"Yes, that is possible." Gale knows he will have to be at his best and analyze things carefully to keep from being caught by lack of knowledge. But he is determined that he will not underestimate them. As far as mistakes go, overestimating them is the less severe, though that should also be avoided, if possible.

Argilla's statement also makes sense. The island will not support them for long, but he's wary of revealing that need right now. The Atma are so new to them, and they've all had vastly different reactions to that new need. It's all but impossible to accurately determine what a stranger's reaction will be.

But on the other hand, not enough food will end badly. They need to find a middle ground. "We will need to pursue avenues of food. But if they turn out to be enemies..."

It's almost... sad, that part of him wants them to be. It's his mind rationalizing an excuse to make his hunger less unacceptable.