𝐈 𝐂𝐚𝐧'𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝

𝐒𝐢𝐩-𝐈

Neither of them could believe it, but how could they miss it?

All memories are found in the drift, between both co-pilots.

Whatever's in Lia's head, is also in Yeji's. And whatever is in Yeji's head is in Lia's.

"Lia?" Yeji whispered in utter disbelief. Again, how could they single her out? How could they miss this?

"I'm sorry, Yeji. It's for the sake of the rules, not to smite either of you." Lia sighed, playing with her hands.

Just then, the alarm for Kaiju readings went off, meaning pilots are needed for jaegers to be deployed immediately. Interrupting their discussion, Taeyeon spoke into her earpiece saying which Jaegers she wants deployed for this mission.

"I'm sorry, Marshal, but this is just a category three. It is not either of the three-missing kaiju, this is a different one, Yamarashi. It's heading for Seoul, but if we deploy now, we'll be able to keep all combat in the harbor, away from the mainland. " The CE responded.

"In that case, I still want Gypsy and Saber on the field. Let's have Gypsy in combat and Saber in the miracle mile."

Yeji and Lia hid it, but they didn't feel like getting into a jaeger right now. They know they have to for the greater good, but things would be awkward. How would they ever get over this?

"Okay," Taeyeon hung up and spoke to everyone else, "We'll continue the discussion after this mission. I sent out Gypsy and Saber because they are the only ones fully complete in their weapon clean up. Pilot Hwang and Pilot Choi, I understand with recent controversy, things may be shaky, and it will interfere with your neural handshake, even your drift. But you must get over it for now." Taeyeon dismissed.

"And what about me, Marshal Kim?" Ryujin asked with a loud and respectful voice full of chest.

"... Just stay in your headquarters for now. Let's go." Taeyeon clapped once to get everyone out of her office, the two pilots geared up for Saber Athena, and the ranger to her headquarters.

Ryujin figured she might as well start packing now. It wasn't set in stone that she was getting kicked out or temporarily leaving but given what happened to Chaeryeong and Aisha... Ryujin can assume for herself.

As they were deployed, Saber Athena being transported to the discharge area via choppers and suspension chords, Yeji and Lia had to talk things out carefully enough to not to mess with their neural handshake.

"Why now of all times, Lia? I just want to know." Yeji started.

"I realize now that with the end of the world possibly coming, it was bad timing. But it swallowed me whole just watching Ranger Shin and Heo get caught. Your relationship with Ranger Shin is wrong, Yeji."

"I'm aware. I don't know what I was thinking. Love makes me stupid."

"We both already knew that..." Lia chuckled, "It's another reason why I told Marshal, but I realize now that it was wrong. I should've told you about it first and then try to talk you out of it. But even then, could I have stopped you alone?"

Yeji sighed, "I don't think so, Jisu. I think I love her. Is it so bad?"

"It's against the rules! How old even is she?"

"20."

"Didn't she just turn 20-"

"We didn't do anything until after she became legal. And no, I wasn't purposefully waiting for her to turn legal just to make a move. I never planned to get involved with her in the first place."

"Okay, okay. I get it. If it makes you feel any better, I don't think Marshal will relieve you of your post. You're too important."

"I don't really give a fuck. Ryujin is going to get kicked out, she's safest here right now. And now she's gonna have to go home, unprotected. She would've been a great ranger."