The way I understand it, Obal is something of a travelling emissary and forges alliances outside of the core Delgon remit. His rules allow him to be taken with a core fubarnii empire force, so hilts I had to read that section twice myself, I can see that if he can work with the Empire, forging a crossing on an Engu ship (especially with an Enarii at your side!) isn't too surprising!
That all said, I'm sure mike will point out where and how often I've got it wrong.....
