“To the north of the Snake River and I-84 is Deer Haven Mountain,” the G-2 stated as he pointed out that feature to the assembled officers. “It severely restricts maneuvers in the quarter. An effort to go around Deer Haven along US 20 would only result in a major bottleneck some forty kilometers northwest of Glenns Ferry as it passes between Bennet Mountain and Anderson Branch Reservoir. To the south,” the G-2 continued as he turned to face the wide stretch of flatlands at the foot of Black Mesa, “the problem is quite different but equally daunting. First we must descend this mesa into the valley below. Once down there numerous dry streambeds that cut across our axis of advance will restrict the speed with which we can move forward. After crossing the valley the ground maneuver elements will be funneled into a limited number of egresses leading out of the valley and up onto the high ground. Added to these daunting physical characteristics is the fact that the enemy knows this land far better than we, has had time to prepare himself, and will be able to see just about everything we do.”

Finished, the G-2 turned to Felden and nodded as he waited for his commanding general to either dismiss him or ask questions. Folding his arms tightly across his chest, Scott said nothing as he stepped forward to the edge of the mesa and gazed off across the flats below. He knew what he wanted to say. He knew what had to be said. He was just waiting until the last possible moment to do so in the vain hope that an alternative to the plan his staff was already preparing would reveal itself to him. Though it seemed more and more unlikely with each passing hour, Scott even found himself hoping that the Guard units arrayed against his division would pack it in and either resume their retreat or lay down their arms.

As these thoughts ran though his mind and the gathered multitudes stood behind him watching his every move the only sound that disturbed this strange silence was that of the winds coming up from Nevada as it howled across the foreboding landscape. Even when his chief of staff cleared his throat in an effort to gain his attention, Scott stood with his back to his commanders and staff as he maintained his silent vigil.