Vorgens sat in puzzled thought for a moment. Then he said, “Sir, there are two problems on Shinan the native rebels, and the Komani raiders. If you strip the cities of their garrisons to hit the Komani, you will be giving the cities to the rebels.”
Aikens shrugged. “One problem at a time. Watchman. First we crush the Komani. The rebels will be easy to handle after that. Why, we can even show the natives that we helped them get rid of the barbarian invaders. Might win back most of the populace that way.”
“But your aide thinks that the rebels are working for the Komani.”
‘True enough. He’s probably right. But the majority of the natives don’t know that.”
“It’s a very mixed-up situation,” Vorgens said.
Aikens smiled grimly. “We’re going to unmix it and make it perfectly simple. The first step is to get the city garrisons marching toward this valley. I’m certain the Komani won’t be able to launch a full-scale attack on us for several days. They’ve got us pinned down, and they’ll want us to run out of food and water before they attack. Attrition tactics.”
“Perhaps so,” Vorgens said. “Now, brigadier, my orders …”
“Yes, your orders, that’s why I called you in here.” Aikens leaned back in his chair. “I have a copy of your orders here on my desk, but I’d like to hear how you interpret them.”
“There’s not much to interpret.”
“Come now, Watchman,” Aikens countered. “You’ve been with Mobile Force for how long now? Two full days, isn’t it? Certainly by now you realize that orders cut and processed at Star Watch Headquarters couldn’t ossibly foresee all the details of the situation here on Oran VI.”