Whackbot

Mech Pilot who had to drop their child off at school.

You have [9] new voice messages.

First voice message.

"Hello, Ms. Loraine Starfield. This is Ms. Mason from P.S M19. Principal Ion has requested a formal meeting with you in regards to your son Gene. Now, he's not doing bad in school or anything, but he IS running on walls much like a woman of your profession is trained to do. It's remarkable for a first grader, but a nightmare for most of the staff."

"Principal Ion has...also requested that you look into a bus program for Gene. He believes that, and I quote, 'Having a child learn how to parachute from an air drop before their multiplication is insanity.' I'm well aware that that was only one time, but the toppling of cars from your landings are not. Please call us back so we can schedule your meeting. As always, thank you for your service!"

You have [8] new messages

Next voice message

"Hello, this is Ms. Mason again. Please schedule with us immediately, because now Gene is commandeering one of the school campus vehicles. Thank you."

You have [7] new messages...

Mech Pilot who asks if we can bond over something other than generational trauma.

"Yo, rookie. Welcome to Delta Team."

It was my first day in the Pilot's barracks. With all the tests finished, all I needed to do now was meet up with my team. I didn't expect to be met with the Team's Captain, Ace Starwind, a.k.a 'New York's Finest Pilot.'

"You're with the greatest team this side of Earth. Together, we're gunna fuck over those giant alien invaders!"

I nodded my head. Those aliens had caused eno-

"Those aliens," interrupted Ace. "They stomped out my hometown. I'm sure they did the same to yours."

The opening of old wounds shut me up real quick. Somehow, my shocked face didn't register to Ace as he continued on.

"It's horrible, what they did," Said Ace, clenching his fist as he stared into space. "I still remember the screams of agony. That's why I took up this job - I'm gunna kill every last one of those aliens."

It was becoming worryingly clear how Ace became a great Pilot.

"Every last inch of the Bronx was taken over. Broken bodies and buildings, old landmarks destroyed. Rookie, I can tell you've got a similar fire within. I feel it, brother!"

He puts his arm on my shoulders. His smile should have bee reassuring, but it sure didn't come off that way.

"Many other recruits don't make it. Their eyes are full of hope, and they get snuffed out just as quick. You? I can see it - you've got that fighting spirit that'll kick those aliens back into their home planet!"

Who the fuck starts a conversation like this?! Ace's grip on my shoulders brings me back into focus.

"So, Rookie, you ready to be a part of Delta Team?"

It was finally my turn to speak, and in my surprise, I found myself speechless. It took a moment, but of all the things I wanted to say, I was finally able to meet Ace with something profound for my first impression.

"...Holy SHIT, dude, I just stepped in this place! At least let me ENJOY being part of the team!"