"Bah," I think, "I can't this incompetence. If it was up to these fools, we'd stand around trying to figure about what the secret society did two days ago, until they destroy friend Computer. That is, if we don't self-destruct first."

I take another step towards the staircase.

"I'm going to destroy these infernal smooth operators. You guys feel free to help if you like."

I start up the staircase, without a second look back.