"We can provide weapons, armor, and equipment equivalent to your current technological level. We can offer tactical and strategic advice based on real-time intelligence. We can provide limited manpower in the form of specialists. And, as a last resort, we can deploy force to eliminate high-level threats."
"In exchange for what?" Reidar asked.
"Nothing immediate," Xy'tharr said. "The Phalanx takes a long view. We invest in potential, expecting that those we help will, in turn, help others when they are strong enough to do so. A cycle of mutual benefit."
It was a fair deal, Reidar thought. Better than the Church of Unbinding's offer of servitude.
"And what do they want from us?" Lena asked.
"Not 'us,'" Xy'tharr said. Its eyes focused on Reidar. "Him."
Reidar felt his stomach drop. "Why only me?" Reidar asked. "Lena fought the progenitor as I did."
