like he couldnt think of something alittle more clever to say to the kids in the classroom after all adult brains are able to respond quicker and more in depth so you dont scare them. remember we teach kids bullshit alll the time like santa clause and the tooth fairy, so thats a bullshit response and he shouldnt be a decision maker if he reacts to a crisis in such a delayed way when the survival of your people is at risk.