[The network is very handy for learning things that people may not want to say directly to him, as it turns out. But he won't press for details until an appropriate time, if it comes.]

I'm glad to hear you've found one, [he says, putting in the effort to sound genuine without overdoing it.] You must be dedicated to your work. I may not be any sort of expert, myself, but I admit I'm intrigued by seeing how developments from separate worlds could work together.

[Collaboration is great, isn't it? :)?]