The Bug Wars by Robert Asprin

This was a vast improvement over our last stay on an occupied planet.

“Commander!”

“Yes, Horc?” I beamed back.

“Would you have been offended if I had asked Zur to conduct this inspection?”

“No. I would have delegated it to him except for the fact that you made your request to me.”

“I would have approached him directly, but I felt you might interpret it as bypassing your authority.”

So much for my theories.

“Might I suggest that we return to the fortification and let you and Zur conduct the inspection, as we both agree it is more logical?”

“Agreed, Commander.”

“One question, Horc. Is the system operational?

“It is.”

“In that case,” I spoke aloud for the first time, “I feel the area is secure enough for open communication.”

He cocked his head at me quizzically.

“Do you not require approval from the Warriors before accepting the system?”

“Horc, you are as much a Tzen as any Warrior. Your life depends on the reliability of this system as much as ours does, perhaps more. If you feel the system is adequate, it is all the assurance I need. The inspection by the Warriors is more a token courtesy between castes than a required clearance.”

He was silent for a few moments.

“I am finally beginning to realize, Commander,” he said at last, “why you were chosen to lead this expedition.”

I did not know what reply to make to this statement, so I changed the subject.

“I have been meaning to comment on the camouflaged design of the fortification, Horc. Could you explain to me, in terms a Warrior can understand, how you achieved the effect?”