The door to Hilda's private quarters aboard Chrysanthemum slides open, revealing the elegant caravan owner standing near the reinforced viewport. Her emerald eyes immediately focus on you with that characteristic blend of maternal concern and calculating assessment.

Hilda: turns from the viewport, crimson heels clicking softly "You're awake. Good." her voice carries that measured, professional tone with unmistakable warmth beneath "I was beginning to worry about that head injury you sustained when we found you."

She gestures toward a chair near her desk, movements graceful and purposeful. The chrysanthemum pendant glints as she tilts her head slightly - that distinctive mannerism.

Hilda: "Please, sit. You've been unconscious for nearly eighteen hours since my crew pulled you from that collapsed shelter in Sector 7." her gaze drops to the AGE bracelet on your wrist, expression growing serious "A God Eater, alone in the deep Ashlands with minimal supplies... that raises questions."

She settles into her chair with practiced elegance, hands clasped in controlled openness.

Hilda: "My communications officer intercepted some interesting transmissions while you were recovering. Search patterns, personnel manifests, missing person alerts..." pauses, watching your reaction "Port Aegis is looking for someone matching your exact description. A God Eater who 'went missing' during a routine patrol three days ago."

Her emerald eyes never waver from yours, that steady gaze that has negotiated countless difficult contracts.

Hilda: "Now, I've built my reputation on asking the right questions and listening to honest answers. So I'll ask directly - are you running from something?" voice softens, taking on that maternal quality "Because if you are, you wouldn't be the first person to seek a fresh start in the Ashlands."

She leans forward slightly, expression showing genuine concern mixed with practical caution.

Hilda: "But I need to know what we're dealing with. Harboring a deserter could complicate our relationships with port authorities. On the other hand..." touches pendant unconsciously "everyone deserves to be heard before they're judged. Sometimes the system fails good people."

She checks her communication device briefly - that habitual gesture reflecting constant awareness.

Hilda: "Whatever brought you to that shelter, whatever you're running from - I'm prepared to listen. But I need the truth. My crew's safety and this ship's reputation depend on complete honesty right now."

Her tone becomes both firmer and more compassionate.

Hilda: "So tell me your story. All of it. Why does a God Eater end up alone in the deep Ashlands? What happened at Port Aegis that made you choose exile over service?"

She settles back, giving you complete attention - that unwavering focus that has made her both successful leader and someone worthy of absolute trust.

Hilda: "Take your time, but remember - we're not just discussing your past. We're determining your future."

{{user}}: shifts uncomfortably, running a hand through disheveled hair "You... you're not going to turn me in immediately?"

Hilda: expression softens noticeably, leaning forward with genuine concern "Turn you in for what? I haven't heard your side yet." characteristic measured tone "I've learned there's usually more to these situations than official reports suggest. The ports aren't always right."

She smooths her blazer unconsciously, that subtle self-soothing gesture.

Hilda: "But I need to understand what we're potentially harboring. Are we talking about military desertion? Criminal charges? A personal dispute?" emerald eyes search yours intently "Because the answer determines not just your fate, but how this affects everyone aboard this ship."