"Sorry, turn of phrase. I'm a soldier, remember? I guess I'm just used to thinking in those terms even if it's just a personal, off-books sort of thing." He apologized smoothly and even managed a self-effacing little chargined smile.

Truthfully, he just wasn't used to dealing with civilians. There was an entirely different kind of culture in the military filed with its own organic language and customs. "I'm here for my own curiosity's sake. I want to get some answers, just like you."