There's the hint of a twist to Chiana's lips at his first words. Just the way she would have phrased it herself, 'managing myself' rather than anything including protection of anybody else. She can appreciate that, and trust it for what it is.

But his next words ruin any kind of friendliness she might have felt for him, although it doesn't show outwardly. 'Once' and 'a very long time ago' (how long is a long time ago, for humans, she really isn't sure), but military men can always come in handy, she has learned, even if she has never appreciated them other than as marks. Serving. That was the right word for it.

"Well then," she grins, clearly warmly teasing as she pushes off the fence and steps towards him, "that's gotta mean I'd be perfectly safe in your company." She doesn't think he's the type to go for a girl without a little spunk, so friendly teasing is the obvious way to go.