<<You're not dependent on what he thinks,>> Mike snorts in reply to Terenia. <<You just care about what he thinks. There's a difference, you know. I don't reckon you're dependent on much, these days, are you?>>
<<Yes, well, thank you for...redirecting things,>> Corliss says to Serid in a hushed tone, focusing his attention on the recent events between Myitt, Illim and Tora. He peruses the older memories of Tora with unreadable emotion, blocked off from Serid. <<Believe me, Andalite, I don't want to stick around any more than you do.>>
He blinks Serid's eyes and straightens up, clearing the Andalite's human throat.
"Sorry about that," he says, Serid's voice taking on a softer version of Mike's accent. "I, um...it's quite distracting in here."
What did it mean? Tora, betraying her comrade? Corliss never would have doubted the loyalty of the Andalite girl. And the sensation of galloping on four hooves...
He shakes his head. "Illim and Serid are telling the truth about their arrangement with Myitt," he finally replies, turning and looking around the room, focusing on Illim and Derrel. "If you wish to join the rebellion, Illim, you understand what you would be giving up. Correct?"
With a glance at Terenia, he adds, "I suppose the alternative is not much better."
When Temrash enters the crowded pool room, Corliss looks over at him through Serid's eyes.
"I'm over here," he says, waving Temrash's attention away from Mike. "Yeah, it's bloody complicated. But you don't have to babysit her, you know. We can handle this ourselves."