She heard the commander mention the Iron Brotherhood Company, and thought to ask what he meant. Even her own father seemed curious, but fortunately the conversation moved along quite quickly. After assuring the commander that Ava's ARIA was not destroyed or damaged in any way, her mother graciously conceded to their wish to return to the compound as intended. "Perhaps some other time then." She smiled. The warmth on her features lessened a bit when her father began to asked some rather pointed questions. When her response wasn't enough to satisfy his curiosity, the commander stepped in to clarify. While grateful for the assist, she was nervous that her father might take offense to his demeanor, but the man only smirked instead. She noted the reluctance. It was like he was actively trying not to like him despite the respect he just gained for him. A lesser man might have let the true nature of the question go ignored, but the Colonel didn't.<br/><br/>Her father believed that she was some fragile little flower, something to be fiercely protected at all costs. He hardly approved of her living on her own before conscription, so naturally he disapproved of the idea of her risking life and limb-- even if it was in service to her country and fellow man. Of course, he had every right. Ava was, before she was taken, incapable of defending herself, let alone anyone else. To hear that she had played a part in saving so many lives was surprising to him.<br/><br/>"Is that true, Ava?" He asked, on the verge of appearing impressed.<br/><br/>"The Colonel might be embellishing a bit, but yes. I've learned a lot, and even though it's been a rough process to say the least, I've been able to do some good." She smiled softly.<br/><br/>"Well, we're proud of you. I know it's not the life we wanted for you, or you for yourself, but we're so glad you're doing well." Her mother said, looking to her father who could only nod to agree. There was nothing he hated more than being wrong. Truth be told, he thought she would be miserable and he knew her well enough to know if she was faking or perhaps being coerced. He knew what happened to conscripts . . .<br/><br/>"We're just afraid for you. Not just of losing you, but everything else . . . Things that might haunt you for the rest of your life." He said finally.<br/><br/>"I know." Ava didn't want to give them false assurance that she would be fine. Anything could happen.<br/><br/>"Did you select her because of her studies?" Her father asked the Colonel. "I supposed I mean to ask if you would have chosen her if she were an Art History major?" Obviously he didn't need to beat around the bush with the Colonel.