"Why?" demanded Zakheim.
"Because I'm satisfied that the answer's right in front of us somewhere," she said.
"In the ultimatum, no doubt," said Goré. "What do you suppose is the real meaning of their statement that human languages are 'limited' communication? Perhaps they are telepathic?"
"I don't think so," said Ohashi.
"That's pretty well ruled out," said Francine. "Our Rhine people say no ESP. No. I'm banking on something else: By the very fact that they posed this question, they have indicated that we can answer it with our present faculties."
"If they are being honest," said Zakheim.
"I have no recourse but to assume that they're honest," she said. "They're turning us into linguistic detectives for a good reason."
"A good reason for them," said Goré.
"Note the phraseology of their ultimatum," said Ohashi. "They submit a problem. They open their rooms to us. They are available to us. They regret their threat. Even their display of power—admittedly awe-inspiring—has the significant characteristic of non-violence. No explosion. They offer rewards for success, and this...."
"Rewards!" snorted Zakheim. "We lead the hog to its slaughter with a promise of food!"