b][/color] Maki whispered so only the captain could hear, a teasing smile gracing her features. [color=forestgreen][b]"Fine, ten minutes."[/b][/color]

Alexis laughed, [color=white][b]"Only in your wildest dreams, Nishizumi."[/b][/color] she stuck her tongue out at her and gestured for Maki to step into the ring.

[color=forestgreen][b]"Oh? So was the promise of a reward for getting my Ace all lies then?"[/b][/color] Maki asked, feigning a hurt expression by clasping a hand over her chest and opening her mouth in a silent gasp, as if Alexis had betrayed her by killing her family in some over dramatic TV show. She climbed in and stood before her opponent. Her posture signalling she was ready but not adopting any stance herself. Maki was quick, and she rarely advertised what she was going to do in a fight. Anyone who had  ever sparred with her would testify that just because she didn't pick a stance, didn't mean she couldn't react. 

[color=forestgreen][b]"Come at me."[/b][/color] She taunted, mirroring Alexis by sticking her tongue out, rubbing her thumb against her nose as if she were Bruce Lee.

Alexis took on a more traditional boxy stance, her arms held high and firm to cover her face, one foot in front of the other. She stepped closer to Nishizumi, keeping eye contact with the woman. When you weren't sure of how your opponent would strike, maintaining eye contact was the best way to prepare for anything. A single break of eye contact meant action, and it allowed for quicker reaction. Alexis knew how Maki fought, so she needed to change it up a bit.

When Alexis rarely fought, she was always quick and deliberate with her attacks, always finding exploiting the lack of a defense in any given area. Instead, Alexis chose for a punch straight to the chest of her opponent, with a quick follow-up punch at the same target. There was hardly anything to be gained by striking at the chest of somebody who was bigger and stronger.

She's probing. Maki thought to herself, seeing the opening move was a quick one-two punch to her chest. The taller, stronger woman reacted swiftly by raising her feet to kick Alexis in the abdomen. With a straight out, head-on assault like that, punches were faster but kicks had more range. With Maki's speed and agility, her kick would land before Alexis's punches. It was perhaps a bit brutal to aim at a spot like the solar plexus with the speed and ferocity Maki did, but she treated Alexis the same way she would any other member of the 7th if they were her opponent. As if she was out to kill them.

The message behind such a brutal counter-attack to a probing move was clear - [i]Come at me like you mean it.[/i]

While Alexis did expect the kick, she didn't expect the pure force. She had been out of the 101st long enough to forget that training among one another wasn't easy. Her punches had been feints to elicit a response from Maki and while she had succeeded in that, he dodge wasn't fast enough to pass around the kick. Her intention was to strafe left, so when the kick made contact, it did so against her left bicep and staggered her back a little bit.

She got the idea that Maki wasn't kidding around, so neither should she. Before the military, Alexis had spent her spare time reading, staying fit and practicing martial arts. While she hadn't mastered any of them, she did find herself trying a bit of everything so it led to her having a lot of variety in her options.

She knew boxing wasn't going to be the best option to take Maki down. Alexis needed to outmaneuver and use the woman's force against herself. The issue with Maki's fighting style was that there was no telling what she would do by just standing there with no care in the world. She had sparred against Maki many times, and she knew what she needed to do to beat her, but she could never find an effective way to read her next attack.

She struck, send a low kick to the knee and then a successive kick up high, aimed for the face.

The low kick was easily dodged by taking a step back, and Maki anticipated the follow-up kick. She tilted her body just enough so that the kick would have lost most of its force by the time it reached her face, before grabbing Alexis by the ankle with her left hand and bring the right up to push against the back of her knee. This stopped the kick and forced Alexis's knee to fold. With the added momentum of her kick, it would throw Maki's opponent off balance.

The fight should have ended right then and there, since Maki could have just put Alexis on her ass. Instead, Maki pushed Alexis back against the ropes, adding more force to the woman's fall. The ropes would force the redhead to rebound, and Maki stepped in close, denying Alexis the use of her legs to counter, or room to move.

The series of attacks were fast and unforgiving. Maki was striking with the heels of her palms rather than her fists, the first catching Alexis in the chest, the second going for her jaw. The impact of the first blow would force the air out of her lungs and wind her, while the second would jar her head so badly the room would probably start spinning for Alexis.

Before Alexis could even realize it, she was on the floor of the ring, mouth open to try and force air back in her lungs. When she managed that, she took a moment to collect herself, [color=white][b]"Good fight, Nishizumi."[/b][/color] she took a deep breath and held it for a moment, running her right hand along her jaw. When she exhaled, she brought herself to her feet, [color=white][b]"One day I'll beat you on the ring. For now, I think there's potatoes that need skinning in the mess."[/b][/color]

[color=forestgreen][b]"You're being a sore loser."[/b][/color] Maki protested, helping Alexis to her feet. Lowering her voice to a whisper, she added conspiratorially, [color=forestgreen][b]"And what was that with aiming for my face? You shouldn't ruin the same pretty thing you kiss, you know."[/b][/color]

Taking a glance around and looking at the stunned faces of the crowd that had gathered, Maki shrugged and followed Alexis out of the ring, while people cheered or gawked at the fact that they had just seen the two scariest women on the ship duke it out. Even though Maki had won quickly, Alexis's moves were a spectacle to see firsthand as well. The kind of speed and power both women showed would have been scary coming from anyone else.

[color=forestgreen][b]"I don't suppose we could actually get around to celebrating the ace thing later huh? Preferably in your quarters?"[/b][/color] She teased, smiling like the Cheshire cat since they were out of earshot of anyone.

Alexis blinked, [color=white][b]"You're insane."[/b][/color] she said before thinking of a way to award Maki for her reaching ace. [color=white][b]"Crew!"[/b][/color] she said in her commanding tone, making them shape up at come to attention. [color=white][b]"Our great pilot Miss Nishizumi here has reached fifty-kills in the battlespace. That means she is officially an ace in the UEE navy."[/b][/color] she looks around for a moment, [color=white][b]"She wanted a reward from me for quite some time now. I'll be happy to announce that me letting her beat me was that award."[/b][/color] Alexis grinned an evil grin at Maki before looking to everybody else, [color=white][b]"Give Maki a round of applause and a pat on the back, everybody. Long live the emperor!"[/b][/color]

The crew all started cheering and surrounding Maki with pats of the back and shoves and comradely punches. She laughed and watched for a short moment before turning and heading back to her quarters to get changed into her proper uniform. [color=white][b]"Back to the bridge I go."[/b][/color]

The look on Maki's face was an apparent [i]fuck off[/i] sign for the next few minutes. The crew were more than aware that both of them had been serious in that match, but they still ribbed her about it because of how the Captain had parted them with that insult. Maki walked away to the showers and wash off her sweat, but not before she sent a private message to Alexis on her holopad.

[color=forestgreen][i]You're in for a treat after I'm done peeling those potatoes. I'll show you where I get rid of the peels.[/i][/color]

Alexis received the message and chuckled. She returned the message, [color=white][i]I'm shivering in my little space boots.[/i][/color][/color]