"Just call me Ulysses. We're not in The Matrix, and you're not Agent Smith. Cut the stiff shirt
crap already. It actually makes it harder for me to take you seriously."
"Fine," said O'Flannery in an even tone. "So, Ulysses, why am I here? What is your plan?"
"It's not my plan," he said, turning to Nera. "I'll let her explain."
Nera's expression was calm. She nodded, either to herself or O'Flannery. She reached down
between her and Ulysses to produce the alien pelt she acquired in Ulysses's apartment. She put it on
the table in front of her. "I've discovered that having two of these has improved my control of my
vessel. I can also fly it faster than before."
"All right," O'Flannery said, studying the fabric before returning his gaze to Nera. "I suppose
that does slightly improve our odds against their craft. Does your vessel have weapons of any kind?"
"No."
"Okay. Then this added speed and maneuverability will really only help us if we need to pursue
them in one of their vessels. That still leaves the problems of how to neutralize their craft, and what to
do about a face to face encounter with their superior numbers."
Nera nodded, her expression turning serious. "I have found that my cognitive and telepathic
abilities have also improved."
"Telepathy?" said the agent, blinking rapidly. "What, like mind reading? What exactly are you
talking about?"
"What you call telepathy is actually how I am communicating with you right now. The words
you hear coming out of my mouth only sound and look like English because of a telepathic feedback
loop. Here, I'll stop it for a moment." Nera continued speaking but her words were completely
unintelligible. They belonged to a language unlike any found on Earth.
"What?"