Salem grinned at Simon and opened his 'briefcase.' "First trade is the easy one. All I need is a sample of your DNA, and you can get one of my lovely little items here. These," he said, pulling out a stack of round wafer-shaped objects, "are electronic damper patches. Make them myself. They only last a little while, but they're lifesavers in a tight spot. You're human, right?" he asked, and without waiting for an answer, pulled out a vial filled with a milky white liquid. "Nanites, configured for a few species, humans among them. They'll speed up healing and fight off disease in your body for the rest of your life. Let's see..." he began digging through the case, and set several different items on the bar counter, mumbling information about it as he went. "Paint mixing information, weapon enhancements... work pretty well on Dracons, actually... Oh, here's a good one. Information on the production of Sparkle-Be-Good."
He stopped rummaging. "It all depends on what you want, Simon. I'm flexible."
He turned to Keshin, "Speaking of my nanites, you got them for free." He smiled, to show that he held no hard feelings about it. "How have you been feeling since? Been noticing any increased energy? Or improved healing? Or more overall health?"
He listened intently to Simon's story. So Jocun was his Yeerk. Not only a Yeerk, but an imperial... though from what Simon was saying, they came from a time in the future of the universe he'd come to the bar from. So the Yeerks do win, he thought. That's upsetting. Would he be violating his principles by trading with Simon? Probably not. Even a trade with this "Jocun," by the sound of things, wouldn't be a risk to the Andalites.
"Actually," he began, "it sounds like you're from a ways in my future, but I'm guessing Yeerks are still the same. If your... Jocun... is willing to submit to a quick physiological exam, I can probably get him something extra nice."
When Ewa muttered something about Al being a "showoff," he smiled at her and shrugged, as if to say "it's who I am."
He stood and bowed deeply as a new woman approached the table. "Catie," he said, with a thick French accent, "I welcome you to our table. Please, be seated." He switched back to his normal accent, "Cause, seriously, the more the merrier with this cheerful bunch." He nodded towards Zorish and Mar.
He laughed in response to Zorish's dark comment about being shot, "Hey, you're the one who keeps bringing up your imperialism. As far as I'm concerned, we're all just people here."