Did I need to respond to the empathy roll?
The missing people was as she had expected. "I was going to call some in, but also figured they may have been out for dinner. Which was very understandable." Mable was glad that Garrett could figure out the things she was alluding to, she certainly wasn't as skilled as others at it.
"Risk management sounds interesting and very apropos for your position. I would love to hear more about your past at some time. I am guessing you have done some interesting things." Even as she says it she knows he probably won't share much. They all tend to hold their cards close to their vest. Even someone as open as Mable.
Pulling back to the subject at hand, and keeping the conversation to one basic topic, "I will continue to be who I am. I have a healthy respect for nature. I'm working on trying to apply that knowledge to the politics of the office. It's really not all that different. The strong feed on the weak. Business is dog eat dog. I just need to learn what to watch for. In the woods I was able to learn, adapt, and survive. I believe I can do so here. I can't rely on the boss to have my back. Many reasons for that, for one she can't play favorites. I get that. But I feel like she goes the other direction. For example, a parent who is coach for their child's baseball team sometimes pushes their own child harder expecting more due to not wanting to appear favoring them. does that make sense to you?"
"I appreciate your assistance where you can. I refuse to live my life in a paranoid state. I am going to have to find a balance of ... if not trust then at least understanding of others and also a watchful eye. What I can do now is just continue doing my job. That includes the other security activities I do willingly for nothing other than my own peace of mind."
Mable nibbles on her lip thinking, "I once heard or read something like the enemies of my enemies are my friends. I feel like that covers much of whats happening. Those who have had some interdisciplinary action should be able to see others who have received strong disciplinary actions as the cohorts for now. I don't hold grudges against those who went against me when I was in trouble. It is simply survival. And I agree, power and favours. I seem to have none at the moment." Mable's lilting laugh escaped her lips. "However, I do believe certain people understand they can count on me. If the head of security doesn't get that then she is blind and stupid, which I know she is neither."
"Sorry, I tend to babble when I get involved in a subject I am passionate about." Garrett fast-talks and Mable babbles. Oh dear.