Largest Obstacle to the expedition

[AvidBibliophile]

Sometimes alcohol keeps the notorious problem-makers more sedate, so certain situations may have escalated even further without its availability. I think their biggest hindrance came with a lack of trust and transparency. Mixing soldiers and scientists together with no clear hierarchy can also quickly lead to dissension among the ranks, specialities, and fields of study. As some members died off, a lack of leadership threw everyone into chaotic disarray. Add that to the impulsive sex romps and unpredictable animal attacks, and (most of) these poor souls were bound to lose their way.

[Stephanie Runyon]

The alcohol caused inhibitions to be lost and was a big factor in a lot of the decisions made. In the beginning the erratic behavior of the man saying he had different information regarding Grant's family member's accident caused Grant to not push for more information and focus more on how his phone was superior.

[NellyDee29]

During the course of the expedition the group overindulged in alcohol and this caused many problems that could have easily been avoided. While they faced many obstacles from terrible weather to wild animals, In my opinion Alcohol was the largest obstacle to the expedition.
What about you, what do you think was the largest obstacle to the expedition?

I agree too that alcohol was the main obstacle to the expedition. There were others like mistrust between them, but once they began drinking it made it difficult for them to make right decisions.

[NetMassimo]

Most of the people in the expedition were supposed to be professionals, but even before they got influenced by Zona their behavior was dubious.

[shynmr]

I think secrecy was far and away the biggest obstacle. Everyone was on their own expedition, in a manner of speaking, because they were hiding so much from one another. From concealing knowledge to fudging the facts on intent, there is no way to have a cohesive team without sharing everything that people need to be informed and effective at their missions.

As far as some comments on dumping the alcohol, don't you think that could have led to worse consequences? People get pretty inventive when they want something and I imagine a team of scientists and soldiers would have no problem mastering the fermentation process and making their own, potentially more dangerous, alcohol.

[Brenda Creech]

I agree that alcohol was a major problem. However, they didn't have trust between them and that can cause a huge problem in itself!

[Diana Lowery]

I think secrecy was far and away the biggest obstacle. Everyone was on their own expedition, in a manner of speaking, because they were hiding so much from one another. From concealing knowledge to fudging the facts on intent, there is no way to have a cohesive team without sharing everything that people need to be informed and effective at their missions.

As far as some comments on dumping the alcohol, don't you think that could have led to worse consequences? People get pretty inventive when they want something and I imagine a team of scientists and soldiers would have no problem mastering the fermentation process and making their own, potentially more dangerous, alcohol.

"Everyone was on their own expedition" - This is a great thought. It almost makes me want to go back and read the book with new eyes.

[HusainNecklace52]

I agree that alcohol was one of the major obstacles for their expedition. However, I also think that it merely brought out their true personalities of stinginess and greed. Albeit, I still hold the opinion that if it weren't for the alcohol then things may have turned out to be different for them.

[Twylla]

I think there were too many secrets. Everyone who agreed to go back to Zona should have known everything that Max Volcov and Boris Ustinov knew. They seemed to be going in blind not knowing what to expect.

[Angatia]

I would say, the expedition itself was full of obstacles from the beginning till the end. Alcohol is believed to be "the mother of all problems/sins" from my religious point of view and it could have been avoided.
Among the obstacles, in my opinion, the weather was the largest obstacle in this expedition.

[almeidabel]

I guess alcohol in excess is always a problem

[Angatia]

You're right Almeidabel, excessive consumption is not only harmful to human health, but spiritual life and IQ as well.

[hoosgotd]

I viewed alcohol as more symbolic of broader issues facing the characters - desire to escape their own demons and inability to bond with/trust each other (hence wanting to dull senses or build up liquid courage). Dumping the alcohol was also losing a potential tool that could have been used later

[Salina shafi]

I feel like alcohol was used to highlight human flaws. It is said that drunk words are sober thoughts

[SunVixen]

I think secrecy was far and away the biggest obstacle. Everyone was on their own expedition, in a manner of speaking, because they were hiding so much from one another. From concealing knowledge to fudging the facts on intent, there is no way to have a cohesive team without sharing everything that people need to be informed and effective at their missions.

As far as some comments on dumping the alcohol, don't you think that could have led to worse consequences? People get pretty inventive when they want something and I imagine a team of scientists and soldiers would have no problem mastering the fermentation process and making their own, potentially more dangerous, alcohol.

They could invent something truly monstrous. If they started making alcohol from these strange Zone's plants, ugly things could happen.