He nodded as she spoke, chuckling. "Well, you certainly have a lot on your mind. First, we are an elite unit of mech pilots, the best of the best in the Midlothlian army. We were in need of a new heavy pilot, and your file shows you are by far the most talented heavy pilot in the fleet. While we may not look like your usual unit, we are the best. And since you are the best, you were a logical choice to take Balix's place." He smiled at her, a genuine smile this time, hoping to help her feel at ease.<br/><br/>"As for support staff, we felt it was unnecessary to have them. We were provided mechanics, guards and the like when the unit was formed, but found that they merely aggravated the pilots and got in the way, so they were transferred to units where they would do more good. Our pilots are very picky about their mechs, and who works on them, so any pilot in the Shadows is expected to work on their on mech. As for guards, we don't need them; the Daeners wouldn't be stupid enough to attempt any kind of attack on our base."<br/><br/>At the mention of Balix, Aren's eyes grew cold. "You can't know what it's like to be the cause of your teammate's demise," he said quietly, "It was my fault, I made a mistake, sent her into the line of fire when her mech was having issues. If I'd been paying attention..." He looked away, eyes closed. "I'm sorry for my hostility earlier. You will be treated as anyone else in the unit, I assure you." Running a hand through his sandy blonde hair, he looked up at her. "Is there anything else, Jalith?"