I thought quickly. If he wanted to bargain perhaps we could reach an agreement. It's always better to have a cooperative proxy. They don't cause nearly the trouble in management. And I had other things to do than monitor natives. There was a great deal of repair work to be done on the ship before she would fly again. The subspace radio power bank had to be rebuilt and the circuits should be checked.
"I can give you knowledge that you wouldn't have for decades—maybe centuries," I said. "And I can adjust your bodies for a longer and happier life." I shot a glance at Ven still immersed in her helmet. "In fact, I have made a few adjustments already."
"So I noticed," Donald thought dryly. "Although whether they're an improvement or not I couldn't say. But did you have to go to all this trouble?"
"Think of us—and discount the fact that you carried us because our bodies are too weak for your heavy world." I said. "Did you like us?"
"No," he said. "You repelled me. I disliked you on sight, more than I can say."
"The emotion is mutual," I said. "Yet I can endure you. But with your glandular outlook you could only think of destroying us."
"That is true. But you treated us like animals."
"You are animals," I said logically.
"We are masters of this world. We recognize no higher authority. We are free people—not slaves. And unless we are treated as free agents you will get no cooperation from us."