"Oh yeah, Terran history's a long and bloody one. We had three World Wars, back when Earth was divided into different nations, and hundreds of other smaller wars over the centuries." Jim is pretty far removed from such conflicts, so it doesn't bother him at all to talk about a history that plays little direct part in Terran life today. "The third World War ended in 2053 and we made first contact with the Vulcans ten years later. Finding out what else was out there made all that petty fighting among ourselves seem pretty damn stupid."

He manages not to laugh at the look that Caspar gives him. "I think it's tradition for rock bands to have ridiculous names. Oingo Boingo, Hoobastank, Limp Bizkit..." He chuckles and shrugs. "Van Halen sounds cool though. Worth a shot."