[b][i]Alvin Davion[/i][/b]

Alvin blinked, sighed in acknowledgement, and promptly ignored everything Fuka had to say; for the very first time in forever, he found out that some people weren't worth his words. Now, they were going to a hangar and select BattleMechs? 

[b][i]Ankhanne, Mech Bay[/i][/b]

When he saw the Hermes-II, Alvin fell, well, not in love, but definitely fond of the Medium Mech. So he went over it right away and spoke, "Can I be allowed to pilot the Hermes-II? I promise to treat it with all the respect and affection such a great mech deserves."

He was most proficient in piloting Medium Mechs; so there was that, and quite frankly, this BattleMech was the best one for someone who was average in everything. With this, he believed he can even beat [i]Fuka[/i], but he'll keep that a secret from her until they have simulator access. If anything, he knew this, that he could make a reliable scout, even though he wasn't sure the flamer would work in the oxygen-thin atmosphere.

Either way, if he was permitted to go near the Hermes-II, Alvin would eagerly get on the elevator platform so he can enter the cockpit, all the while musing on what Ulrik had said. [i]Is that guy really going to accept us as family?[/i]

The young man felt a glimmer of hope at that. He had learned that Fuka wasn't worth his time; she'd be outraged anyway if he did something like save her life or perform better than her in the mission, so he'd probably let himself naturally do that, but not actively seek it out. He was not a glory hound like other Federated Suns members or Draconis Combine folk, after all.

If he had something to prove... Actions spoke louder.