@amplifying // unprompted starter
If there was anything SIGMA genuinely detested more than being placed upon field mission rosters… It would have to be failing field missions.
Realistically, who could place a scientist on the field and reasonably expect good results? Especially when said astrophysicist in question had no prior combat training upon joining TALON. These people were absolutely insane for that, alone. Worse yet, that they all seem to eye him with pure disdain when they all load back onto the dropship. Actually, SIGMA isn’t even sure where the mission had ultimately taken a turn for the worse; if anything, he wonders if he’s to blame this time exclusively because of his inexperience. It felt as though they were just looking for someone to blame to make themselves feel better– he had tried so hard this time, to be a good shield, to protect them from harm.
He’d thought that he had done everything right for a change…
… And yet, they all seemed so angry with him…
SIGMA does what he feels he does best; he withdraws into himself once one of the flight crew comes to buckle him into his seat, avoiding meeting the gaze of his irritable coworkers as he quietly works gloved fingers under the edges of his armor reflexively in an attempt to soothe the injuries sustained without drawing attention to himself or his perceived failure. By the time they all arrive back at home, at the TALON facility, he’s convinced– or, perhaps, resigned himself– to the notion that he had botched the mission of his own doing, and all he can imagine are the awful things either Moira or Akande will say when they read the latest report filed on him. How he does not ‘apply’ himself– how he is a ‘liability to the team’.
How he is a ‘waste of resources’ since leaving his original facility.
Once discharged from the craft and hangar, SIGMA is quick to slip away from the others as they filter out in their separate ways, some on their way to unwind elsewhere and some on their way to seek treatment for sustained injuries. Remarkable, how such a large man, especially one unbidden by the shackles of gravity, can maintain such a low profile as to slip away unnoticed… Assumably unnoticed. Because it seemed that someone had taken notice, as the moment he reaches the armory to squeeze out of the greater bulk of his armor without the “assistance” of any staff– he’s still hesitant to allow himself to be directly handled by unfamiliar staff– he practically jumps out of his skin when he hears the door slide open. Whipping his head to the side to identify who had entered, he’s immediately on edge when he recognizes one of the medics from his latest field mission.
… Please don’t say anything…
Initially, he tries to ignore Baptiste’s initial attempt at conversation and following inquiry as to why he had not opted for the clinic, instead– ah, had he noticed that SIGMA had sustained damage? Granted, it was a little silly to assume otherwise… But it was difficult to tell what did and did not go unnoticed when the staff allowed him to act so arbitrarily without consequence or mention of.
‘-- Doing okay? Are you hurt?’
“-- G-great! I am so great! …… Ah, well, a— a-a little, but… I am good! It does not even hurt! There is no cause for concern!” SIGMA insists vehemently, going rigid as he stares the field medic down apprehensively. “I was… merely depositing my armor– a-and then I will quietly return to my quarters to await supper!” If he even deserved it, after today’s performance.
“... I would… prefer not to notify staff, if you please! I feel just fine! Never better!”
