Joe Mauser's eyes shifted around the room, taking in the other four, who were now looking at him.
Bait Haer rapped, "These members of my staff are all trusted Haer employees, Captain Mauser. They are not fly-by-night freelancers hired for a week or two."
Joe said, "Yes, sir. But it's been my experience that one person can hold a secret. It's twice as hard for two, and from there on it's a decreasing probability in a geometric ratio."
The younger Haer's stick rapped the side of his leg, impatiently. "Suppose I inform you that this is a command, captain? I have little confidence in a supposed gimmick that will rescue our forces from disaster and I rather dislike the idea of a captain of one of my squadrons dashing about with such a bee in his bonnet when he should be obeying my commands."
Joe kept his voice respectful. "Then, sir, I'd request that we take the matter to the Commander in Chief, your father."
"Indeed!"
Joe said, "Sir, I've been working on this a long time. I can't afford to risk throwing the idea away."
Bait Haer glared at him. "Very well, captain. I'll call your bluff, come along." He turned on his heel and headed from the room.
Joe Mauser shrugged in resignation and followed him.