[ Alex is very familiar with this kind of overthinking pattern.

Because it is his own thinking pattern. Seeing it happen in real time is an interesting experience. And so when he makes his suggestion, it's gentle and any hint of mocking in it is drenched in self-deprecating familiarity. ]

There is also the very large, very advanced spaceship that our hosts got here in. They might already have something like that. [ Something you can duplicate if they don't let you use theirs, he wants to add on. ] Besides, [ he continues, more quietly as they break away from the crowd. ] playing nicely with the space Navy and asking to use their toys is an excuse to get to know these people a little better. [ He has no reason to trust any fellow hatchlings, but at least they're in similar situations. Knowing you're starting in the same place as someone makes them a lot less suspicious. ]