[ atton's hunch is correct. information can be as deadly as a knife between the ribs, or it can be the final twist of the blade.
but while he does want some information, some leverage over this man, there is also simple curiosity that drives him. for it is much too soon to gather anything of true weight -- but as they say, the devil's in the details. ]
You say you're from a Republic -- surely a wide, wide expanse of space. Tell me of this universe of yours. [ he shrugs. ] What was your place in it? Your profession?