Mordecai took both Todd's and Garrick's hands in turn, again taking care to not squeeze too hard. It was a skill he'd managed to develop quickly, and out of necessity. When he initially had attached the hand, he had broken the fingers of three people before he finally had mastered the moderation of using too much power.<br/><br/>He was also able to pick up the sense of dislike from Garrick, but he supposed that it was something he should expect. Mordecai did not, for one, act anything like normal Alliance personnel, and so one would most likely be thrown off completely by his attitude. In his experience, it usually repulsed those who even came near him. Second, there was the artificial limb, which it seemed most people found to be even more intimidating than his stature, which was understandable as well. Whatever it was, Mordecai did not assume that anybody would immediately grow attached, and did not mind. It was when somebody stuck around that he was caught off-guard, which Arya had managed to do without even trying, probably without even realizing it. It was something he would have to ponder later.<br/><br/>Speaking of Arya, Mordecai had been just about to consider actually sharing a meal with her, Garrick and Todd when another officer stepped forward and chased off Garrick with a flash of rank and elegant promises.<br/><br/>Now, Mordecai was aware that he was a cold an off-putting sort of man, but he was so because he wished to, in general, remain happily in a room by himself and occupied with further studies on his experimental technology. He would not lie to himself and say that it was just 'how he was raised.' However, he did not show just how cold he could be to others so he could get what he wanted from everyone else and have an excuse to treat them like shit. His expression became especially stony as Wilhelm drove away the other two, who had at least seemed friendly.<br/><br/>With the mention of business, Mordecai became suspicious of the admiral, but he was so anyway with nearly anybody who had an agenda that included roping others into whatever their plans were, whether they were for greater benefit or for personal, selfish reasons. Still, the man was an upper officer, and so Mordecai was courteous enough to offer a short bow, straightening and making eye contact as he said, "I assume that if you sought us out personally, an introduction would be unnecessary?"<div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>