I ignored their acknowledgments. The shuttle pilots knew as well as I that their vehicles were not designed to survive a planet landing. My order was only an acceptable alternative to waiting in space until their air supply ran out.
“Zur, Commander. All targets in the fourth anthill have been destroyed, commencing withdrawal. Fifty-nine percent casualties so far.”
“Acknowledged.”
All anthills were accounted for now, except one.
“Rahm to Kah-Tu. What is your status?”
There was no reply.
“Rahm to third anthill flyer Leader. Report your status.”
There was no reply.
“Rahm to any Warrior in the third anthill strike force. What is your status?”
There was no reply.
The attempt to rescue the stranded force in the third anthill had failed.
CHAPTER TEN
The loss of a transport severely changed our pickup calculations. Instead of thirty percent of our original force, we could now only transport twenty percent back to the colony ship. Even with the loss of two full strike teams, we would doubtless have to leave some Warriors behind.
I gave my last order of the attack.
“Rahm to all strike team Leaders and acting Leaders. Our attack has been successfully completed. Coordinate your pickup requirements directly with the transport pilots. Transports One and Three only are available.”
As soon as I received their acknowledgments, I left the control compartments and headed for my sleeping quarters.
I understand now both why Planetary Commanders were required to eat prior to an assault, and why they were not required to report to High Command prior to their return to the colony ship.