[ Well, he's at least a little comforted by the easy reception, and any lingering signs of awkwardness vanish back into his formal air. ]

It is a pleasure to meet you, Colonel Curtiss. I am Captain Laurence; pleased to make your acquaintance, lamentable circumstances nonwithstanding. [ He doesn't offer a shake, but at least there's a polite nod. ] I should be pleased to compare this weapon with whatever experience you may have in the matter; it comes to me that we all shall need to be quite profficient with our weapons, here.