“Affirmative, Commander. Second flyer went down after attempting a drop run over the same area as the first.”
“Instruct flyers to avoid that area. Order a high-altitude sound scan of that area and report results to me immediately.”
“Acknowledged, Commander.”
I stared suspiciously at the View Screens for the other anthills, but no similar crashes occurred.
“Raht, Commander. My section is in the tunnels and has collapsed the designated portion behind us. We are continuing toward the egg chamber. Forty-three percent casualties so far.”
“Acknowledged.”
“Kah-Tu, Commander. Surface access has been collapsed as ordered. Surface resistance weakening.”
“Acknowledged.”
I started for the View Screens to confirm the claim. “Zah-Rah, Commander. Sound scan reports evidence of machinery in designated area. No visual confirmation.”
“Acknowledged.”
My worst fears were realized.
“Rahm to all strike teams,” I beamed. “Suspected cold-beam activity from Enemy. Possible firing on flyers. All units report full current status on my command. Zah-Rah!”
“First anthill. Borer units extended or extending. One egg chamber breached. Fifty-seven percent casualties so far. Possible ground fire on flyers.”
“Raht!”
There was no reply.
“Kah-Tu!”
“Third anthill. Borer units extended. Two egg chambers and queen’s chamber breached. Cold-beam attacks reported on tubes, but they have ceased with no damage inflicted. Seventy-seven percent casualties so far.”
“Tur-Kam!”
There was no reply.
“Heem!”
“Fifth anthill. Borer units extended or extending. Queen’s chamber breached. Sixty-seven percent casualties so far.”