She can tell from his phrasing that the colony isn't there now, although her guesses as to why would be so far from the truth. She gives him a sympathetic look.

'Progress isn't always linear, and a lot of ours was driven by adversity. You'll get there. It's not my field, but maybe someday I could tell you what I know about terraforming techniques, if that would help.' That's allowable; it's old technology to her, not a Tradeline secret and not politically sensitive in any way.

This place, however, needs far more work, and Tayrey shakes her head. 'I don't think the local people here have done so much as break orbit. I haven't seen anything more advanced than steam power. Have you?'