Kali had been doing her very best to be helpful, even with the worry of people arriving back and her father still not appearing. She was running trays for Kaylee between tables, a bit bemused to find herself in this position, but not truly bothered by it by it.

It was useful, and she was capable of doing it, and therefore she did not mind in the least doing so.

She hoped he was alright, Eva said that sometimes, if they were injured, even a little, it would require them to stay a little longer. And her father was one of the leading diplomats on the mission; he might need to be debriefed before he was allowed to return home.

That was what she would continue to herself, unless something was otherwise communicated to her.

She sat the tray down gently on the table, allowing the patrons to take the beers before picking it up to turn back to the bar.

The door swung open, allowing her father to enter and she froze, feeling like a tiny rabbit the moment before a raptor struck. He looked…tired. As though he had only just left the field of battle and she nearly hesitated, allowed him more time, perhaps a warning from Miss Kaylee or the woman Nima who kept the bar. Nearly.

But she was a child, however clever, however wise beyond her age.

She was still a child.

“PAPA!”

Around her the bar fell completely silent, but she was hardly paying them any mind now as she ran to her father.