A thin ripple of brown passes quickly through the current pleasant magenta of Skaffen-Amtiskaw's aura—the drone equivalent of a skeptical raised eyebrow. Whatever Dirk's intention—and Skaffen-Amtiskaw doesn't think this meant as an insult, insofar as he can read tone and expression—he has inadvertently brushed against one of the ethical debates that has been raging amongst the Culture's Minds for a good long time now.

I can't speak for "technology" outside of my own civilisation, but amongst ourselves, we're firmly favour of fruitful collaborations amongst sentients, regardless of composition, it says. Which is to say, in that spirit, I'm more than happy to discuss our technology with you, but there may be limits to my knowledge. I'm an Offensive drone, after all; not a scientist.