The common project is described in terms of different individual motives.

Nostromo's mission, presented by Decoud as the most straightforward, is actually laden with foreshadowing and also the most deeply symbolic. Nostromo, of course, will "save the silver" physically from sinking, by hiding it on the Great Isabel. But the silver -- particularly this cache -- stands for the dream-ideal, and Nostromo's action will be an allegory for the People retaining alone the ideal of a better world in the abyss of endemic modern disillusionment. In that sense he will "save the silver" of hope itself.