Ascot's response as he ate his food was, "As you said, you're on the edge of Federal Space. Once I rescue my parents, I'll flee with them to beyond the edge, find a nice little neutral world not touched by either Feds or Vyexul Coalition, and then live out the rest of our lives in relative safety among a community of farmers or townsfolk. Or rather, [i]they[/i] will - I plan to rejoin the Vyexul counteroffensive once I've rescued my parents and settled them, then defend against the inevitable Federation counterattack. After that, if I'm still alive, I'll join my parents in their hopefully peaceful life."

A wistful smile, "And I don't intend on compromising your people's safety, Ms. Serenity - You can believe me on that." Finishing his meal quickly, the young man said, "As for peaceful, boring jobs, I won't lie, I can use those too. But if you ever need additional security and it won't endanger my and your secrecy, well... I'm good at that too."

In essence, he was offering himself as his host's personal bodyguard and soldier, or even someone who would do any dirty work she might need done. A sign that while Ascot was a kid, he was one who had seen much, done much, and been permanently marked by it.

"But for now," Ascot said as he was finishing his meal, "I'd be happy to help with maintenance and such, even cargo hauling. There's also salvaging derelict wrecks if there are any. But yeah, I'd be happy to work."