It was a few days before Uso saw Kione again. He had stayed in the Titan Hanger, getting tuned up and repainted, his optic shut as they did some repairs around it. It wasn't that he was afraid of his optical unit getting damaged, but whatever the mechanic was doing felt so good. Like an age-old itch being scratched. He actually had to mute his vocal processors to not seem weird, the optical blinds fluttering when the mechanic started fiddling with a certain wire.

"Enjoying yourself, bud?" The question surprised him, turning his vocal processor back on.

"H-Huh? How-"

"It's alright!" The mechanic laughed, "From what I'm told, this wire is a weak spot for all titans, like an itchy spot, right?"

"I feel as if that is a very acute description of what I am feeling."

"No need to be ashamed, itches are a fact of life. Unfortunately, I'm almost done."

"That is alright, sir. Good things don't always last forever."

"Aw, that's no way to look at life, Uso." A familiar voice had him looking back down, happiness filling his AI system as he saw Kione. She looked much better than the last time he saw her, standing up tall and proud without any visible injuries. Once the mechanic had gotten down, he crouched to greet her. "How you doing, buddy?"

"Much better, now that you have come back."

"Awww, how sweet." She laughed, rubbing the back of her neck before patting his chassis, "I would have been back sooner, but they had to give me some 'new ribs'."

"How did they do that?"

"Mesh-wire, I bet." She laughed, "Augh, still hurts."

"I would suggest refraining for laughter."

"I'll take that into considerations. Anyhow, Uso, I might not be your pilot yet but it looks like we're already needed. One of our refueling stations has a food run coming up, and they need someone around just to make sure we don't jumped by pirates. You game?"

"Though I am unsure what you mean by 'game', I am gladly willing to assist."

"Awesome. We leave in a few hours, I'll be hitching a ride on your top."

"Understood. Pilot, I-"

The pilot turned back, her braid whipping around to her like a ribbon. Uso noticed for the first time, she had beautiful golden flecks of color in her brown eyes. In that moment, he forgot what he was going to say.

"...Uso?"

"! Ah... My systems have deemed it unimportant. If it comes back, I will ask."

"Okay," She giggled, turning away to go find her team leader for this mission. Uso followed her, then looked over at BT's empty bay. What had the Titan meant?

-IMC BATTLESHIP C.O.R. MARZIA-

It was a quiet morning today. In the past few weeks, there hadn't been much action from the militia since the explosion of the Ark, and the IMC had one too many mining planets to guard for them to take more. That meant a lot of downtime. Currently, one of the IMC commanders was relaxing in his 'office', reading over various previous mission reports. He was interrupted, however, at a knock upon his door.

"Come in."

"Sir," Into the room stepped a 'simple soldier', holding another datapad, " Our investigation of Mii has come back conclusive."

The IMC Commander lifted his head from his datapad as one of his soldiers stepped into the room, taking the new information offered without question.

"We're positive it's a Militia refueling station?" He said after a moment of browsing, looking up. His soldier was in full gear, including a helmet, meaning he could not see the facial expression being worn at the time. But there was a curt nod.

"Yes."

"...Alright, here's the plan. I want you to send in four pilots and their titans." The Commander set down the pad. "Not the best, but some of our good men. Go with them, oversee what happens, but don't get involved. If they take it, call in one of our nearby battleships. If they don't, get an evac for yourself."

"What of the pilots?"

"Fuck them, if they can't do their job they can't come back."

The soldier nodded slowly, taking back the datapad offered and leaving the room.

"Oh my fucking god, It's cold." Kione hissed as she pulled her parka tighter around her body, shivering. They weren't on a blizzard planet, no, that she would have honestly taken over this anyday. Instead, they had traveled four uneventful days come to a planet with almost no atmosphere, the cold air of space able to lick the bare ground of the planet below it. The best part: They hadn't even landed yet. Uso looked up, noticing her shiver and started to super-heat his chassis.

"Does this feel better, Kione-Senpai?" There was a minute or so delay before she sighed into her mask, slouching a bit.

"Yes, thank you~"

The titan squinted happily, feeling the very little gravity of the planet taking some effect. They had to be a few hundred feet up.

"We are meeting a convoy on the ground, that is correct?"

"Yes, but not at the base. We can't risk a fighter being tracked back to it, so we're walking."

"...with this?" Uso gestured to the GIANT cargo box that was next to them. The riflemen were sitting on top of it, swinging their legs without a care in the world.

"Yeah, it has wheels. We just have to guard it in case of a raid.

"Are there natives on this planet?"

"No, but pirates come and go."

Thirty seconds to drop-point…

Kione strapped herself down to Uso as the dropship started to slow down, the loud roar of the turbines filling their ears before they felt the pull of G-forces come then ease, and soon, the ship was hovering. The back door opened, the giant cargo crate starting to roll itself as the riflemen stayed atop of it, making sure their masks were on tight. Kione tapped the titan's head, and out they went.

There wasn't really anyone waiting for them, just a lone Titan with a rider and its Pilot. She would be lying if she told herself she wasn't already disappointed. Once the cargo was clear, the ship quickly exited to orbit, blinking off quicker then she came originally. Unfortunately, drawing the short straw of being this operation's leader, she stood up to greet the other pilot.

"Hello!" She called as the other pilot wiggled from the cockpit hatch, standing on his titan's head. "Unit USO and Second Lieutenant-"

"Kione?"

Kione stopped, stepping back in surprised as the other pilot and rider hopped over. They rubbed their masks, venting it for the fog to clear and show the face of men. The pilot was maybe 27 or 28, with bright red hair, freckles, and sparkling blue eyes, standing at a good six-four. The rider was much shorter and tanner, with bright green eyes and choppy hair. They had goofy grins on their faces, and it took her a moment before she recognized them.

"Oh! Goodness, Colton! Ryan!" She laughed, embracing her fellow comrades in a warm hug. He laughed, backing up.

"Good to see you!" Ryan grinned, his eye twinkling, "What's it been, three months?"

"No kidding. I didn't even recognize Nini." She gestured at the other titan, a Northstar, who nodded curtly.

"Good to see you again, Pilot Kione."

"Who's this?" Colton asked, grabbing a safety bar to dangle down by Uso optic. Uso blinked.

"Hello. I am Unit Uso."

"woAH!" The pilot 'jumped', almost falling but pulling himself back up. Kione was crouched on his head, smiling, "You got a titan?"

"No, not quite... Uso is my student. I'll explain after we're done with the drop. Let's head out, aye?"

"Aye. Nini, trust fall!" He pushed off of Uso's chassis, being caught mid-air by the other titan and gently set into her cockpit. There was stillness for a moment before they gave Kione a thumbs up, turning and heading out. Ryan grinned, winking before jumping down to join the other riflemen on the cargo. The convoy, front guarded by Colton and rear guarded by Uso, followed.

"Kione-senpai, might I ask, who are they?"

"Pilot Colton? Oh, he's one of my buddies. I've known him for a little bit, not as long as Jack though."

"I see. And the other?"

"That's Rifleman Ryan. We go back a loooooong time. Why, are you jealous?" She joked, her face falling when she did not get an answer. "...Uso?"

"Yes?"

"...Nothing, nevermind."

Her helmet pings, pressing the button as a private comm line ups. It's Colton and Ryan. She's unsure if she should answer it, given the reaction of Uso, but does anyhow.

"Hey, so, this place sucks for hot food but it had amazing granola bars, if you're interested." Kione chuckled at Ryan's words. They hadn't forgotten that she basically lived off those things.

"Nah, I'm going on a cereal bar strike, made my hips too big."

"Psh, yeah right." Colton popped in, "You're what, 50 kilos wet?"

"Very funny, Pilot."

Ryan's voice came again. "So, about Uso. He's not your titan?"

"Not yet. He wants me to be but… I'm just not sure."

"...It's been almost nine months, Sola. I'm sure if Jenny could see you she'd be rolling in her grave."

"I know, I know… I'm moving past it. But Uso is very special, he's not like the other titan AIs. He's his own thing, a homegrown model. He had to be taught just about everything he knows. Apparently he can become better than BT."

"That's amazing."

"And why, praytell," Colton sounded like he was eating, "Have you not jumped on this?"

"I'm an old soul stuck in her own ways. He doesn't deserve that."

"Ooohhh, I'm sure you'll do just fine."

The three continued their conversation as they traveled almost five clicks west. There was very little light on this planet, but she could see the tiny sun was probably going to set in the next hour. Probably. As they were nearing, one of the rifleman ran to the edge of the cargo, his hand pressed tightly to his helmet. Uso noticed.

"Pilot, one of our men seems in distress." Kione looked down, following his stare and ending the call with a quick goodbye as her comm pinged. Ryan noticed the rifleman too, walking across the cargo to join him.

"What is it, rifleman?"

"Incoming enemy titanfall coming in one click away, cargo's 11 'oclock!"

"Shit." Kione reached behind her, grabbing her anti-titan rifle and arming it. "Uso, we got company! How many, Rifleman?"

"Our scanner count four."

"Four?" Colton's voice joined the comm with a scoff, "Must be scouts. I'll go fend them off. Kione, we're closer to the base then they are to us. Once the cargo is secure, send Uso to come join me."

"What about me?"

"Stay with the cargo, if you get a tear in that suit you won't be able to breath. I'm moving out!"

Colton and Nini took off in full sprint towards the direction of the four falling machines, keeping his comm open. Kione felt a bit angry at him, but looked at Ryan.

"Can the cargo go any faster?"

"Yes ma'am. Hang onto your asses, boys!"

Ryan bent down over the control panel and slapped an arrow, which jolted the cargo forward. Uso had to run to keep up, grabbing one of the men mid-air as he fell off and placing him back on the cargo. A minute or so passed before they could hear heard Colton grunt over the intercom, a beeping as his Northstar took a hard hit.

"How far?!"

"500 meters, tops!"

Kione growled, lifting her other rifle to peer through the scope. Colton had no cover except for his shields, and he was backing up away from the direction of the cargo. Only two of the titans were messing with him, the other two starting to barrel their way. She heard Colton take another hard hit, something beeping.

"Ryan, get this cargo to the point! I gotta help Colton!"

"Kione-senpai," Uso interrupted, "I do not think you have adequate protection in order to fight. Disembark, and I will handle this."

"No Uso, you're not ready! We're a team!"

Uso did not answer as he ran, optic looking over at the incoming titans, then up at Kione.

"Protocol Four."

"Protocol whhHAAAAAA-!" Kione felt her tether snap as his little arm snipped it, starting to fall off his back. Uso skidded to a stop, turning on his hips and lunging, catching her before she could hit the ground. But by the time she could figure out what was going on, he had broken out into a run again, dropping her like a rock onto the cargo. "USO,WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?!"

"Protocol Four."

"THERE IS NO PROTOCOL FOUR, YOU DUMBASS!"

He could not hear her, for he was already taking off running towards the other two titans, weapon drawn and ready. Kione, standing pissed off on the edge of the cargo, suddenly realized that she was left with a choice. Follow him and die, or stay with the cargo and let him and possibly another one of her good friends die. It wasn't a world tearing dilemma, she would rather take the first option. But what the hell could she do? She looked forward to where the cargo was headed. 400 meters. Ryan ran up next to her.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. That motherfucker is going to get himself killed alone."

"...You need to let go, Kione." The pilot turned in surprise at the rifleman, looking up to see a serious face. "If you think Uso isn't going to be okay out there without help, then you need to get out there and be a pilot. A real pilot."

"But... Ryan, I... What if I'm not ready?"

"Then they're both going to die."

"...Fuck." She groaned, clutching her anti-titan rifle. She was silent for a good moment. "Make sure this fucking cargo gets to base, then send the Calvary."

"Understood. And Kione," Ryan smiled, "Good to have you back."

Kione grimaced, and without another word, she jumped.

Colton knew that if he survived this, it would be an interesting story. For now, he was fending off an Ion and a Ronin, but he had been passed already by another Ion and Scorch. Nini was bleeping unhappily at him as he jumped away again, releasing an onslaught of missiles.

"Pilot, I heavily suggest we go after the other two titans."

"Unit Uso comming in. I'll handle them." Uso's voice came across the comm, Colton turning in his seat to look for the other titan. He saw him heading their way, the other two enemies stopping to draw weapons. But Uso was faster than them, already firing. The IMC wasn't sure how to react, jumping backwards.

"Where's Kione?"

"I have left her with the Cargo."

"Good. Let's kick some ass!"

Uso's processors were running at full speed, using everything he had against them. Fighting two enemies was a new feat for him, but he believed it would be no different then fending off turrets that moved.

The scorch launched an incendiary trap, Uso noticing and kicking with full force so it flew back and hit the cockpit, stunning the pilot. The Ion, slightly confused, lifted his splitter gun and began to fire. Luck for Uso today, he had the same weapon, activating his shield and throwing the rounds back when the titan had to reload. He took a step closer, bending forward and began to fire upon the Scorch. He took a good amount of damage before Uso was his by the Ion, jerking away.

"Is it just me or is your scanner bugging out?" He picked up on the comm links of the opposing force.

"You're getting it too? Unknown auto-titan?"

"I think our scanners be bugging."

If Uso had lips, he would smile. He fired between the two titans until he looked past them to see how Colton was holding up. So far, it was fine, but that could change at any second. He held up on his own very well against two opponents for several minutes, that was until he became distracted when Colton yelled painfully over the comm. Looking past, he saw the Ronin had draw it's blade and took a stab at Nini, punching her hull. He could hear her internal alarms blaring.

"Pilot Colton, are you al-" His entire hull heated as the Scorch fired upon his incendiary trap from earlier that Uso oh-so happened to be near. The titan staggered backwards, the Ion seeing his chance and firing his lasers at Uso's chassis. It hurt so bad, enough for him to want to cry out at it seared and ate away some of the metal with the molten laser,two of his batteries burning out. He hunched over, trying to use his vortex shield to catch any rounds fired. But when he fired them back, they did almost nothing.

"Uso?! Uso, do you copy?"

"Pilot Colton, I require assistant."

"Fuck! I'll be over as fast as I can!" Colton shouted over the radio as he grabbed the enemy Ronin by the shoulder for an execution move. Uso's systems were blaring as the Ion approached, stepping on the end of the Militia weapon to crush it before pointing his own at the cockpit, knocking on it.

"Open up, titan."

Uso did not respond, he was too confused by their request. They tapped again, and he opened the hatch to expose nothing.

"See, I told you! No pilot."

"Don't blow it up then, get its last battery and we'll take him back to base. I'll help with the other pilot." The Scorch titan turned and took off to go address Colton. And like an idiot, the Ion's pilot in front of him opened his hatch. Uso immediately went for him, forgetting about the Auto-titan, who grabbed his hands and yanked them down.

The IMC pilot stepped onto Uso's chassis, bending down to grab the battery. Uso shut his optic, knowing as soon as that pulled out, he would shut down. He felt a hand grab the battery pack... He shut his optic, praying silently.

Someone, help me...please...

Instead of shut-down, there was the sound of a bang. A few seconds later, he felt a thud on his cockpit, the auto-titan letting out something like a mechanical scream. His shoulder optic turned around, and there at his foot with a rifle was-

"Kione..."

Ryan belongs to Kieran (SunGryphon) :D

Edit : Ages

Thank you to all my recent reviews who enjoyed the 'dick-slinging' and the small bonding moment. As always; please Fav, Follow, and Review! :D