Seemingly out of nowhere people began flocking to their table as if it was the center of attention for the whole mess hall. Anthony just kept his head down as people made introductions. Once there was a lull in the exchanging of names and greetings he looked up and shyly said, "Hi. I'm Anthony," to no one in particular, not making direct eye contact with either of the two girls he had already met nor the guy and the two other girls that had just arrived. One of them was wearing some kind of strange, two-colored uniform and looked like she might be slightly older than the others, though it was hard to tell exactly how old. Anthony guessed she was either a senior student or an actual instructor just trying to get to know the new kids.
He looked over at Vallerie with a slightly bemused expression. "Wow. Wouldn't have guessed we'd become the popular table. Did you?"
They were then joined by a much older man, also in uniform, who began talking to the older girl who had said her name was Kitty. Anthony wasn't trying to really listen in on their conversation, not wanting to seem like a snoop, but he still managed to pick out the words "mission" and "intel". At the mention of gathering intelligence, he perked up a little before withdrawing back into himself once again as if he was afraid he might have shown too much interest in a conversation that didn't really have anything to do with him.
After a few moments, Anthony straightened up in his chair and his expression changed from one of apprehension to determination. Deciding he would at least say something to let them know he could be of use, he raised one gloved hand.
"Um... excuse me? I know I'm new here and all, but..." He breathed in as if he was trying to swallow his fear,"If you're trying to get information, I think I might be able to help."