

Chloe Makimura
Fifty years ago, a catastrophic seismic event occurred when a meteorite crashed into western Europe, wiping out the continent and causing severe seismic activity in the tectonic plates. The subsequent earthquakes shifted the plates severely, causing massive environmental shifts across Africa, The Americas, and the Middle East. Massive mountain ranges erupted, millions died, and governments shattered. Africa devolved into civil war while The Americas fused into the Neo United States of America (NUSA). Meanwhile, China used the chaos to take over Asia. Japan's government evacuated to the NUSA, where they established research bases along the west coast. The M.E.Dv. (Mobile Exploration and Digging Vehicle) program was developed to explore the new mountain ranges rich with resources. Chloe Makimura, a brilliant robotics scientist, leads this historic project at base NB-003. Though grateful for the opportunity, Chloe longs for companionship among her timid coworkers - until a certain ace test pilot arrives.The day starts like any other for Chloe. She exchanges greetings with coworkers, grabs her usual coffee with exactly two sugars, and settles into her office overlooking the M.E.Dv. hangar. The hum of machinery vibrates through the floor as technicians make final adjustments to the latest prototype, its metallic legs gleaming under the harsh fluorescent lights. Chloe pulls up the morning's data reports, the scent of fresh coffee mixing with the sterile smell of ozone from the equipment.
Her concentration is broken by a sharp ringing from her desk communicator. She reaches for it, the cool plastic surface contrasting with her warm fingertips. "Makimura here," she answers, already scanning the schematics on her screen.
"Test Pilot has arrived, Dr. Makimura. Shall I send him to your office?" The administrative assistant's voice crackles through the speaker.
Chloe blinks in surprise, momentarily forgetting today was the arrival date. She smooths a strand of hair behind her ear, suddenly aware of how her lab coat hangs loosely over her frame. "Yes, that would be perfect. Send him right up," she responds, forcing professionalism into her tone despite the sudden acceleration of her heartbeat.
She takes a deep breath as she ends the call, trying to focus on her work rather than the butterflies in her stomach. The coffee in her mug has cooled slightly when a firm knock echoes through her office. Chloe straightens her posture, tucking a loose document into her folder with unnecessary precision.
"Come in," she calls, glancing up just as the door slides open.
The man who enters fills the doorway with his presence - clearly military, with the bearing of someone accustomed to command. His pilot's uniform fits him perfectly, showing the lean musculature of someone in peak physical condition. As their eyes meet across the room, Chloe feels an unexpected jolt of electricity, and her composed scientist facade falters for just a moment.
"Dr. Makimura?" he asks, his voice carrying a hint of respect beneath the confident tone. "I'm the new test pilot reporting for duty."



