We lied in Alex's bed for a short while before I began asking my questions. It was only after the logical side of my mind returned that I began to contemplate on the bed itself. It was quite comfortable, definitely not standard military issue. Of course, the Militia wasn't exactly a standard military. In any case, Alex must have put away a bit of money to get it. My own room only had a simple cot. I would have to ask her where she got her bed.

The air suddenly became filled with the scent of mint and blueberries. I looked to my side to see a small cloud of white vapor. After a second puff, Alex offered up the electronic cigarette, which I took after a moment's hesitation. I took a tentative puff, easing into the slight burn of the nicotine and mint. After a longer draw, I breathed out the vaporized solution, feeling quite relaxed. I briefly wondered whether she had anything other than nicotine and flavored vapor solution in it.

"Well, I'd say that I never would have expected this from you, but to be fair, I don't really know you all that well," Alex joked. I simply rolled my eyes.

"I am usually more in control of myself than this. I think all this waiting around drove me a bit stir crazy."

"A bit? You latched onto my face like one of those face-huggers from that old alien flick. Can't remember what it was called…"

"Alien," I answered, handing her back the e-cig.

"Okay, that's totally unoriginal." She takes a long draw before continuing. "I mean, we invented the fish taco, you'd think we could come up with a better name for an alien movie than 'Alien.'"

I resisted the urged to roll my eyes at what Alex considered an example of human ingenuity. She either had simple tastes, or had an incredible ability to enjoy the little things. I could not really fault her for that. To each their own, as they say.

"So. We gonna make a habit outta this?"

The seriousness in her tone caught me off guard. It was almost a complete 180 to her previous attitude. I then quietly chastised myself for making an assumption on her character without truly knowing her. As to the question itself, the answer was not an easy one. At least not at that moment. There were too many thoughts swimming around my head. I was still trying to discern my feelings on this whole ordeal. And to Alex's credit, she was quite patient with me. She seemed to notice how twisted up I was about what had transpired. I was thankful for that.

"This was a spur of the moment thing, born of frustration." She gave simple nod before I clarified. "But... I did... enjoy it."

"So, that's a maybe? Fair enough."

"I wanted to talk to you. I was curious about your assignment here."

"Wanna know what a bruiser like me is doing on a specialist squad?"

"Yes... I... didn't want to offend you. You are most certainly very talented."

"Heh, thanks. Look, I get why you'd think I'd make an ill fit for an outfit like this. Ever since I could pronounce the word, I always wanted to pilot a Titan. I mean, they were just so awesome, you know? I joined the Militia as soon as I was old enough. Turned out I was pretty good at piloting giant robots, and even better at taking them down. I fought on the front lines for a good while, until Demeter and Graves. I guess I felt I needed to put my skills to better use than pushing back IMC forces that were already pushed back. Nowadays the IMC's main military bulk is more of a distraction for their covert ops. So, when Anna scouted me, I jumped at the chance."

That made a whole lot of sense. It was as I suspected, she was transferred to this squad as added muscle. But her motivations for joining were a bit more than I had expected. Behind all that bravado and gruffness lied a rather sharp and logical mind. This only reaffirmed to me that I could not judge her by what lied on the surface.

"I see."

"If you don't mind me asking, why'd you decide to become a Titan pilot?"

"I... I'm not entirely sure." I was not really prepared to answer that question. Partially because it stems from something I had been hiding. Something that I hadn't really told anyone since becoming combat certified. Something that I did not expect to be telling someone I only met a week and a half ago.

I reached over the edge of the bed to my discarded clothing, fishing out my dog tags. Finding them, I brought them up so Alex could see them clearly. With a small movement of my thumb, I slid out a concealed tab, revealing a chip with a red symbol on it and a letter 'G' and the number '2.'

"Oh... shit."

She recognized the chip immediately. It marked me as a Generation 2 Titan Pilot. This meant that I had been... rebuilt. All the battle fatigue, scars, and old lingering injuries were washed away, restoring me to the peak of physical health. Not only that, but I was smarter, faster than before. However, the cost of such regeneration... was my memories. Before the Militia, there was nothing. Family, friends, I have no recollection of anything in my life. As far as I knew, I had always been a soldier.

"When I said I gotten certified as a Pilot, I suppose it would be more accurate to say I had gotten re-certified. I suppose that is why I chose to be come a Pilot... but I have no idea as to why I would become one in the first place."

"Damn. Hey, look, I don't care about that crap. You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."

I gave her a small nod, silently thanking her. Having gotten what I had been looking for... and a bit more... I decided it was time to take my leave. I gathered my clothes and began to dress myself. Alex seemed content simply lying in her bed stark naked.

"I'd ask you to keep quiet about this, but I have a feeling rumors have already started." It didn't really take long for rumors to spread like wildfire through ships like this. Besides, I didn't really look to see if anyone was around to witness me attacking Alex's face.

"If people hear it, it won't be from me." Again, I silently thanked her for her discretion.

I cracked open her door, checking for anyone in the corridor. Satisfied no one was around to see me, I slipped out and headed toward my own quarters. As a left, I couldn't help but feel unsatisfied. Not because I had not gotten what I wanted, but because I was now more curious about the Titan Killer than ever. This curiosity stemmed from my confusion as to why exactly I trusted her enough to divulge the truth of my regeneration. I had to be more careful. I didn't need working with Alex to be awkward. I had firmly decided she was worthy of my respect. In the very least, I needed to have her back, just as she had mine.

Now I was sounding melodramatic. I think I needed to soak my head in cold water. For... multiple reasons. Hopefully, something, anything, would come up that demanded the attention of our team. Perhaps Jackson will finally have the drive we found decrypted.