[... The person doesn't know what a sapient is? That sets off so many alarm bells for Robert.]

Life forms that are capable of metacognition. Self-awareness. Communication, sometimes tool-making depending on the particular species.

I would assume you are a sapient being yourself, otherwise it is unlikely we would be communicating right now. [And this person just might be a sapient being that uses sapient beings as medicine - ... yet, zie seemed to be bothered by the prospect.

Huh.]