“But would you have?”
My tail began to lash slightly.
“Clarify your question?” I requested.
“Your exact words were that you might have committed your force,” the Scientist replied. “I was inquiring as to whether or not you actually would have. If the deception had gone undetected, if you had believed everything you saw, would you have immediately reported to the High Command that your force was ready for combat?”
“Certainly not,” I responded. “The force’s training is far from complete. There is considerable time remaining before our scheduled departure, and it is my duty and that of my staff to be sure that time is utilized to best advantage.”
“Then by your own admission, the incident was of no importance.”
“You have missed the point entirely,” I said.
“Perhaps, Commander. Could you clarify your position?”
I paused to organize my thoughts.
“As a Commander of the Warriors’ caste, I must be sensitive to the implications of an event beyond the immediate. I must concern myself with potentials, not just confirmed realities.”
“Commander, are you attempting to explain the necessity of considering potentials to a member of the Scientists’ caste?”
I lapsed into silence realizing both the truth of her observation and the futility of my efforts. The break in the conversation lengthened as I cast about for a new way to phrase my question.
“Commander,” the Scientist said at last, “might I ask a question?”
“Certainly,” I replied.
“How many Hatchings have you survived?”
I cocked my head.
“Clarify?” I requested.