Twirling a silky strand of honey-blonde hair, the blue-eyed bounty hunter observed the scene before her. About a dozen individuals, both male and female, stood in unorganized rows. Each was attired in body-hugging suits, though none of them like her own Zero Suit. She laughed humorlessly as her attention was drawn to one of the males in a pale green suit. One of the instructors motioned for him to attempt the exercise he'd just completed. Indeed, he tried, but one and all would agree that he failed. She couldn't help but chuckle a little.
"Samus."
The blonde turned at the sound of the all-too formal, mature voice of Adam. Adam. The over-authoritative, overambitious commanding officer of the Galactic Federation. Well, one of the commanding officers. Adam Malkovich, however, turned out to be hers. A sad, unfortunate decision that would haunt him for the rest of his life.
"I assume that you're doing something productive with your time."
Samus smirked before turning back to her observations. "Oh, you need not doubt that I am, Commander Malkovich. I'm merely ensuring that the Federation's finest are preparing our next set of finest. However, it appears we seem to be lacking." She spared a glance over at him, weighing his expression.
Adam came and joined Samus, standing straight with his hands held behind his back. His eyes focused on the progress, or lack thereof. His expression, to Samus' despair, was flat and lifeless. "Perhaps I should enforce more time training. That, or the intensity. Either or, or perhaps both, if I'm feeling disappointed." Samus coughed at his words, all too-aware of the rate that his disappointment raised. Those poor trainees were going to be regretting joining the Federation in no time.
"That, naturally, is up to you, Commander. You certainly were merciless when training me." Samus grimaced as she said this. He always had a ready, waiting list of challenges and exercises ready for her, only three years ago. True, she'd been reckless and stubborn, but despite his onslaught of venomous training, she remained that way. She was quite proud of that.
Adam turned and faced her. Her posture didn't falter, but she was well aware of his gaze. Perhaps he was attempting to analyze her memories; pick them apart and throw them over the marble floor for all to see. It was like him, really.
"I have no doubt that you would disagree with any of my future decisions, am I correct, Miss Aran?"
Samus withheld another smirk as she turned and faced him once more. Standing an arm's length away, she jutted out her own arm, her hand clenched and her thumb pointing to the floor. She couldn't guarantee anything, but she'd probably try.
"No doubt, Commander. No doubt at all."