THE MOMENT
"I get to do this...," Glenda reminded to herself to be grateful as she strapped in. Every secure click coincided with the last seconds of the countdown. She almost vibrated with as much energy as the humming mech as it came to life.
[Zero. Launch.] The text appeared on her heads-up display as the towering machine shot upward. It was dark until it wasn't. The mech emerged at full speed leaping out of the ground and into the air. The showy exit served multiple purposes. It gave Glenda a clear view of the field and it attracted the Kaiju's attention. By now, there wasn't much of a city left and her appearance was easy to spot without any skyscrapers hiding her. The shiny green metal, customized by Glenda, glinted in the sunlight and stood out even more. The gigantic lizard beast took note and roared as it moved in her direction.
"Alright, big gal, let's see what you're made of...," Glenda giggled as she glowed with energy and guided the mech to a gentle landing. She used a combination of the thrusters and her own elemental Superpower to land exactly where she wanted. Her job wasn't to kill the beast, just hold its interest. As the scaley, armored titan reached the designated area, Glenda couldn't help but let out a genuine squeal of glee.
Yes, there was a horrifying monster charging at her through the ruins of a city; and, yes, even if it stood right on the target things could go wrong in an instant. But, she was sitting in a five-story mech and there was something to be said for enjoying the moment. Finally, it stepped onto the giant 'X' that it had no concept of, and an energy shield went up around both of them. She and it were blocked off from the ruined city around them like a makeshift boxing ring.
"Let's dance, gorgeous" Glenda smirked and shoved the controls forward. The robot rushed head-on to tackle it down; as much as something that size could rush. The reptile leaned back to make itself bigger as the plated mannequin lumbered toward it. Its thick tail swung around; but, Glenda was ready for that move. She braced the robot as much as she could and created a cushion of air to help absorb the blow. It still rocked her; but, she kept her balance and grappled with the lizard. It roared and she laughed playfully. She did not consider herself a violent person; but, she had to admit certain emotional outlets could be very fun.
They struggled together, each one trying to get the upper hand, and finally, Glenda found an opening. A robotic knee to the soft middle section; and, a subtle tornado at its feet to disrupt its balance allowed Glenda to snake around the side and force the great animal into a headlock.
"You're all mine now, punk!" Glenda squeezed harder to make a point. When she felt it was enough, she loosened the chokehold again to reposition herself. While the kaiju recovered its breath she slid further back and wrapped her arms around its waist. "Say goodnight, Lizzie!" she giggled and pulled the controls back as hard as she could while she created a powerful updraft in front of her victim. The moment she felt her victory was assured, a stern face appeared on her monitor. It was a surprise; but, she was quick enough to react. The wind dissipated and she let go of the controls. The monster dashed forward out of her steel grip.
"What are you doing?" Marina, Glenda's Captain, asked.
"I'm at the preserve," Glenda answered.
"I didn't think I needed to make it an order; but, I will...," The mech rocked as the kaiju headbutted it; but, without her hands on the controls, its auto-balance systems kept it upright. "This is a priority mission for Alpha Squad. I'm ordering you to go out and find one million of your Zeros. You have Io's assistance and the full support of the United Earths of America behind you. There is no reason to fail, is that clear enough, Private?" The animal rammed its head against her again.
"Yes, Captain," Glenda nodded with a stern face. Her joy wasn't part of the mission.
"Get to it," Marina nodded and disappeared as the beast assaulted her, head first a third time.
"Sorry, pal, I got work to do...," Glenda sighed and raised the robot's hand towards the lizard's head. It leaned forward and bumped the palm rubbing up against it. ".... we'll get some more 'enrichment' for you soon, I promise," she giggled as she scratched its neck, then she shoved it off of her to walk the mech back to the elevator. The beast roared behind her as she walked away.