"I suppose so then. I have to ask, though. If we're at war, why are you simply capturing transport crew like me? Is that why you can speak English so well? Learning from the other prisoners?" Alan continued his probe.
"I, individually, could not say what the whole of the Coalition desires, though I believe their position matches mine. I issued the order to capture as many humans as could be done safely as possible and bring them back here for study," it answered.
"Study?"
"Yes. Biological behavior, physiological potential, cultural mores, intellectual capacity, technological level and means of communication. Any information that could help us better understand what humans are, and what they can do," the Threespus answered.
Alan noted it had stopped bobbing and weaving. Its shell had a glossy black surface without any apparent flaws or seams, but Alan could guess it was staring at him, intently.
"And why would you want to know all that?" Alan asked, warily.
"To figure out how to stop the war before it destroys us."
