Pacific Rim: Legacy

Chapter 6 - Analia

Analia leaned back in her chair, the warmth of the room settling into her bones as she sipped from a glass of wine. The soft glow from the lamps bathed the living room in a comfortable light, casting long shadows across the worn furniture. The air was filled with the subtle hum of conversation, though there was an undercurrent of tension that lingered from earlier. They had gathered here, in the familiar comfort of her and Raleigh's quarters, to unwind after a day that had felt particularly long. The easy banter of close friends mixed with the weight of the looming decisions about the Jaeger program.

She watched Raleigh out of the corner of her eye as he leaned against the counter, his posture relaxed but his gaze sharp, ever attentive. Even after all these years, he had that presence about him, the kind that commanded a room without saying a word. Analia turned her focus back to Mako, who sat across from her, deep in thought.

"So how long until all this is shut down?" Analia asked, swirling the last bit of wine in her glass. Her tone was casual, but her question carried weight. She needed to know where Mako stood on Liwen's drones, especially after today's presentation.

Mako's expression tightened slightly as she set her glass on the table, her dark eyes reflecting the light. "I don't trust the tech. Not yet, at least," she admitted, her voice calm but with a trace of hesitation.

Analia caught the subtle shift in Mako's tone, and it only confirmed her own feelings. She didn't like it either—the idea of Jaegers being piloted remotely, without the deep connection and trust that came from the drift. She could feel Jake shifting beside her before he spoke, his casual tone at odds with the weight of the conversation.

"It looks pretty good to me," Jake said with a shrug, lifting his beer to his lips. Analia didn't miss the faint smile that tugged at the corner of his mouth, as though he was intentionally provoking Mako just a little.

Mako didn't flinch. She met Jake's gaze, her voice steady. "Remote systems can be hacked or compromised. That's my concern."

Analia nodded in agreement, her eyes flicking back to Jake, who was now leaning back in his chair, seemingly unbothered. Of course he'd be quick to back the tech, Analia thought, though she kept her expression neutral. She decided to press Mako further.

"You've got the key vote, right?" Analia asked, leaning forward slightly. "It's your decision."

Mako sighed softly, her fingers tracing the rim of her glass. "I wish I could just go ahead and approve them. Nearly half the council is backing Liwen. They aren't going to like my decision."

Raleigh, who had been quiet for most of the conversation, finally spoke up. His deep voice cut through the soft murmur of the room. "So you've decided to tell them no?"

There was something reassuring in the way Raleigh said it, as though he was prepared to back Mako no matter what. Analia noticed the way Mako's shoulders seemed to relax ever so slightly at his question.

Mako nodded slowly. "Until I have better sound of mind that the tech is reliable, yes," she said firmly, her resolve clear now. "But I have a special request."

Analia exchanged a glance with Raleigh, who raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Anything for you, Mako," he said, the fondness in his voice unmistakable.

"Permission to have Gypsy Avenger as honor guard tomorrow at the Summit," Mako said, her tone respectful but firm, as if she knew she could rely on Raleigh's support.

Raleigh's answer was immediate, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Permission granted," he said, then turned his attention to Jake, his tone shifting to a more playful one. "Pentecost, you're hopping in a Jaeger. Ana, think you can handle this punk?"