The Bug Wars by Robert Asprin

While it was a mystery to me why the High Command bothered to send dispatches such as these, it did set me to thinking. Before attaining my current level of command and therefore having access to such dispatches, I had not been aware of the time lapse involved in traversing space. It seemed mildly incredible to me that two, perhaps three, flights of Warriors had been trained and dispatched since our departure from the colony ship.

It made me realize that the complexities of coordination involved in my own position were dwarfed by the task of the High Command in bringing the resources of the entire Empire to bear in one massive assault against the Ants.

It also brought to mind an unresolved problem I had previously ignored pending inactive time to fully study the matter.

“Zur?”

“Yes, Commander.”

“How many Hatchings have you survived?”

There was a pause before he answered.

“I am not sure I understand your question, Commander.”

“How many Hatchings have there been since you began your career?” I clarified.

I had the vague feeling I had had this conversation before.

“I do not know,” Zur replied. “Why is this information important?

“While on the colony ship, I asked a Scientist to comment on the changes in the Empire. She seemed to feel the answer to that question played a large part in her reply. I was unable to decipher what she said, and I was hoping you might be able to clarify her analysis.”

Zur pondered the subject for several moments.

“Do you feel outdated, Commander?” he asked finally.

“Explain?” I requested.