“I remember now,” I said. “The order seemed illogical to me at the time. The Technicians are far more accustomed to piloting the space shuttles than the Warriors are. It would seem natural that that assignment would fall to them, not us.”
“In this instance, piloting the space shuttles involves direct combat with the Enemy,” Zur pointed out. “As such, it is within the duties of the Warriors’ caste.”
“Very well, that completed my questions, Zur.”
“While we have a moment, Commander, there is something I should report to you.”
“What is it?’
“I was asked to oversee a duel in your absence.”
“A duel? Who was involved?”
“Two of the trainers…actually they were only staff members, not full trainers. One of them you might recall, the second-in-command of the trainer you had executed.”
“What was the duel over?” I asked.
“They didn’t inform me, and I did not ask. The second-in-command I referenced emerged the victor and seemed satisfied that the incident was closed.”
“Do you see any difficulties arising from this episode, Zur?” I queried.
“No, Commander. I merely felt you should be informed of what had transpired.”
“I will make note of it,” I said. “You may return to your duties now.”
As he left, I tried to recall what else I had intended to ask him, but whatever it was eluded my memory.
CHAPTER SEVEN
I was reduced to waiting again. Perhaps the hectic pace of my duties on board the colony ship had reduced my tolerance for inactive time or increased my metabolic rate. Whatever the case, I found I liked waiting even less than I had on previous assignments.