"I thought you planned to take a couple of days off after Tornado Six," Brad said.
"Can't," Drummer replied, his eyes back to his notes.
"What's happening?"
"Until Tornado Six, our forces functioned as separate units. Tornado Six was our fleet's first integrated operation. The mission succeeded because we got away without military opposition. I can't trust that sort of luck to hold. We need to refine our tactics, based on our experience with the log depot and that armed transport, and in anticipation of an early organized response by the UIPS."
Brad appeared uncertain whether to remain or move on.
"Stand by a moment, Brad."
Drummer resumed recording. Symbols in the tank flashed off and on too quickly for the eye to follow, but Drummer was no longer giving them his attention. He touched a glowing disk on the arm of his chair, sighed, and leaned back. The view tank cleared to continue its work unobserved.
"I need a break. Here's what's happening, Brad."
He motioned Brad to a seat alongside his desk.
"Narval was impressed at our success, especially how we bluffed our way through it. Just as well we didn't push too hard and force an eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation. He wants much more preparation before we get to that point. I agree, we'll leave that until our next no-notice inspection."