Alice sighed with relief when Maki shooed off the engineers. Following her to the store room, she stood and patiently listened while her wingman sat down. The way she explained how unnecessary use force would provoke proportionate retaliation made sense to her in particular. Suddenly Gerard’s insistence on mercy seemed slightly more logical. She didn’t quite understand Maki’s pathos yet, but putting it through a rational lense helped. Rules of engagement still applied, obviously, but inflicting excessive violence on the enemy would only cause the enemy to escalate in turn. So would a display of compassion invite compassion in the same way?

Maki also had a point concerning her desertion of her and Trapp back on Jehan. Alice needed the confidence of her fellow pilots, and abandoning them, no matter what strategic sense it may make, impeded the facilitation of trust between them. If her team couldn’t rely on her, then they wouldn’t be able to work together, just as she couldn’t be Maki’s wingman. Therefore, any programmed protocols that negatively impacted her relationship with her teammates would also hinder her ability to protect them and fight the enemy.

“I understand, Maki. I want to be your wingman, and I want you to be my wingman too, but you’re right, you need to be able to trust me. And that means I need to be someone you can trust. I don’t know if I can disobey my own programming, but if it means not abandoning you and betraying your trust, then I’ll try.

...And if it helps, I want to try to explain what happened on Jehan, because I’m not programmed to do that. I have a standard of efficiency I’m designed to follow, but there’s something...wrong with me. I don’t know what, but for some reason, I can’t process anger the way I’m supposed to; I get frustrated too easily, and it becomes difficult to control myself, leading to these inappropriate displays. My engineers are noticing these outbursts, and some are starting to consider wiping my memory and starting over again from scratch..."

She took a deep breath, anxiously fiddling with her fingers again. “I promised Dr. Santoro I would start controlling my anger, and she recommended physical activity as a form of stress relief, such as training or sparring with my team mates. I do have protocols in place to make sparring with me safe for organic partners, not that I could bring myself to intentionally injure any of my teammates even if I tried. So, ah...what I'm trying to ask is, if you’re willing, perhaps we could spar together as a bonding exercise…?”

Maki mused over the robot's reply for a moment. Sure, on a rational level she understood that Alice was an AI, and bound to her programming. If her code told her to avoid capture at the expense of her teammates, that she would have to do. Not that it made the thought any more comforting. At least the reassurance that she would try to avoid a repeat of Jehan was enough to dissuade the Japanese woman from pressing the issue.

[color=00a651]"We all have a lot of anger, Alice. It's not about suppressing it in a fight. It's about channeling it, directing it in controlled amounts. Rage is dangerous if you let it take the reins. I mean, sure, physical activity helps, but it's not like you have a human brain with endorphins and stuff to help with stress release. I'd be more than happy to spar with you, though not right now. I'm exhausted. And your engineers might have a fit if we don't get you sorted soon."[/color] Maki added, getting off the crate and opening the door to find the lab geeks waiting impatiently outside her door.

[color=00a651]"Yeah, yeah, I'm done. Fucking assholes." [/color]She bitched as she strode past them and ignored the head geek who was opening his mouth to protest. Was it too much to ask for some patience when dealing with pilots who just risked life and limb to keep their sorry asses safe? Even if they had made their peace, Maki was certain she'd never get along with Alice's engineering team if they kept up their attitude.

“Understood. We could all use a respite after today’s events. My engineers are eager to upload the Coalition data, and there’s this as well”, she pulled away some of the ruined fabric of the Coalition uniform she still wore, exposing part of her stomach and the small number of bullet holes in it. Out of the holes she did have on her abdomen, a navel wasn’t one of them.  “I think it’s mostly superficial damage to the outer plates, but still should be repaired sooner rather than later.”

“But yes, I believe Dr. Santoro’s intentions are for me to alleviate my temper here in a safe and controlled environment so I don’t release it all at once on the battlefield. My neural model isn’t entirely based off the human brain, but there are some similarities.”

When Maki left, Alice could barely suppress a giggle at her dismissal of the engineers. She was right, they were assholes, but she could never call them that to their face… Unless she were able to veil it as an innocent attempt to relate to her teammates by emulating their speech and behavior. She put on a naive smile as she walked up to them.

“I am ready as well. Let’s go, fucking assholes. Did I say that right?”

Later

Alice sighed, carrying a bag over her shoulder as she made her way to the gym to meet with Maki for their sparring session. After her engineers were done with her, she messaged Maki, asking her to meet her at the gym. Her engineers finally got the data they wanted so badly, as well as made sufficient repairs to Alice’s frame. And in their excitement over the considerable accomplishments made today, including the delivery of an entire repository of Coalition research data, they even decided to overlook the spike in aggression levels from Jehan. But that’s the thing, they weren’t celebrating her success, but their own. Because they made her, they presumed that her achievements were owed to them and not her.

Even her obtaining her ace.

With the sudden diversion to Jehan after the Coalition’s surprise attack, Alice didn’t even notice that her kill count had officially reached 50. Not that it really mattered to her; it was what she was made to do. An arbitrary number didn’t change that, to say nothing of her growing exhaustion with killing. But just being denied her agency, even for something like that frustrated her. At least she would have steam to blow off for her spar with Maki. Speaking of which, she expressed Maki’s willingness to spar with her to her engineers. Dr. Santoro seemed relieved she would have an outlet, and while the others didn’t seem to care as much, they did give her a set of sparring pads to wear for extra safety. They may indeed be necessary, as her strength may be limited to safer levels for sparring, but her body still would not be as soft as an organic one.

Alice soon reached the gym and found Maki there waiting for her. 

“Hello, Maki, how was your break? I hope you were able to rest and relax sufficiently.”

Maki's rest was fitful and intermittent. The MO had insisted on inspecting her to ensure she was in good health and psychological condition after her capture. It was more a formality than anything, since she had gotten no more than a few bruises in the battle. Her kill count needed to be updated, but that could wait until before the next inspection.

A few hours later after a good nap, Maki was back up and headed to the ring. It didn't take long for Alice to join her there, a few odd looks from the other crew members who were lingering around, not busy with the repairs or cleaning up. Before Jehan, they had seen her spar with the Captain; now, she was going to fight a robot.

Maki tossed a wooden staff over to Alice. [color=00a651]"Ever held a melee weapon before?"[/color] The Japanese pilot asked, a grin on her face as she adopted a ready position. [color=00a651]"Your engineers might have padded your frame but I'd prefer not to get injured after a battle."[/color] With a polite bow of respect, Maki adopted a ready stance and waited for Alice to do same, before testing the AI with a thrust to the face.

Alice caught the staff, showing off with a few masterful twirls as a smile grew on her own face.

“Indeed I have; I have the combined knowledge of many different forms of martial arts. I know that may be intimidating, but I believe there can be merit in practicing against an opponent you couldn’t possibly defeat.”, she giggled softly at her feigned display of arrogance, “And don’t worry. Even without my sparring protocols, I wouldn’t do anything to intentionally injure you. But I cannot guarantee this will not hurt.”

With that, Alice reciprocated Maki’s bow before taking a ready stance as well. The session officially started when the base of Maki’s weapon shot towards her. Alice quickly brought her staff upwards, deflecting her strike away and leaving a small opening. She retaliated with her own test attack, swinging the end of her staff towards Maki’s torso.

Maki was ready for the counter-attack. The opposite end of her staff was already swinging around and blocked it easily, her body absorbing the force of it easily. [color=00a651]"Don't get cocky, tin girl. Experience is a great equalizer."[/color] Sure, processors and servos and machinery offered a lot of advantages against flesh and blood, but the AI tipped her hand. Knowing how martial art worked and having actually practised it were two different things.

Pushing the offending weapon away from her, Maki got in close where the android couldn't really use the staff effectively and hooked her leg around the inside of Alice's legs and shoved her torso with the length of staff. A body of steel was a lot harder to move and tip over, but the Japanese woman would settle for unbalancing her opponent. [color=00a651]"You've fought enough battles with me to know my basic philosophy to fighting, Alice: fair fights are for suckers."[/color]

A mischievous grin appeared on the pilot's face and stretched out her hand to help Alice up. [color=00a651]"Round two?"[/color]

Alice gasped softly as Maki suddenly came close, wrapping a leg around hers. Before she knew it her back thudded against the ground and she was staring up at the ceiling. She let out another giggle as Maki held out her hand, offering a second round. She really should have remembered Maki’s pragmatic attitudes towards combat, but the jury was still out concerning understanding versus experience. Alice had only around a year of active duty, but Maki wasn’t designed specifically for military purposes like her.

“You may have a point, but I am made to learn, and I learn fast.”

She accepted her hand, but instead of pulling herself back to her feet, she pulled Maki to the floor. Flipping on top of her, she pinned her to the ground with her staff.. Her strength may be regulated for safety, but she was still much stronger than the average organic, and while Maki had the advantage of experience and guile, Alice had her physical power.

“Does this count as a win?”

[color=00a651]"If this were a sport, it'd be counted as unsportsmanlike conduct, but yeah, it's a win you cheeky bitch.[/color]" Maki chuckled as she pulled her legs back between Alice and her, planting her feet on the robot's torso and kicked. Alice lost her leverage as the steel frame was pushed back allowing the organic to slide out from beneath the pin and scramble back to her feet, ready to fight again.

[color=00a651]"Strength isn't everything."[/color] Maki managed to say with a smile on her face.

Alice managed to let out a laugh before Maki pushed her off. With her pin interrupted, she was able to escape and take her stance for the next round. Alice grinned, holding her staff at the ready. The first two rounds were just a warmup: testing the waters against each other. Alice’s strength and knowledge against Maki’s experience and cunning. Now that both of them had nothing left to hide, their third round should be a real fight.

“Certainly not, but it’s still something. That’s why we’re currently tied. How about this round decides the final winner?”, Alice suggested, idly giving her staff a few more flashy whirls

[color=00a651]"Sure."[/color] Maki flashed her trademark maniacal grin. Even in spite of their previous disagreement, she was rather enjoying this little bout. By and large Alice seemed to have kept her strength in check. Her engineers had also provided some padding, though the Japanese pilot expected it was more to protect Alice's internals rather than her sparring partner.

Maki was the first to initiate again. A few noncommittal strikes from every conceivable direction, prodding for an opening and an hoping to land one or two punishing blows. Her movements were deft, agile and flexible. She was more than ready to defend against any counter attack or jump on any sign of weakness.

Alice grinned back as her partner started the fight. The sparring gear did not slow her down, so she was able to parry or evade Maki’s blows as quickly as she could make them, nor did she have to sacrifice that speed for raw power. She was actually quite impressed; even with her limited strength, a weaker foe would buckle under the force of her attacks, but not Maki. She was also quick enough to roughly match Alice’s movements. She would be pleased to admit that, perhaps because of their bond and familiarity with each other, along with Maki’s physical prowess, they were equals in a fight.

Alice’s technique was efficient, often using circular motions to preserve and increase momentum. When she blocked an attack from Maki, she would redirect the impact into a swing back at her. This began to lead to a stalemate, with neither of them able to land a hit on the other. Suddenly, instead of blocking the next blow with her staff, she stopped it by grabbing it. Alice was left with only one hand to hold her staff with, but Maki was momentarily unable to attack with hers held in place, so she made a wide, sweeping swing towards her.

Surprised to see Alice make the move before she did, Maki reacted quickly, closing the distance once more to minimize the amount of power the incoming blow would have. Even though the AI landed the hit, it was a glancing blow at best and now her opponent had returned the favor. Maki pinned the staff down between her arm and ribs, catching the android's arm as well as the two of them were locked in place. Unable to do really make an attack like this, Maki did the only thing that was an option left available to her.

She swung her head forwards and headbutted Alice.

She let out a small growl as Maki once again got the upper hand on her by locking them in close proximity. Not only did she make her attack useless, but now Alice was left unable to attack again as well. Before she could figure out how to escape, Maki’s forehead suddenly struck hers, and hard. She let out a yelp as her head was thrown back, and the sparring helmet that protected Maki from a concussion was suddenly flung off her head.

Looking back at where the helmet landed, Alice gasped when she realized that her head was left exposed. Turning to Maki, she huffed as she stepped back, using her strategy against her as she began to spin around, bringing her along with her. After a single revolution, she managed to release Maki, gently tossing her to the other end of the sparring ring, but losing her staff in the process. Immediately after, she rushed to her fallen helmet, haphazardly putting it back on before moving to recover her weapon.

Despite the momentum of the throw, Maki was quick to recover, and was closing the distance even as her opponent went for her dropped staff. A quick tap of her feet brought her own staff lifting off the ground and towards her hand. She aimed a blow right at the android as she bent to recover her weapon.

By the time Alice was able to grab her staff, Maki was already there, her weapon headed straight for her. But Alice was ready. She pulled her staff off the floor and into a swing. Her attack landed before Maki’s did, slamming into her side and hitting her to the floor. Only moments after did Maki’s strike land, smacking her in the side of the head with a loud thwack. In her haste to get her headgear back on, there were some spots left unguarded by the layer of padding, and somehow, Maki had managed to hit one of them.

For a second, everything was black as function to her optical sensors was disrupted by the sudden impact. When it returned, the sensory input was still temporarily distorted, and her sense of balance was failing too, leaving her struggling to stay upright. Not long after, she finally collapsed, mumbling slightly. Her faculties soon returned to normal, but she was still somewhat dazed. She slowly sat up and looked around, looking for her sparring partner.

“Ow...Maki…?”

The strike to her legs threw off her balance and while Maki landed a solid smack on Alice's exposed head, the Japanese pilot was thrown to the ground shortly after and had the wind knocked out of her. Her leg was kind of numb from the blow as well, so it took a while to get back up.

[color=00a651]"That was a good strike.[/color]" Maki commended Alice, getting and finding the AI seemed to have problems of her own. Could androids get dazed? That looked exactly like what was happening. [color=00a651]"Let's just call that a draw."[/color] She added. picking Alice up. Her engineers might take issue with what Maki had just done to their precious project, but she couldn't care less.

Alice cracked a smile at Maki’s compliment, noticing a slight weakness in one of Maki’s legs, “I hope I didn’t hit you too hard…”, she said as she tried getting back to her feet, but was still slightly dizzy, and instead only fell again. Thankfully, Maki helped by picking her up.

“I can accept a draw…”, she giggled softly, “but if any of my engineers ask, is it okay if I tell them I won and leave it at that?”

[color=00a651]"Heh. Tell them I dazed you and never annoy me again."[/color] Maki replied with a chuckle.

“Will do.”, Alice grinned, giving a thumbs up “Notwithstanding getting hit in the head, that was actually...fun. Thanks for letting me spar with you, Maki.”

[color=00a651]"Any time, Alice."[/color]