The silence was longer this time as we digested the information.
“Horc,” I said finally, “what does the presence of the Ants mean to the effectiveness of our Defense Network?”
“The Network was designed to detect and destroy surface creatures such as the Leapers. While it will still be effective against surface hunters, it will be totally ineffective against burrowing,” he replied.
“Will your team be able to devise an effective defense?”
“There are two possibilities we can explore. One would be a device to detect sounds of burrowing. The other would be a machine to locate subterranean hollow points. It is doubtful, however, that they would be effective to a depth of two kilometers. With the equipment we have on hand, we couldn’t guarantee coverage much deeper than a quarter kilometer, half a kilometer maximum.”
“How long until the devices could be in place?”
“We would have to design them before I could give you an accurate appraisal of construction and installation time. I could have those estimates ready by this time tomorrow, however.”
“Very well, Zur, what is your appraisal of our Warriors’ defensive ability.”
Zur did not hesitate, but plunged into his analysis.
“The campaign against the Wasps has given us undisputed air supremacy. The campaign against the Aquatics has guaranteed we will not have to fight for water. That leaves the Surface Packs, the Leapers, the Subterraneans and the Ants to present threats. As we are only required to fight a defensive holding campaign as opposed to a counterstroke, I am confident the Warriors will be able to hold the fortification against any surface or frontal attack up to and including a massed frontal assault. As to the possibility of a subterranean burrowing attack, we must rely on such devices as the Technicians are able to improvise for our defense. The Warriors will be unable to guarantee the safety of the fortification or the force in event of such an attack.”