"You'll get yours with the rest, Har," Drummer's tone reflected his tension. He turned to Brad.
"Brad, I wish to address the Commanders of all Plutonian ships. Set up closed communications, please."
"Yes, sir."
Brad strode to the console he and Drummer had used to assess the fleet's status a short while before. He detached a microphone from the bulkhead nearby, keyed the computer, and spoke.
"Attention, all ship Commanders of the Plutonian Assault Force. Rig for secure 'Commanders Only' communications with Admiral Drummer. The Admiral will speak in one minute. Countdown — start now."
He handed the mike to Drummer. The first of many uncertain steps would now be taken.
Drummer glanced at the ship's chronometer, then at Captain Hyk.
Time.
"Ship commanders, Admiral Drummer here. Our allies are approaching in formation and they will link up with us in seven minutes at Point Icarus. We must greet them properly. I order the Plutonian formation to come about immediately from its head-on orientation to the Terminals and cluster to face our allies. Do it now. At Point Icarus I will address the combined fleet."
Drummer paused, then added, "I am turning over the details of this change in formation to my Chief of Combat Operations. Follow his instructions without hesitation."