It looks like Monty is saying exactly what I was thinking:

Since novice is poisoned, we should let the poison play out, if possible. I don't for a second buy that he is a third party Avenger Pilot. The claim reeks of desperation.

I agree that Bsmith is our best bet today. If for some crazy reason novice is telling the truth, I find it unlikely he is going to be spared by the XCOM, assuming they have limited resources, but I don't see anyine in town lining up to have his back either. If novice lives, he's been spared by scum. That's reason enough to take him out if the poison doesn't do it for us.

Vote: Bsmith