Nicholas is walking with him, and listening. (And if it was phrased right, he might have stayed put so he wouldn't have slowed 'Roberto' down, but then again. Maybe better not to risk it.)

But then there is that last sentence and Nicholas skids to a halt, staring up at the adult.

"... what do you mean Earth ships."

He has been very focused on finding any information about those from December. He may have missed this. Just a little.