"I will not refuse that hospitality." Illias responded.

"I like coffee." he said.

"And my apologies for showing up so late." he then apologized.

"Travelling from San Diego to here is... a lengthy trip." he said.

"Booking it so soon is a pain."

Illias raised an eyebrow.

"Normally I would love some irish cream, but I think I'll pass. This early, anyway." he commented.

"Just some sugar would be lovely." he told her.

"And whenever you're ready to go, we can go." he said.

"Would you prefer to take your own vehicle, or use the one I brought with me?" he asked.

Illias accepted the mug, and sighed.

"To be honest, I just wanted to meet you." he told her.

"Let you know that, personally, you have my support." he said.

"A boss from hell is something nobody should suffer." he reasoned.

"And I really hope you get the position we're interviewing you for."

"Fair point." Illias responded.

"Liason." he told her.

"See, the Unit has its arms spread out all over, but we need one... well... in this area." he said.

You would handle information gathering, diplomatic relations, and the like."[/b] he went on.

"Like a representative for the Unit." he continued.

"But, of course, you would be permitted to take action if need be, and equipped as such."

"Not at the moment." Illias responded.

"But do please try to not be violent when we see your boss." he told her.

"I realize that might be a tall order, but it'll be for the best." he then said.

"Beyond that, just follow my lead, and we'll have you getting the time you need away from your job." he assured her.

"And if all goes well, you'll have a better job."

"Well, just keep the long-term goal in mind." Illias responded.

"If you like, I can go on ahead and prep for the meeting." he told her.

"Let you carry on your business as normal." he said.

"Basically, you know your boss better than WE do." he went on.

"How do YOU want to do this?"

Illias nodded.

"Very well." he replied.

"We shall do it that way." he told her.

That's when Averie noticed that his hat seemed to be... moving... a little. As though on its own, or if something was trapped beneath it.

"Oh, not NOW..." Illias muttered, before pausing.

"Actually... please forgive this little interruption." he then told Averie, before he removed his hat, and she saw several snakes sticking out and looking all around, their tongues darting everywhere.

"They've already eaten." Illias told her.

"I think they were just getting tired of being under that hat." he said.

"...especially THIS one." he went on, gesturing to one in specific, that was extending out in Averie's direction.

"SHE'S a troublemaker, she is."

"They'll be calm for the meeting with Charles." Illias assured her.

"I think right now, they just want to be free for a moment." he said.

"By the way, I appreciate how calm you're being." he went on. "Most people are at least startled when they see them." he said, gesturing to the reptiles.

"We truly appreciate it." he continued, before pausing.

"...'we' being myself and the snakes." he clarified.

"Mmm, I see." Illias responded.

"Well, regardless of the circumstances, thank you for the calmness." he repeated.

"At any rate, I'd say good luck in this upcoming meeting, but... it won't be needed." he told her.

"If there's one thing I enjoy, it's taking self-important people down a few notches."