[She says that so boldly, one would almost think that she had knowledge of a scheme that would lead to such an event. He can't see how, though. To him, their prospects are steadily getting worse, not better.]

What makes you think that?

[He's willing to hear her thoughts, but too much confidence can be its own drug. When are they meant to have their moment, he wonders?]

To me, it seems as if we are reaching the end. If their intent for us is anything like the slavers of my own world, there'll be no coming back.