Ashari's eyes start to flicker blue at Sasha's response, then shift back to their normal color, in a perhaps predictable sign of temper. "I understand that you feel an emotional connection to the moths," Ashari says, their voice biting. "Kindly remember that you have a job. I'm not saying we should bind the moths lightly. I'm saying that, since they are aliens who rather understandably have motives we can't entirely predict, and since they owe us nothing, it behooves us, for the sake of the team's safety, to be prepared for worst-case eventualities."

Their voice becomes milder as they address Alaric: "Nevertheless, the point you make is a good one. Shut down the harnesses, then, and we'll have teams on standby in case it's necessary, as a desperate resort, to re-engage them."

A wrinkle forms between Ashari's brows: "I also understand that the Cantata is low on personnel who can man the weapons?"

Meanwhile, beyond Sulen's frustration, Ione senses a flare of alarm from Remi: he's very concerned about the moths, but he's also keeping a low profile in this meeting (well--he hasn't reckoned on Ione) to see how the decision-making shakes out.

Jedao is leaning back in his chair, watching the interpersonal conflict playing out with interest. He's very relaxed.