"Report to the officer," he answered without giving anything away, "Part of it is mission-related, and part of it is to observe the present situation in the South Ridge to prepare for managing the territory that follows."
He said this to block any further inquiries from the other party and to lead into the next topic.
However, it seemed that Colonel Mayowa did not have the depth of his father's expertise, as he merely nodded slightly to signal Ian to sit on the sofa nearby while he himself sat back down behind his desk, "I understand. During the half year you have been away, the situation in the South Ridge has been changing rapidly, with the current political situation now being very chaotic. It's quite justifiable that you want to see the situation for yourself."
"I guess you're here not just to see me, but to get in touch with your father. But looking at your expression, it seems you have other matters to report or ask about?"
