“Gently, Vantolos.” In an unexpected display of courtesy, Tilenyii employed the language of their captive so that Dev would be able to understand the entirety of the discussion. “The urge toward self-preservation is common to all sentients and not a cause for criticism.”

Vantolos continued his tentacle-waving but added nothing verbally. Yet again Dev noted how the truculent Olone deferred to the much smaller A'jeii.

“I cannot say what will happen to you.” As the supervisor looked up, Dev noticed for the first time a thin nictating membrane that in the absence of a thick eyelid occasionally flicked rapidly down to moisten and protect the large eyes. “Do not feel isolated in this because I cannot say what will happen to us. We go to Mozehn for two reasons. First, because it is a place unlikely to be visited by those who come after us. Second, because it can provide certain substances that your world could not.”

Dev frowned. “So you’re going there to hide out and extract natural resources?”

“We collect nothing,” Vantolos snapped. “Just as was done at your world, the inhabitants of Mozehn will provide them to us. On demand.”

“We hope.” Tilenyii spoke while waving one small hand over what looked like a plain, flat piece of plastic that projected a flurry of intersecting images in the air above her fingers. “The Mozehna level of technology is slightly more advanced than your own. Socially, they are far more advanced, having emerged from tribalism to govern via a normal planetary government. This will make it much easier for them to supply what we desire. It also makes them more dangerous, as they can react to us with a single sentient voice.”

“It doesn’t matter.” Shifting backward, Vantolos waved two tentacles in the air, one of which came close to striking an alarmed Dev. “We will intimidate them as we intimidated your kind!” he half-shouted at the startled human.

“We hope,” the supervisor said for the second time. “It may be that the Mozehna will not be as easily fooled as were the inhabitants of the more isolated Earth. For one thing, they have had prior contact with both my kind and the Olone.” The stare she now leveled at Dev left the human feeling distinctly uncomfortable. “It is of some importance to note that they know nothing of the people of Earth.”

Dev swallowed. “I’m not sure I understand. Why is that of some interest?”

As she spoke, Tilenyii continued to manipulate the small device in her left hand. “The situation posed by your presence here offers some interesting possibilities. The Mozehna know the A'jeii, the Kaijank, and even the Olone. But they know nothing of your kind.” Large, bright eyes were locked on Dev’s own. “You have seen how intimidating the Kaijank can be, but in reality, they shy away from violence.”

Vantolos was aghast. “You should not be telling such things! Such knowledge is for the crew alone!”