If the verb in the independent clause is in the present tense, in which tense should the verb in the indirect quotation be?

Read the passage from an argumentative essay. many endangered species are currently threatened by climate change. there are some laws already in place, but are they effective enough? anyone with a conscience knows that these creatures deserve the chance to survive without outside threats impeding their survival. i suppose this is a tough decision for lawmakers, but i hope they choose wisely. which statement best evaluates the claim in the passage?

Andy bernard laughed at my joke, spitting out his water. complete thought incomplete thought

1. saved aronnax from drowning "an incident" 2. speed of the nautilus man-of-war 3. next to captain nemo conseil 4. electricity vigo bay 5. "a coral tomb" 20,000 leagues 6. the nautilus runs aground nemo's "thunderbolt" 7. episodes are connected by aronnax's quarters 8. captain nemo's "bank" cause 9. distance aronnax traveled on the nautilus "a fine death for a sailor" 10. captain nemo sinks for revenge 50 miles per hour