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translator program was the entire point of delaying first contact. We’ve only just started to get a handle on the natives’ language.”
    â€œBecause our linguists and translation algorithms have only had the audio/visual feeds from the captured rover to work with,” Mahama said. “And a lot of that has been repetitious prayer ceremonies instead of back-and-forth conversations. No, the best way to do this is just to drop right into the thick of it. We probably should have done it sooner anyway.”
    â€œIndulging in a little Monday morning quarterbacking, captain?” Benson asked.
    Mahama looked at him quizzically. “I’m afraid I don’t get the reference.”
    â€œSorry. I mean you’re exercising hindsight.”
    â€œPerhaps a little. But either way, we need to regain control of this situation as quickly as possible, before the Atlantians start hearing stories about conquistadores, smallpox blankets, and slave ships.”
    Benson shook his head. “It won’t come to that.”
    â€œWhat makes you so sure?” Valmassoi snapped. “Why else would they have faked their deaths just to go running straight to the natives?”
    â€œI don’t know, to be out from under our yoke? They’re human beings, maybe they’re just curious. Maybe they wanted to explore and learn new things, push past their own horizons instead of trading a fishbowl for a fortress. People used to do that, you know.”
    â€œYou almost sound proud of them,” Alexander said, putting in no effort to conceal his mocking tone.
    â€œMaybe I am. I’m certainly proud of her ,” Benson swapped the screen back to the paused image of Mei’s face. “Or did you all forget that this girl literally saved the whole fucking human race when she turned on Kimura?” Benson shook his head slowly. “I haven’t.”
    Theresa couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride at her husband’s passion. He could get so… animated. Righteous. Bryan never went looking for fights, it wasn’t his way. But when presented with one, he didn’t know how to back down either. It was the boy in him. The one with a chip on his shoulder. Theresa found herself smiling.
    Captain Mahama’s ghostly image laced her fingers and smiled herself. “Which is why, Mr Benson, you will accompany the delegation.”
    And then there were the days her husband’s passion got him into trouble. Benson sat up in his chair. “Me? Why?”
    â€œBecause the Unbound trust you, especially this Mei girl. You have a relationship with her.”
    â€œI wouldn’t go that far.” Benson glanced over at Theresa and tugged on his collar.
    â€œA mutual respect, then,” Mahama corrected. “Mei seems to be a hit with the locals. You can talk to her, see what they’ve been saying and see what their intentions are, maybe even persuade her to make introductions to the Atlantians for us.”
    â€œI’m no diplomat.”
    â€œ That’s a massive understatement,” Theresa added with a smirk.
    â€œNot helping, my love.”
    Mahama stepped in to diffuse the brewing domestic incident. “While Chief Benson’s assessment of your diplomatic acumen is almost certainly accurate, you’re not going to be the main act, as it were. Your responsibility will be limited to dealing with our wayward flock. The rest of the delegation will handle the Atlantians.”
    â€œWell that’s a relief,” Benson said sarcastically.
    â€œFor all of us,” Feng added helpfully.
    â€œI don’t think this is a good idea,” Benson said.
    â€œNoted. If there are no other objections,” Mahama cut him off. “I introduce the motion for a vote. Is there a second?”
    â€œI second the motion,” Alexander said. Voting now , Theresa noted.
    â€œBut, wait…”
    â€œMotion is seconded,” Valmassoi took over.