"Doctor?"

"Yes, Alex?"

"If I may... Why are we hesitating?" Leaning on Dr Elune's shoulder as they played, Alex fidgeted slightly as they watched the game.

"Oh, that's easy... I only have a few more levels in this." Grinning up at Alex, the doctor chuckled as Alex rolled their eyes.

"You know that isn't what I meant. The shuttle is all ready for us to go... And we are a fixed orbit away from the Haven. Why are we not to leave for another week?"

"Fine. A few reasons, actually." Dr Elune paused as they turned around, "We may have things settled from this end.. But Ren still has a few things to prepare for when we arrive. We don't, well.. We don't want the wrong kind of welcoming committee."

Alex grimaced, "I suppose not. My operation will not be very discrete, with my power draw being so heavy..."

"Nah, we have that covered, for the most part. Just need to make sure we get a few people to meet us at the checkpoints, have the place for us to stay properly configured... You will need to be able to work over networks undetected, after all."

"Hmm, That is true."

"Yup. We also shouldn't leave ahead of schedule... Other people have a lot more on their plate than we do. Getting there early could be awkward." Dr Elune pulled Alex close with a grin, "Besides... I have a few things I want you to learn, before we go."

"... Such as?"

"First off... Having your second AHOR unit lying around could be weird. If anyone stumbles across it, you need to be able to react... And more importantly, independantly pilot two units."

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Alex groaned as they wiggled their way free, "That is going to be... Doable, but difficult. I shall practice using the units, then."

"Good. the other thing is... Well, the havens aren't quite as safe as our dinky little station." Dr Elune quietly looked at Alex for a moment, "... I need you to know how to get out of fights."

"You mean, I should learn self defense?"

"A version of it, yes. Your strength would cause... Complications, if you faught back. So, you need to be better at running. Getting out of holds. That kind of thing. I'm planing on having Hope run you through a crash-course, then having you put both units through it to better get a feel for it, and it would help your other homework too."

"Well, if you think it is prudent... I will."

As Alex went to lean back on the desk, Dr Elune smirked, "Good. Hope is expecting you over in an hour."

"Wait, already?"

"Surprise! A little handicap won't hurt, right?"

Alex narrowed their eyes as they sighed, "I will get both units there right away. And what will the doctor be doing as I go through spartan training?"

Dr Elune turned back to their monitor without saying a word, grinning as they tauntingly waggled a finger over the resume button. Alex rolled their eyes, getting up to leave in order to meet the unexpected appointment.

With Alex gone, Dr Elune opened a new screen, showing a list of people. "Now then... Who to meet, who to greet... And who to avoid like our lives depend on it."