The next morning, the men discuss the plan to attack the island. They are divided into three groups: the "alter native" group, which wants to destroy the island as quickly as possible; the "counter-indigenous" group that wants to extend the island's life for as long as possible, and the "experimental" group which wants the island to remain a colony of the island for as little as a few years. The men discuss whether or not they should launch an offensive against the island, but the lieutenant replies that they should wait for the alternative's completion. The lieutenant then tells the men that the under secretary is coming to inspect the island the next day, and he wants to know if they think the plan will work. He tells them that he is not worried about the outcome of the battle, and that he will take care of the lieutenant's needs.