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The doctor gave a smirk that seemed almost bordering on contempt
for the young man. He replied in an almost haughty tone.

"Only in their natural habitat. We still don't know much about
them. We're still learning. We have no idea still about social
customs, if diversity exists, and social practices. To date, we have
never encountered such a primitive creature. They could be a danger
to us only if we put ourselves at risk, and only then ifwe engage them
in pure physical struggles," the Doctor replied. The question was a
very touchy subject no matter who asked it, but now that is had been
asked, he hoped to continue with his briefing without the usual
debates erupting. For once, possibly due to the General's presence,
the debates didn't erupt. The nurse finished cleaning the wound on
the subject, and moved back to the machines.

"At any rate, the specimen shows a good ability at adaptation,
almost astounding in the ability to adapt to the situation present,
either physical or mental. We noted this before in many of their other
subjects. The main drawback to the species is the primitive belief
system in what could be called logical thought, at a very primitive
level. This specimen, as many of the others, has been struggling for
almost eight hours, and hasn't realized that the safest place for him
is where he is now." The doctor looked down at the figure, and noted
silently to himself that the figure had stopped struggling; perhaps it
was listening.

"In all honesty, the species seems to be quits unaware of the
surroundings that it lives in, unless these surroundings take an acti ve
part in its life. It could almost be what we could consider a character
flaw, gentlemen," the doctor said, attempting to make a joke.

"Enough chit-chat, lets talk potential : are they capable of de-
fense?" the General asked boisterously. The Doctor felt the General's
eyes fall on him. Here was the question that the Doctor had dreaded,
now before him. He cleared his throat, and made eye contact.

"In a primitive state, yes. They have developed crude weapons
and would defend themselves. Some sub-groups would attempt at
communication, possibly mimicking us. But as a defense, I would
say that if they arrived at our intentions ahead of time, yes, a defense
could be possible," replied the Doctor.

"I don't want to hear about possible defenses, I want to know if the
plan will work or shall we tell the individuals in command that the
plan that they have had for a very long time is wrong. The bottom line
is will the plan work?" retorted the General. The Doctor began

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