[quote=@Bright_Ops]
[@TJByrum]

Quick question: Are the allies aware of just how rebellious the forces they are about to engage actually are?
[/quote]

They may or may not know, but it doesn't matter because you're not going to be able to turn the Zathii against the Imperials.  It's a cool idea and I think it would have been a nice option to give you, but I already have a similar idea for a later encounter and would like to save the opportunity for that moment.

EDIT:  The Zathii are not privy to all of the Empire's plan.  For all they know they'll fight at the Maw and go home afterwards.  They just want to do whatever it takes to finish the campaign and get back home.