The Iidx had evolved in the hot, humid rain forests that covered most of Main Hive. In fact, only a very few areas on the planet weren’t covered by the rain forest. Those areas were the Polar Regions which had a thin coating of ice, moderate sized grasslands along the coasts of the five continents and a single large desert in the middle of the largest landmass of Paccu. Because of their preference for heat and humidity the Iidx tolerated the grasslands but avoided the desert and the poles if possible.
Instead of being on the Swarm flagship in orbit Zelof was commanding Wartten, the only military base situated almost in the center of the planets single large desert. That was in addition to his duties of Swarm Master. The new posting had been announced as a policy change by the Queens. In the press release they explained that space battles were acknowledged to be very dangerous places and it wasn’t good policy for the individual who directed the entire Iidx military to be placed in unnecessary danger. Thus the reassignment was intended to benefit the Iidx people by protecting the Swarm Master. Despite the official announcement and regardless of what the general public thought everyone in the military realized the Swarm Master had been exiled to the ‘Big Dry’ for doing something wrong. As had those already posted there.
Although he knew he was being punished for challenging the Presiding Assembly’s decision on the Kthpok Zelof had no time to worry about doing penance. There were measures that had to be taken for the protection of his people. And he was handling one of those measures right now as he was traveling to another. Clasped in his true-hands was an electronic pad that displayed the information he’d requested his Second prepare.
The windows of the vehicle he was riding in were darkened to keep out the intense light and heat of the desert beyond. Although he’d never seen a desert before the rocks, sand and scrub brush of the surrounding terrain were ignored as Zelof was immersed in the contents of the pad.
“Close but not quite what I’m looking for,” he muttered and keyed for the next record. This would be the eleventh candidate he’d reviewed. Or was it the tenth. Zelof shook his head in frustration. He hadn’t found an Iidx with the right level or type of experience for what he had in mind. Some were close to meeting his qualifications but there was always something missing. After a moment of scanning the next record he paused then reread the bio. His antennae began to quiver. Perhaps this was the Iidx he wanted.
There was a lurch as the driver of the vehicle shifted gears and started up an incline. Zelof glanced out a side window to get an idea of where they were. It was obvious they were climbing a hill. Satisfied, it wouldn’t be much longer before they reached their destination he turned back to the pad. A moment later a shift to the left indicated a sharp turn but Zelof had attention only for what he was reading.
“Now, this seems promising,” he said and called for more detail. Pictured on the small screen was an Iidx that had obviously experienced combat. The soldier’s exoskeleton had been abraded and burned, patched and scored in various places. It was discolored in several areas of the thorax from severe wounds that’d healed poorly. The vehicle moved to the right. As Zelof read the accomplishments and assignments of the soldier his antennae stopped trembling and began to bob as he thought. “He just might do,” he said and made an entry marking the record.
After keying in the command to get the next record he saw that he’d gone through all the bios in the file. “Now that was convenient,” he muttered and tapped in the sequence to shut down the device. “The last bio was the best one. I wonder if Sesum did that deliberately to make sure I went through them all.” He gave his antennae an amused wave.
The pad was just beginning to close down when the vehicle he was in lurched to a stop. Zelof glanced out his window again as the driver climbed out. He could see his destination was just as bleak and barren as when he’d gotten into the vehicle back at the main portion of the base. A moment later his door opened letting a wall of hot dry air rush into the cool interior. He took a moment to place the pad in a slot built in the seat next to him. A dim green light appeared on the device as the sequence to transfer the data to the main computer of the base some thirty miles away was activated. With that completed the Swarm Master left the vehicle.
Streamers of sand rippled across the ceramacrete surface from the breeze that was blowing up the slope from the valley below. Only moments after he’d left the vehicle an itch began to develop in his thorax as the moisture was baked out of his shell by the sun’s intense heat. A quick glance around revealed that he was near the top of the medium sized hill on the eastern side of a large desolate plain that was the military’s gunnery range. The road they’d been on wound back down the slope and then crossed a small valley to disappear into the mountains beyond. His vehicle had parked next to a ceramacrete bunker that overlooked the range. Someone must’ve been watching for the Swarm Master’s arrival as the commander for Wartten’s Ground Forces left the bunker and moved towards the Swarm Master.
General Sandendum stopped a yard from Zelof, came to attention and saluted. After the Swarm Master returned the salute the general gestured. “Welcome Swarm Master,” he said and motioned towards the entrance. “If you’d come this way. It’s not as hot inside. The exercise you requested is about to begin.”
“Thank you, General,” Zelof replied and motioned for Sandendum to lead the way. “I’m very much interested in this test. The results here have ramifications for other projects that are still in the design phase.”
Sandendum bobbed his understanding while moving from the Swarm Master’s vehicle towards the observation post. “We’ll see what we can do to get you the results you need, Swarm Master. As instructed our forces have been given their objectives for this exercise and are to determine their own course of action,” he said then repeated. “As instructed.” The general gave a slight amused shake of his antennae at the phrase. “That means my commander’s have brought in every artillery piece and gunner pod they could get their hands on and laid in the heaviest, most destructive shells short of nuclear they could find.”
“That’s good,” Said Zelof. “That much firepower should give us the best readings possible.”
By this time the two Iidx had reached the bunker’s entrance. Sandendum stepped off to one side and indicated that Zelof should enter first as protocol demanded.
The Swarm Master took a deep breath of relief as he walked through the bunker’s entrance into its darker, cooler interior. He paused for a moment to let his eyes adjust and saw there were several Iidx in the room sitting in front of monitoring equipment. The soft hum of a humidifier could be heard coming from a corner near the entrance. General Sandendum followed the Swarm Master into the bunker and the hatch slid shut to keep the cooler, humid air inside. Satisfied he wouldn’t walk into anyone Zelof moved to the far side of the bunker where the observation port was situated. The General remained with his commander. Reaching into a harness pouch hanging from his thorax Zelof removed a set of scopes and used them to examine the Gunnery Range.
The bunker was set atop a cliff that overlooked the plain beyond. Zelof noted that this observation post couldn’t have been better placed. He had a fantastic view of the valley that was spread out before him. Heat waves rising off the desert floor distorted the image slightly as Zelof scanned the area. He noted that in the middle of the sandy expanse below, about five miles distant, was a slight rise in the valley floor covered with dirt and bushes. From the précis for the exercise he knew that the rise was a camouflaged, hardened structure. That was the target his gunners were shooting for.
“Very good,” Zelof said as he continued to look out at the range. “Everything appears to be in order.” He lowered the scopes to look at Sandendum who was standing next to him. “Have the construction crews confirmed they’ve completed their work and are out of the target area?” Zelof asked. The general nodded.
“The telemetry from our equipment?”
This time Sandendum turned to an Iidx who was at a nearby console. “Well?” the general asked.
“All links are coming in strong, sir,” Lieutenant Injatum replied. “No difficulties, general.”
“Artillery?” asked Zelof.
“Artillery reports ranging shots loaded and targeted, Swarm Master,” Commander Canzen reported from his console.
“All right then,” the Swarm Master said, “let’s get this the exercise started.”
Sandendum saluted then turned to pass the order to Injatum. Other Iidx in the room bent over their consoles to monitor the progress and results of this exercise. A moment later explosions began appearing on the valley floor below then a distant, dull thunder was heard.
Zelof raised his scopes once again to get a better view. “Targeting is off,” he commented. “Most of our shells are falling short and the shells they’re using appear to be of low yield. That’s the ranging shot.” A moment later his antennae began waving his approval. “There, our Spotters are correcting.” More flashes appeared in the valley coming in right on top of the target area. Rocks, sand and dust flew skyward. Then the heavy shells came in resulting in a series of mushroom shaped clouds rising into the air. The rumbling intensified and a trembling was felt underfoot.
Zelof turned to Lieutenant Injatum. “Are we receiving telemetry, Lieutenant?” he wondered.
“All transmissions from the target remain within parameters, Swarm Master,” came the swift reply. The Swarm Master grunted and turned back to watch. Flashes, smoke and dust obscured the view of the target and still the shells fell.
After almost an hour of continual, heavy bombardment the explosions stopped. A short time later the rumbling ceased. “Status,” barked Zelof still examining the area.
“Telemetry remained constant during the entire exercise, Swarm Master,” replied Injatum. “It’s still holding at optimum levels. There’s been no interruption.”
“Investigation Pod is on their way to the target,” reported Commander Canzen who was sitting at the console next to the Lieutenant. “How soon they report depends on their ability to gain entrance.”
Zelof nodded his understanding and shifted his scopes to see a vehicle moving towards the target. A dust plume marked its progress across the valley. “I need to know how well the target survived,” he said. “The results will show if we need to adjust our designs.” Then he glared at the Canzen. “I need those Iidx in there!”
“Yes, Swarm Master,” replied Canzen and turned back to his equipment.
“Now,” continued Zelof turning to General Sandendum, “about our artillery. The initial ranging was slightly off but our Spotters had it corrected quickly.” He gestured with a true-hand. “We have to get the ranging right the first time. That’s what the lasers are for. An enemy won’t give us time to correct before they begin counter fire. Have the crews spend more time in live fire exercises.”
Sandendum saluted and hurried off to arrange for the Swarm Masters instruction to be carried out. Sesum, who’d arrived in the bunker just as the bombardment ended, walked over to join Zelof at the observation port. “Are you sure that’s necessary?” he asked. “After all, we haven’t fought an actual enemy since the Amalgamation. And that was,” the Second paused to consider, “that was just over a hundred years ago.”
Zelof looked at the Swarm Second, his antennae moving in surprise. He was tempted to ask why his Second had returned from his assignment early but thought better of it. Instead he chose to answer Sesum’s question and nodded. “Yes, this training’s necessary,” he replied. “You’ve got it right that we haven’t fought a real war in a century. And that makes our forces unprepared. Oh,” he gestured at the roof of the bunker and towards the ships in orbit with his antennae; “we have ships that are capable enough. And we’ve handled small uprisings. But our maintenance and live fire rotations have been reduced by the Queens to save on costs. Equipment is failing at an increased rate.”
He put out both true-arms in disgust. “You’ve seen the reports. Our Swarm is formidable on paper.” Zelof shrugged. “But we don’t know how the crews’ll react in combat situations. Exercises like this are the best way we’ve got to have our people’s training ingrained so they can react properly in a stressful situation.”
Sesum nodded. “I’ve seen the reports,” he confirmed. “And I’ve seen our budget figures. The Queens are not going to appreciate the expenses you’re incurring when we have no one to fight. Besides they’re going to want the funds you’re spending to pay for the assistance given to the Kthpok”
The Swarm Master glared at his Second. “I’m not worried about funding the Kthpok! Their story doesn’t feel right. So I’m going to do what I can to get the Swarm ready if called upon to defend the Hives.”
He turned back to the observation port and stared out at the Gunnery Range. The Swarm Second joined him in looking out. Dust from the bombardment which had been thrown high into the sky was still settling and made for poor visibility. It appeared the breeze that was present when he’d arrived had stopped. “I’ve marked the bio of an officer from those you sent me and dumped it to the system,” Zelof announced. “Have him transferred here.”
“Yes, Swarm Master.”
Zelof turned to face Sesum and took a deep breath, pitching his voice so only his Second could hear. “Now, you were in the capital to obtain supplies. Your schedule had you in Cosli for another few days. Why are you here?” he asked.
The Swarm Second didn’t reply. He just pulled an electronic pad from a harness pouch, activated it and handed it to the Swarm Master.
Zelof nodded his thanks and turned his attention to the device. He read for a few moments then stopped with a sharp intake of breath. His antennae stiffened. Looking up, he kept his voice pitched low and said, “no wonder you hurried back here with this news. When did this request come in?”
“Four days ago,” replied Sesum also keeping his voice low. No one else in the room paid any attention to the exchange. Senior officers held private discussions in public all the time.
Zelof slowly lowered the pad and stared back out at the Gunnery Range. “Four days,” he muttered. “Less that a week after we got here and I haven’t been consulted or notified.” He swung around to face his Second. “Has a decision by the Queens been made?”
Sesum nodded his head. “Their permission was transmitted a day before I learned of the Kthpok request. That was yesterday. I’d’ve been here sooner but it took me this long to make travel connections that wouldn’t arouse suspicions.” The Second gestured at the pad. “There’s more,” he said. “The Queens have issued an order that the Kthpok are to be given access to all our technology and facilities. They’re determined to help our ‘friends’ rebuild their strength so they can recover their planet. Nothing’s to be held back.”
“I see,” said Zelof, nodding his head. “How did you find out about this?” He held out the pad.
“It wasn’t through any overt or covert act of espionage if that’s what you’re worried about,” said Sesum as he waved his antennae at the device. “This message was supposed to have been sent to all military posts as well as the media outlets.” He left unsaid the obvious. The Queens had sent word to every post but the one where the Swarm Master was. “I learned what was going on when a major in supply wanted to know how you felt about the decision.” He gestured again at the pad Zelof held. “I’ve also appended some public news broadcasts at the end. As I returned to Wartten I observed the civilian bands and it seems the average Iidx approves of the decision.”
“But our planetary military posts?” asked Zelof gesturing with the pad. “Why do the Kthpok need to inspect those facilities? I can understand the factories although I don’t like it. I can even see why they’d need access to our ships.” He threw out his true-arms in exasperation. “And there’s the request to visit our government sites!”
Sesum shrugged. “Perhaps it’s to build better relations between allied peoples,” he suggested and shook his antennae. “I have no idea. The Queens in their awesome wisdom haven’t made me privy to their deliberations.”
“Or perhaps, it’s the Queens being naïve!” shot the Swarm Master his voice a little louder and insistent then his antennae drooped. “I’m sorry, Sesum” he said and he dropped the volume of his voice again. “Because of my actions the Queens have determined me to be a liability in dealing with the Kthpok. You’re considered tainted because you’ve been my Second for years. Although I would’ve thought they’d’ve told me about their decision. After all, I am still the Swarm Master and need to know what's happening with the Swarm to plan effectively.”
“Your actions?” exclaimed Sesum forgetting they weren’t alone. His voice was loud enough to startle the other officers in the bunker as they were going about their duties. Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked over at the two Swarm Leaders. “Your actions are necessary to protect the Hives!” said Sesum as his frustration at the Queens added volume to his voice. He gestured at the pad for the third time. “If there’s been a miscalculation it’s been made by the people who made that decision!”
A stunned silence greeted the Seconds statement. The Iidx at the consoles turned back to make a point of working their equipment and appearing busy rather that paying attention to the two leaders. Their quivering antennae revealed their suppressed emotions. It was well known that all males criticized decisions made by the Queens. But that was always in private where it could be denied and was never done in public by a senior officer where the criticism could be overheard or recorded.
The awkward silence was broken when General Sandendum walked over to the Swarm Leaders. “Our investigation pod’s been able to enter the target, Swarm Master,” he announced. “They report minimal damage.”
When their commander ignored the ill-advised comments and made his report the noise level picked back up as the other Iidx officers actually resumed their tasks. The Swarm Master nodded an acknowledgment of the general’s report. “Have a detailed report prepared,” Zelof ordered. “I’ll want to review it when I get back to my office. There’s something I have to attend to but I’ll be back in just a moment.”
Taking Sesum by an arm Zelof led his Second out of the bunker and over to the vehicle Sesum had arrived in. It wasn’t hard to know which was the Second’s transport since there were only two vehicles parked next to the bunker. All Zelof had to do was select the one he didn’t recognize.
When they were standing beside the vehicle Zelof turned to Sesum. “Act like I’m giving you a royal deshelling,” he instructed. In response Sesum sagged and let his antennae droop. “Good,” said Zelof, nodding his head and gestured in an exaggerated manner. “That’s for the benefit of anyone who’s watching or listening. We have no idea if the Queens have placed an informant in our staff but we have to assume they have.”
Sesum’s antennae perked up again and he straightened from his posture of humility. The Swarm Master could tell his friend was indignant at the idea anyone would spy for the Queens against their military commander. Before Sesum could say anything Zelof held up a true-hand. “You’re being ‘chastised’ remember?” Sesum slumped again.
“I know,” Zelof continued. “I hope it’s not true but, at this point, we have to be careful. We have to assume the Queens have antennae everywhere.” He turned back to look at the bunker’s entrance. There didn’t appear to be anyone watching.
Zelof returned his attention to Sesum. “You know Wartten is exile for us and we aren’t the only Iidx who’s been exiled. Everyone in Wartten is here because they’ve offended the wrong people or were caught in ‘extra-curricular’ activities that were less than savory. They’re the dregs of the military. Some would do anything to anyone to get out of here. And that includes informing on us.”
He waved his antennae back towards the bunker as he continued. “We have to retrain, reform and reconstitute these people into an effective force. If the Kthpok are the threat we think and fear they are these people are all we’ll have to fight with.
“Now, remember I told you earlier that I’ve marked the file of an officer?” Sesum nodded in apparent dejection from a rebuke. “Get him transferred here as soon as possible,” Zelof ordered. “While he’s coming tell him to ponder how he’s going to create the best Infiltration Pod any military force has ever seen. He can select anyone, from any Hive or posting, for that Pod. There are no limits other than a maximum size for the pod of six people. He should have candidates in mind when he arrives.”
Sesum reached into a pouch on his harness and retrieved a pad then began making notes. “I’ll have him report to you in several days, a week at the most,” he said.
“I also want a meeting arranged with the senior officers of Wartten,” Zelof continued. “Although they’re as outcast as the rest of us we have to get them to help us help our people regain their élan before the Kthpok spring any surprises on us.” He gave an amused wave from his antennae. “And if our people won’t do it in a willing manner we’ll kick their shells until they get the idea. Of course this assumes there’s a surprise the Kthpok are going to spring.”
Sesum nodded. “I’ll see that it gets done. Sending us here amongst misfits may actually work to our advantage. If they think what we’re doing is against the Queen’s wishes most’ll probably respond enthusiastically. From what I’ve seen no one here are avid fans of out illustrious leaders. Is there anything else?”
As Zelof shook his head he motioned for the Swarm Second to go back to Wartten. “You go on ahead and get things in motion,” he said. “I’ll remain here to get more information about the results of our little ‘exercise’.” He nodded at his own vehicle and driver. “I’ve got my own ride.”
After watching Sesum’s ground effect vehicle drive off leaving ripples in the thin covering of sand that was layered on the pavement the Swarm Master returned to the observation bunker. As he re-entered the darkened interior he noticed General Sandendum was standing over an officer sitting at a computer console. Zelof walked over and peered down at what was being displayed. “Is this the information on the targets survivability?” he asked.
The two Iidx were so intent on the data that they started at the Swarm Masters voice and jumped to attention. “I’m sorry, sir,” Sandendum said as he gave a quick salute. “I didn’t realize you’d returned.”
Zelof gave an amused wave of his antennae and acknowledged the salute. “You’re being kind, General,” he said. “My time with the infiltration pods was short and ended long ago. There’s no insult or insubordination recognized here. Now,” he indicated the screen and repeated the question, “is that information on the target?”
The General moved aside to let the Swarm Master have a better view at the data coming in. “Yes sir, it’s just started coming in,” he replied. Zelof inclined his head and read for a moment. “It appears the target facility survived in good shape,” Sandendum commented. “There was some minor damage but nothing that hampered its operation.”
Zelof nodded. “It was hoped our new hardening techniques would survive an intense bombardment.”
Sandendum nodded again. “It survived a bombardment more intense than any in history. Our calculations show that this exercise simulated a sustained ground strike with a medium range nuclear device.”
Gesturing at the terminal the Swarm Master spoke. “Have the data transmitted to the Secure Hive project. They’ll know where to take it from there.”
Zelof was at his desk in his office at Wartten base. The room was lavishly appointed with rich furniture and momentoes he’d acquired through his many years in the Swarm. Facing his desk was a large window that looked out at the sprawling base. But there wasn’t much to see outside but hot, dry blowing sand, hot bushes and a few hot ceramacrete structures as the bulk of the base was comfortably underground. He sighed and called up another report. The Presiding Assembly might have banished him from space but they’d ‘allowed’ him to keep his title. And that meant he had to face the full brunt of the bureaucracy with none of the fun or diversions found in space. Although he was required to wade through one inane report after another this time the data appearing on his screen was something he actually wanted to see.
After a few moments of reading the executive summary his antennae began quivering in intensity. According to this report the Secure Hive project was progressing well. The results of the gunnery range test a week ago had given other projects the go signal. He skipped the rest of the synopsis and called up the statistics. Splitting the screen, another file was opened. “Let’s see what the comparisons tell me,” he said.
A few keystrokes initiated the procedure Zelof wanted. The data began scrolling and he continued muttering. “This’s good. The site’s been cleared and excavation’s proceeding. Equipment has been ordered with ten percent delivered. Everything’s on time. The… oh, that’s not good. That’ll send up alarms for the bureaucrats.”
Zelof called for the appendix and began reading. “Over runs,” he muttered, “that may cost us more than funds.”
The Swarm Master was so engrossed in finding the source of the cost over run that he jumped in surprise when the attention tone for the intercom sounded. “By the Black Egg!” he cursed and keyed the intercom to his aide. “Yes?” he asked. His tone was sharper than he intended.
“Commander Kazikami of the Gerez Infiltrators is reporting as ordered.”
“Who?” asked Zelof before he could shift mental gears away from the report he’d been studying. Then his mind clicked and the Swarm Master remembered. “Kazikami,” he repeated. “Kazikami, that’s right! Send him right in.” After cutting the link Zelof put the files he’d been reading in the background leaving the main screen visible then called the screen saver to his terminal.
A moment later the door to his office opened and a battle scarred Iidx walked in. After a slight hesitation at the door to gauge the layout of the furniture the officer moved with a brisk military stride to stand in front of the Swarm Masters desk. He saluted and stood at attention. “Commander Kazikami reporting as ordered.”
Zelof noted the parade ground form and resisted the urge to smile. This Iidx could have come straight from the Academy. Except, of course, for the scars, burns and abrasions on his shell. The Swarm Master acknowledged the salute. “Stand easy Commander,” he said then turned to the aide who’d followed the Commander in. “Thank you, Rayel. That’ll be all.” The aide saluted as well and left the office making sure the door was shut behind him.
Kazikami relaxed his stance and cocked an antenna in surprise. Over his long experience in the Swarm he’d spoken to many senior officers but never one as senior as the Swarm Master. And never alone. There was always a staff member present. Still he kept to protocol and remained silent.
“Have you selected your Infiltration Pod?” Zelof asked skipping all preamble.
“I have not Swarm Master,” replied Kazikami as he jumped back to attention.
Zelof moved his antennae in surprise. “Perhaps there was an error in the transmission of your orders. Weren’t you told to have your pod selected?”
The Commander stared straight ahead. “There was no error, Swarm Master. I was told to have candidates in mind.”
“Yet you have not done so.” It was a statement of fact not a question.
“That is correct, sir,” Kazikami replied.
“Why?” asked Zelof. He gestured with a true-hand at an electronic pad. “All of your superiors from prior postings have praised your devotion to duty.”
Kazikami dipped his head in acknowledgement. “I’m glad to hear my services have been valued.”
“So why? What happened that you failed to obey this time?”
The Commander cocked his head. A mischievous gleam could be seen in his multifaceted eyes. “There was no failure, Swarm Master.” When he saw the Swarm leaders questioning gesture he continued. “I have not been told the objective of the mission and what is to be infiltrated. Because of that I’ve been unable to make my selections. It wouldn’t do to have a mountaineer involved in an underwater operation.”
“Ah,” said Zelof, bobbing his head, “I understand your problem now, Commander. My apologies for the misunderstanding. Due to security issues it was determined that sending more details would compromise security.” The soldier dipped his antennae in understanding.
“However,” continued the Swarm Master, “I can solve that problem right now and we can get down to business.” Zelof made a few entries on his console that called a file to his terminal. He beckoned the Commander over and turned the monitor so both Iidx could see. “We’ll consider this a preliminary briefing,” he said. “After we’re finished I’ll make sure you have access to the entire file.”
He paused for a moment and glanced at the soldier. “You’ve been shown where you’re staying haven’t you?”
“Yes, Swarm Master. The OOD gave me a cell to deposit my gear before reporting.”
“Good,” said Zelof and keyed the intercom. “Before we get started there’s something else I’d better take care of this while I’m thinking about it.” When Rayel responded the Swarm Master said, “Commander Kazikami has been cleared for all files and materials involving Burrow. Make sure his cell has a terminal that works.”
After the aide had repeated the instructions and cut the link Zelof turned back to the Commander. “Now, that that’s out of the way let’s return to the summary.” He gestured to the screen. “As you can see this’s a satellite photo of your objective. It’s the Kthpok Base on Tarren Island that’s currently under construction. Intel suggests that when they finish they’ll have very sophisticated defenses.”
“If that’s my target our chances of success will be enhanced if we act before they’re finished,” commented Kazikami.
Zelof waved his antennae in agreement. “You’ll get no argument from me on that issue,” the Swarm Master said. “Now as far as we know the Kthpok are the only intelligent beings on the island. The Queen’s ordered our people evacuated in favor of the Kthpok so you won’t have to worry about any of our people giving you away.”
Kazikami gave an inquiring shake of his antennae and the Swarm Master shrugged. “Our ‘friends’ insisted on having all Iidx withdrawn from the island and the Queens complied. Any deliveries of supplies are made by ocean vessel and at specified times in Tarren Harbor. The sailors from the vessels aren’t allowed off ship. If any unauthorized personnel attempt entry to the island the Kthpok have announced that they will not be held responsible for the safety or survival of the individual."
The Commander learned forward and examined the screen. “That doesn’t sound like a people who need assistance and are grateful to those who provide it.”
Once again Zelof nodded his agreement. “This’s only one of several items which call the Kthpok story into question for me. I’ve got to know why they’re doing what they’re doing! So that brings us to your assignment. Your pod is to infiltrate the Kthpok facility being constructed on Terran Island. You’ll access their computers, download all the data you can and return it here for analysis. All of this is to be accomplished without the Kthpok being aware of your presence. I hope that the results of your mission will explain the strange behavior of the Kthpok.”
He paused and gestured with a true-hand at the terminal. “Does that provide sufficient information for you to select a pod?”
Kazikami bowed his head. “It will do, sir,” he said. “I’ll have the list for my pod within a day. A general infiltration plan and training schedule will be ready after another day. I’ll develop the details for the mission during training.”
Zelof grinned in approval. “Then why’re you still here?”
True to his word, Commander Kazikami returned to Zelof’s office within twenty-eight hours and handed the Swarm Master an electronic pad. “My pod, Swarm Master,” he announced. “How long will it take for them to be assigned here?”
Zelof took a moment to examine the names contained in the pad. Then he placed the device into a slot of his console. After entering a few commands to access the file and perform a search he consulted his screen. “Most of these people won’t be a problem,” he said. “I can have several of the Iidx listed at post within a day but,” he paused to scroll down. “There are two Iidx here who are on New Hive. Are these Iidx really necessary?"
Kazikami shrugged, “they’re necessary only if you want to know what the Kthpok are up to,” he stared at the Swarm Master, “without the Kthpok knowing that we’ve been there.”
Nodding his understanding, Zelof consulted his terminal once again. “I’ll have your entire pod here within five days.”
“By that time I’ll have our training schedule ready.”
The Swarm Master switched off his terminal and removed the pad. “You’ll have a compressed schedule, Commander. The Kthpok are almost finished with their facility on Main Hive and their defenses are being activated.”’
“We’ll move as soon as possible,” replied Kazikami. After saluting he left.
As he stared at the closing door Zelof whispered, “I hope it’s soon enough. The Kthpok have scheduled their first excursions for technology.”