Premise: "However what, senor ?"Bartolome's eyes challenged Drew.

Hypothesis: Bartolome was staring at Drew questioning him.
Answer: yes

Premise: Right now, Ca'daan was one such animal.

Hypothesis: Ca'daan was weak, even puny, perhaps.
Answer: no

Premise: if you could come up with a device that's the thing

Hypothesis: You are smart enough to come up with something.
Answer: it is not possible to tell

Premise: but on the other hand

Hypothesis: "Looking at it from a different viewpoint, this may be our salvation."
Answer: it is not possible to tell