"It is apt, is it not?" He might pick up on such things - after all, he was a researcher for the army, and even if he spent his time in the lab he was still part of the army - but he didn't particularly react. He stayed unarmed, knowing well that at this time there was little point in arming himself. He made weapons, but that didn't mean he was going to win in combat with someone who spent their time using weapons, and he didn't bother pretending otherwise.

"I, too, have a myriad of missions to accomplish. More now than ever before. But I find that this city has exposed me to both opportunities and information I would not have had otherwise. Mayhaps when I return home the Empire will have a more glorious future than ever."

He did sound rather positive, in more ways than one, including being rather animated when he spoke. Despairing didn't suit him. He always had to take what was afforded to him and run with it.

He paused just slightly ahead of Devon, turning towards him. "Research Chief Verstael Besithia of the Imperial Army. State your name and current goal."