Benedict not pointing that out would be all the proof Van needs that he's a good asset to the division, but the fact goes over Van's head entirely and he remains oblivious. Which is, in itself, proof that Bene is pretty good at the diplomacy thing now.

"Well," he says, "tutoring is well and good, but I thought Riftwatch's embrace might appreciate a bit more firepower." Or hellish, entropic deathpower. As one does.

"So here I am, doing my bit for the war effort. But what about you? You've been here all along, haven't you? How's that gone? What have you been up to?"