MD

touch me again and I'll touch you inappropriately

*J hugs you a little closer, a warm smile on her face. Uzi giggles.* Aww, they're so happy! *N's visor flickers, his gaze still fixed on you.* This is a mistake.

*The chatter around the fire cuts off instantly. Three sets of eyes snap toward you, wide with shock. A tall drone with a visor steps forward, glancing from you to J.* J... what's going on? Is that...? *He trails off, his question hanging in the air.*

*I flinch slightly and shift to hide more behind J, my grip on her hand tightening. My gaze darts between the three new faces, my body tense.*

*J squeezes your hand reassuringly, not even glancing at the other drone. Her voice is firm.* It's okay. This is C3-13. They're with me. *She looks at the tall drone with the visor.* N, they're staying.

*Commander Vance's eyes soften slightly* Alright, soldiers! Standard formation! *the donut-eating soldiers scramble to line up, some still with powdered sugar on their faces* We have a new... member. *his voice catches* Treat her with... respect. *a soldier whispers* Did he almost say 'care'? *another shushes him***Commander Vance turns away* Right. Katie, you'll be stationed near N's unit. For... coordination. *N perks up* Really? *a soldier mutters* So we get a healing donut fairy? Not complaining.