My own time was occupied trying to absorb and coordinate the reports and plans fed me by my staff. My insistence to be included on any new developments had been relayed through the entire team, and now every incident was being passed on to me, no matter how small or insignificant. I might have regretted the order, were I not so grateful for something to do to keep me from being inactive.
As you may gather from this, the problem of inactive time continued to plague our mission. Despite the frequency and intensity of assignments, individual members still found themselves with long periods of inactive time at their disposal. Idle conversation was now considered commonplace, almost unworthy of notice. The latest development was idle conversations between members of different castes. While this should have been predictable, it still took me a while to get used to.
I recall one conversation in particular that surprised me, as it transcended not only caste lines, but chain of command as well.
“A word with you, Commander, if you have a moment?”
“Certainly, Rahk.”
Rahk was the junior of the three Scientists, and I had had little contact with him since his outburst when the fortification first landed.
“I have a theory I would like you to consider, Commander. One which I think has not been previously brought to your attention.”
“Have you discussed it with Tzu?”
“Yes, but she has been reluctant to forward it to you. “
“Did she explain why?”
“Yes, she gave two reasons. First, she pointed out we are adequately equipped to test the theory. It is her wish that we present proven theories only to you.”