Her assumptions just run headlong into a few centuries of hypno-indoctrination. Hard to get through that wall.

"It sounds like they wish people disarmed so they can be preyed upon." It's not something Gadriel has any personal experience of. Not many natural predators of unnatural space marines.

He took a cautious sip because food around here...had too much flavor for him, mostly. But this was...good? Like recaf, but better. A lot better. Less...pharmaceutical.

"Are you cold?" The way she had her hands wrapped around her cup looked like she was cold, at least.