Herta took a deep breath.
She chose to let Stelle's words go in one ear and out the other, then turned to Kafka and nodded.
"A reasonable proposal. I have no reason to refuse."
After a pause, she added:
"I must stress one thing: any cooperation is conditional on sharing all information."
"Of course." Kafka smiled faintly. "Our team happens to need a strategist to analyze information and help me make decisions."
"Help you?" Herta frowned. "So you've taken it upon yourself to become the core of the team? We all have to follow your orders?"
"Don't get so worked up, Ms. Herta." Kafka shook her head. "A team is a collective made up of members and a leader. A good leader can bring everyone together and strengthen the team's cohesion, helping us weather our difficulties together."
"Spare me the lecture on those tired old principles." Herta stared at Kafka. "Of course I understand that a team needs a leader, but there's one thing I don't understand. Why should that person be you, rather than me? I have no less management experience than you do."
The two formidable women inevitably clashed.
Kafka had anticipated this situation and said with a smile:
"Then let's make it fair and vote on who should lead."
Herta swept her gaze across the others, then shook her head.
"Never mind. I'd rather not humiliate myself. All we have here are idiots, turncoats, and your diehard followers. How could I possibly win a vote?"
Stelle couldn't help frowning at that. Why does it feel like all three of those were aimed at me?
Just then, Herta jumped down from the truck bed and asked calmly:
"When did each of you arrive? Do you have specific times?"
"Stelle and March 7th arrived at noon yesterday. Silver Wolf