"The moths do not have control over the weapons with which they are equipped, nor can they directly affect internal life support. A hostile moth could ram the base, but at that point they are effectively doing our work for us. If they decide to flee while our team is still aboard, it might become necessary to restore the harness for the protection of our team members. I don't fucking like that option, but we have the technical capability."

"But everything we know about the moths suggests that they are sociable and care for each other. And they are innocent of the heptarchate's crimes. So the question is, Ashari"--Sasha leaves a little space, where their faction title might have gone--"how many beings would you bind and enslave, because of something that you fear might happen?"

Sasha sips her tea. She wonders if she would notice, if Ashari's eyes flickered to blue, or if she would only become more aware of the stark planes of their face.