The Bug Wars by Robert Asprin

I was mildly surprised to see Eehm, the third Technician, at work outside the fortification. She must have left the fortification as soon as it had touched down. Apparently Horc shared Zur’s near fanatical obsession with effective deployment of troops. Eehm was busy unrolling the wires that were to be our outer perimeter alarm system. She was intent in her work, ignoring everything but the job at hand. This could be both good and bad. It was good because she was not allowing herself to be distracted, she wasn’t worrying about doing the Warriors’ job for them. It was bad because in Enemy terrain, no one can afford to completely ignore one’s surroundings.

The sound of the cold-beams ceased. The upper surface of the disc was now level with the ground. The fortification was secure.

“We’re not level!” Rahk was looking at a small instrument balanced on the floor next to his gel-cushion.

I didn’t bother wondering what it was or where it came from. Scientists carry instruments the way Warriors carry weapons.

“I trust it will not seriously impair the performance of your duties?” I asked.

“We are used to working around the shortcomings of the Technicians,” Tzu assured me.

“Commander!” Horc’s head appeared in the hatch. “Could I see you a moment?”

He swept the Scientists with his eyes. If he noticed the instrument on the floor, he gave no indication.

“If you’ll retain your places, we should be done in another few minutes.”

He disappeared before they could respond. Technicians seem particularly skillful at timely retreats. I rose and followed him.