With that, it put down its fourth tentacle, adding its stability and strength to the other three, pivoted crab-like, and started back toward the landing craft. Its two tall attendants followed close behind.

The members of the human contact team immediately fell into intense discussion. Only Dev continued to watch the aliens as they walked all the way back to their ship. So even though it was recorded by multiple instruments nearby, he was the only one to see one of the big, armed (Still didn’t know for certain if those stick-like objects were weapons, he reminded himself) bipeds turn to look back in his direction. Knowing nothing of alien expressions, he had no basis on which to interpret what he was seeing. But he found it significant that for the first time, one of the aliens had looked back. Why?

He did not have time to ponder the glance more deeply because Reed was soliciting his opinion on what had just transpired. Once again, everyone was looking at him.

“Why ask me? I’m not a specialist like the rest of you.”

“That’s why we’re asking you.” Zimmer’s mouth formed an engaging little smile. “In our own observations we are knowledgeable, but also somewhat constricted by our more focused fields of interest. What did you think all that meant? What did you think was happening, there at the end?”

“Yes.” Zimmer’s wife further prompted Dev. “You asked the question.”

“Well …” Dev considered. “It seems plain enough that they’re willing to trade.”

“Yes, yes.” If the impatient Zimmer had been holding a pipe, he would have waved it. “But is it as straightforward as it seems? Is there some other meaning, some other rationale behind the offer that we are not seeing?” He mumbled something to his wife, who shook her head by way of reply.

“I don’t think so.” Dev struggled to utilize the broad-based, non-specific knowledge that his colleagues did not possess. “I think they really are willing to trade. My question would be: why?”

Reed’s voice rumbled up from his chest. “You heard it. There are maybe some things we can provide that’d be easier to get from us rather than them having to work to obtain them.”

Dev nodded in agreement. “Exactly. And Vantolos didn’t hesitate when Diana made the offer. Almost as if it was waiting for it.”

Pavesi was still off by herself, semi-frantic on two phones at once. It was left to Katou-Zimmer to ask, “What are you saying, Dev?”