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"I must admit," said Jercash, "I'm a little surprised by how comfortable you all seem here. You seem to know more about me than I know about you." Which was saying something, since he'd been studying their less intelligent brethren for weeks now. Perhaps they had secretly been studying him during that same time?

'Ah, I'm afraid that might be a discussion with the Domoro than with me. I just do as I'm told.' The squid broke for a hissing sip from the pod in his tentacle. 'Except when I'm feeling particularly ambitious. Or inebriated. Or both.'

Huh. So they did identify as individuals, at least. Jercash had been wondering if they were some kind of psychic hive mind.

Which still wasn't off the table, he felt, but it was an interesting thing to note, nonetheless.

"The Domoro?" he asked. "What is that? Or who?"

'Mm? Is that term unfamiliar? The formalized minds of study. Like your Lozaro, yes?'

"Oh, you know of him, too?" Not so surprising, Jercash thought. That guy certainly got around.

'We considered making contact with him, instead, but when we discovered that he was working for you, this seemed more appropriate.' Another long sip.

That might explain why Lozaro hadn't warned him about how intelligent these guys were. He hadn't actually known.

But if they'd been able to evade Lozaro's detection this whole time, then...

Man. He was more curious than ever about how strong these fellows were, but it hardly seemed appropriate to test them now that they were apparently becoming fast friends.

But still, it sure would be nice to know, just in case he ever needed to stab them in the back.

A problem for later. Thankfully, he had plenty of expendable subordinates on hand--many of which would even be reusable, afterwards.

He tossed a glance back toward the bunker, wondering what the onlookers were making of this whole development. He considered calling Lozaro over for some extra consultation, but judging from what he'd just heard, the man probably wouldn't know much.

Might still be worth it just to make fun of him, though.

Yeah, okay.

He pointed at Lozaro and motioned with his index for the man to come over.

Lozaro hesitated visibly. Hmm. Perhaps he was playing dumb, acting like he wasn't sure that it was actually him that Jercash was pointing at from so far away.

Well, he wasn't exactly known for his bravery, now was he? Fine.

"One moment, please," said Jercash to his freaky new friend whose name he still needed to learn.