[ Soma takes in what is said; his eyes shifting to look to the side, down, as he mulls over van Zieks' stance.

He runs his tongue along the front of his teeth before he pauses to take a sip of wine himself. Questions sticks to the back of his throat. This is a first meeting and would be bad to show too much too soon. ]

I'm pleased to have asked. Your experience has taught you well. [ He offers a brief smile. ] But I suppose hearing that from me might feel a little more like an insult than a compliment.