“Cover it anyway.”
The Ants had spent a lot of time building that tunnel. I couldn’t believe they would abandon it so easily. Too many battles had been lost by assuming a retreat.
“Incoming from your right, Commander,” came Hif’s voice, and a moment later she appeared.
“The north group?” I queried, blasting at a group of Ants by the burning tree stand.
“Eliminated. Apparently it was only a feint”
“Zome?”
“Helping Zur and Krahn,” she replied.
“Change places with Krahn,” I ordered.
“But, Commander…”
“I need a Technician over here.” I gestured at the tree stand. “Their extinguishers are putting out the fires we need for light.”
“Understood, Commander.”
She moved off. I glared at the fires as they flickered out. We’d just have to rely on the firebreak to prevent widespread ecological damage. Right now we needed that light.
“Status report on the shuttlecraft?” I beamed to Mahz.
“On the way, Commander.”
“Incoming from your right, Commander! and Krahn appeared. She was wobbly, but apparently taking to combat better than Ihr had.
“Do you know the exact location of the extinguishers you planted to the West?” I asked, sweep-burning three Ants that were attempting to flank us.
“Yes, Commander.”
“Start burning them out with your blaster. We need those fires.”
“Commander! came Mahz’s voice.
“Rahm here.”
“Strange readings on the tunnel. The hollow indicator shows it’s lengthening, heading for the fortification, but there are no digging sounds. “
“Cold-beam! Cold-beam in the tunnel!” I broadcast.
“I’ll handle it, Commander,” came Hif’s voice.