Swarm Master Zelof reached out with a true-hand to restart the sequence. A large view screen on the bulkhead of the office facing his desk flickered to life once again. He leaned forward to watch hoping, perhaps this time, to find something he’d missed earlier. Since the whole operation had taken almost a day to accomplish this playback had been set at high speed. If he saw something that caught his attention he’d be able to slow it down for a closer look.
Because this was the eighteenth or nineteenth time he’d gone through this particular visual record he provided narration. “The assault ships enter the atmosphere,” Zelof muttered. “Come in over the ocean. Pop up now. Circle mountains. Approach. Bombs drop.”
His litany of events was interrupted by a soft attention tone. He started at the unexpected sound and looked down at his console to see a flashing alert light next to the keypad. “Just what I need,” he said, “another interruption.” This was the third time in an hour. How was he supposed to find anything if they kept interrupting? After giving a sign or resignation he entered a sequence on the keypad to freeze the record he’d been watching. Then Zelof released the door and turned to his right to see Sesum enter his office carrying an electronic pad.
The Swarm Second noted the images on the room’s screen as soon as the door opened. Gesturing with a pad at the frozen image of a Kthpok assault ship Sesum asked, “haven’t you worn out that segment yet?” He continued through the room and held out the pad to his commander.
Zelof chuckled as he took the device from his Second. A wave from his antennae sent Sesum to a seat. The Iidx took a cushioned saddle which gave him a view of the screen yet was close to Zelof. “The only reason this hasn’t worn out is because it’s digital,” said the Swarm Master as he nodded at the screen. “What’ve you got for me?”
Sesum reached across the desk with a true-hand to activate the device and said, “It’s the list of supplies the Kthpok have requested for the construction of their base on the surface as well as the plans for the facilities.”
The Swarm Master was silent for a moment as he read the items scrolling down the screen. Then he paused the scrolling and looked up. “All these items seem innocent enough,” he said as he gestured with the pad. “There’s a request for cable, ductwork, ceramacrete, and other construction materials.”
“Everything needed to construct a base,” commented Sesum with a shrug. “Pretty much what you’d expect.”
“But there’s a few odd items buried in here,” said Zelof a moment as he resumed the list. “From this,” he gestured with the pad again, “it appears that they want to construct a ship repair yard on the island.” He glanced over at his Second. “Don’t they think our facilities in orbit are good enough to work on their ships?”
Sesum waved his antennae to show his ignorance. “The Presiding Assembly’s offered unlimited assistance and easy access to our ship repair yards in orbit. As you know it’s more effective and economic to do those repairs in weightless conditions. They even guaranteed the Kthpok priority over our own ships. When the offer was sent the Kthpok didn’t even use the façade of thinking it over. Their response came back without hesitation couched in a lot of diplomatic verbiage. The translation was ‘thanks but no’”
Zelof leaned back on his saddle, his antennae beginning to give thoughtful waves. “Did they say why? Or are we supposed to take everything they do on faith?”
The Second gestured with a true-hand to reflect his understanding of the Swarm Master’s frustration. “The only reason they gave for the refusal was that it involved the ‘security’ of the Kthpok people,” he said.
Zelof grunted. “It seems ‘security’ provides cover for a large range of denials,” he commented then returned to reading the list.
“General plans for their base,” he repeated a moment later. “They’ve identified the various buildings for us. I see living quarters, supply, communications, power, repair and so forth.”
He paused again then looked up. “Now this is interesting,” he said. “There’s large power conduits’ coming from the generating facility and going to structures at various locations on the perimeter of their base.”
The Second nodded. “I knew you’d notice those and had them examined. Analysts have reviewed the plans and said that it appears the Kthpok are preparing defenses.”
“Defenses!” exclaimed Zelof sitting a little straighter, his antennae rigid with surprise. “What do they need defenses for? There’s no one attacking them. Besides they’re under our protection!” He gave a snort of disgust. “Or do they think the human’s followed them here?”
“Defenses,” confirmed Sesum and added a definite shake of his head. “From the list of supplies requested we think the base will be surrounded by an electrified fence. That only gives a partial explanation for the large power lines running out to the perimeter. The structures you noticed will probably house large crew served lasers.”
“Squad lasers! What do they think’s in the jungle that needs a laser powerful enough to take out armored equipment?” asked Zelof.
“We put them on an island after evacuating the inhabitants, guarantee their safety with our Space Swarm and they build defenses,” he grumbled.
“It doesn’t sound right does it?” said Sesum.
Instead of answering the Swarm Masters right middle leg began stroking his back legs producing a soothing tone. The Second settled back to wait. He’d learned from long experience not to interrupt when his commander was thinking over a situation.
A moment later, when the rubbing and tone stopped, Sesum came alert, pulled another electronic pad from his harness, and waited for the barrage of orders to come. He wasn’t disappointed.
“Have the task force maintain the orbital quarantine,” the Swarm Master began. “If the Kthpok are this paranoid about a nonexistent enemy on Tarren anything could set them off. Imagine what they’d do if a business yacht closed with one of their ships in orbit and requested docking privileges. The Kthpok might not appreciate being approached for a business deal. Especially if it’s unannounced. Chances are they’d blow the yacht into flaming gas without a warning and create an interstellar ‘incident’.
“Now, besides keeping the tourists away, our ships are to keep a watchful eye on the Kthpok. I don’t want our ‘guests’ to sneeze or dump their trash without me being notified.”
He paused in his orders and glanced at the image of a vessel frozen in attack on the screen. “I understand the three largest vessels have already landed. The ones that were undamaged.”
“That’s correct,” said Sesum. “After their practice assault on Tarren and the construction of the landing slab those three vessels grounded. Some Kthpok from those ships have started unloading equipment while others are involved in the construction of their facilities.” He paused for a moment then thoughtfully added, “it’s amazing how well prepared the Kthpok are. It seems they have all the equipment needed to start a colony.”
“And their methods in place for building their base up from nothing are very efficient,” the Swarm Master added. “This isn’t something they’re doing off the antennae. It’s too well thought out. I think it’s fortunate for them everything was ready for something like this when the humans attacked.”
“That’s awfully fortunate,” agreed Sesum. “Too fortunate, perhaps?” he wondered. “Or was this planned?”
“Another unanswered question!” shot Zelof. “We need answers not more questions!” Sesum nodded his agreement.
“OK. We’ve got our Swarm watching the Kthpok ships in orbit,” mused the Swarm Master turning back from the screen. “But we have no assets on Tarren to see what they’re doing. So I want to take care of that little oversight. Have the Swarm place several observation satellites in geosynchronous orbit over the island. All levels of magnification and bandwidths are to be covered. If a Kthpok gets sick or goes for a walk in the jungle I want to know about it.”
“You’re going to spy on them?”
From the stiffness of his Seconds antennae Zelof could see that the Iidx was surprised. “That’s such a harsh term,” he said and gave an amused shake from his antennae. “For any who ask about the satellites tell them we’re concerned for the safety of our new friends. They’re new here so they’re unfamiliar with the dangers a jungle on our planet will have. And since they have no shells they’re even more vulnerable than we are. In order to provide timely assistance we need to be aware of any and all problems.”
Sesum waved his understanding as he considered what his commander had said. “That’s true. We can’t help if we don’t know when there’s a problem. Particularly since the Kthpok are adamant in not allowing any ‘unauthorized’ personnel access to their surface facilities.”
The Swarm Master gave his Second a questioning shake of his antennae. “Unauthorized?” he asked. “That sounds reasonable.”
“It does, doesn’t it?” Sesum replied. “Actual practice means the Kthpok are not allowing any of our people access to their facilities. Official or not.”
“What?” exclaimed Zelof and left his saddle. He started pacing within the limited confines of his office as he thought. “They won’t allow us entry? Anyone? On our own planet?”
“That’s the other reason I interrupted your work, Swarm Master. All materials they’ve requested are to be delivered in Tarren harbor.”
Zelof stopped pacing to look at his aide and his antennae began a slow swaying motion. “Tarren harbor?” he said trying to make the connection with Sesum’s concern about access. “If I remember correctly, before the Kthpok arrived, all the supplies were delivered there. That’s not unusual.”
Sesum grimaced. “The Kthpok’ve set up a strict protocol for delivery of supplies that will not be changed,” he said emphasizing the last four words. “The Masters of the cargo ships are to make an appointment for delivery and are expected to keep it. Variations from the schedule are not ‘allowed’. Once in port the ship’s crew is to offload the cargo to the Kthpok on the dock. No one from the ship is allowed to step onto the dock.” He paused for a moment as if he were searching for the right words then continued. “Although it hasn’t been explicitly stated the threat of deadly force was implied for any who ignore or forget their instructions.”
“What about higher levels?” wondered Zelof as he resumed his pacing. “The government or representatives from the Presiding Assembly?”
“To my knowledge a request for access has not been sent from the Assembly,” replied Sesum. “But a representative of the local queen asked for access to the island and was refused. It seems the Kthpok are too busy constructing their facilities to accommodate a politician.”
“They said that?” Zelof’s antennae gave an amused shake as he came to a stop again. “I’m sure she wasn’t too happy about that. There’s been times I’ve wished I could’ve told certain politicians to take a hike.” He gave a shake of his head. “Even with that it doesn’t seem right. All it does is raise more questions.”
“You really have a problem with delivering good news,” accused Zelof. “You know that, don’t you?” He ignored a good natured snort from his Second.
The Swarm Master moved over to stare out a view port at the planet below. “They won’t allow us access on our own planet,” he muttered. “On pain of death.”
He whirled back around to look at Sesum. “More is happening with the Kthpok than we know or can see,” he said. “This is more than paranoia. Get those satellites in position immediately and maintain our level of alert.” Zelof raised a true-hand to stop his Second’s protest before it could be voiced. “I know keeping this level of alert will increase the wear and tear on our equipment and could affect the moral of our people. Our Section Masters will just have to work it through. We cannot relax our vigilance until we learn what the Kthpok objectives are.”
Sesum waved his understanding then asked, “what if there isn’t anything nefarious? Maybe their story is true and that’s why they’re paranoid.”
Zelof glared at his subordinate for a moment then continued. “You don’t believe that any more that I do. After the sat’s are in place and telemetry’s being received contact the office of the Presiding Assembly of Queens. Request an audience for me as soon as possible.”
As the Swarm Master had been speaking Sesum was keying notes into an electronic pad. He looked up from his device long enough to ask, “and the reason for the disruption of the Queen’s orderly existence? You know they’ll ask before even considering the request.”
“Investigation of a possible threat to the Consolidated Hives.”
Zelof left his seat and crossed the polished tile to reach the large picture window of the antechamber. He and Sesum had been waiting in the receiving chamber for the Presiding Assembly for over an hour with nothing to occupy the time. After waiting days for a response to the Swarm Master’s request for an audience a summons arrived. Of course, when it came the Swarm Leaders had to scramble. The appointed time for their audience had allowed just enough time to clean their shells, put on the proper accoutrements and catch a shuttle down from orbit. Now they were cooling their shells. He gave a snort of disgust. This was the usual hurry-up-and-wait ploy the Presiding Assembly used when they wanted to prove to someone, generally a male, that they were in charge.
Ignoring the rich wood furniture and ornate decorations of the room he looked through the window. He was several stories up in the Assembly’s palace which provided him with a beautiful view. Spread out before him was the panorama of the planetary capital; the mega hive of Cosli while immediately below was the Queen’s Meditative Gardens to which the general public had been excluded.
A short distance away he noted that outside the Exclusion Zone that surrounded the palace, were streams of vehicles covering the streets. Cargo carriers were intermingled with mass transit and personal vehicles. Along the streets were thousands of Iidx going about their business or pleasure. Some were entering buildings, others were sightseeing and still others climbed into vehicles. Aircraft moved over the city in their designated lanes. In the distance he could see that a number of the taller buildings had their tops hidden in the heavy clouds.
His antennae began to wave in slow motion as he considered. There were millions of people out there, secure in their positions and purpose, unaware of the danger that had been allowed to land on Main Hive. And he was determined that…
“Excuse me…” A voice cut through the Swarm Masters thoughts. “Swarm Master? The Presiding Queens are ready to receive you now.”
Zelof swiveled his head to look at the Iidx who’d disturbed him. With an imperious wave of antennae he acknowledged the Captain then turned back to the window. Moving back a short distance from the glass he used the slight reflection to make sure his appearance was appropriate for an audience with the Presiding Assembly. Then, without a word, he turned and strode for the corridor which, he knew from prior audiences, would lead to the Audience Chamber of the Presiding Assembly. Sesum was right behind with the Captain taking his position at the rear.
The two Iidx leaders and their escort walked down the hallway, their footpads clicking on the polished beige tile. Luxurious cloth trappings and images made by famous artists hanging on the walls depicted important events in the history of the Iidx. All the while they ignored the guards which were posted at regular intervals.
The walk from the antechamber wasn’t long. After a few moments the small party reached a door flanked by two huge guards. Zelof noted, with a critical eye, that while the two sentries were adorned in their best marching ground decorations the weapons they carried weren’t theatrical props.
The Swarm Master nudged his Second and inclined an antenna at a weapon. Sesum looked over at the guards then said. “It’s the latest in an infantry weapon. An EL-2, I believe is its classification, and hasn’t been approved for use by the General Swarm.”
Before Zelof could respond to his Second’s statement or ask why the new weapons hadn’t been released to the General Swarm, the door opened. The two leaders saw another Iidx with his thorax adorned with precious metals and gems framed in the entrance. The Swarm Master recognized him immediately as the Assembly’s Chamberlain, Betalimin. "Ah,” breathed the Iidx, “Swarm Masters.” He inclined a head to Zelof. “It is so good of you to come.” His tone became simpering. “I’m sure the request was inconvenient. “
“A request from the Presiding Assembly is never an inconvenience,” replied Zelof with a respectful bob of his head.
Without showing that he noticed the Swarm Master’s response Betalimin said, “If the Swarm Master would follow me. I will announce you to the Presiding Assembly of Queens.”
The Swarm Leaders left the hallway and moved into the cavernous audience chamber behind the Chamberlain. Their footsteps echoed in the empty expanse sounding loud in the silence. Beams of light streamed through the large windows that lined the chamber. Statues and guards filled the spaces between the windows. Banners of brilliant colors and designs representing the Consolidated Hives hung overhead from the high ceiling. Zelof noted that this time the weapons being held by the sentries were not modern weapons but a traditional pike. The Chamberlain conducted them the length of the hall to stand in front of a platform which had three elaborately carved and cushioned saddles.
Once he’d taken his own position Betalimin drew himself up in an important pose. “All present,” he called. His voice reverberated throughout the huge hall again. Zelof resisted the urge to give a slight laugh. ‘All present’ referred to the Chamberlain and the two Swarm leaders. The guards and other functionaries in the room were of no moment. His attention was drawn back as the Iidx continued his ritual. “Prepare to receive an audience with the Presiding Assembly of Queens.
“Neterlin of Hive Bhutem.” A Queen in all her regal finery that reflected her Hive of origin appeared from a side entrance at the left of the hall and moved across the platform to stand beside the right position on the platform. “Terekin of Hive Ghill,” echoed through the hall. This time a Queen appeared from a door to their right and moved to the left position.
“All bow before the Queen Master for the Greater Hive, Desrin.” After making the announcement the Chamberlain bowed as did the other Queens and Swarm leaders. The last Queen entered the chamber from the same door as the first and took her place in the center of the platform.
When she reached her position the Queen Master waved her antennae and the Swarm leaders straightened from their bow. All three queens that comprised the Assembly settled on their saddles while everyone else remained standing. When they were in place the Chamberlain called out once again. “Your majesties, I present Zelof, Swarm Master for the Greater Hive. He has come in response to a regal summons.”
The Swarm Master felt his Second shift a minute fraction at the insult of not being included in the greeting but Sesum knew better than to object. It wasn’t considered appropriate for a male to reprimand the queens. A male could complain under his breath. Or he could even sound off to another male. Still if a queen overheard the criticism the male would find himself reassigned to the polar research facilities very quickly. Knowing this both Swarm leaders were careful to keep their opinions about the tactics used by the Assembly hidden.
“It is good that you have come,” said Desrin with a regal nod from her head. “We wish to commend you for the manner in which you dealt with the Kthpok. You made contact with an unknown alien race and established communications to confirm their peaceful intent.” She shook her antennae. “Even that statement does not portray the difficulties in preventing misunderstandings which could have resulted in hostilities. Your accomplishment is without precedent in our history.” Zelof bowed his head once again in recognition of the praise but kept his silence.
“Although we have asked you here to formally recognize your efforts we also have questions.” Zelof saw that it was Terekin of Ghill who’d spoken. When she leaned forward the Swarm leaders could see that her fringed antennae quivered from suppressed emotion. “When we extended the true-hand of fellowship to the Kthpok and invited them to Main Hive you questioned the decision of the Queens.” She gestured at the other members of the Presiding Assembly.
“Now, you request an audience to discuss a threat to the Consolidated Hives. May we assume this threat is…,” she paused and shook her head. “Perhaps I should re-phrase. Can we assume the Kthpok may be involved in this danger?”
“They may,” replied Zelof in the same diplomatic tones and gave a slight nod of his head. “As required by my office I wish to inform the Presiding Assembly of what I have observed which raises my concerns. It is the duty of the Assembly to decide what actions are to be taken.”
The three Queens glanced at each other, each giving a silent signal to the other. “Very well,” said Desrin in stern tones. “We are very aware of our duty to the Hive, Swarm Master. You may present your concerns.”
“Thank you, your Majesty.” At a gesture from his superior Sesum handed a memory disk to the Chamberlain who looked at the device then passed it to still another Iidx who dropped it into a slot in a console. A moment later a large screen attached to one wall flashed to show the Kthpok fleet. “What you will see is a time-edited record of the Kthpok operation taking possession of Tarren Island,” said Zelof by way of introduction. “After viewing this record and hearing the reasons for my recommendation you may wish to view the unedited version. It will be made available at your request.”
He waited for permission to continue. The queens looked at each other once again. After several tense moments the Queen Master bobbed her head in permission. At a gesture from the Swarm Master the Iidx at the computer activated the sequence Zelof had seen so many times before.
When the image of the largest Kthpok ship sitting on the landing slab constructed through rather unorthodox methods disappeared from the screen Desrin, the Master Queen, spoke. “That was very impressive, Swarm Master. I don’t think our Space Swarm could have done better.”
“That’s part of the concern I’m trying to convey, your Majesty,” said Zelof. “What you have just seen was an assault upon and the seizure of enemy territory by the Kthpok. It is not what one would expect of friends.” He gave an emphatic sweep of a true-hand in the direction of the coast. “And now that they’ve occupied the island access to any Iidx of any rank is denied. It has been made plain that any unauthorized personnel, meaning any non-Kthpok, will be killed.”
“If our people had offered help to an alien race then been attacked and obliterated by that same race, we wouldn’t be inclined to accept the trust of still another alien race,” suggested Queen Neterlin.
“Meaning no disrespect, your Highness,” said the Swarm Master, “but our history seems to provide a differing viewpoint. I’ll grant that while the Iidx have never been near extinction as a species individual Hives have been destroyed. After being banished from their own Hive lands the exiled remnants with their Queens accepted assistance from any Hives they came across. There was not the level of paranoia now shown by the Kthpok.”
Queen Terekin gestured with a true-hand. “That was assistance from beings with shells like us,” she reminded. “They were accepted into the new Hive but the workers, people such as yourself, were eliminated.” She shook her head in sadness. “Although that hasn’t been the case for centuries. We live in more civilized times.
“We do not know the tactics used by the humans to gain the trust of the Kthpok. What we do know is that the Kthpok offered assistance to an alien race and received radioactive fire as a reward.”
“That’s the story the Kthpok have provided, your Highness,” replied Zelof. “It may be a true representation of what occurred.” He paused as if considering then spoke again. “But there is also the possibility it may not be accurate.”
“You’re saying the Kthpok lied about humans inciting a war and destroying the Kthpok civilization?” asked Neterlin.
The Swarm master waved his antennae to show his ignorance. “Evidence does point to the Kthpok being in a fight,” Zelof said. “That’s incontrovertible. Although,” he held up a true-hand for emphasis, “we have no evidence that the damage we can detect was made by an alien species invading the Kthpok hive system. In fact, the Kthpok may have been the invaders in another system and were repelled. The humans could have followed the Kthpok home to prevent further attacks. Another possibility is that we’re facing the losing side of a civil war. Or this may be a carefully choreographed attempt at the conquest of our planet, our system, and our people.” His antennae gestured ignorance once more. “We don’t know and need more information for a more accurate analysis.”
Desrin nodded, her antennae waving as she thought. “Verifying the Kthpok story is prudent,” she said and cocked her head. “Since we don’t know where they come from…” An amused wave of her antennae began as she paused. “And even if we did know where their system of origin is we don’t have a stellar drive which would allow us to get there for a proper investigation. So how do you propose we verify the Kthpok story?”
Zelof took a deep breath and let it out. “That’s the problem, your Majesty,” he said. “The only location that will have all the information we need is in their computers.”
Neterlin gave a snort of derision. “That is a reasonable assumption, Swarm Master. But I don’t see how that will help us,” she said. “As you have so ably pointed out the Kthpok are denying our people access to the island. I don’t think they’ll look favorably on a request for unlimited access to their computers. So how do you propose we get the information you seek which will verify their story?”
The Swarm Master turned to look at Queen Neterlin and bowed his head in acknowledgement. “You are correct, your Highness,” he said. “They will not allow us access.”
“And?” prodded Desrin. “Your solution?”
“I want authorization from the Presiding Assembly to send an Infiltration Team to take the data from the Kthpok computers.”
“No!” exclaimed Terekin jumping to her feet, antennae stiffened in surprise and fear. The other queens appeared just as shocked. She looked over at Desrin. “We cannot, Queen Master! We will not! If such a team is sent in and the Kthpok find out we’ve been there they’d never believe that all we were doing was trying to verify their story. They’d never believe anything we’d say. At worst the Kthpok will attack and we’ll be forced to complete the extinction of their race. Or, at the least, they’ll isolate themselves even more. Either way the Iidx people lose any chance of arranging a trade of technology for resources.”
“I understand the risks, your Highness,” replied the Swarm Master. “I’m very well aware of what we have to gain from the Kthpok. But I’m looking at the problem from the aspect of a protector of the Hives.” He gave a respectful twitch of his antennae in an attempt to take any insult out of his words. “When I was assigned to the Swarm by the Selection I took an oath to defend the Consolidated Hives against any enemy.
“Now that I’ve met the Kthpok and heard their story and seen their paranoia I want to know what they’re hiding. Their story may be truth. But I, as a protector, I have to wonder what are the risks if the Kthpok are lying? If their actual objective is to conquer our planets I want to be ready.”
Queen Terekin’s antennae stiffened in anger as she ignored the Swarm Master’s gesture of request and took umbrage at his statement. She went to speak but Desrin stopped her. “We appreciate your concern for our people, Swarm Master,” the Master Queen said. “Perhaps this request is premature? If we wait, the Kthpok may provide us with the answers and proof you seek.”
“They may, your Majesty,” said Zelof. “Of course, the proof may come in a manner we would find disagreeable." He gave a slight shrug. “But if we wait and the information is not provided our Infiltration Teams may find their task almost impossible. At the present time the defenses for the Kthpok facility on Tarren Island are under construction. An Infiltration Team will be able to slip in and out with fewer risks of detection.”
Desrin stood and the other Queens followed suit. “We understand the difficulties and appreciate your concern,” she said. “Have you prepared a detailed report?”
The Swarm Master gestured again and Sesum handed another memory disk to the Chamberlain.
“We will review your data and consider your request, Swarm Master. You will be informed of our decision when we have completed our deliberation. You may return to your ship.”
With that the audience was over. Zelof and Sesum bowed their heads as protocol demanded while the three Queens who comprised the Presiding Assembly left the room in reverse order of their entry.
As ordered, the two Swarm leaders left the capital hive and returned to the flagship in orbit. As they waited for a response from the Presiding Assembly scans from the surveillance satellites were used to map the Kthpok base that was taking shape on Main Hive. The information obtained would be used to plan the infiltration if it was approved.
It was three days after the audience with the Presiding Assembly that Zelof received a message from the Queens and called his Second to his office. As Sesum entered the room he noticed that the Swarm Master’s office was unusually disheveled. Several stewards were moving around, taking files and decorations from their places and putting them in cases. It looked like Zelof was making a move. “We’ve received new orders,” announced Zelof before Sesum could ask any questions. “And it appears the Assembly isn’t willing to break up a team that works so well. So you’re coming with me.”
“New orders?” echoed Sesum. “You’re the Swarm Master for the Greater Hive and will hold that position for life. I thought the station for that assignment was on the flagship for the First Space Swarm.”
“It appears that the Queens have reconsidered that posting,” replied Zelof and held up an actual printed order for Sesum to see. “This was delivered by courier about an hour ago. They’ve determined that space is much too dangerous for the Master of the Greater Hives Defense Force. The loss or capture of that particular Iidx at a critical point during hostilities would compromise the safety of the Iidx people. Therefore, the Swarm Master for the Greater Hive is to relocate to a specified base on Main Hive. I am to direct the affairs of the Swarm from that location. It’s being prepared now.”
“I see,” said Sesum. “And just where is the new center of operations supposed to be?”
The Swarm Master gave a snort of disgust. “Our new posting is at the only space port in a desert.”
“You have got to be kidding!” exclaimed the Second. “We’ve been sent to Wartten?” Zelof gave a confirming wave from his antennae. “That’s not a reposting, that’s exile!” complained Sesum. “But what about the Kthpok? Our request to obtain more information?”
“It seems we’ve been given our answer,” replied Zelof with an amused dip from his antennae.