"That's fine," said Soren. "I'll use this as a starting point, and learn as much as I can. Coming from the time period I did, I've quite a bit to catch up on if I want to be able to understand what everyone else already seems to."

He looked at her. "Even if it seems frivolous now. The past shapes the future. If I cannot understand the even the most basic technologies I'm expected to work with here, of what help will I be in dealing with space fleets?"

Soren nodded at her introduction, though he wasn't really sure what a Councilor was. "Soren, of the Greil Mercenaries. And most recently of the Magical Department, I suppose."