The Bug Wars by Robert Asprin

“I’ll remember that, Commander.” He bent to finish his task.

I decided to let the matter drop. If I pursued it further, Horc might realize my anger was more from relief than from concern for proper procedure.

“If my usefulness here is over, I’ll give the `all clear’ to the Scientists. They are probably most eager to begin their work.”

“Of course, Commander.”

I started for the ramp, only to be met halfway by Ihr.

“Commander, the advance party is trying to get your attention.”

I hurried past her up the ramp. Now that I was not concentrating on Horc’s work, I could detect Zur’s signal.

“Rahm here, Zur,” I beamed.

“Commander, we have a problem here which requires your attention.”

I was about to tell him to wait while I passed the movement permission on to the Scientists, then observed they were already moving about readying their lab for operation.

“Explain the nature of the problem.”

I had visual contact with Zur even if he couldn’t see me through the dome. He was standing in a small conference group that included him, Mahz, and the Scientist Zome.

“We have lost one of the Technicians.”

CHAPTER THREE

“How did the Technician die, Commander?”

“That is not necessary information for you to perform your duties, Commander.” My head hurt from the prolonged use of the booster band. “Simply drop a replacement as soon as it is possible.”

“I will have to deny your request, Commander,” came Krah’s voice in reply. “I do not have the personnel to spare.”

“Perhaps you are right, Krah. Perhaps you should be more closely apprised of the situation.” I realized I was starting to flatten my head in annoyance which was a pointless gesture, as Krah was still in orbit above us and therefore unable to observe the gesture.