xp_logs | Angelo and Scott, Thursday afternoon

Angelo goes through his first tactical review and gets a trainee name.

Angelo leaned over the projection table, looking intently at the hologram on it.

"So this is what you guys use to go over missions? How long's it take to program?"

"It depends on how long you've been using it," Scott said. He was slumped in a chair on the other side of the table, but managed a slightly tight smile for Angelo as the younger man looked at him. "Actually, I'm serious... the learning curve is slow, but once you master the basics, you spend far more time coming up with the content of the program than you do programming it. And we use this for tactical reviews, not just post-mission debriefing."

"But... tactical reviews are of old missions, right? Or do you review Danger Room stuff too?"

"Tactical reviews are simulations," Scott said. "A way to test how you'd react in certain situations, get you thinking about all the options we have. We have to make sure we do that," he said, thinking about how many times he'd given this particular little speech. And how this was the first time he was giving it from the standpoint of someone on the sidelines. Lent it rather a different flavor, actually. "Most of the time, the easiest way is not the best. We have to remember what we're there for - to protect, to save lives. That's the priority."

Angelo nodded, understanding now. "An' it's the team leaders that come up with the simulations? Or does everybody get to do that for the other team members?"

"Generally Ororo or I. Sometimes we get some of the more senior members of the team to do it, too. Sam, or Kurt... Nathan, when we're feeling particularly sadistic," Scott said, and his smile was a little steadier.

Angelo chuckled. "Dare I ask what kind of things he's programmed in?"

"He has far too many years of experience in far too many crazy situations. Plus entirely too much of an imagination," Scott said wryly.

"...an' suddenly I'm glad the worst he ever did to me was throw me in the lake. Though he'll probably end up doin' one of these scenarios for me."

"Oh, most likely." Scott slouched a little further in the chair, watching Angelo. "I think," he said after a moment, "that all this work you've been doing with Elpis will help you with this sort of thing. More than you maybe imagine that it will. But you're used to having to think out your next move, now. To coming up with measured responses, within very strict limitations. I suspect it'll translate."

Angelo looked up at him with a smile. "'s good. 'cause I'm still goin' to be workin' for Elpis, of course. Gettin' to learn more."

"I know." Spoke well for Angelo, that he was determined to do both. But then, Scott had expected as much. "It's different, mind you," he said. "The effects of your decisions in the field are immediate."

That got a wry look. "Sometimes they are with Elpis, too. 'specially on Nathan's field expeditions."

"I have heard some of the stories," Scott said wryly, then laughed - a quiet laugh, but one with real humor behind it and no mocking edge. A number of people around the mansion would have been very surprised by the sound. "Your very own personal Don Quixote... hey, did they settle on a trainee name for you yet?"

Angelo shook his head. "Nah. Not all that many people put in ideas, an'... then everybody was worried about other stuff, I guess."

"I've got one for you," Scott said. "Don Quixote didn't ride alone, you know. He had a companion - Sancho Panza." He smiled a bit wryly. "It's been a very long time since my last English class, but I remember that Sancho was a lot more than your traditional 'sidekick'. He was the voice of practicality, and realism..." Scott paused, then shook his head slightly, his smile growing. "He had a chance to rule, and did very well at it, but decided in the end to go back to Don Quixote and continue the adventure. Or something like that... it's been a while."

Angelo tilted his head, considering this, then smiled slowly. "Y'know... I like that. I would've gone with Gumby, but... Sancho, huh?"

"It's not... funny, but not all trainee names have been funny. And I think it fits, don't you?" Scott hesitated for a moment, then went on, more softly. "I wonder if he tells you how proud he is of you. I know he certainly tells some of the rest of us, from time to time."

"He has done", Angelo said quietly. "Think the last time in so many words was right before Rio." But he knew, anyway.

"Sancho," Scott said, then nodded to himself. It did fit. "So, Sancho... up for trying your first tactical review?"