When the man jumped up on the bench with her, she automatically took a step back and looked at his knife. Deep down, Max knew no one would physically hurt her for what she had done but the feat was still there. Clearing her throat, Max looked up at him and watched as he cut the tablet down. When he held it out for her, she took it and hugged it to her chest.
"Thank you," Max said as she continued to hold the tablet against her chest. She hopped off the bench and looked at him. "You aren't like the others. You're actually nice. Unless this is just a joke, too."
Max took a deep breath and looked at the floor for a moment. She didn't know what to say or do. Finally, she looked up again and held out her hand. "I'm Doctor Maxine Pace. Most people call me Max," she said. "I'm the new civil and environmental engineer. And...I'm also a liaison for the IOA. At least for now I am. I kind of upset Woosley."