[Viktor's opinions on being accused of witchcraft pull a full-throated, if quiet, chuckle out of Paul, who shakes his head with a touch of ruefulness.]

It's a strange transition, isn't it? People going from assuming a thing must be based in the material world to assuming that anything they see that they don't understand must be magic. Not that I don't understand, considering where we are, but still. It's different.

[He knows his own native capabilities have been mistaken as magic before. He doesn't wholly mind, since he'd rather that they not be understood, but it is a difference, and one he's not used to another person recognizing.]

As for what I do... [A supple shrug, a self-deprecating smile.] Mostly? I find resources. I'm a Disciple, some of the time, but even that's part of it. I'm not a bad research assistant, either. It all weaves together.

[Knowledge is another kind of resource, one of the most valuable. He has a feeling Viktor is a man who can appreciate that.]

So...if not a mage, what would you say you are?