Since the meeting yesterday, the whole base has been put on alert. Lizzy and I are having lunch, and looking around you can see that everyone is ready to move at a moment's notice. The mechanics are wearing their heavy boots, and most have got their tool belt on as well. Everyone who works in the dock would usually be in a t-shirt and track pants in the dining hall, but now they're all in overalls. Even scientists and desk workers carry papers with them, and are constantly checking their phones and computers.

The bomb isn't actually at the base though, so I'm not really sure why we all need to be on alert at all. Maybe it's so that when the bomb does arrive, it will be attached to Thurian and ready to go as soon as possible. For Lizzy and I though, being on alert just means not straying too far from the dock. I imagine we'll be spending the next few days eating, sleeping, and maybe a little gentle training.

Koemi and Dean take their seats across from us, Koemi frowning at Deans overflowing tray. To my great surprise I notice that they're sitting closer together than they need to be. Lizzy does too. Before I can congratulate them for making our backup team, Lizzy begins to interrogate the pair.

'Are you guys a thing now?'

'Thing?' Koemi asks, confused. 'What do you mean?'

'Are you together? Boyfriend and girlfriend? Dating? Fuckbuddies?' She clarifies, the last suggestion making Dean choke on his potato.

'No.' He manages, after Koemi thumps his back a few times. 'We're just friends. Besides, Koemi's got a girlfriend.'

'Okay. Wow. I had no Idea.' Lizzy says. 'Who's she?'

'Her name's Tessa. She was at the same institute where I trained to become a pilot. She works in the control room.' Koemi clarifies.

'Is she cute?'

Koemi turns red, before squeaking, 'Yes.'

'Then you have my blessing.'

'Lizzy, I'm pretty sure Koemi doesn't need your blessing.' I say dryly.

'I dunno, maybe she wants it. Oh, and congratulations, welcome to the Thurian Club.'

'Yes, I was gonna say, before this one decided to redirect the conversation.' I say, kicking Lizzy under the table. Her glare alone could kill a lesser man. 'I'm really glad you're our backups, I wouldn't trust anyone else with Thurian.'

'Is that so?' Andrew says, crashing his tray down on the other side of Lizzy. 'Carroll I am deeply offended.' He only lasts a few seconds before his scowl breaks into a smile. 'Just kidding. They're moving me to aircraft; I have a helicopter licence. I might even end up transporting jaegers.'

'Hey that's pretty awesome.' I say. Andrew nods in agreement as he scoffs his lunch.

'I'll put in a good word for you. "Andy, the Jaeger transport team leader".' Lizzy says, hand resting casually on his knee. Naw.

'That's not a thing.' He tells Lizzy. 'Are you two together?' Andrew asks suddenly, gesturing at Dean and Koemi. Koemi rolls her eyes, and Deans ears turn red.

'No, Koemi's got a girlfriend in the control room.' Lizzy says in a helpful tone.

'Really? I had no idea. Is she cute?'

'Andy!' Lizzy scolds, lightly slapping his arm.

I feel a hand on my shoulder, and after craning my neck up and around I see that it's Raleigh. 'Oh, hi.'

'Hey. Can I steal you for a moment?'

'Uh, yeah, sure.' I say, getting up and instructing Lizzy to mind my spot. I follow him out of the hall and we stop a few feet from the door. I assume he doesn't want to be overheard. 'What is it?'

'I just wanted to check on you, after the meeting. I mean, after what Silvan said.' he trails off.

'Don't worry, punching him made me feel much better.'

'I was surprised that the whole room didn't cheer for you when you floored him. He deserved it. It was pretty impressive.'

'Yeah, well he wasn't expecting it.'

'Still, you moved faster than I've seen anyone do, ever.'

'I was angry. I'm pretty sure that with me, anger is a temporary super power. Like the hulk, just less green.' He laughs at that. 'But I wish I hadn't hit him. Because that was just showing him that he got exactly what he wanted. He wanted to make me mad; wanted to get to me. And I let him.'

'That's not what I saw.'

'What do you mean?'

'Ellie, you put him in his place. It was perfect. You told him how wrong what he said was. And, thank god, you absolutely guaranteed that I won't have to pilot with him. You're brilliant.' He looks at my face, suddenly unsure. 'What? What is it? '

'Ellie, you called me Ellie. No one but Lizzy calls me that.' I point out.

'Um, is it okay?' He asks. I think for a moment.

'Yeah, it's good.' He looks relieved. 'Actually, that reminds me. Your meeting with the General, that was about Silvan.'

'Yeah. It didn't last very long. They couldn't find anyone else I had any chance drifting with, based on fighting ability. That's why they ignored the fact that Sivan was suspended, and of course, desperate times call for desperate measures.'

'Maybe those measures were a little too desperate.'

'That's what I thought. He just made it very clear that I need to find someone to drift with; he wants me there for operation pitfall, no excuses.'

'Operation Pitfall?'

'That's what they've called blowing up the breach.'

'I see.' I say, and stop. Silvan is walking down the corridor towards us, with tape on his nose, two black eyes, and a bruised neck.

'What is it?'

'Behind you.' Raleigh takes in Silvan's battered state, and turns back to me grinning.

'Jesus Christ woman, remind me not to piss you off.' I giggle stupidly as I watch Silvan, who rolls his eyes at me when he walks past. 'Seriously, you're a threat to society.'

'Oh, Shut it.' I say lightly. He laughs and checks his watch, developing a substantially more grumpy expression.

'I'm really sorry, but I've got to go.'

'Why is it that you're always going somewhere?'

'Ah, I don't know, but it's true. Maybe we should hang out?'

'Like a date?'

'Well, yeah, if you want to.' He says, just a little bit shy. 'I mean, the other times we've been alone together we were sparring, or doing therapy. It'd be nice to just talk to you normally.' I think about it for less than a second.

'I'd love to.' I say, and his face lights up. I'm very tempted to kiss him, but manage to restrain myself. 'Call me!' I yell over my shoulder as I walk back into the hall.

I go back to the table to find all my food has been eaten. Lizzy is taking up my spot with her legs in Andrews lap, and Dean is braiding Koemi's hair. I stop at the end of the table, and it takes them a while to realize I'm there. As they look up at me one by one, I can see the guilt in their eyes.

'Ellie!' Lizzy says, rearranging herself so that I have a place to sit. 'Saved you're spot, just like I promised.' She says, pretending everything is as I left it. Koemi doesn't bother.

'Sorry Eloise.'

'You guys are shit friends.' I say, taking my seat and snatching an apple out of Lizzy's hand as she goes to bite it. She makes a whiney sound of protest. 'Like, really shit. And you're not doing great with duties as best friend either.' I say to Lizzy. 'When exactly were you going to tell me that you had a serious boyfriend? By the way, that was a rhetorical question.' I tear off a chunk of apple and start chewing.

'Hey Carroll,' Dean says. 'Was that you're boyfriend?'

Andrew looks shocked. 'Carroll has a boyfriend?' Dean complains the he's the only single guy at the table.

I groan loudly, and let my head fall and thump onto the tabletop. Oh my god

hey hey hey new chapters! I'm sorry about all these massive gaps between updates, I really am. I suppose that's just the way I'm writing this fic. But have faith! Guys, I love you, and I fully intend to keep writing this shit; it may take some time, but these characters are my babies and all you wonderful readers are EVERYTHING TO ME

thankyou so much every one for eveything I love you all

Amelia :)