If the base wasn't busy with arranging all the things because of the zombie bird attacks and the earthquakes, they would probably stay until lunchtime, as those officials certainly also still wanted to talk to all of them to see if they could convince someone to align with their ideas or just show off to others that they managed to get someone as theirs so that others couldn't interfere with their recruitment or enticement.
It had been like that whenever there was a gathering. Even in the time they were in now, the attitude of those people was still the same; the only thing that's different is what they wanted to show off and what they were fighting for.
But they're still a bit responsible and they also know what their jobs are; that's why they were still in the North Base.
If they didn't know how to control themselves and know their priorities, then his grandfather would have probably removed all of them already.
