Preface: I've always wondered how Alister felt about things since she was never really a fleshed out character in the series..so I decided to write this little fic to explore her possible thoughts and make her have more dimension.

Alister

"You're late Alister." the pilot of the vanship scolded.

"Sorry, Tatiana." The girl responded sheepishly.

"Remember we are not in the academy anymore. This isn't a game, its real. Please take it seriously." The other girl snapped back.

"Engine, check, Croadia fluid, check, ready for lift." The berated navigator stated professionally.

"Lifting off." The pilot responded.

Tatiana seems different since that courier came on board. For whatever reason she was even more impatient than normal and less forgiving, Alister thought to herself as she felt the rush of air hit her squarely in the face. Oh well, it wasn't like Tatiana was ever really approachable, even in the academy she was cold and distant. The others thought she was full of herself and constantly picked on her. Only Alister stood by her side, defending Tatiana against their verbal attacks and snide remarks on her character. For whatever reason she felt that deep inside, Tatiana was really a good person, just misunderstood. It was only a matter of time that she would finally crack from all the verbal abuse. Alister could still recall the day Tatiana told her she was expelled for inconducive behavior befitting an officer.

Suddenly a sharp voice woke her from her reverie.

"Alister, your navigation route is a bit longer considering our alternative option.

"Yes, the Vice Captain insisted that we follow this flight pattern to Anatoray. She was fairly emphatic, so I could not refuse her request"

"Hmph. She should have consulted me on the matter. I'm certainly not afraid of a good fight. Anyhow, we'll take the shorter path back."

"Wouldn't that be disobeying the Vice Captains orders?"

"I'm the pilot of this vanship. I'll make the determination of what flight patterns to take. Next time have her consult me."

"Of course, Tatiana. Um, Tatiana, is everything okay? I couldn't help noticing that ever since Claus came on board." Alister began until she was brusquely cut off.

"Alister, you should be keeping watch for enemy ships. Quit your idle talking. This is not the place for it." Her comrade snapped back, "we will be entering Anatoray air space shortly. It is imperative that the Emperor receive the message about the cargo. I'm depending on you to keep a watchful eye, the safety of this mission depends on it."

"Of course. I'll do my best." The navigator replied.

She peered into the horizon silently wondering what future lay ahead for her and her friend. What was so important about the cargo and why was Tatiana so offended by Claus. Maybe she would find the answers soon, but for now she was content doing the best she could alongside her best friend.