CHAPTER FIVE
The discovery of the anthill understandably threw our team into a bit of a turmoil.
Word was passed to all team members as Alert status immediately went into effect. Mahz and Vahr, however, were ordered to finish their survey sweep as originally planned. Whatever our future plan would be, we would require information on the terrain around us.
Zur placed Kor in temporary command of the defense forces and joined the rest of the staff in our emergency planning session.
Tzu, speaking for the Scientists, had very strong opinions, not only on the subject at hand, but also on how it was to be discussed. I was beginning to expect this.
“But, Commander, the course of action we have to recommend is the only logical approach to this situation.”
“Recommendations for courses of action and discussion of those recommendations will take place after we have had the necessary informational reports from the staff.”
“If I might point out, Commander, time is of the utmost importance in this situation,” she argued, her tail lashing impatiently.
“I agree. Far too important to waste arguing over meeting procedures.”
“But-“
“And I will further point out that had we followed your initial time-sensitive recommendations and pursued the Leapers, without a mapping sweep, we would have either missed the anthill completely or blundered into it unawares. Now I will again suggest you give your portion of the information report and save your valuable recommendations for later.”
“Very well, Commander. How detailed a report do you wish?”