The marshal unclasped his breathing mask and slipped it aside, though the dense atmosphere of that place was barely sustainable to human life. The Korean did the same.
"Commander Shin, I believe." Shannon's second was only mildly taken back by the use of his name and proper rank.
"Bota."
"MARSHAL Bota."
"You didn't come all this way to tell me…(he struggled for breath)… how many men you stabbed in the back! What do you want?"
"One would expect a cornered monkey to show more respect."
"A cornered MAN has nothing to live for. Speak your piece and get out."
"All right. I want the hostages. I want them now. Your civilian ships will be allowed. . .to whimper to Soviet Space. We won't stop them. It's your hides we're after."
"You'll let them go, just like that. Is that why you destroyed ALL our ships? Is that why your ground equipment is lined up against us?"
"Oh, yes. There is that. Well. We've had our little talk. Enjoy your moment of heroism. Lord knows. . .I'll enjoy ending it." He started to walk away, then turned. "Oh, about the hostages." Shin's glare was unchanging. "Cut off their heads, and throw them down into the mines. I'm going grind you to powder."