Rome can lie

As we learned early on in Rome's Revolution, the Vuduri did not really have the capacity to lie. How can you tell a lie when everybody is looking inside your head and already knows the truth?

It turns out though that the Vuduri can hide things and are reasonably proficient in keeping secrets. But lying, no way. So when Rome and Rei were on their way to the Vuduri compound, Rei was shocked to find out that Rome was able to lie with the best of them. Here is the exchange. Pegus, the leader of the Vuduri, was so astounded that Rome and Rei would put themselves out in the open, he had to ask why:

     “Why are you coming here?” the man demanded hoarsely in Vuduri. “Surely you know we must kill you for possession of illegal technology.”
     “Why would you kill us? I know you know from Captain Ursay’s reports who we are and why we are here,” said Rome angrily. “This ship was a gift of the Vuduri and we are now returning it to its rightful owners. It is hardly an offense worthy of death.”
     Rei was stunned at Rome’s words. He had not thought of this tack.
     Rome continued. “In addition, I am with child. I will need medical supervision. I do not know if the child will be connected but if he is, I want the child integrated into the Overmind here. That is your way. You would not take that opportunity away from a newborn. We need your help. It is that simple. You need not do anything hasty. After all,” Rome said, “you can always kill us later.”
     “Where are the Erklirte?” the man demanded.
     “The Ark was destroyed upon reentry. It sunk to the bottom of the lake. This tug is the only thing that survived.”
     Rei looked as his wife, lying with the best of them. He was impressed.
     “Very well,” said the man. “The fighters will escort you to our compound. Do not try anything foolhardy or we will be forced to shoot and I promise you we will not miss.”
     “You heard the man,” Rome said in English, sotto voce. “Follow the fighters and no fooling around.”
     “Yes, ma’am!” Rei said. “You are pretty awesome, you know.”
     “Yes, I am,” she replied. She closed her eyes and put her hands on her stomach. “I wish this would stop.”
     “Soon, honey, soon.”

So Rei's ability to kid might be a good thing but Rome learning how to lie? I'm still not sure about that.