Sasha and Aleksis Kaidanovskys didn't have very many friends.
In truth, they did not mind, if only because they felt like they didn't anyone except each other. And in their line of work, forming attachments often ended badly.
Maybe it was because the end of the world was upon them and every moment seemed precious. Maybe it was because they were the resistance and they all had something strong in common.
Either way, for the first time in their lives, the Kaidanovskys found themselves making friends.
It started small, with casual conversations in the mess hall. Sharing battle stories helped to create a sense of camaraderie with others.
But it started to grow. They would practice fighting with Herc Hansen in the Kwoon, someone whose physical and emotional strength they grew to respect. The Weir Triplets, despite having awful taste in music, were excellent at telling jokes and provoking laughter.
Mako Mori, the marshal's young daughter, was incredibly passionate and sharp as steel. Sasha saw some of herself in the Japanese woman and the two had frequent conversations on Jaegers and drifting. Mostly Sasha telling stories of the glory days of Cherno Alpha and Mako listening in rapture.
She hoped that Mako would have the opportunity to pilot a Jaeger; the girl would do wonders. And when Raleigh Becket came and brought his drift compatibility with him, Sasha knew that Mako would have her turn at being a legend.
Chuck Hansen was young and angry, having lost so much far before he should have had to. He didn't allow anyone else near him, his heart hardened so much. The Kaidanovskys sympathized with him from afar. He would have to learn he couldn't yell at or beat every problem he faced, but that was not a lesson they could teach him.
When they met the resident scientists, the Russian pilots were amused by the constant bickering. Reminded them of their sparring matches, exchanging one harsh blow for an even harsher one. But their intelligence, especially when combined, was remarkable to behold.
Aleksis was surprisingly intuitive and told Sasha that Hermann and Newton would learn to like each other. Or at least work together. Eventually.
So without meaning to, the Russians bonded with these unique and interesting people. It didn't seem quite possible, but the world was ending. All bets were off.
And they found solace in these people that they only thought existed in each other. They felt closeness and something akin to trust for them, knowing that they would be fighting alongside each other and could die together.
Sasha and Aleksis started to think that they if they were going to die, it was going to be among friends. And that was a death they never could have imagined.
When they went out into the battle against the Category 4 Kaiju, they were unafraid, knowing that their friends would fight with them,
They didn't know that none of them will come back. That this battle would be their last, the death they had foretold.
The first friends the Kaidanovskys made were also their last.