Jennifer handed over their information plate. He placed it beside his own, and a small triagram shimmered between the devices before their assignment appeared on his display.
While he read, an attendant collected the sacks and began sorting their contents on a table behind the counter.
"You returned earlier than scheduled," the official said.
"We withdrew," Jennifer replied. "The beasts in the assigned sector were stronger and more numerous than the report indicated."
"The population estimates aren't exact."
"Neither was the strength assessment."
He looked up at her, then began entering something into the report. "Describe what you encountered."
Jennifer explained the terrain, the beasts, and the larger creature that had nearly trapped them on the rock shelf. Lois supplied details where needed, while Jason stood beside them, occasionally rubbing his forehead as if the conversation itself were giving him a headache.
