THE OVERLY-DRESSED YOUNG MAN sighed with relief as Henry proved far more kind than he appeared to be, especially with that eye-catching apparel.  Of course, Julian knew that he himself had no excuse;  There wasn't going to be a dinner party for them, he was sure.  He did find the Cree language rather beautiful to hear, it was as though he was listening to flowers or the wind speak sweet, colorful words to him that painted the corners of his imagination.  He wondered how hard it would be to master a second language or even categorize hundreds of cousin tongues. Settling in for the long haul, Julian adjusted his hat and folded his hands on his large abdomen as the First Nation pilot went on and on.

[color=39b54a][i]'Henry Makokis, that's a lovely name,'[/i][/color] Julian mused, nodding as Henry declared his homeland's name.

[color=39b54a]"Oh, of course, [i]Henry[/i].  You may call me Julian,"[/color] he interjected gently, smiling by eyes and mouth.

Julian blinked and adjusted his spectacles as Henry then retrieved some kind of (perhaps) ornamental stick and commented on its importance.  He felt it prudent to perhaps ask about it later in lieu of now.  Thinking of his uncle's pocket diary in his inner pocket, he supposed that they all had their own sentimental tokens to carry them through this endeavor. 

Then, the conversation began to focus the spotlight on Julian, prompting him to sit up straighter and clear his throat as he nodded with each sentence Henry spoke.

[color=39b54a]"Ah, well yes, I suppose, Henry.  Though if we're all unique, then everyone's the same, aren't they?"[/color] Julian joked, chuckling as he dismissed his own question with a wave.

[color=39b54a]"But yes, I'm a Helix pilot--and mechanic too. Well kind of one, I'm not that good,"[/color] he shrugged humbly.

He looked past Henry then and glanced out the window wistfully [color=39b54a]"Anyway, I'm from Thorpe's Pier,"[/color] Julian stated, hesitating a moment before making eye contact with Henry. [color=39b54a]"A sea sh-shanty in the, uh, Southwest.  And I - ... well, to put it simply, I'm here to try to make it a great place again.  Hopefully some day anyway, once I..."[/color]

It was obvious that the subject made Julian nervous, but he persevered and pressed himself to finish his thought.  [color=39b54a]"I just think if I get a high enough rank and prestige, I'll have the connections and knowledge I'd need to bring attention to my family and the people there.  We used to proudly serve the United Empire, but now we can barely contribute anything at all."[/color]

Henry might notice a flicker of fire in the young man's eyes. [color=39b54a]"But I'm going to change that,"[/color] Julian stated solemnly, turning his head towards Rachel and Garret.

[color=39b54a][i]'But... what if I'm the one who gets changed instead?'[/i][/color] Julian wondered, feeling at least mature enough to realize that your circumstances and company tended to change your character, whether you liked it or not.