“Finally gained control of motor nerves…Effects of stun beam wear off eventually…Examined chamber…Tzu said it was specifically a chamber for captives…one entrance, water supply…Particularly noted lighting…came from luminous rocks…not a natural formation…brought in…changed occasionally by guards… Light not necessary for Ants; must be for prisoners…”
“Examining Ants returned once we were conscious… Crowded first Tzu, then me toward Vahr…Tzu deduced they wanted us to breed…Vahr and I complied, Tzu would not… Warm-bloods brought and given to Vahr and me… Tzu prevented from eating…Pattern continued… Laid eggs, but would not let Ants near them… They did not insist… Suggested Tzu also comply…refused…Would not help Enemy learn about Tzen… “
“Began planning escape… Could approach entrance, but guards would not let us leave chamber…From entrance we could see another chamber across the tunnel…machines…”
“Commander!” came Mahz’s voice into my mind.
“Rahm here.”
“I have a report on the shuttlecraft “
“Delay report.”
I focused my attention on Kor as she continued.
“Could not see entire chamber… There was a kind of View Screen…not full image like ours…stick figures on glowing screen… Display showed our fortification and the anthill…stick figures of Tzen around fortification… Number of Tzen changed from time to time…assumed showing defenses and patrols… Could not see controls or operators.
“Planned escape… Had noted speed of Ants while being carried on surface…used estimated speed and memorized turns taken carried in dark…Thought we could find our way out…Decided not to carry glow rocks…would pinpoint position… Vahr and I would provide fighting cover for Tzu’s escape…get Scientist out…”