[Center] 
[b][h1][color=cyan]Minerva[/color][/h1][/b]
[b][h2]&[/h2][/b]
[img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/260227/cad841d7.png[/img]
[Sub]+}Mixed meals{+[/Sub]
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Thursday. The end of the week loomed closer and closer.

If Aurora had stuck to her normal schedule she’d have been out in the Hanger taking notes and trying to sketch out what she thought the other Frames specs might be. She still longed to dig into them personally. But now she knew that for any such in depth examinations needed approval both from the Pilot and from the Lieutenant. But with the next one in particular, she felt like she should approach the pilot first, even before just giving an in-depth visual examination.

Which is why she was currently wandering the halls with her Pad in one hand with a picture of Argos and Minverva pulled up on it. Clearly looking for the other woman. 

Minerva would be found at the cafeteria eating the usual slurry as if it was a normal meal. A look into her eyes would show that she hates it. Even if it was made to be perfectly nutritious, the texture and taste is clearly wrong. Why did she get curious about the foods of other lands?

[b][color=cyan]They didn't even compare to the meals Hera cooks, she always knew how to satisfy people with her stew.[/color][/b]

She took a juice box, drinking it not for hydration but for flavor. She might need to buy another one.

[color=6ecff6]“Please excuse me.”[/color] Aurora would state as she approached Minerva. Though not before she had surreptitiously checked the picture she had pulled up for a third time. [color=6ecff6]“But you are… Minerva correct? The Pilot of Argos?”[/color] She asked as she stood next to the seat opposite Minerva. She was intruding as it was, no need to further impinge on the others' space.

[color=6ecff6]“My name is Aurora, I’m another of the other Pilots, and I was wondering if you’d be willing to speak to me about Argos?”[/color]

[b][color=cyan]“I am, you're a fellow squad mate Aurora right?”[/color][/b] Minerva asked as she took another spoon before staring at Aurora, suspicion clear on her face.

[b][color=cyan]”And why do you need to know about Argo? I am confident that the files have everything you need to know about it.[/color][/b] Minerva asked in a surprisingly defensive manner as if she was guarding a heirloom.

[b][color=cyan]In a way, she is guarding a legacy. A legacy of ambitious yet well meaning people.[/color][/b]

[color=6ecff6]”That would be technically correct.”[/color] She would say slowly, clearly noting the sensitive subject. [color=6ecff6]“The files I have read give Argos’ standard loadout and summary of standard tactical operations. But I wanted to get to know Argos more than that if possible. I wanted to learn more about its internal systems and configurations. I find Frames fascinating. And Argos reminds me of my own, at least in terms of spirit.”[/color]

[b][color=cyan]”Then that should be enough, a lot of Argo's internal system is classified.[/color][/b] Minerva spoke and even if it wasn't, it is personalised for her own use, it's made with her in mind.

Her mind would a little for a while as her eyes narrowed at Aurora.

[b][color=cyan]”Spirit? What do you mean, it is a machine.”[/color][/b]

Aurora was disheartened to be twicely shut down. But she was also ever more so glad that she decided to ask rather than just look. She wouldn’t want Sleepy to lose out on a potential friend just because she overstepped. Not that was noticeable beyond a slight tightening of her eyes.

[color=6ecff6]“Just because we made the Frames doesn’t mean they aren’t alive. Not in the same way me or you are perhaps but… Look at Argos, they were built for aggressive and unrelenting combat deployment. Right?”[/color] She would ask, tilting her head slightly.

[color=6ecff6]“I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that others who might have piloted them would have said that they felt unwieldy, or possibly unbalanced. But that isn’t the case is it? Or at least not for you. Since you know that Argos wants to be the thick of it. They are almost hungry for it. And you don’t try to starve them of it. Right?”[/color]


[b][color=cyan]”I'm Argo's only pilot and it is the only Framewerk I piloted in real settings. Are you sure you are not attributing my relentlessness to Argo's.”[/color][/b] Minerva bluntly spoke to Aurora pointing out a hole in her logic.

And yet that is the only hole she could point, she knew that piloting Argo is like piloting a storm, always ready to devastate, always wanting to leave ruin in their wake. She hasn't felt it when she's using the other models in virtual reality.

So perhaps her words are not complete madness.

Aurora tapped her fingers along the back of her Pad for a moment as she thought over Minerva’s rebuttal. [color=6ecff6]“There is a chance of that I suppose. I doubt such, but I do not know you or Argos very well. So there is a chance.”[/color]

[color=6ecff6]“But. As I said Argos reminds me of Sleeping Thunder, my Frame. Sleepy loves it when the ground shakes in response when we are out. Loves it when we get to vent a full charge from the particle cannon. They are awfully slow in comparison. But I feel that both Argos and Sleeping Thunder only rest satisfied after leaving ruins.”[/color]

[color=6ecff6]“It’s one of the reasons I wanted to get to know Argos better.”[/color] She gives an oddly soft smile. [color=6ecff6]“Sleepy has never been very good at making friends.”[/color]

[b][color=cyan]”You say that as if they are action figures.[/color][/b] Minerva complained as she let out a sigh, clearly doubtful of Aurora's words and yet something about her enthusiasm reminds her of an acquaintance unlike the others he is curious about engineering and architecture despite being made to fight. She wonders if Hephasthus is doing well.

[b][color=cyan]”I suppose I could humor you, what is it that you want to know?”[/color][/b] she asked biting on her food one more time and preparing herself for a long conversation.

Aurora took the question as an allowance to sit down across from Minerva. [color=6ecff6]“I am as much a mechanic as I am a pilot. And while I don’t think I will ever pilot Argos, I do wish to understand them as best I can.”[/color]

She brought up the limited technical specs that were in the files she had access to on her pad to quickly review. [color=6ecff6]“A copy of a diagnostic report would have most of what I am curious about at the moment. But.”[/color] She would look up at Minerva, absently adjusting her glasses as she did so. [color=6ecff6]“If I can ask. I’m most curious about the Shining Fingers armament and the energy ratios of the various boosters. The way the Fingers have been molded into a Ripper claw is exceptionally intriguing to me. And I understand the placement of the various boosters are likely highly specific to Argos themselves, but reports seem to indicate that you two are reaching momentary velocities much higher than I’d normally expect. My assumption is that either a super charger system, or a proprietary propellant that’s more efficient.”[/color]

While most of Aurora’s attention was on her questions. There was at least enough free to have a sympathetic grimace slip through as Minerva took another spoon full of the nutrient gruel that was the standard fare.

Minerva's eyes widened as Aurora changed seats to be across her, shocked at how close she went. She could hear enough of Aurora's technobabble to follow her meaning even if she was a little too fast. It reminds her of the scientists asking what adjustments they should make. Too enthusiastic even if it is endearing in their own way.

[b][color=cyan]“It is more energy efficient to use Shining Fingers when there is structure to follow than without it, the claws are configured to stay as a claw without prompting. And for the boosters there is a large one placed on its back, that's where I get the initial burst of momentum.”[/color][/b] she explained as she tried to keep her distance, feeling discomfort at Aurora's closeness.

Aurora nodded her understanding of that. The nature of the central extreme booster was part of the specs she had. But that still had Argos a bit above expectations. And using the claw as a base to work off was a basic idea too. What she wanted to know was how the energy projectors were aligned and placed to take into consideration the Ripper’s impact pistons. They weren’t delicate by any means, but the kinetic force in the Ripper system wasn’t anything to scoff at either.

She opened her mouth to continue grilling about these. Even as a part of her was beginning to assume that Minerva herself might not have the information she was after. When she noticed the fact that Minerva had… recoil wasn’t the right word. Aurora had the feeling she had just missed it when the other woman pressed away from her.

But it did still feel like Minerva had recoiled from her.

Which drew Aurora up short. [color=6ecff6]“Sorry?”[/color] She tried to apologize, but clearly wasn’t fully sure what it was she had done to cause such a reaction. [color=6ecff6]“Too much?”[/color] She would ask more directly, as she leaned back into her seat, giving Minerva some of her personal space back.

[b][color=cyan]”Yes.”[/color][/b] Minerva would hesitantly admit as she leaned back, taking the space Aurora freely returned as she took a deep breath.

[b][color=cyan]How disgusting, to be bothered by such a small thing. She should have kept her pocket face harder.[/color][/b]

[b][color=cyan]”Sorry about that, I've been used to being alone, so you are suddenly getting closer and shocked. I'll try to be better next time. What are you saying again?[/color][/b] Minerva asked, trying to steer back the conversation.

[color=6ecff6]“No. You have no need to apologize.”[/color] Aurora would counter, shaking her head softly. [color=6ecff6]“I am not always the best at keeping to myself when it comes to Frames. And I mistook your acquiesce to my questions as permission to sit.”[/color]

She looked down at her Pad for a moment. Before turning it face down. There were lines she would drift past in her pursuit of understanding, but this wasn't one she was willing to trample on twice in short order.

[color=6ecff6]“I am also…”[/color] She would start softly before firming her resolve and looking up at Minerva again. [color=6ecff6]“I have never been very good at being alone. The… Cruxi forced it upon me. And even now years later I can't handle it well.”[/color]

[color=6ecff6]“But I'm better with Frames than people nowadays.”[/color] She would admit, nervously adjusting her glasses.

Minerva stayed silent, she had an opposite problem. She is so used to being alone that being in a group shocked her, the last time was when Hera dragged her…

She shook those thoughts there is no use reminding herself of failure aside from a reason to wake up and fight again.


[b][color=cyan]”Let's mutually pretend it didn't happen then.”[/color][/b] Minerva offered for both of their sakes. Part of her is jealous, to be able to find companionship even if it is with a machine at least she won't be alone when facing the Cruxi.

This reassignment is getting more and more complicated for her.

[color=6ecff6]“At least let me make it up to you in some small way first?”[/color] Aurora would ask. Looking mildly uncomfortable with just letting the matter drop entirely for some reason. [color=6ecff6]“I…”[/color] She looked around for a moment a bit at a loss of what she could try and offer, when she spotted the gruel again and an idea came to her. 

[color=6ecff6]“I could cook you a meal, nothing extravagant, just something that tastes better then…”[/color] She gestured at the slurry. Aurora had spent more than enough time unable to eat anything else to know that for all its benefits it left much to be desired.

Minerva took another bite of the slurry, letting the bland taste settle before washing it away with water. [b][color=cyan]”...fine if you insist.”[/color][/b] she surrendered as she looked at the remains of her meal, no longer motivated to finish it despite only finishing a quarter.

Something about Aurora's offer feels familiar for reasons she cannot exactly explain.

[color=6ecff6]“Thank you.”[/color] Aurora would state clearly relieved. [color=6ecff6]“I’ve got ingredients in my cabin. But I can grab them and bring them over to yours if you’d prefer?”[/color] She would offer, she had already over stopped once so was sure to let Minerva set the conditions for this.

Aurora was also privately glad that her supplies had arrived. Private spaces were a premium on ships, but the second she found out she had a small kitchenette she put in a requisition order. She wasn’t sure if the speed was due to the XJ9 project or her own connections, but in the end it didn’t matter. Only that she could actually put a simple meal together because of it.

[b][color=cyan]”You could do anything you want. In fact I'm actually curious about the cooking process. I mostly subsisted on rations for most of my career.”[/color][/b] Minerva answered with a smile on her face, standing to let Aurora lead the way. Once she reaches Aurora's cabin she will sit on one of its chairs and patiently wait as she watches for the meal.

Minerva won't notice it but her legs will move in anticipation of what would be her first proper meal for a long time.

[color=6ecff6]“Oh no, you poor thing!”[/color] She would cry playfully as she led the way.

The cabins were sparse by the nature of needing to conserve as much space as possible. Straight from the door was a seating area, with a table and a few chairs, behind which was the  bed and some shelving set into the far wall. To the side was the kitchenette, which only had enough space for one person at a time and only if the stove wasn’t open. The corner between the areas held a small lavatory that doubled as a private changing area. Showers were communal, so there wasn’t any need to waste the space here for those.

Regardless, Aurora was quick to pull the fixings needed for a quick stew. Chicken, rice, fennel, green onions, a can of tomatoes, and her spices. [color=6ecff6]“Cooking is simple really. So long as you know the recipe all you have to do is follow it.”[/color] She would explain as she set the rice cooker to cook and pulled out a pan to start heating on the stove top with a dollop of roux to grease and season it.

[color=6ecff6]“And even if you don’t have a recipe so long as you keep in mind that everything has a reason in a dish, you can get by with experience. Or a good tongue.”[/color] She diced the chicken with a deft hand, before adding it into the pan and stirring it a little to make sure nothing stuck. 

Afterwards she would start to dice the green onion and fennel. But already the smell of the food was starting to waft out into the rest of the cabin. Once the greens had been prepped she would pull out a bottle of premade broth from her fridge and would add it to the chicken and tomatoes already simmering, before checking on the rice.

At some point she had started humming to herself. Clearly content with her self imposed task.

She then dry mixed some of her spices. Paprika, garlic, saffron, black pepper, onion powder and cayenne pepper. Before slowly stirring it and the greens into the stew. She kept up the pace of slowly stirring and adding in spice in several minute intervals before the rice cooker beeped at her.

At which point she killed the heat of the stove and pulled out two bowls. She added a helping of rice to each, with a pinch of salt and her spice as well, before ladled in the stew on top. She brought out the bowls to the table and placed one down in front of Minerva along with a spoon.

All in all it took a bit over thirty minutes, and a lot of that was simply waiting for things to cook.

[color=6ecff6]“Dig in!”[/color] Aurora would say as she pulled out her own chair, bowl still in hand, clearly mindful of being sure to give the other woman a bit of extra space.

Minerva stared at the bowl for a while before taking a spoon, memories of the past stirring in her mind as looked at the bowl.

[hr]

[center][i][b][color=cyan]”I don't need it.”[/color][/b] her younger voice spoke as she looked at the nutrient paste before it was swatted away.

“Nonsense child, those nerds might be content on letting live off that gruel but I'm not, so sit down and wait!” Hera said as she wore her apron.

[b][color=cyan]”I'm not a child”[/color][/b] Minerva weakly replied before the mother hen of Olympus Project answered back.

“You are the youngest in this station, you are not the child then no one else is.”

[b][color=cyan]”So you're admitting that you're old then?”[/color][/b] Minerva ‘innocently’ asked with a smile.

“Don't push your luck, Aphrodite is still looking to teach you fashion. Would you like me to toss you to her room?”

[b][color=cyan]”Stopping now, ma'am.”[/color][/b][/i][/center]

[hr]

Minerva's eyes will form tears as she takes another bite. Memories of a far simpler time would fill her mind as she took another bite. She chewed slowly even disregarding the amount of spice in the dish as she tried to wipe her tears away.

[b][color=cyan]“Thank you for the meal.”[/color][/b] Minerva would out of genuine gratitude, how long has it been since she had a meal cooked for her?

[b][color=cyan]She really missed them all.[/color][/b]

[color=6ecff6]“Of course.”[/color] Aurora would reply softly. Noticing, but choosing not to comment on the forming tears. Food had a way of reaching into people in a variety of ways after all. [color=6ecff6][i]‘It could even be because of the spice level’[/i][/color] She mused to herself. Though she doubted that, she had cut down on that for this meal after all.

She just hoped that whatever was brought to mind was light, even if it hurt now. She’d never want for her mother’s recipe to remind someone of dark times after all.

[@digmata] [@Shifter_Master]