[Pang of self-consciousness - which he tries to shake off, pick up higher and hastier than he started - ]

-- Yes, sir - ! I, uhm -- apologize -- I was only - [...Trying to find some way to start, but that might be apparent enough - and for a flicker he half-considers returning the question and reins it back - the man sounds fine, enough at least that any questioning ought to be able to wait until he's attempted to make himself a help.

Swoops and settles on a go-to.] -- Did he -- tell you about the pulses? ...Or the - "Echoes". They -- have - the same meaning... -- You should - have... felt one when you learned the number.