“That is correct, Commander. However, there is some question as to what that maximum sustained rate is. It is my contention that we normally function at a level well above our maximum sustained rate. As such, unless a schedule of regular periods of sleep is established and enforced, I fear we will find that we are functioning at less than peak efficiency.”
I pondered this.
“How does our feeding pattern enter into this?”
“The cells require certain-” he lapsed into thoughtful silence for a moment. “I’m sorry, Commander. I am unable to think of a simple way to explain it. I am unaccustomed to speaking to Tzen not of the Scientist caste. I will have to ask that you simply believe me when I say that, like sleep, a certain regular intake of food is necessary.”
“And you say you are unable to prove this theory?”
“Not to Tzu’s satisfaction. It would require extensive testing of Tzen from all castes both before and after sleep to determine their relative effectiveness. For at least cursory proof, however, I would like to point to the performance of our current team.”
“What about the performance of our team?”
“Few if any of the team have slept since our arrival on this planet. I feel this is beginning to show in our performance, specifically in the Warriors’ difficulty in dealing with the Spider. I feel a continued decline in our effectiveness could be disastrous, particularly as the insects will undoubtedly become more efficient as our stay here grows longer.”
“You are convinced the Insects will give increased resistance?” I asked. I was not eager to comment on the performance of the Warrior caste.