So far, Ves extended offers to both the Battle Criers and the Ingvar siblings. Because of the huge implications of accepting the offers, both parties needed some time to consider them carefully.
Not only would they have to accompany Ves as he meandered his way through the star sector for a year, they would also end up on the 'upper' side at the end of the mission.
If they happened to refuse a further extension of employment, then they needed to cut all the way down to the 'lower' side of the star sector. Such a trip not only took a lot of time, but it could also be expensive if they failed to nab an escort mission heading in that direction.
All in all, Ves did not dare predict whether Commander Cinnabar or the Ingvars would accept or not. A good impression at the first meeting might help tilt the decision in his favor, but there were lots of other considerations to take into account.
