"Recap, Brad," he ordered.
Brad tapped keys and the screen listed each
Plutonian ship in the Assault Force and its
Commander in one column and the readiness level
for launch in the other.
Brad pointed at the highlighted "Fleet readiness 92 percent."
"Allies?"
"Made the trip from home stations along diverse routes and under detection wraps. They're inside the comm-barrier an hour from Point Icarus. It'll take us that long to launch, form up, do the distance, and position ourselves to receive them."
A crewman's head appeared at the head of the companionway, looked about and fixed on Drummer.
"Call from security up at the tunnel entrance, sir.
Visitor to see you."
"Who is it?"
"Major Scarf, sir. Says he has urgent business to discuss with you."
Drummer and Brad exchanged glances. Hyk immediately
gave his full attention to his monitor's screen.
Drummer knew that neither he nor Hyk could refuse
Scarf's request to come aboard. He addressed Hyk.