[The look she gives him is one perfected by years of practice; eyebrows raised, head tilted slightly up to give the impression that she's looking down her nose at him, but softened by the tiny smirk on her lips.
It says you're being ridiculous and we both know it so I'm not dignifying it with a response.]
I hope I'm not keeping you from anything important.
[It's said just a little dryly as she takes a seat, though her smile is playful enough. Friendly and disarming is the aim for today, considering the answer to that question.]
The answer to that is a little complicated, can I ask something of you, first?
[Maurice is kind of a doofus of a dog, but he knows how Max works, so once Saul is settled, Maurice wanders over and plops his head on Saul's knee. People are less likely to freak out if they've got a dog to pat.]
Could I ask that you reserve judgement until I've finished explaining?
[Saul's not less likely to freak out when a dog is in such close proximity to his junk, but he plays it cool anyway, scritching Maurice's head while keeping his gaze focused on Max.]
Is this the part where I remind you that I'm a criminal defense attorney? Reserving judgment is my specialty.
[She hums thoughtfully, like she's weighing up whether to comment on that, but ends up just opening the bottle of wine and pouring two glasses, sliding one over to Saul.
He didn't seem to reserve judgement during the mutiny, but mentioning that might not be strategically sound.]
Then I hope you'll understand that there was no malicious intent in my actions. I was in a rather dangerous profession in my home universe, and upon arriving in Exslium I continued to operate in a similar manner; out of habit, and partly out of concern for what might happen if anyone else from my universe was here. I didn't want to risk being recognized.
[That's the explanation, she'll let him digest that before she says the rest.]
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It says you're being ridiculous and we both know it so I'm not dignifying it with a response.]
I hope I'm not keeping you from anything important.
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What a surprise.
Moving back to his desk, he's careful to pull out the chair opposite it for Max first. So gentleman-like.]
Nothing so important that I could say "no" to you. What's up?
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I'm flattered.
[It's said just a little dryly as she takes a seat, though her smile is playful enough. Friendly and disarming is the aim for today, considering the answer to that question.]
The answer to that is a little complicated, can I ask something of you, first?
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He nods as he drops down into his own seat, unbuttoning his jacket and shifting around until he's comfortable.]
's what I'm here for. Ask away.
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Could I ask that you reserve judgement until I've finished explaining?
[Well.]
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Is this the part where I remind you that I'm a criminal defense attorney? Reserving judgment is my specialty.
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He didn't seem to reserve judgement during the mutiny, but mentioning that might not be strategically sound.]
Then I hope you'll understand that there was no malicious intent in my actions. I was in a rather dangerous profession in my home universe, and upon arriving in Exslium I continued to operate in a similar manner; out of habit, and partly out of concern for what might happen if anyone else from my universe was here. I didn't want to risk being recognized.
[That's the explanation, she'll let him digest that before she says the rest.]
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At least this gives him something to fidget with while she speaks; he turns the glass around and around, brow furrowing.
Hesitantly:] Okay. And?
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[Which sounds simpler that it is, but the I'm a shapeshifter will come in a moment.]
Do you remember Alice Roscha?