Well, it'll have to do regardless.  Wouldn't mind being able to pull off that particular outfit though. She smiled, attempting to make it clear that there weren't any real feelings behind her conversation chain.<br/><br/>So, in short, I'm your direct CO.  Natalie Ashcroft, for those here who don't know. She nodded at Ethnia and Sean. It was a one-sided affair.  She knew everything about them, four neat black binders extolling their entire lives, courtesy of the NEG research division. That particular flow of information, however, hadn't run back the other way. She'd met her XO twice, in passing, and she was one of the most unique instances of a para-psy Engel interaction yet encountered. Sidoci were virtually an unknown element of the population, and they were notoriously poor at creating a successful bond with an Engel.  Sean Tavish was charted up on disciplinary records throughout the western seaboard, but there were few rookie pilots with the sheer capability at handling a stealth suit. Ethnia was stoic and one of the few Hamshall Engel pilots who was not currently involved in active combat zones. Edward grey was a decorated combat veteran of the finest caliber, and the only member of the small team that was capable of claiming real combat experience. All four had been meticulously selected and groomed, habits analyzed, and personalities compiled. This project had eaten the last three years of her life, and if things went as intended, the squad would never know what went in to this deployment.<br/><br/>Everyone always asks, so I'll get it out of the way. Yes, there is some relation to the Ashcroft Foundation. Distant cousin somewhere or other. She sighed, reached up, and cricked her neck until it popped a few times. Sorry for that, been a long day.  Had to convince an Admiral that this entire project is not, in fact, 'a colossal waste of taxpayer money and military assets'. She made a mocking expression at the last remark, some venom clear in her voice.<br/><br/>But, as usual, I'm talking too much and not drinking enough. I don't think I've been in a bar since I started my Doctorate. She eyed the garish pink thing she'd picked up for herself and, shrugging, took a sip.<br/><br/><em>I am immediately reminded why I avoid bars. This tastes like a fruit orgy.</em>