Aspirant is caught a bit off guard finding that all of Triala's people have retreated immediately.
Not just places that they were attacked or other places that are in the vicinity, rather they retreated from all resource points. He recalled the Telchines back to think and plan for the next step.
He did have an idea of just attacking the other parts of the territory, however he realized that it wouldn't have as big of an impact. Judging by the way Sam deals with stuff, he might just completely change his plan and abandon this place.
Even with all the effort he put that is a definite possibility for people like Sam who are decisive beyond reason.
So, he needed to find a balance here.
He shouldn't make Sam leave, and let him cling on to the hope. But at the same time, he shouldn't let him expand.
That was the whole point of this exercise anyway.
