“Hold your position,” I beamed to the rest of the team.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Zur assisted Kor to a position behind our defensive line and eased her to the ground near the base of the fortification.
“Permission to leave formation, Commander?” called Zome softly.
“Reason?”
“To bring medical supplies and administer-“
“No!” Kor’s voice interrupted, firm, and surprisingly calm.
“Kor!” Zur admonished.
“I must report first…important.”
“Commander, she’ll die if I don’t-“
“They are going to attack…the Ants…They’ll try to stop the information from reaching the Empire…”
“Commander!” Zome was insistent.
I made my decision.
“We’ll hear her report. Zur, I want you to rearrange the defenses. I want you, Zome, and the ranking Technician…Ihr, stationed near enough to hear this report, but I want you all facing outward to watch for attack.”
“Yes, Commander,” and he was moving, acting instantly to carry out the order.
“Thank you, Commander,” whispered Kor weakly.
I ignored her.
“Mahz!” I beamed.
“Yes, Commander!”
“Put on a booster band and contact the transport immediately. Tell them we need the shuttlecraft down here as soon as they can manage it.”
“Yes, Commander.”
“Ready, Commander.” Zur was back.
“Very well, Kor, proceed with your report.”
“They have machines…They…they’re studying us…using data to plan tactics-“
“What kind of machines?” interrupted Ihr.
“How are they studying us?” asked Zome.
“Ihr, Zome, I will say this once. We will not tolerate interruptions to this report. Kor! You are of the Warrior caste. You therefore know how to report in a concise orderly fashion. Cease this undisciplined babbling and report properly!”