Dev realized there was no way he could simply dismiss the proposal out of hand. For one thing, whichever direction their future took ought to be decided in a group decision arrived at by him together with his colleagues. Tilenyii was offering him and his companions a chance to live a decent, if morally suspect, life in an advanced, multispecies interstellar society. He had to confess that such a prospect had its allure. But that was how he felt. It was the reaction of someone who had always dreamed of contact with and learning about other intelligent species. While he didn’t feel that his silent presence or that of his companions could in any way intimidate an alien species, the A'jeii apparently felt otherwise.

He didn’t know how the aging Zimmers would react to such a proposal, he doubted that Pavesi would look forward to it, and based on what he had come to know of the security specialist it was entirely likely that Reed would have no interest in such a scenario whatsoever.

On the other hand, he told himself, what other choices did they have? Abandonment on some hostile alien world? A one-way ticket out the nearest airlock—without a suit? Considering that the A'jeii and their allies could already have implemented that last course of action, Dev knew he ought to be grateful. Whether any of his companions would feel the same remained to be seen.

“I am interested.” At least stall for time. “As for my companions, I cannot speak for them. I will convey your offer and we’ll give you our reply.”

“Excellent. It is settled, then. I personally look forward to a positive response from you and your companions. I can tell you that the captain will also.”

Vantolos was less sanguine. Small crawling shapes rippled beneath his tunic. “You overestimate the abilities of these bipeds to conduct successful bargaining. You have not dealt with them in such situations. I have.”

“We have the recordings that were made in the course of all such relevant exchanges on their world,” Tilenyii reminded the Olone. “Their content leads me to disagree with your assessment.”

A tentacle waved, high and quick. “That is not the same. You were not there. A recording is not equivalent to real time.” Slitted eyes regarded Dev almost contemptuously. “Confronted by a hostile reaction from the Mozehna, or any other species, the resolve of these inexperienced bipeds will wither and die.”

“Let’s hope not,” Tilenyii shot back, “since their hopefully intimidating appearance will be what is backing you up.”

The Olone loomed over the supervisor but made no move to attack. Vantolos’s hesitation spoke more to the regard in which the A'jeii was held than to any actual concern for a shipmate of a different species. Ignoring the interlocutor, Tilenyii turned back to face the waiting human.

“Speak with your companions. Put forth our offer. There is no compulsion involved.”