Corliss lets Temrash berate him, and just listens, not leaving the table. In a moment laughs sincerely. "Temrash, it sounds like your goals are precisely the same goals of our little rebellion. So I think you've answered your own question." He glances at Ardiss. "As for why I'm here and why I'm so interested in being a thorn in your collective sides, I honestly want to know where you're going, Ardiss, and how you're going to survive. Both you and your human host. If you really aren't interested in being under house arrest with my people, and I certainly can't blame you, then I need to know if you're ever planning on knocking on our door for supplies. There isn't a very large market for the exclusive needs of Yeerk biology, outside of the Empire, you know. Not to mention it's really hard to order a pizza. One becomes accustomed to the convenience, and you simply can't afford to cut off contact with us forever. We're a very good contingency plan, if I do say so, because we're very good at getting what we need to survive."
He finishes the last of his ale and sets down the glass. "But let's be frank, you must have some kind of plan, and you must be good at getting what you want, too. Otherwise why would you act upon your disgust for the way of life the Empire had forced upon you?" He glances slyly at Temrash. "Of course, your friend Temrash here would prefer that you remain our enemy. And that's fine, if it's what you want. I have a long list of more important things I could be doing right now."