“It seemed important to get a corroborative witness,” said Mahatma. “When I approach Sergeant Brandy, she takes on a skeptical expression. While it is good that she is learning to question appearances, it is perhaps better in this case for the company to act in response to the appearance and question its meaning later.”
“Sure,” said Chocolate Harry, although by his expression he was anything but. Nonetheless, he lifted his own wrist and activated the communicator. “Mother, we got a visual sighting of unknown ship approaching from the east, looks like it’s gonna land near the camp. Get word to the officers pronto. ETA, maybe five minutes. Can’t tell whether they’re on our side or not, but I think we better be ready for anything.”
“Got it, oh Large Sarge,” said Mother. There was just a hint of a crackle around the edge of her voice-some kind of local interference, no doubt. “Is there anything out there big enough for you to hide under if they start shooting?”
“You talkin’ to the man with all the guns,” said Harry, but Mother had already cut the connection, presumably to alert the officers. He squinted at the sky again, trying to make out any identifying characteristics of the approaching ship. “Can’t see squat in this light,” he grumbled.
“What should we be doing, Sarge?” said Mahatma.
“What you should be doin’ is the last thing you were told to do, until somebody tells you to do somethin’ else,” said Chocolate Harry.
“That is why I was asking you that question,” said Mahatma, “but you have only answered half of it.”