Soldiers, Jobs, and Droids [Mara]

[Mal]

Mal sat down on the park bench and let out a long sigh, he had just returned from his home planet and a long talk with his father and a Jedi named Dan. During his visit he learned that when he was young his parents had found out that he had Force potential, but didn't want to be separated from him and so didn't let him be trained as a Jedi. He understood, and he wasn't mad that they had kept him. Quite the contrary he was happy that his parents had raised him, he wouldn't be who he was today without that. He was a little bothered that they had never told him that he was a Force sensitive. Though he understood some of their reasons, or at least the reasons his father had explained to him, he still wished they would have told him. It was possible, when he was younger, he would have let the thought of his Force sensitivity go to his head. Now though, after having served with Jedi and fought against Sith and Dark Jedi, he understood that he was powerless against a trained Force user. With that in mind Mal had decided not to move into special operations, and transfer from active duty to the reserves.

Looking over at the drink and snack carts being pushed around he couldn't help but smile at the memory of begging his parents for ice cream from a similar cart while they were at a carnival. Touching his mother's wedding ring, hung around his neck by a chain, he let himself relive the memories of his childhood with his parents running around in the bamboo forests of Corulag. Memories of scraped knees, broken bones, being sick and allowed to stay home where he'd spend time being look at flooded to him as well. Still smiling he leaned back in his seat and let himself remember all the fun he'd had growing up, his mind eventually wondering to his time in the military. His hand absentmindedly moved from the ring up to the cross scar on his cheek.

A sudden beep and vibration from the datapad in his pocket brought him out of his thoughts, checking the device he saw that it was time to get ready to go to his interview. He'd arranged the interview with a senator who had recently been rescued from being kidnapped. He didn't blame her one bit in deciding that she needed extra protection, he'd probably have done the same in her shoes. Of course he was little more than a simple soldier, the chances of Mal being kidnapped were slim to nil. Still, this presented the perfect opportunity to be of use, and stay near Coruscant to learn more about the Force from Dan as the Jedi promised.

Standing, Mal mad his way to one of the taxis lining the edge of the park and went back to his apartment. A quick shower, shave, and change into his military dress closes later and he was back in another taxi on his way to the senator's home. He decided to leave his sidearm behind, he wasn't sure if it was proper to bring it or not. He did remember the hold-out blaster up his sleeve however. No need to go out completely unarmed. Pulling out his datapad he started studying the woman again, just so he wasn't going into this blindly. Her name was Irrina Icharus, she was the senator for Arkania. She held several views that many deemed idealistic, but she held to them. That alone had endeared the soldier to the politician; she stuck to her guns. If she promised you something, she'd do it. Of course there were others in the senate that didn't seem to like that about her, she was doing good work and making some look bad. He kept reading for the duration of the trip, learning what he could about her hoping to impress her as much with his knowledge as he could with his qualifications.

Stepping out of the taxi Mal followed the directions he'd been given until he reached the door of the apartment and rang the bell to announce his presence. He wasn't sure how this was going to go, but he was confident in his ability to get the job, and he was also confident in his ability to stop her from getting kidnapped again, or harmed for that matter. As long as even half of what he'd read about her was true, he'd be honored to do his job and keep her safe, stop anything from happening to her that he could. Though with everything that he had read, he had no doubt that she was one of the honorable senators out to improve the life of her people.

[Mara]

(((Apologies for the length... subsequent replies should be shorter...)))


[...from Inquisitions and Liberations]

"And don't come back!" The female droid voice shouted after the male Nautolan now hurrying down the hall, with surprising emotion for an inorganic. Hearing this, the Nautolan looked over his shoulder and glared back at the avian mechanical before ducking around a corner and disappearing. Her red optics watched a few seconds more before AER-05, better known as Ofi, flew back inside the flat and remote-triggered the door catch, closing it behind her. "Good riddance," she muttered to herself, as she perched on a stack of boxes.

Having seen her friend out of the corner of her eye reenter the apartment, Irrina Icharus, senator from Arkania, looked back towards Ofi. With a sigh, she placed her hands on her hips momentarily, and shook her head at her droid companion. Then, Ina removed her hands, and they started off, fingers moving at a dizzying pace as she communicated to Ofi through sign language, which her friend could understand but not reciprocate. << You can't keep sending candidates away. This is important to me, you know that. And you agreed to this plan. Remember that. >>

Ofi stared at Ina for a moment, but then her wings lifted up and down in an imitation of a shrug. She spoke, her words simultaneously appearing across the open screen of the Offshoot's datapad. "Yes. You made it very clear to me. But if we are to be working closely with this being..." The droid couldn't quite say 'bodyguard,' not yet. "I want to make sure he, or she, checks out completely. Your safety is of the utmost importance to me. And you know that quite well, my friend." What Ofi didn't say was that this step was hard for her, admitting that she no longer could protect Ina all on her own.

Reading her friend's words on her datapad, Ina nodded and smiled at her in understanding. No other response was really necessary. This was a difficult process for both of them. She looked away, recent events still locked in her memory. Absently, she lifted a hand and traced the scar on her left cheek, a red welt against the white porcelain of her skin. The two of them had been enjoying a nice afternoon at home when it had started. An intruder, a Weequay, had burst in, shot up her apartment, and grabbed her, taking her with him through a window. Later, she had woken and found herself strapped to a chair in a sterile duracrete room, a leering Caamasi leaning over her.

She squeezed her eyes, forcing the images out, her hand dropping back to her lap. Though she was safe now, that trauma was the reason she and Ofi had decided, with a long drawn-out argument, that she needed extra protection. During the initial attack, the senator had been separated from her droid bodyguard, and  Ofi had been helpless to rescue Ina on her own. Only after going to the Jedi for aid had the avian droid been able to eventually set things straight. So now Ina's friend had consented to this new plan, and they had been interviewing prospects for the past few days.

Ina took in a deep breath and focused back on the present, her blue eyes opening and looking around her surroundings and still finding unopened boxes of possessions. After her old apartment had been destroyed during the melee of their unexpected guest, she had been adamant about moving to a new flat. Ofi had thought it a bit of overkill but had gone along with her friend's notion of a fresh start. And so the senator had found a home in a building closer to the Senate building, and this time it was a lot more open, being more of a studio apartment concept that Ina had fallen in love with.

The door from the hall opened onto the large main room which served multiple purposes. Living area with seating and the vidscreen for accepting guests. That merged into the dining area, which in turn blended into the kitchen. In the back was her bedroom, cut off from public view by a decorative screen that Ina had painted herself with a city scape of her home city of Adascapolis. Near to her sleeping area was her small artist's retreat, still a work in progress. Off to the side was the refresher, the only room closed off with a door for privacy. Otherwise, the majority of the flat could be seen from any one position in the space, making it cozy, homey, and most important, easier to secure.

But it was time to get back to business. Ina felt a vibration against her upper chest as her necklace alerted her to a presence at the door, and she turned her gaze over to Ofi. With only a slight hesitation, the droid took to the air, flying to admit the next candidate to be the senator's additional bodyguard. The Arkanian Offshoot settled herself down on a chair in the lounge area and picked her things up off the small table in the middle of the seating arrangement. She shuffled through them until she found the information on this suitor: Mal Denton, former military.

At the door, the avian droid double-checked through thermal that there was only one being on the other side, one that matched the stats she had on record of their next bodyguard applicant. Satisfied, Ofi released the door catch, and it slid open. Quickly, she scanned the man standing in front of her, again comparing it to what she had on file. Ofi found nothing unusual, just a small weapon hidden up a sleeve, so with all her procedures exhausted, she winged back a meter or so to allow him admittance. "Mal Denton? Welcome. Please, come in." Her voice was electronic and droidlike, but obviously feminine as she followed behind him, shutting the door wirelessly.

From her seat, Ina stood upon seeing the man enter. She smiled widely and gestured for him to join her in the living area, indicating a couch perpendicular to her chair which was directly across from the vidscreen. As he followed through with her request, she briefly noted his appearance. Crisp and well-kept, the senator could see the military influence not only in his dress but in his movements as well. Something she could admire, and a small point in his favor. When he had come closer, she offered pale white hand in greeting, and then gathered her long blue skirt and sat back down. Ofi landed on the headrest on a nearby chair. It was time to begin, once again...

[Mal]

((Hey no worries, make them as long as you need to.))

The door slid open to reveal a small avian-esk droid, Mal's features remained pleasantly neutral as he saw the droid, not betraying his slight annoyance. Droids. Why did it always have to be droids? Pushing the thought aside, he nodded at the mention of his name as the droid floated back to give him space to enter."Thank you." He said, keeping a upbeat tone to his voice. Stepping inside he gave the apartment a cursory glance, taking in everything he could in that one glance. Placement of the furniture, boxes, windows, doors, anything that could potentially be an exit. He noted the screen with the city scape on it, it appeared to be hand painted near as the soldier could tell. Then again, he wasn't exactly an art critic. His eyes fell on the senator, looking exactly as the research he had done on her said she would. Except for the scar on her left cheek, similar to the scars on his right cheek.

Mal stepped forward and removed his hat, storing it under his arm as his training dictated. Reflexively he almost saluted, but instead shook the proffered hand and offered the senator a smile and nod. He noted that the holos and other images he'd seen of her did not fully do her justice, she was prettier in person. Mal waited until Irrina had sat back down before he sat himself, setting his hat on his knee and sitting straight almost at attention. Grey eyes studied the young woman in front of him momentarily, as he was sure she had been doing since he entered the apartment. After a few brief moments his eyes moved up to lock onto her blue eyes, a habit that his father, then the military had beaten into him.

With a smile and a slightly, though still clearly military, relaxing of his shoulders and back he started speaking. "I hope you're well today Senator Icharus." He stated clearly, he knew the senator was deaf, so he didn't want to give her any issues reading his lips if she knew how. He also wanted to be sure the droid could understand him and restate whatever he said to the senator if that's what she was programmed to do. "Thank you for seeing me about this position ma'am." Years of military training had instilled in him the habit of calling any superior either by title and last name, or sir or ma'am depending on the need. The senator was lucky he hadn't stayed standing at attention until he had been given permission to sit. But Mal still had enough civilian in him to understand that not everyone had the years of military experience that he was accustomed to.

Mal placed his right hand on his knee as he waited for the interview to begin, his mind in a state of professionalism as opposed to his normal joking manner. He had a very good feeling about this interview, though whether that was confidence or something else he wasn't sure. All he knew was he was fairly certain that he was going to be the one to get the job. However he knew it would only do himself a disservice, and show disrespect to Irrina if he were to relax and allow his confidence to get the better of him, so with that thought in mind the Sargent stayed focused on the task at hand and prepared himself to answer any questions she would ask. Besides, even though his feelings had rarely ever been wrong, he knew that the chance existed that he could be wrong.

[Mara]

Though eager to get started, Ina had waited for the man to break the silence first. Not only did it give her an idea of the man's character, but it also gave her a chance to watch his body language as he did so. Studying such nuances would give her valuable insight that could determine how she proceeded with the interview. It was a skill she had honed over most of her entire life, and it hardly ever steered her wrong. The senator was deaf and could not hear speech, but she could see subtle movements, something she would hedge to argue was more important in conversation than anything auditory.

So she kept bright blue eyes on his face and demeanor as he spoke, keeping her own neutral as she made mental notes. The Offshoot had not had many dealings with the military in her brief political career, rarely, really. However, she could still see the bearing of his training, the same she had noticed, and admired in him, when he had first entered her apartment. But in addition to that, she got an impression that this Mal Denton was perhaps a tad nervous, that his posture was more than learned habit. At least, his body was not completely relaxed and rather stiff, more than she would expect a soldier in this situation. Another small tick in his favor: she would have found it off-putting, perhaps a deal-breaker, if instead he had exuded extreme confidence.

Ina turned her gaze away from him when she had realized he was done and onto the vidscreen across from her. In circumstances like these, she preferred to use the larger device when it was available to her. Constantly having to look down to her small datapad while conversing with someone just seemed bad decorum to her, if not rude.  As well, the senator had found this course of action made things move a lot more smoothly for the most part, especially for beings who were unaccustomed to dealing with another who was deaf as she was.

Reading his words displayed there, she smiled and then focused her attention back on her guest. Her hands started flashing her response, well aware that Ofi would translate word for word. << I am doing well enough, considering. Thank you for asking. I hope you are well also, Sergeant Denton. >> She addressed him with his proper title, unaware that Ofi had not given him that dignity when she had greeted him. << And I thank you for your interest in this position and for coming today. >> After she had finished, with an extra procedural reminder just for her friend, Ina clasped her hands in her lap atop her short stack of flimsis and glanced over at her droid friend before turning back to her prospective hire.

Ofi translated for the man aloud, at the same time sending a text copy to the vidscreen so that it would show a cohesive conversation. After conveying the senator's pleasantries, she added, "Before starting, the senator would like to give you the option of dialoging directly through the vidscreen itself without my interference, or to continue as is." The droid knew Ina's preferences, and she was quite capable of just remaining where she was, transmitting Ina's sign language and the soldier's speech to the vidscreen without any interruptions. Plus, it allowed her to allocate more computing power to dissecting the man and to pinpoint the agitation she had sensed off him upon entering.

Done, the droid subtly nodded her head at Ina to signal she could move on with her questions. Whichever way the man answered, Ofi would fulfill it for the rest of the interview. The senator saw the movement out of the corner of her eye and got right down to the task at hand, her own bearing changing to something more akin to polite but business-like. She double-checked something on one of her flimsis, and then focused on Sgt. Denton. Hands lifted into the air, and her fingers began their intricate dance. << All right. Sergeant, why are you here today? What is it about this position that interests you? >> As she signed, the words immediately scrolled across the vidscreen.

[Mal]

Mal's eyes shifted to the vidscreen as Ina's gaze moved over, then his eyes shifted between watching her hands and up to her eyes as she signed. The small droid related everything that was signed to him out loud, as far as Mal knew it was verbatim. He returned Ina's smile and nodded at her, "I'm well ma'am." His eyes shifted to the droid as she added the addendum to the end of their greetings. "Whatever is most comfortable for Senator Icharus, I'm comfortable with either one." He was adaptable, either one would be fine with him. Though if he was forced to chose he would chose to have the droid remain silent, for the simple reason that it allowed him to study the senator closer, see what her body language said about her.

Mal watched as Ina adopted a more business-like demeanor and checked her flimsis before fully focusing on him. She was focused, direct, and knew what she wanted in her employee. He was going to like this job, granted that he was the one to get it. She held herself like a civilian, but he guessed she had self-respect, which was a plus. The look in her eye was one he couldn't miss, after spending years fighting he'd learned to read eyes slightly, she seemed a genuinely good person. Well, that made things even better for him. Seems that the holos and reports he'd read were right, she was out to make things better. Well the only thing he had left to do here is to make sure he impressed her well enough to get the job, a pang of nervousness hit him but he pushed it aside and adopted features similar to Ina's. Business-like but polite.

Down to business, she wanted to know what about this position interested him. "Well ma'am, I won't lie. I like the fact that I get to stay around Coruscant more, I'm tired of traveling the galaxy week to week. When I saw your add, I knew it was something I could put my experience toward that wouldn't mean constant fighting and death. Then I read up on you, learned about your stances and agree with you." He had told himself that if he was going to be a bodyguard for a politician, it would be a politician that he agreed with. And the part that he left out was his Force-sensitivity, that he would be keeping to himself until he had some measure of control over it. Not that she couldn't find out with a simple blood test, but since he couldn't actively use it he saw no point in mentioning it just yet.

"More than that however Senator Icharus, I respect you as a person. Your stances say a lot about you, you value truth and you respect life. From what I can see you're a passionate and driven person, I can respect that. The galaxy needs more people like you that stick to your guns." Mal moved a little as he spoke, getting more comfortable while still trying to not seem overly confident. "I suppose to fully answer your question, I get to make sure harm doesn't befall someone who I view can help make a difference. Make the galaxy a better place for everyone." Despite knowing that she couldn't hear him, his voice still held that tone that indicated he was speaking with conviction, for something that he fully believed in. Old habits die hard, but it didn't matter. Aside from speaking clearly so he could be heard by Ofi, he wasn't going to change his mannerisms too much. In his mind treating Ina different would only show her disrespect. She had fought hard to get where she was, he wasn't going to disrespect that by being anything less than himself.

Mal's eyes flicked to the screen as everything he said was transcribed, he hadn't realized that he had said so much. That surprised him, he rarely let himself speak that much about anything, he was normally short sweet and to the point. He attributed it to being nervous and wanting to make sure he got the job. Or maybe he viewed this in a higher light than he originally thought, either way he was going to go with it. Changing his actions and demeanor now would be bad form and reflect poorly on him. So he'd have to answer everything in a similar manner for the time being. At the very least with the same level of passion and dedication he did the first one, in any case he prepared his mind for the next part of the conversation.

[Mara]

Since the sergeant didn't commit to either of the given options, Ofi made an executive decision to fore go speech and to exclusively use the vidscreen for their conversation. Not only would the whole process move along much easier without her having to stop and translate aloud for Ina, but she could also almost sense unease coming from the man, as much as a mechanical could. And she didn't think it was merely nervousness of the interview itself. Ofi would pay special notice to whatever was causing this phenomenon and file it away with everything else as she sat their quietly, observing.

As Denton spoke, Ina carefully watched him and his face. She couldn't read his lips or hear his words, but she could decipher his body language. The stiffness was still there but seemed to decrease a bit as he continued on. Perhaps he was becoming more relaxed with the whole procedure as time went on. Or maybe it was merely some conviction in his speech that was loosening him up. Either way, the senator was pleased to see that the man was appearing to let his guard down, even if only in a small degree. Though she could appreciate his military bearing, she wouldn't want to be stuck with someone who was beholden to it.

She looked to the vidscreen when he was finished and read what he had said. Ina smiled a bit; though she did stay close to the senate rotunda most of the year, there would be some travel involved from time to time. But if all went well, it would be a far cry from any of the dangerous situations he had found himself in while serving the Republic in a military capacity. At least she hoped so; too many of her other trips off planet had gone awry, and she wanted to believe she had used up all her bad luck already.

Ina's cheeks reddened slightly, a stark contrast to her pale skin, as she went further through the text attributed to Denton. She did what she did not to get any recognition or praise but to advance her beliefs and causes. To try to make the galaxy a better place for future generations of Arkanians, especially her own people, the Offshoots, as well as all beings. It was a hard road wrought with pitfalls and road blocks, mostly thrown her way courtesy of the majority of senators, but she persisted in her fight against inequality and slavery along with a few others who were on her side. That someone outside of the political realm would have noticed and appreciated this was surprising to her.

Quickly, she looked over and signed a thank you to the soldier. Partly for the unexpected compliment hidden in his words and partly as a generic thanks for his answer and to let him know she was satisfied with it. Then she looked down at her papers, hiding her blushing response and wanting to move the interview along. Ina picked up a writing stylus and scribbled a few notations, nodding to herself and making sure to take a few extra seconds until her embarrassment had receded, and she was composed once more.

Once she found her next line of questioning, and regained her original poise, she set down her utensil, and her hands got back to work. << Now that I know why, I'd like to move on to the how, if that's all right. Coming from your former position in the military, bodyguarding is something new for you. So how will you make the transition? Perhaps you could give me some examples of how you would perform this job. Keeping me safe while also allowing me the freedom to perform my duties. >> Ina dropped her hands, looking expectantly to him as her words finished appearing across the vidscreen.

[Mal]

Mal took in everything for a few moments, watching her reaction to his words as she read them. A couldn't help but suppress a smile as she blushed, it hadn't been his intention, but it was good to know his words had an effect on her. He most likely couldn't tell with most any other woman, but the pink hue her cheeks had taken when she blushed was readily noticeable against the pale white of her skin. Mal continued to pretend not to notice her blush as she busied herself with her datapad and notes, his eyes roaming around the room slightly, though returned to Ina quickly enough. Along with a small smile, she was cute when she was embarrassed, before he was quickly back to business along with Ina.

She was quickly back to the next set of questioning, asking him how he was going to protect her without interfering with her work. Truth be told, he was still thinking about parts of it, for the most part his being there with obvious military training would deter any small timers on the spot. However, he wasn't positive about other aspects just yet. He knew he shouldn't admit to it, but he was more of an adapt as you go kind of guy. The plans he made were always loose enough to allow for things to go south and still be able to find a way out. Still he had been thinking about how he would do it without effecting the way she worked too much. He was supposed to be a bodyguard, not the one ruining her day.

After a few moments Mal's eyes locked back on Ina's and he started speaking "Well, I will make myself seen for one. With my obvious military bearing that will deter many small timers, and many that just want to annoy a politician. I will be examining any and all people you come into contact with, looking for any possible threat. If you're going to make a public appearance I will work with the local law enforcement to make sure that you will be safe. Likewise with any trips off-world, I will work with the local law enforcement and make all security preparations myself." Here Mal wondered how much more he should say, his extraordinary "luck" was in his official record mentioned several times.

It took him a few more seconds but he decided to be as upfront about it as he was willing for the moment. "I have an amazing track record for luck ma'am, it's in my service file. So I do respectfully request that if I tell you I have a bad feeling about someone or something, I ask that you listen to me. I would never come in between you and your job unless it mattered, your life is my job and I take my job seriously." It was true enough, his unconscious use of the Force was refereed to as luck by everyone who knew him. So it wasn't a lie, besides he intended to come clean about it all once he had someone to teach him how to control it. In the meantime he'd keep it to himself, he couldn't direct it anyway, so it wouldn't matter in the long run. He didn't want Ina counting on his use of something he couldn't control.

Another thought struck Mal, and he couldn't help but mention it. "Another thing ma'am. I request that you wear an armorweave vest, or include it in some of your clothes. It is just added protection in case I fall, or am forced to focus on several attackers at once, while a hidden one sneaks past me. Armorweave will protect you from all but the strongest stun blasts, and for several shots from a regular blaster. And it won't even hamper your movement or reveal to others that you're wearing it. My father has a coat made from armorweave." If he needed to he'd make that a stipulation of him getting the job, if he was supposed to keep her alive then he would do everything in his power to make sure she stayed that way.

[Mara]

A couple times while she was reading Denton's security ideas, Ina glanced over to Ofi whose red photoreceptors flashed once or twice while the sergeant spoke. She had a feeling the small avian droid was feeling annoyed or even slighted with more reminders of her failure. Not only was this soldier bringing up what she already did to keep the senator safe using her infrared to scan beings, but he was also adding new tactics to it. In fact, in the time since she had moved to Coruscant to take her position in the Senate, the Offshoot had never once noticed her friend coordinating with any police force for her protection. Mostly because, in all honesty, neither had thought she had needed such high-profile attention, thinking it was best to be subtle and go small-scale.

However, the senator could appreciate the man's suggestions and would take them into serious consideration if he was eventually hired. They were the most well-thought-out of all the beings she had been interviewing so far to the bodyguard position. The others had given quality answers, but they had been short and rather uninspired, leaving Ina to wonder if she would really be safer with the addition of one of them in her retinue. And then there had been the Nautolan whom Ofi had so recently chased out. As the interview had progressed, the two of them had quickly discovered that he had only come because he was a staffer at the Glee Anselm consulate and had been tasked to get in good with a senator in order to push some pro-Nautolan legislature through.

His mention of wearing a vest engaged memories of one of the earliest times she had found herself in danger. She had been attending a meeting with fellow Senate committee members on Rodia when the embassy they were in had been attacked by terrorists. Though she had only been in the wrong place at the wrong time and had not been specifically targeted, it had been a terrifying time for Ina. Until she had ran into another being trapped inside and who had taken it upon himself to keep her safe. Including giving her a piece of armor to wear, scavenged from one of the vigilantes. The thought of the man made her smile to herself a bit before focusing back at the task at hand.

Ina turned her blue eyes on Denton and began signing again. << I'll be sure to take your... intuition into grave advisement if it ever comes to that. >> She smiled. The senator hadn't encountered many beings who said they relied so heavily on 'feelings' they would have, unless they were Jedi. But she was willing to give this man a shadow of a doubt regarding his so-called special skill. Being deaf, the other four senses she relied on seemed to be heightened at times, and sometimes she thought she had a bit of unexpected insight as well.

<< All this sounds perfectly logical and justified. >> She gestured at the vidscreen. << However, I do wonder how practical it will be to alert law enforcement of my every move. Would it not just aid any enemies in locating me? Will not just wearing the armor--which I'm willing to discuss--and your presence along with Ofi's be enough? >> It wasn't that she was discounting his propositions as unnecessary or was afraid of any changes; she just wanted to know more in order to make an informed decision. Ina thought the prospect of having a bodyguard that stood out from the crowd as this military man would in addition to the more invisible presence of Ofi and what she was capable of could be just the balance she needed to stay safe.

[Mal]

Mal watched Irrina's hands as she signed to him, committing as much to memory as he could, which to be honest was far less than he wanted to admit to. As she finished, his eyes glanced to the screen and he read her reply about his 'feelings.' He did feel bad about not being completely honest with her about it, but what was he to say? "I'm Force Sensitive, but don't know the first thing about using it." He might as well not have the Force at all with his current abilities. However, he was working on fixing that, and he would come clean about the whole thing when he had enough skill to use it on his own. Without having to rely on being in a life or death situation to call upon the mysterious power. Only then would he start telling those that needed to know he had the potential to use the Force, people like Ina.

Her hands were moving again, and Mal's eyes were glued to her fingers, watching each motion he could see. Out of every ten signs, he could remember one, sometimes half of one. Aside from his normal routine he'd have to learn sign language, if for no other reason than to give Ofi a break. Or in case he needed to communicate and Ofi was off doing some job or another. Besides, it would also help him understand everything better, he'd heard the phrase lost in translation one too many times for his taste. Even though he had been exposed to, and understood a fair amount, of some alien languages, this was the first time he'd been exposed to sign language. His mother always taught him that every day was a learning experience. Her hands stopped moving, and his eyes moved over to the screen again to read what she had signed to him.

Mal read through it twice, then returned his gaze to Irrina and took a breath as he shook his head. "If you're going somewhere and making public announcements it's going to be on the news. Even if you're not making a public statement and are there behind closed doors there will still be records, anyone with the proper resources will be able to get your schedule. By working with the police we may draw more attention, but we also make it harder for anyone to get to you. However, this isn't a precaution we always need take. It is simply a case by case basis, I do have other ideas, use decoy transportation and back doors. Our biggest advantage will be secrecy." Mal would form more concrete plans as the need arose and most likely not use the same plan twice, it was better to be cautious.

Mal locked his eyes on Irrina's, his voice taking on a hard quality despite the fact that she couldn't hear him. His features were serious, but not mean, he looked more determined than anything else. "If you hire me Senator Icharus, your life will be my job. I'll do everything I can to ensure that you stay alive. I always take my job seriously, all I've ever known is a life of fighting. I know what to look for when a fight is about to start. I know how to end one too." He stated clearly, he didn't like admitting as much, but Irrina had access to his file from the military, or so he assumed. She had access to mission reports, statistics, reports that he had wrote along with ones that his commanding officer's had written. There was no point in hiding anything from her in this case. It'd do more harm than good.

[Mara]

She tipped her head slightly, conceding the point for the time being. Ina was getting the impression that this soldier was exaggerating her importance in the Senate. The senator rarely made such high-profile public appearances, preferring to work behind the scenes, and her days consisted mainly of traveling to the Rotunda for the day and then returning home in the evening. However, she was willing to momentarily shelve the topic instead of completely shooting down his opinions and ideas. If she hired him, they could iron out any details, as he said, on a case-by-case basis.

Ina was more curious about what he had said after his further explanation, having seen his face take on a more serious quality. Everything he was saying were things she had already inferred from his body language and how the interview had progressing along so far. She had no doubt that the military trained him to fight, and more importantly, how to recognize one and avoid violence if possible. But it was always nice to see it written out before her on the vidscreen, to make sure she had read him correctly and to study his features for any deception. A smile threatened at the corner of her mouth but never fully emerged.

Considering the current line of questioning finished and satisfied so far with what she was gathering from Denton, the Offshoot turned back to her lap and her notes. She made a few notations, studied them, flipping through a couple flimsis, scribbled a bit more. This interview process was a new phenomenon for her, and so she had prepared days in advance, just as she would have for any senate committee meetings, and she now felt entirely comfortable with the situation. Especially having a few of them under her belt and having experienced them at both the good and bad ends of the spectrum.

The senator looked back up to the soldier sitting near her. She had covered most of the big-holo items and now wanted to delve deeper into the man himself and no longer just into the job he was applying for. In her last interview, she hadn't even gotten this far. Lifting her hands, she began, fingers flashing in front of her. << Now that I've gotten an impression of why you're here and how you would perform your duties if hired, I just have a few more things to ask. Firstly... what would you consider to be your greatest weakness? And can you give me an example of when it came into play?  How you overcame it? >> Ina had found that the answer to these kind of inquiries could be very telling and sometimes could be even more important than the broader scope type of questions.

[Mal]

Mal watched as Ina looked through the flimsis on her lap, making notes and deciding what course of action to take next. After a brief glance at the droid floating silently on the other side of the room, his grey eyes filtered back to the Offshoot's hands. He recognized a few signs now, but what they meant he still wasn't sure on. He'd try and compare it to what had been said and see if he could figure out what they meant. He had to admit, he was having fun trying to figure it out like this, and hoped he'd have the chance to learn it more fully later. In the Army he'd used hand signs to depict actions, but he doubted that they would come in very handy in dealing with Ina in day to day life. At least he certainly hoped they wouldn't.

His eyes moved to the screen to read her words, she wanted to know about his weakness... Well, that was something. He thought about it for a few moments, and was tempted to say the fact that he didn't like droids, but pushed the thought aside. It wasn't his biggest weakness, his eyes moved to the floor as he thought about the question thoroughly. The image of a red bladed lightsaber flashed through his mind and he finally looked up at her. "This scar." He said, tracing the vertical scar on his cheek. "I received it from a Lady of the Sith. She landed on Thila, her ship was damaged." Mal adjusted himself in the seat, uncomfortable in telling this particular story. "She came across me and asked for help, not revealing that she was a Sith. I had a bad feeling though. I called in that I was helping her and fixed her ship, that was when she revealed that she was Sith. After a brief fight, where I received this, she left and I stayed on Thila."

Shaking his head and taking another breath, Mal continued, though slightly calmer than he had been before. "I assumed I could handle it all and didn't want to put someone else in possible danger. I had no proof that she was dangerous, just a gut feeling. I knew she was dangerous. But I went in alone to make sure no one else was put in harms way, and I almost died because of it. How have I remedied that?" Mal smiled and shook his head, shrugging slightly. "No clue. But I can tell you this, I won't let myself fall into that same situation again. I won't be a victim of my own pride. Not when I can still do good in the galaxy, be useful." He was bitter at the memory, and angry at himself for falling victim to his own pride on that one. He hated pride, it always came before the fall.

Mal leaned back on the couch and took a few breathes, relaxing more before opening his silvery grey eyes and looking back up at Ina. "My biggest weakness is that I'm human, I'm not infallible Senator. There's no overcoming that. Only learning from the past and moving forward, trying not to make the same stupid mistake twice. And never letting an opportunity pass by." His voice and features had softened now, not that he even noticed he was doing it. He was treating this as any other interview, though this was by far the best interviewer he'd ever had.

[Mara]

Watching him before he replied, Ina could tell that Denton was struggling a bit in how to answer. But after only a few pauses, he spoke. She took it as a good sign, something in the man's favor. If he had immediately jumped in with what he had thought his main flaw was, the senator would have wondered why the response had been so close at hand. And whether it was truly a weakness. To the other extreme, if he had sat there pondering for minutes on end, she would have been worried; a man who couldn't think of a fallacy was weak, indeed.

Reading his words as they appeared on the vidscreen, she wasn't sure if he was really answering the question. Despite his relative promptness in speaking up, perhaps he really was just trying to come up with a lame suggestion of a shortcoming in his character. Most beings would have been fooled in the same way as he had; Ina didn't consider such an instance as a weakness. The Sith were practiced in taking advantage of others, involving themselves in trickery as well as other skills in order to achieve their means. She couldn't fault him in that, nor could he.

However, as she kept on, he explained his reasoning and how it related to the question she had asked of him, salvaging her opinion of the sergeant. Ina felt relieved; the interview had been going so well up until now, and she would have regretted having to turn him down. The senator could tell it was hard for him to admit that his pride was his foil, and she inwardly applauded him for it. She had lost count of the beings she had encountered whose vainglory had swelled their heads so much they could no longer think of anyone other than themselves. And no more was it evident than in the political arena.

As he finished, Ina looked back to him from the screen and nodded. All told, she was very impressed with his answer. It showed a lot of thought and courage to reveal something so personal. She had been expecting a very different reply regarding her inquiry, perhaps something low-key about being a perfectionist or trouble with social situations. So it was a pleasant surprise to hear him mention his pride getting the best of him. << Thank you for your candidness. It's much appreciated. >> A smile.

His earlier words about his skirmish with the Sith female had made her take note. And unable to keep her thoughts to herself, she decided to comment further before continuing on with the base of the interview. << You're lucky to have survived that with only a scar. >> Sith were a dangerous bunch; the senator had had an indirect run-in with one and couldn't imagine meeting a true master of the dark side of the Force. Ina reflexively reached up to touch her cheek before her hands went back to signing. << May I ask how you received the other? >> Ina gestured towards his face. It was not information that would make or break his chances at the job, but she was curious.

[Mal]

Mal watched her reading his words, his eyes locked on hers he hoped that he hadn't railed on too much and ruined his chance. But she seemed to accept it after he got to the explanation of why he told that story. He returned her smile and added a nod after her comment about his candidness. "Well, in this job there's no point in lying. Both of our safety might rely on it, you need to be able to trust me." It was true too, if she couldn't trust him then the two of them would have a whole set of problems. Though his job was to keep her safe, she was still his boss, though if one day he was forced to throw her over his shoulder and run away from a threat, he would gladly ignore any protests.

"Luck had a large part to do with it yes." Mal stated, a slight amount of bitterness in his voice. Which he promptly brushed aside and looked back at the screen, reading the next set of words from Ina. Just like her, he reached up and touched the scar on his cheek, thinking back to it before looking at her again. "A few years ago we were dealing with some pirates out in the rim. One of them tossed a grenade, blew out a section of the wall near me and a piece of shrapnel grazed my cheek. We didn't get anywhere for me to get some kolto or bacta, so I ended up with the scar. Could be worse, if it had been just a bit more to the left I'd be dead. Lucky again." Truth be told Mal had sensed it before it happened, he'd been able to move both himself and one of his squad-mates out of the way before it killed them. Still, he wasn't ready to reveal his Force-sensitivity to Ina just yet.

His thoughts then shifted to his Force-sensitivity and everything that implied, as this thought crossed Mal's mind he immediately took a few calming breaths. Banishing the anger and frustration from his mind. It was of no use to him, all he needed to do was improve himself for the future, besides getting frustrated over his lack of experience was pointless. He'd just need to gain the experience through trial and error. All safely of course, he didn't want to hurt someone. Though he did think of a few things that would be funny, dropping pies on people's heads with the Force. Or making a child's toy jump to life. He was the last person that should have the Force.

Mal sat firm, having calmed down and regained complete control of his frustration for the moment. There was a time and a place for everything, and now was neither the time or the place for that particular emotion. Besides, he was trying to impress Ina enough to get the job. He didn't want to disappoint her at this stage in the interview. He'd kick himself for weeks if he failed at this point, he felt as though he'd almost had it all clinched by now. If he didn't already have it clinched at this point anyway.

[Mara]

She had nodded in agreement. Trust was very important for her, not only in a professional relationship, but in all her relationships, throughout her entire life. If one hadn't such deep reliance in another being's actions, there would be nothing holding the other accountable for such actions. Deceit being one such action. Ina had complete faith and trust in Ofi, that the droid would never lead her astray. Just as she had, and still continued to, trust her father with her whole being. It was not something she gave lightly of herself, whether slowly cultivated and earned or forced into it because of a dangerous situation, but once she had, the bonds of trust were strong.

As Ina read Denton's explanation of his other scar, she thought about the concept of luck and smiled tightly to herself. She had brushed up against it time and time again in her own life and so had some idea of what the sergeant was speaking of. Fate had seen fit to place her in the care of her father, instead of subjecting her to one much worse; Dr. Rand hadn't given up many details about the circumstances of his adoption of her, but she knew enough. Experimentation, torture, death--she would have been better of fending for herself in the mines. But instead she had grown up surrounded by love, something most Offshoots never encountered. The senator was very appreciative of her life so far, whether luck or fate or some other Force was in charge of it.

Looking back to the man, she could almost sense that he his mind had continued to spin. About what, she couldn't be sure. Perhaps thinking of the incident where he had almost died, or something else entirely. But she wouldn't pry, trusting--there was that word again--that if they ended up working together that he would see fit to come clean to her with whatever it was. That is, if it was anything that concerned her. Ina was not so selfish as to wish anyone in her employ to spill their guts and all their deepest, most personal secrets. Just as there were a few things in her past she would keep to herself, that were none of Denton's business.

Glancing over at the wall chrono, Ina suddenly realized she was feeling hungry. Before the parade of bodyguard candidates had begun streaming in, she had had a quick and simple breakfast in her loft. Simple because, one, she had been in a hurry and, two, cooking was not a skill she was particularly accomplished in. And now the day had ticked on into the early afternoon, time flying by without her having noticed. However, this interview was not yet over; she needed to come up with a solution before her stomach started interrupting with its rudeness before long.

Only one viable option presented itself to her, ordering in or making Denton leave being discarded possibilities. Though she had more she wanted to know of the man before making a final decision, there was no reason she couldn't take him out to lunch with her. Ina could see how the man would approach his safety concerns and ideas for her in a real live situation. It could very well give her some insight to balance with the rest of the interview process. She thought of it as a win-win.

<< If you don't mind, I think a change of scenery is in order. >> Her hands broke into the silence. << This interview has gone longer than expected and has passed into my lunch break. >> Ina smiled to let him know that the unexpected duration was not a negative reflection on his part, that she was being light with him. Meals were not something she usually scheduled, eating whenever she could find a spare moment. And she had been rather enjoying their conversation so far.

The Offshoot stood up and quickly slide her materials into a large tote, along with her datapad and other essentials, before shouldering it. << After we leave here, the vidscreen will no longer be of use. We will have to speak through Ofi and datapad. >> She wanted to make sure he understood how she generally operated and to get anything said before departing her loft. Otherwise it would have to wait until after their walk over. << There is a little place a few levels down I found when I first moved in. Delicious food if you don't mind Corellian specialties. >> Ina had taken to the cuisine in the past few months and liked to partake of it at least twice a week, if not more.

A nod to Ofi, and the birdlike droid released from her perch and followed Ina to the door on the wing. She let her friend go through and also the sergeant before going on last, shutting it after them. The senator quietly led the way down the hall, into the turbolift, out into the building's lobby, and into the street. Along the way, her mind was thinking ahead to the menu and what she might order; at the same time, a small compartment in the back of her head was remembering a particular Corellian.

Reaching the correct pedway, she took another 'lift down to the proper level, went a few blocks and turned a corner. Her new favorite cafe was right on the corner, and she pushed her way inside and joined the long line. Even though the main lunch rush should have been ending, it was a popular spot for locals and tourists, Corellians and non alike. She turned her attention to Denton while waiting for their turn to order and signed. Ofi translated in her feminine mechanical voice while Ina pulled out her datapad and held it out to the man with a smile: "Order whatever you like. My treat."

[Mal]

Mal sat and waited patiently as she read through his responses, he paid attention to her body language. She didn't seem to be disappointed, quite the contrary as far as he could tell. Things seemed to be going quite well, so he was fairly confident that he would get the job. However that didn't mean that things couldn't still go wrong. Still the thought crossed his mind that he wouldn't still be here if he had failed so bad up to this point. So he went back to confident as Ina looked over at the time. His eyes quickly followed her's and saw that it was nearing lunch time, he hoped that the interview would conclude soon, he was getting hungry. Not that he would mention that to Irrina at all, he didn't want to make her think he had better things to do than be here for the interview.

Almost as if she had the same thought he did, she mentioned that they needed a change of scenery, and that the interview had gone into her lunch break. He started to worry, but then she smiled and he took it as a good thing in this case. Mal returned her smile, happy that she was indeed quite pleased with the interview. Mal stood when she did, putting his uniform hat back on his head and standing at ease, both hands behind his back. "I understand ma'am, I'm sure it won't be too much of an issue." He stated with a smile, he still didn't like the droid following them, but understood her use. So long as the droid didn't give him any issues, he wouldn't give it any issues. "Corellian is fine, I was stationed on Corellia for a while a few months ago." A small smile played across his lips, "Some members of my unit learned the hard way to drink Corellian ale in moderation."

Mal followed Ina out and kept a respectable distance between them as they walked, already falling into the bodyguard mindset already. His eyes moved from person to person to person as they walked, keeping track of everyone at once. He wished that he had something more than the vibroknife in his boot and the holdout-blaster up his sleeve. Mal didn't know what he'd do if more than six people came after Ina, then he'd have to find a way to get his vibroknife out of his boot and not get shot in the process. He pushed the thought from his mind, he'd work on it when he needed too. Maybe he'd make himself another mechanism up his other sleeve for another blaster, or a knife. He'd worry about it later.

Soon enough they got to the cafe, Mal could smell the food and felt his stomach growl already. Her treat? Normally Mal would have jumped at that chance, however this time he wasn't quite going for it. Reaching up and typing on her datapad for her, "Not this time, I kept you through your lunch break ma'am, it's my treat." He gave her a look that clearly stated it was not up for negotiation at this point in time. He'd feel bad otherwise, it was his interview that cut into them both being hungry after all. He was just glad that he hadn't eaten before he'd come for the interview. After looking up at the menu for a moment he looked back down and smiled at Ina, "Well, I'm going to be brave and have the spiceloaf, what are you going to have?" He knew there was a risk in telling her what he wanted to eat, but he wasn't overly worried right now. He'd treat her to a meal at some point he was sure.

[Mara]

Her eyes blinked as Denton, instead of speaking normally as he had so far during the interview, tapped out a message on the datapad that she was holding out to him. Conversation should have proceeded just as they had, with her signing and Ofi transmitting the translation as well as the sergeant's speech, only with the smaller device taking the place of the holoscreen in her loft. Ina felt a little embarrassed about this mix-up, as it was mainly her fault; the senator should have made sure she had explained things and that he had understood before they departed for lunch.

But life had taught her to be flexible, if nothing else, and she took it all in stride. Like her faux pas had never happened, and everything was as it should be. With a quick smile, she turned the screen back to face her so she could read what he had typed out there. Her brow knotted briefly; the man shouldn't have to pay for a meal at his own interview. In fact, Ina was about to protest this, looking back to him and moving to tuck the datapad under her arm so that she could assert this. However, one look at him told her this would be futile, and she conceded with nothing more than a short nod. She believed he was only being polite, and there was no other hidden motive that she could read on his features, and so was willing to give him this point.

The line was bringing them closer to the counter, and this time he spoke aloud after referencing the menu above. Any awkwardness between them surrounding the method of payment had disappeared, and she was again thinking of more comfortable things. She had no need to look at the array of choices herself in order to make her selection; she had been to the cafe often enough to have memorized her favorites. A few of the workers recognized her from her frequent visits and would sometimes, if it was slow, add a free side to her meal, as they appreciated her business as well as her sweet nature and what she was trying to push through in the senate.

To free her fingers to answer his question, she offered the device to the sergeant, this time for the purpose of reading her speech, not for him to reply on. Again, Ofi translated for her, as well as scrolling her words onto the datapad to keep the conversation clear in case she went back over it, and again, the senator did not notice that her friend did this, because she was not looking at her. And Ofi would not be able to explain why she did this, maybe because of where they were, or maybe because of the discomfort she had sensed from the man earlier. From her perch on Ina's shoulder: "A good decision. They make fantastic spiceloaf here. But as for me, I think this time I shall go for something different than my usual. Perhaps the nerf sausage with some potato rice. And some fresh juice."

[Mal]

Mal took the proffered datapad and watched her sign, just as he glanced at the screen in his hand he heard Ofi start translating. He chose to watch Ina's hands as he listened, trying to pick up on anything he could. Observant as he was, he still had no clue. He'd have the time to study and learn though, if he got the job he'd make it a point to become fluent in sign language within the year. Then again, what he planned and what actually happened didn't always coincide. For instance, he didn't expect to ever be the bodyguard of a politician. Especially not one that was so pret- he should really stop that thought before it got worse... But come on, we all know he didn't right? We all know that Mal completed that thought.

Mal nodded, "There's a restaurant on Corellia that has the best nerf sausage in the galaxy." He made a mental note to take her there if they ever ended up on Corellia in the future. If he could even remember where the restaurant was... He wasn't driving that night, and alcohol had been involved, and he had been awake for two days before that. Maybe he shouldn't have mentioned that restaurant after all, oh well, hindsight was twenty-twenty after all. He'd just have to cross that bridge if they ever reached it. There was no telling whether or not they would ever set foot on Corellia so there was no need to put too much thought behind it.

The line kept moving, and soon enough they were at the front of the counter. Mal placed his order, and then placed Ina's, though turned to look at her for confirmation in case she had changed her mind first. After that was settled he paid for them then turned back to Ina. The senator wasn't exactly what he had expected, she was kinder than any other politician he'd ever met. Granted his experience was limited, but he was still vastly impressed with the reality he had experienced from the woman. After a while he smiled and finally spoke up again, "So, I have a question for you if you don't mind my asking?" Waiting a bit for her reply, listening for any sign that their food was ready.

After getting the answer about asking his question, he opened his mouth to speak again. "What made you decide on politics? In all honesty there's better professions for someone of your temperament, where you can get down and help more people." Or at least he assumed there were, maybe he was wrong and she could do more good where she was. It was probably less emotionally draining than some of the relief workers he'd seen doing their jobs. Then there was the emotional drain that came about from doing his job... Well, he didn't think that Irrina had what it took to do his job, she was sweet and kind, and he had no doubt she could and would defend herself. But defending oneself was something entirely different from fighting in a war. And just because she could defend herself, didn't mean she didn't need his help, he already guessed he'd be working with Ofi to help organize her defenses.

[Mara]

Ina gamely hid her reaction to Denton's mention of Corellia by bending her head further over the datapad he had handed back to her, loose white hair swinging down around her head like a curtain. She knew it was rather silly and her teeth quickly let go of her bottom lip; it had been her that had suggested this particular eatery in the first place. And the planet was bound to come up now and then. But somehow the direct reference hit her more than speaking about the food had. Even since the trauma of her kidnapping had forced her to come to a understanding with herself concerning her personal life, thoughts of him came to her at the strangest moments.

After she felt she had gained control of herself, she straightened up and tucked back a few stray hairs that hadn't fallen back with the rest behind slightly pointed ears. With no further message, her blue eyes stared blankly off to the side, and her feet automatically moved forward with the line of beings. Soon, though, they were at the counter, and the sergeant spoke to the clerk, and then looked over to her. Noticing this belatedly in her peripheral vision, she glanced over and just smiled at him, unsure what he needed, as no new words scrolled across her screen. But apparently that was enough, because he pulled out some credits and paid for their food. 

Standing at the end of the counter, waiting for their food, she caught the text of her datapad expanding. Still feeling slightly unsettled, she was glad of the distraction of his question. It would be good for her to focus on something else before they settled down to eat, and the business of the interview would continue, serving to better occupy her mind on matters with more bearing on the present. Indeed, the chance to put her schoolgirlish thoughts away was a relief. So Ina turned her head and nodded at Denton, as well as waving a hand in a gesture for him to go ahead, mildly curious as to what could be on his mind at this moment.

She soon found out and couldn't help but exhale a long calming breath. This was a topic she was perfectly comfortable with thinking about and dwelling on. Even if this meeting was meant more for her to find out about him, Ina was fine with giving him something back. However, she would prefer to explain her motives, or lack thereof, for diving into the game of politics away from the crowd of beings in front of the counter. The senator held up her index finger, hoping he understood that she meant "one minute," that she would answer him presently, once they had moved somewhere else with a more semblance of privacy. Plus, it would just be more comfortable for the both of them to wait until they were seated somewhere.

They didn't have to linger around the counter much longer; a few seconds later a tray was set before them, piled with their orders. A sudden idea coming to her, Ina reached for it before the sergeant could, offering him an apologetic smile, and strode over towards a rubbish bin. She carefully stuffed any loose items into the takeaway bags, meaning to leave the tray behind. Fortunately, Denton got her intentions to depart the restaurant and took up his own meal, as she did hers, food in one hand, drink in another.

Going out the door, Ina confidently headed over to the pedway and took a left, which then led to a 'lift. Only a couple levels up, she stepped off and stopped to look back at Denton with a smile. Ina had discovered the small park up ahead of them soon after she had stumbled across the Corellian cafe. Being cooped up inside all day, whether in her home or the senate Rotunda, it was nice to spend a couple hours out in the fresh air. As fresh as the city planet of Coruscant was able to provide. This high, it was significantly better than as down in the bottom levels.

Finding an out-of-the-way set of table and chairs situated near a small pond, she relieved herself of her food and drink cup, as well as her large tote bag, and then sat down. Ina set the datapad on the metal surface in a position where each of them could easily read it, sitting across from each other. Ofi hopped off of her friend's shoulder and settled onto the tabletop, keeping one eye on the two and her other scanning the surroundings. << I hope you don't mind the change of scenery. Sometimes I enjoy sitting among all the bustle... but I thought it'd be better if we were somewhere quieter. >> Her fingers flew as she signed quickly. And this time, the droid allowed the datapad to carry the conversation solely.

<< But as for your question... I haven't forgotten. >> She smiled. << I had never planned on politics. I had always thought to pursue a career in art. Painting. Sculpting. Or if it didn't pay... well, I hadn't quite figured that out yet. At university, I had enrolled in a couple government classes, more for interest than anything else. That eventually led to myself and my friend starting up a group for the advocacy of Offshoots like myself. I felt that perhaps at this higher learning institution, I could get my voice heard, unlike earlier when I was only tolerated because my father donated money to my school.

<< Soon, our little group grew. And it wasn't just Offshoots, but many other species who came to get involved in spreading the word. Just no Arkanians. But that's just as far as it went. After graduation, I did attend a rally here and there... tried to work for the cause of my people. One of the humans who had joined my Offshoot Liberation Front--that's what I called my university group--decided to run for mayor of Adascapolis. A mean feat, but I supported him, believing he was on my side and once elected, would help the Offshoots from his position. >>

Sadly, she shook her head. << I was wrong. He had been using me to get elected and stomped all over me after he had achieved what he wanted.  One day I was speaking to my friends, along with Ofi... and they mentioned to me that our senior senator was retiring, leaving a spot open in the senate. And that they had heard Benzi--the man whom I had trusted--was aspiring to this. Without perhaps entirely wholesome intentions, I decided to run against him. >> Ina looked over at him. << And now, here I am. The accidental senator. >> Allowing him time to read over her words, she reached for her sack and began unpacking her sausage and rice.



(((Sorry for basically just recounting her bio, lol... That's why it got so long.)))

[Mal]

Ina indicated that she wanted him to wait before answering his question, he simply nodded. When their food was ready she beat him to it and took their food near the trash, he was about to object before he noticed she was putting her food in a to go bag, Mal followed suit figuring that she had a plan. He then followed her out and into a lift. While standing their he tried to extend his mind out to her's, not to read her thoughts or anything, but to get a feel for her in the Force. He had no doubt that she was a kind hearted truly good person, but he just wanted to try and use the Force, this was the best way he could think of that wouldn't be pointless. And he was met with failure. He couldn't even feel the Force right now. But he wasn't let down, he hadn't learned anything yet, he knew next to nothing about the Force yet after all.

They started walking again, and soon enough they came to a table in a park by a pond. Mal was going to enjoy working for this woman, he returned her smile and sat down across from her. "By all means, I enjoy sitting in parks and gardens, especially if their's a pond or fountain nearby." After that her hands were back to working, Mal's eyes shifted between her hands and the datapad. His food sitting on the table untouched until Ina finished signing and started unpacking her food first. Once she started, he thought about what she said as he unpacked his own food. So that explained everything, she was trying to help people, and she wasn't trying to gain power for herself, she was simply trying to make sure that those in power were actually trying to help people. Even if she was one of the ones in power.

Mal smiled up at her after they had both unpacked their food and he had thought about everything for a few moments. "For what it's worth, you would have done wonderful as an artist." He stated, his mind running back to the pictures in her apartment. He'd trained his mind to recognize and remember entire rooms with a brief glance, it came in handy in the middle of a fight. "The best people to give power too, political or otherwise, is someone who doesn't want power for themselves. I couldn't imagine a better person in power than you Senator." He had power sure, but he'd never asked for it or wanted it. However, he was not going to go near the political field, and he doubted that he was going to ever do anything that would make a huge dent in the galaxy.

Smiling at her again, Mal put his food down just before he started to eat. Though he did motion that Ina could eat and he wouldn't be offended. "I know you haven't asked, but I figure you might at some point. As for why I joined the Army, I didn't know what I wanted to do. I figured the discipline could help me figure out what I wanted to do. And I liked being in the Army." He kinda wished he had some noble reason for joining or staying, but he didn't. He liked the discipline, he liked the challenges that they presented to him. If he had an idea he wasn't told that it was impossible, he was told to go do it. He wasn't about to lie about it though, the droid sitting nearby could probably tell. Blasted droids.

[Mara]

By the time Denton had finished digesting the words on the datapad and took out his own food, Ina had already scooped up a couple mouthfuls of rice. Hungry, she had wasted no time slicing up the sausage into more manageable pieces, especially after her long monologue to explain how she had ended up a senator. However, this hadn't excused her from manners, and although she dug into the delicious meal rapidly, she still managed to do so with all her etiquette and manners intact.

Soon enough, though, she had a reply from the man sitting across from her. At reading his complement of her artwork, along with his subtle mention that if she had stayed in that profession, she would have done just as well, her cheeks reddened lightly. Ina self-consciously tucked a loose strand of white hair behind a sharp ear and looked away, focusing her blue eyes at a few local waterfowl diving in the pond nearby. Like most artists and creative types, she never thought her products were good enough and was particularly embarrassed when others tried to convince her otherwise.

But a few moments later, her face once more its normal pale shade, she looked back to the sergeant and smiled her thanks. Turning back to the datapad to finish reading, the senator had to force air deeply into her chest to save herself from blushing once again. Ina wasn't sure if Denton was just trying to kiss up to her in order to make sure he got the bodyguard position, or if all he was saying was just his usual way with other beings. She had never run into anyone who was so upbeat about everything. A tiny part of her brain brought up another possibility for all the positive reinforcement, but she quickly squashed it; it would not do to think about such things if they were to have a strictly working relationship.

There was a pause then, no new text scrolling across the device, and so Ina sighed inwardly with relief. She just felt so uncomfortable with accolades for actions that were so much a part of her as to happen much without her consciously thinking about them. Whether it be her political leanings or her creative side. Taking up her utensil, she focused back on her meal; Denton had picked up his own and seemed content to leave things as they were and just eat in companionable silence for a bit.

And so Ina was surprised to noticed a couple minutes later that there was something new waiting for her attention on the datapad when she had looked up to sip from her cup of juice. Her eyes flicked to Denton before returning back to read the words; she hoped they hadn't been there long, and he hadn't felt like she was ignoring him in order to eat. But no, he appeared yet at ease with the whole situation. The brief panic slipped away, and calmly, she didn't rush in reading over his next message.

He was merely telling her why he had joined the army, offering it up perhaps in consolation for asking why she had found herself in her own career. The answer was something she had heard before in her brief encounters with other military personnel. Some joined to continue a family traditions, others to help people, but there were a few like Denton who had just felt at a crossroads and had hoped military structure would give them clarity on their future. She looked back to him and nodded in understanding; despite the hardships and how she had ended up there, she did enjoy being a senator.  However, her fingers stayed over her food, knowing she had nothing substantial to say in response.

Ina speared a piece of sausage then and chewed it thoughtfully, not wanting their conversation to go stale. But she also didn't want to yet get back to the interview itself and feeling out whether he would be a good candidate to serve as her bodyguard. Something came to her as she half-watched him make work of his spice loaf, half-stared into space. A topic that closed-minded individuals generally brought up to her, and of which she had to patiently explain her position on the matter. Denton hadn't though, and she wondered why.

Setting down her fork, she was resolved to pry it from him. Whether he was just being polite because of her condition, trying to pretend it was not there, making the most of a different situation. Ina lifted her hands and signed. << I noticed you never questioned me on why I live the way I do... with Ofi and translators and datapads. Most beings I encounter are aghast at why I wouldn't have decided to correct my deafness surgically. In order to be... normal. >> A strange concept; even an Offshoot without any handicaps would not be considered normal by her people. << Why? >> She set her hands in her lap, only curiosity laid on her face, not censure.