Page 29 of Warrior’s Mate

A clerk answered. "Moving."

"East orchard crews?"

"Still trying to reach supervisors."

"Medical residence?"

"Transport requested."

"Don't request. Assign. Give them two grain haulers if you have to."

"They're not passenger-rated."

"They have restraint rails and sealed cabins."

The clerk nodded and changed the order. A military priority channel broke through the local network. Kaiven answered.

"Daratu."

"Captain, regional fallback command. Confirm situation."

Kaiven gave the report. The officer on the other end sounded as though he were speaking from a room full of shouting.

"Hold district assets. Brigade response units are being redeployed."

"ETA?"

"Unknown."

"Enemy troop carriers are already on the ground."

"Understood."

"Then give me air support."

"Unavailable."

"Ground response?"

"Unavailable."

"Evacuation lift?"

A pause.

"Unavailable."

Kaiven's face became very still. Maelis knew enough about him now to understand that stillness meant anger, not calm.

"What's available?" he asked.

"We're coordinating."

"With whom?"

Another pause.

"Captain, maintain district control. Further instructions pending."