Aierdome, those are good ideas. I would add, the discussion among the characters as to what to do next can take many forms. You can phrase it as a straight-up discussion, an argument (which can also be an excuse for slipping in some exposition), a flashback, or even one of the characters being so worried about what to do as to have a nightmare about such a discussion. Or, if it's that kind of story, a dream or vision about it.