Benjiro would be grateful for his company on any future missions seeking information. As it is however, he has asked enough of Russell in simply getting advice on how to handle speaking in the meeting. Requesting assistance of any sort is difficult, and not a simple matter of pride.

The teenager looks out into the gathering with more people now present, and nods faintly, “Yeah.” For better or worse, they have only each other.

A small twinge at his shoulders comes with a realization and he motions a hand off towards the refreshment table, “Sorry! Don’t let me hold you up. It shouldn’t be too long before we start, so if you want anything, now might be a good time.”