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.”
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