NARRATOR: Command Deck...
KATHRYN: Captain, we need to start thinking about this a little differently.
TAGON: Ah. Unsolicited advice. That's why you're standing here next to me. Fine. Go ahead.
KATHRYN: The original mission was a vermin extermination run.
Then the definition of "vermin" was extended to the whole biosphere, so the mission became one of exploration and intel-gathering.
KATHRYN: Then our clients' patrons got attacked, and this became a rescue mission.
KATHRYN: *inside the ship* But now? The Prabstdi survivors have been rescued, and the automated defense system we were fighting has shown real intelligence. It took hostages!
KATHRYN: It hasn't spoken to us yet, not with words, but it's trying to negotiate.
TAGON: I get that. What's your point?
KATHRYN: Captain Tagon, you've moved outside the domain where your usual run-and-gun methodology will be appropriate. This is the domain of diplomats.
TAGON: I sent our only trained diplomat out the sally port because he set himself on fire.