Another Day, Another Patrol (Nala & Ronok)

[Darth Angelus™]

Walking the halls of the Jedi Temple, my Jedi robes fluttered behind me, my black kama hid my legs, and my sleeveless robe and tunic showed my muscular arms. The black hood over my face casted it in shadow. Rarely did I ever take it off, I only took it off in the presense of Jedi Grandmaster Aeon Kensho, and Jedi Master Vax Kote. Approaching the Archives I was contacted by my Field Captain, Gore.

"General Ronok, we have had rumours of that Bounty Hunter down in the Undercity, shall we suit up?"

"No, just you Gore, I'll need Jedi assistance, and with Vax and Aeon gone, I need someone they knew. I shall get Vax's padawan Nala. I'll be at the Hangar Bay shortly, General Vang out"

"Copy that. Gore out"

Walking toward the back of the Archives I begin to track Anala down. In ten or so minutes I had located her, Standing behind her I cleared my throat as to get her attention. Younger padawans and younglings walked passed looking up to me in awe, my battles are legendary, my tactics well known. My recklessness famous. But in fairness I am also acaring and generous person.

"Nala Reshnik, I am Jedi Master Ronok Vang. I am in need of assistance in a patrol in the Undercity. Consider this a mission, a test on your field skills"

[Nala Reshnik]

Nala irritably tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She frowned at the holographic portable map that she held in her hands and leaned forward. She had been staring at the galaxy map for over three hours already, chanting to herself in her head in order to drill the names of all the outer rim planets into her memory. If she was going to really be a Jedi, she'd have to know the galaxy like the back of her hand, and she was determined to succeed no matter the cost. Even if the cost was spending the majority of her free time studying in the Jedi Archives room.

About half an hour ago, she had begun cycling across the outer rim, seeing if she could name the systems from memory yet. She was getting frustrated at how little of them she still remembered from off the top of her head. She felt like her brain was fried, but forced herself to continue. Another system rotated into her view and she recognized it, knew the name of it even, but the name wouldn't come to her. She glared angrily at the rotating picture, willing the word to float to the surface of her brain. Everything was blank. She continued glaring until she thought her eyes might explode. Then she hit a button and the name 'Lok Trul' blinked below the system. Nala let out a frustrated, tired sigh and rubbed her temples methodically, trying to soothe the headache that had been silently crushing her skull for the past hour.

She wasn't aware of the being behind her until the man cleared his throat. Surprise and suspicion laced through her bloodstream like fire. She hadn't ever been approached before and had never really liked how exposed she was in the library. That was why she usually chose to stay in the corner of the huge room that seemed least populated. She turned her body slightly, to get a good look at the intruder, but when she saw who it was she scrambled to her feet immediately.

She had seen Jedi Master Ronok a few times. Vax had pointed him out to her once, since the two masters were good friends. Apparently Ronok had saved Vax once, from turning to the dark side and the two had both been Aeon Kensho, the grandmaster's apprentices. Even Nala, who had only been a member of the Jedi Temple life for a short while, knew of the man's reputation. Master Ronok was renowned for his battle technique. He had prevailed and won in countless battles and fights and was perhaps one of the best wielders of a lightsaber EVER. He was greatly respected in the Jedi Order, and for good reason.

The Jedi Battlemaster spoke with authority in his voice, a man clearly not to be toyed with. Which of course made toying with him an all the more appealing idea to Nala. However, she didn't want to get into trouble, so she simply stated, "Of course, Master Vang. I would be honored to assist you in any way I can." She would get a feel for Ronok's personality before trying anything funny with him. She knew she could get away with certain things from Vax, but she couldn't be positive about this new man until she'd spent a little time with him first.

[Darth Angelus™]

"I apologise if I interrupted something, but with Vax absent from the Temple the next best thing is his padawan. Come"

Walking toward the Hangar Bay, I noticed the Daggers, my elites in the fleet running to where myself and Nala Reshnik will be. I was indeed puzzled by this, why would they be in uniform now? They are on Military Leave. This makes no sense at all. Picking up my pace my walk becomes faster, my hood flies off in my movements, my black robe fluttered greatly behind me.

Entering the Hangar Bay ten LAAT Shuttles were getting ready to take off. I signal Nala Reshnik to wait for me to get back, I run to Captain Gore, he was busy but he made time for for me.

"What's going on Gore?"

"Our Mandalorian friend called in some of his friends and now they have the Senate Building under their control"

"What do you mean friends? Other Bounty Hunters?"

"No...Mandalorians"

Turning to Nala I ponder, is she ready to take down an elite warrior? A warrior that will fight to the death? My hand reached my face, then I motioned her to come over. Once Nala was here I looked to her and smiled, my smile hid the fear I had.


"Padawan Reshnik, this is Captain Gore. Gore will be your escort, you do not leave his sight understood?"

{{OOC - I apologise for this post being late in replies, I've been so busy with University assessments. But I'm good now. Let us continue! ;D}}

[Nala Reshnik]

((I apologize now for MY lateness! Busy busy busy... Question: Since Nala hasn't technically trained much at all {Vax has gotten her to meditate and she knocked a pebble out of his hand, that's it} can she still battle as if she had some training? She hasn't constructed a lightsaber or had any combat training whatsoever, but could we act as if she's had just a little? o.O))

Nala beamed with pride at being chosen by the Jedi master to aid him. It didn't matter that her mentor and his friend was absent. He could still have chosen any number of other padawans or knights, even. But he had chosen her. She obediently followed him into the hanger bay. Soldiers dressed in their armor were bustling around in a chaotic mess, amidst the ships and transport units that were stored there. Ronok strode confidently toward them, his robe waving grandly as he did so. He gestured for her to stay back, so she did, watching intently as the Jedi talked with one of the captains.

When they were finished, Ronok turned and studied Nala in such a way that made her feel slightly uneasy. She wasn't sure of his intentions, but knew that she must trust his judgment regardless. He was of the council. Whether she wanted to or not, she would have to obey him if she wanted to stay in the Jedi Order. Then Master Vang smiled, and it was a smile that she recognized. One that hid something, some feeling that he wanted to mask. He introduced her to the captain, Gore was his name. He told her this captain would be her escort. This news confused her.

"Are you leaving, Master Vang?" she asked inquisitively. "What is going on? What am I to do, while I stay at Captain Gore's side?"

[Darth Angelus™]

{OOC - Thats quite alright, and I don't see why you can't be able to battle, choose a blade and get into the heat! Let's do this!}

"Mandalorians have overun the Senate Building, and Gore here will look after you. I will be pressing forward to get the Chancellor out safely"

The look on my face now was the most serious look I have ever worn, not even Aeon Kensho or Vax have seen it. Just Gore and my men have seen me at my most serious, Gore even stood at attention when I spoke. This was no time for fooling around.

"Nala, Gore will escort you to the Senators, remember, these Mandalorians have killed Jedi, so they won't mind killing you. But Gore here won't let the happen, you do what he says, no argument. Let's go save some politicians"

"Alright ladies let's get a move on!"

Kanine, Gnasher, Grizzly, and Tyrannos stood up. Grizzly and Tyrannos were giants of men, nothing but pure muscle and thick armour with T-11 turrets for weapons. Kanine was slightly built but he was more of a Sniper, the Republic's best too, and also a bit of a smart-mouth. Gnasher stood at the front, was a notorious assassin working for cash on demand, now a base infiltrator, and a good one. And last Gore, former Sith Commando, called Gore due to his violent nature, this was the team for any job. I stood at the back and walked up the loading ramp of the shuttle, allowing Nala to take a seat while I stand.

"Alright boys, I'm going to say it blunt. Senate Building has been taken by Mandalorians, shouldn't be too hard to get past, Kanine, I'm dropping you at a Sniper point so you can get good shots, called in a transport when you're finished. Grizzly, you will pair up with Gore, keep Nala Reshnik safe as best you can. The rest of you with me. Let's rip 'em apart"

As our LAAT shuttle took off the echoing sound of ten more were seen from ours, there hasn't been a time where this many soldiers under my command were sent into battle like this on Coruscant, I just hope the Chancellor is alive. Hovering over a building roof, Kanaine jumps out and salutes before getting ready, the Shuttle turned and headed back for the Senate Building.

[Nala Reshnik]

Nala nodded at Ronok's instructions. She trusted that the Jedi Master wouldn't send her off with someone who wouldn't keep her safe, especially at a time like this. Her normally light, cheery mood was dampened by the look on his face. She didn't know how to explain it, but something about his expression told her that this was a serious situation and it was time to get down to business. She knew how to be obediant, when she needed to be, and now was when she would have to utilize that skill. Ronok had said to do whatever Commander Gore asked of her, with no questions asked, and that was what she would do.

The Commander dismissed his team in a rough voice, a voice that clearly wouldn't be toyed with. She followed the gruff men into the shuttle, studying them from behind. The two most noticeable ones were huge giants, armor clad from head to toe. The other two, besides the Commander, were both muscled and toned, but not nearly as bulky as the first two. One of them carried a complicated looking gun that Nala guessed was meant for sniping, due to its abnormal length. Then there was Gore. Thick muscles coiled beneath his skin, like a snake ready to strike at any moment. Something about him made her uneasy. A certain air that hung about him that made her think something was wrong. But there was no time to dwell on that now. Ronok had said to trust him and follow him, and she would do just that.

The Jedi Master stood next to her, while Nala sat. He spoke of their battle plan, more to his team than to her. She had only been at the Jedi Temple for a few days, when her Master had to leave on a mission. That was a halfmonth ago, and since she had busied herself with studying the mechanics of lightsaber combat, though she was not allowed to actually practice until Vax returned, at least not with an actual saber. She had spent some time with a stick, going through the movements. She hoped that now, in this battle, she would have a chance to use the traditional Jedi weapon and prove that she could handle it even without her Master present.

"Let's rip 'em apart."

That wasn't a very Jedi-like thing to say, but Nala liked it nonetheless. She could tell just from Ronok's tone of voice that he was a much different individual than Vax Kote, her Jedi mentor. Vax was extremely peaceful, calm, and thoughtful. He never spoke without carefully considering his words first. Often times, he would be silent for long periods of time before answering a question or giving more specific instruction. Ronok was much more straightforward and direct, speaking his thoughts as they came to him. That was more like Nala herself, and so she already felt drawn to this Jedi. It had taken her a few days and a lot of convincing on his part before she had stopped being suspiscious of Vax's actions and words.

Nala sat quietly, thinking these things to herself as they dropped off the man she had correctly guessed as a sniper, and then sped off toward the Senate building. Not even a month since she had been welcomed into the Jedi Order and already she was being thrown into a full out battle, right on their doorstep.

[Darth Angelus™]

{OOC - I'll be Rping as Gore as well so you have something to go on while we have split up}

{Ronok}

The shuttle touched down and the men and women from the Renegades, my personal Republic Soldiers got out of their transports and began to fire on the Mandalorians that had held a defensive post.

Leaping from the Shuttle into the air I activate my saber staff ketting the green blade shoot out of the hilt, landing I start deflecting the blaster bolts back at the enemy letting the other move forward. My green blades twirled and twisted creating high pitched hums as I used fluid movements, Soresu in perfection. Leaping forward I engage the Mandalorians in melee combat, cutting the head off one I kick the other into a pillar and thrust a emerald green blade into the chest watching the body go limp.

"Split up from here, Gore make your way to the power station and shut it down, it will give us some cover. Tyrannos, Gnasher we will grappel our way up to the Chancellor's Chamber. Move out"

{Gore}

Stepping out of the shuttle Gore watched General Vang leap far away, signalling his men to move up, Gore kept his rifle raised as he shot at any enemy movement. There must be an entire army here! The first thought that came to his mind, looking back he made sure Nala Reshnik was behind him.

"Kid! Keep your head down and follow my lead!"

Throwing a thermal detonator, Gore saw the explosion take out three, after about ten more seconds, a single green shot came and hit the last one in the head. Kanine's work, the deadly accuracy was the only conclusion he could get. Taking a radio, the Republic Captain kept it so he could monitor the Mando Chatter.

Listing closely to what Ronok Vang had to say he nodded and patted Grizzly's back, hearing the grunt of relief from the giant man the thundering footsteps echoed as the three moved. Gore again made sure Jedi Padawan Nala was near him.

"How much training have you had with the lightsaber kid? And if you got any questions about us now is the only time you will get to ask them"

[Nala Reshnik]

Nala watched from her seat as Ronok rushed into the battle, masterfully handling his two emerald sabers. He immediately took out a few of the Mandalorians, with ease. His face was set in an intent look as he surveyed the battlefield. Commander Gore had followed the Jedi and blew up three of the enemy soldiers right away, closely followed by a fourth being sniped from far away. She assumed that was the work of the man they had dropped off before landing here.

The Jedi Master spoke to the team of war hardened men, giving instructions on what was to be done. Nala listened closely, though she knew that he wasn't speaking to her. Still, she wanted to know what the plan was, so if anything happened she would still be able to find them. As she listened, she looked around at the field. They were in a fairly quiet part, away from the main battle, but she could see soldiers from both sides duking it out not far from their location. That was when she spotted it. A lightsaber hilt not ten feet from where she stood. Her eyes lit up at the sight of it. She couldn't have asked for a better gift.

When Vang was finished speaking, the Commander looked at her and spoke. "How much training have you had with the lightsaber kid? And if you got any questions about us now is the only time you will get to ask them."

Nala shot him a sly look before darting to the saber hilt. It was only a few feet away and took her three seconds to reach. As soon as she snatched it from the concrete, she sprinted back to Gore. She didn't want him to freak out because she left his side, which she knew she probably shouldn't have done.

"I've had enough training," she told the Commander in a confident tone as she reached him, grinning in excitement. "All I need to know about you guys is whether or not you can do your job?"

[Darth Angelus™]

{Ronok}

Nala was handling herself well, she even had taken a lightsaber hilt that was on the ground, it seemed that one of the Mandalorians had killed a Jedi and taken the hilt as a trophy. throwing up a grappel hook I guide it with the Force and wrap it around a secure piece. Nodding to Gnasher and Tyrannos, they shot their cables from their guns and ran up beside me as we began to scale the wall.

We wouldn't be able to make it the whole way, we would need to get off on a ledge and make our way up from the inside. With one side of the lightsaber activated, I held it at my side as Tyrannos had his T-11 turret strapped on his back and Gnasher with his heavily modified blaster pistol drawn. A Mandalorian looked down at was met with Kanine's deadly accuracy. That was 2 for Kanine.

"Gnasher, Tyrannos, let's move up!"

Climbing up to the ledge, I cut a hole in the wall so we could continue, moving in I saw a squad of Mandalorian Elite turn the corner wielding Vibroswords. I heard the cracking of Tyrannos's knuckles and the metallic sound of Gnasher's wrist blade.

Twirling my blade we rushed the Mandalorians and began our assault. Tyrannos clenched his fists while Gnasher wall ran and allowed his kama to flow violently behind him. My black hooded robe fluttered violently as well as I activated the other side of the lightsaber ready to engage the Mandos.

{Gore}

"Oh we can do our job, we weren't picked just because we look pretty. Grizzly cover our six while I take point. And don't run off again Reshnik"

Turning. Gore drew out his two DL-44 without scopes and shot down any Mandos he saw, Grizzly then got in front and took a direct hit one his thick shoulder pad before filling the Mandalorian fool with blaster bolts.

Grizzly's roar was very, very loud. But then he went back into formation and the Republic Soldiers continued the patrol. Gore followed a map reading on a datapad so they could get to the Power Control room. Grizzly had a entire backpack of explosives, which made him a walking bomb, and giving him the most important role in this assault.

The sith markings on Gore's arm were given to him when he accepted the role as a Sith Commando. Turning back to Nala, he got them to huddle behind a large pillar.

"I know you are uneasy around me, so ask the question"

[Nala Reshnik]

"That's what I figured," Nala murmured more to herself than to Commander Gore.

Both the Commander and the big man accompanying them, Grizzly, began to blast any and all Mandalorians that came within shooting distance. As she watched, Nala witnessed enemy fire hitting Grizzly straight in the shoulder. He turned and killed the perpetrator, roaring like a beast as he did so. The sound reverberated through her skull and made her ears ring. She shook her head, once he stopped, to regain control. She looked up to where she had seen Ronok scaling the wall of a building just a minute ago, but he was already gone, a hole seared through the wall in his place.

Gore was carrying a datapad that Nala assumed was leading them to the Control Room that the Jedi Master had indicated as their goal. She noticed strange looking tattoos on the Commander's arm, and when she looked at them the hair on the back of her neck seemed to stand on end. The uneasy feeling from earlier was back, and she tried to stay as far from the man as she could without being too obvious about it. Apparently she didn't do a very good job about not being obvious about it, because Gore soon pulled her behind a pillar and confronted her about it.

She didn't usually burden others with her feelings, so instead of giving a straight answer she said, "Who ever said anything about being uneasy, Handsome?" She shot him a coy smile and reached out to trail her finger down his chest, grasping her 'borrowed' lightsaber hilt in the other.

[Darth Angelus™]

{Ronok}

Gnasher quickly pinned one on the wall and slit his throat before watching Tyrannos crush the bones of one, then dropping the dead body on the floor. Some have said he is as strong as a Wookiee, but as gentle as a soft breeze.

They turned to see me finish off the last one, I had carved my way through most of the Mandalorians. Picking up the helmet I see the symbol I wished I never saw again. I throw it to Gnasher who immediately recognizes it.

"The Ordo clan?"

"Better tell Gore, he will know exactly what they are dealing wi-"

"This one has the mark of Fett. How come these two clans are here?"

Turning around my lips are pressed, I had no idea what was going on, this was unheard of. And this was only the beginning, if thee are two Mandalorian clans, there definitely are more. I sigh in utter confusion, but I bring my head up and look back at my men. I seemed to have had forgotten for a minute who was fighting with me.

"Let's go and fine the Chancellor"

The three charged down the long hallway not knowing we were being followed by a Mandalorian assassin, cloaked.

{Gore}

"If I don't get a straight answer from you, I'll become your worst nightmare ten fold!"

His voice echoed from his sentence, he was in no mood to be fooled with, and his voice just seemed to get more threatening for eveny word he spoke. Gore knows plently of ways to get people to talk.

Grizzly bent over to whisper into Nala's ear, his voice was easyier on the ears, and sooting compared to the raspy voice of the Republic Captain.

"Don't fool around with him on a mission, now is the time to say it"

Standing back up to his ful height he leans back and sees the area is clear, he signals both to follow him, while Grizzly leads, Gore and Nala Reshnik can talk.

Gore wasn't prideful, but he was known for violence, and torture as a Sith Commando. He regrets every thing he did in that life, but he has a chance to make a new one, but Nala is bringing back things he wants to forget.

[Nala Reshnik]

Nala's toying smile melted into an angry frown as Commander Gore spoke to her. His voice was rough and menacing. She didn't like being threatened. She'd dealt with enough bullies in her day and hadn't thought that she would encounter them while she was with the Jedi. Apparently that was wrong. She couldn't stand bullies. Thinking they were so much better than everyone else, that they knew everything and no one else should try to correct them.

Gore's tone of voice brought feelings of indignation and righteousness bubbling to the surface and she immediately went on the defensive. When the giant of a man leaned over to whisper what she supposed were meant to be calming words, she ignored him and instead focused on the Commander. She set her hands on her hips and looked up at the man--for he was almost a foot taller than she. She leaned forward on the pads of her feet slightly, a tactic she had learned from years of having to fight her way to success on Coruscant. She did it automatically, without thinking about it. If she had, she probably would have realized that it wouldn't have much effect on Ronok's team Commander.

"Excuse me?" Nala hissed angrily. Her voice was quiet, so he'd have to lean in or listen closely to hear her. It also held all the anger and menace she could muster--a surprising amount for a human girl like her. "I was never told that I had to be your friend, Commander Gore. I was told to follow you without question, and I will gladly do that. If I choose to keep my thoughts to myself, that is my own decision that needn't concern you. Now, if you are finished, I believe we have a job to be doing. You know, lives to be saving, that sort of thing? Ring any bells?" She knew she shouldn't be mocking him, he was after all a very dangerous man who seemed quite angry. But she was angry too, and had never let anyone push her around before. Just because she had joined the Jedi Order didn't mean that she had to act like Vax Kote.

[Darth Angelus™]

{Ronok}

I could sense some anger coming from Nala, as a Jedi we must not let these emotions get the better of us. But I knew what was causing these emotions to rise, it was Gore. I could sense her being uneasy around him, and that would get on his nerves. Sighing I continue to run toward the elevator.

"We can get the elevator to the Chancellor just around here!"

Turning a corner I saw one guard at the door. A Mandalorian Executioner, he twirled his large double sided axe around with ease. Activating my other lightsaber I connected the two ends and formed a saber staff.

"I'll handle this"

Narrowing my eyes I ran at my foe roaring loudly, and so did the Mandalorian, then as we got closer I slashed only to have it met by his axe blade. The figh would be hard.

{Gore}

As Nala was going off at Gore, he noticed a sniper taking aim at the Jedi General. His eyes still on Nala, he knew how quick he needed to be, taking three long drawn out breaths, he acted swiftly. Then the loud raspy voice of Gore sounded.

"NO!"

Grabbing the Jedi he threw her behind him, the sniper shot and hit Gore right in the chest, narrowly missing the heart. Falling back he takes one shot and hits the Mandalorian in the head. Landing on his back he gasps for air, he also said he would protect her from any danger. And he follows orders.

Grizzly moved in and helped Gore up, the Republic Captain breathed heavily, Grizzly continued to walk with Gore until the reached a door, opening it they entered a hallway. Then Gore fell to the ground unconscious.

"Captain!"

The booming voice of Grizzly was heard Gore had lost much blood, and was near his death, but not on Grizzly's watch, Gore would do the same for him.

"Okay, I need a bandage, some live wires witch electricty still running in them, I'll go find them, you stay here with the Captain. I won't be long"

Laying down his T-11 turret, Grizzly ran down the hallway and ducked around a corner, he slammed his fist into the head of a Mandalorian guard and threw him into the wall at a great speed. Grizzly didn't stop for one second, he cared about his men, rough on the outside, soft on the inside.

[Nala Reshnik]

Nala was still glaring intently at the Commander when he yelled. It all happened so fast she hardly knew what was happening and suddenly she was crouched low to the ground and Gore was sprawled out next to her, covered in his own blood that was gushing from a hole in his chest. Nala's eyes went wide and her mouth gaped in shock of the sight before her. She scrambled over to the soldier and her hands fluttered over his wound as she tried to think of what she could do. She realized with horror that she didn't know what to do. Luckily Grizzly saved them both by nonchalantly picking his Commander up and walking with him to a nearby building.

Nala followed half in a daze. All the anger from before had dissipated the second Commander Gore had shouted, replaced with confused shock at the awful tradgedy that had transpired. She didn't hear most of what Grizzly was saying to her, except "you stay here." And so that was what she did. She sat at Gore's head with her feet tucked under her. She carefully set the saber hilt that she had found on the floor next to her and folded her hands tightly in her lap. She looked down at her hands, not wanting to see the Commander's injury.

It was quieter inside the small hallway Grizzly had left them in. The sounds of battle from outside were muted and very little gunfire was heard inside the building. She knew it was her fault that Gore was hurt. She knew that he was protecting her and chose to take the bullet rather than putting her life at risk. She was extremely grateful for his courage. There would be no way to repay such an act, she knew.

[Darth Angelus™]

{Ronok}

Sliding on my knees, I stop the weapon from cutting my head in two by grabbing the hilt and using my lightsaber to block the blade, the axe was bigger up close than far away.

Looking back I see that Tyrannos and Gnasher had just engaged a Mandalorian Stealth Assassin. Pushing harder I stand up, and push even harder taking a step forward, I could hear the shocked grunts of the Mandalorian. Narrowing my eyes I unleash a force push and send the Executioner through the window and into the traffic where he was slammed against a large transport.

Turning back I leap forward roaring and kick outfeeling my foot hit the Mandalorians face, the crunch under my foot must have meant I broke the nose. Stretching out with the force, I close my eyes and focus, twisting I thrust my blade into the back of him. The assassin fell to the ground dead.

Walking into the lift Tyrannos, Gnasher and myself looked forward, staring at the door. My lightsaber deactivated I tightened my grip on the silver and black hilt, ready for anything.

{Gore}

Eyes slowly opening, Gore coughs a few times before trying to get up, the sudden pain however stopped him from doing so. Looking up he saw the Jedi Nala Reshnik. She seemed saddened, and guilty. A long drawn out groan escaped the Captain.

"I thought I told you to your head down"

Laughing he quickly stops due to the pain, and again coughs. Looking at his wound he sighs. This was going to be fun to tell the General about, then again, he had to keep her safe.

His eyes darting to his left, he shoots and Mandalorian in the head, dropping the pistol, the weight of the weapon was too much for him. His breathing speed increased by the minute, and Grizzly has been gone for a while now.

"So, how's your day going?"