“I tell you there is nothing left. The Wisperingwood is destroyed,” said Mavin.
“But the estimates put the blast at only seven torkas. That should have only covered an area no larger than the village green,” replied Master Kraven.
Mavin had volunteered to scout the blast zone after the experiment. Expecting only to find a large hole and burnt brush, the scout was horrified at what he found.
“You arrogant fool, you assured the council you had checked the maths multiple times. How could this have happened?” asked Mavin.
“It happened because Kraven got lazy. The maths were checked and double-checked, but it wasn’t by Master Kraven. Was it?” asked Chief Plunnar.
“I must admit that Underling Moss did the calculations,” mumbled Kraven.
Mavin lurched at the scientist’s throat but was restrained.
“Governor Quence will deal with Master Kraven. No need to dirty your hands, Mavin,” remarked the Chief.
“This was all avoidable,” scoffed the scout.
“We were lucky this time. Imagine if this had been a full-scale test,” the Chief offered.
“I was only following orders,” cried Kraven as the guards marched him away.
“So will the executioner,” muttered Mavin as he handed his report to Plunnar.
“Such a shame about the wood. As a child, my family often took holidays there. Completely avoidable,” remarked the Chief, then left the command center to Mavin.
“I hope you enjoy Hell Kraven,” said Mavin. Then the scout headed for a shower to wash away the ash and stench of burnt flesh from his body.
Folksburywoods 
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