The Tower and the Hive by Anne McCaffrey

his broad pink face suggesting that he’d be very willing to accompany any such expedition. Grm gave Thian a long searching, hopeful look.
    â€œYou go, Prime. I go and Sam,” it said with more than usual firmness.
    All three regarded the Admiral, who looked from one to another as if he doubted their good sense.
    â€œSuch a mission, seeing the queens in their natural habitat, would be most instructive, sir,” Sam said, his body taut with anticipation. “I’d like to take as many readings as possible, of soil, air ... anything that might be useful for our study of the Hivers as a species. And perhaps leave remotes to view while we’re still in orbit?”
    Ashiant gave a snort, then exhaled with a combination of impatience and irritation.
    â€œVery well,” he said, flicking his fingers to show that he was not happy with the request but permitting it. “If there is any reaction groundside, you’ll be hauled out instantly.” He fixed a basilisk stare at Clancy, who nodded vigorously in agreement.
    Sam’s face was beatific, Grm did a little dance on its feet and Thian grinned.
    â€œAnd that squad will be right there beside you ...” Ashiant pointed at each in turn. Then he twisted around, finger pointing at Clancy, who was trying to maintain an imperturbable expression, though his eyes danced. “And you don’t lose sight of them for one moment.”
    â€œNo sir, of course, sir,” Clancy replied, sitting up as if at attention. One of the probes zigzagged and he instantly rectified its course.
    â€œSir, if I may be allowed to lead the surface party,” Lieutenant Commander Semirame Kloo said, “I’d be able to assist Lieutenant Sparrow with a speedy evacuation.”
    Ashiant widened his eyes, threw both hands in the air and rose to his feet.
    â€œYou’re all mad. Very well, Commander. Assemble a squad. Handpicked martial arts experts. I’ve seen the clips of how fast that queen can move the few times she has. Side arms, missile-loaded. I want to see where you intend to land! And you” —Ashiant pointed again to Thian, his finger shaking a bit—“wear body armor.”
    â€œYes sir.”
    Ashiant glared about the room once more and then with an exasperated “Whoosh” went through to the bridge.
    â€œAdmiral on the bridge,” was plainly heard just as the door slid shut.
    Thian brought his hands together with a loud clap. “Let’s get with it, team,” he said enthusiastically. “Sam, you get into body armor too. Grm, do you have anything similar?”
    Grm drew itself up to its full meter and a half. “I am ’Dini. I need no armor against queens.”
    I could throw Grm back by myself, if I had to, Semirame said with a sniff. Then she held up her wrist com and started snapping out her orders.
    â€œShall I keep on with the probes?” Clancy asked.
    â€œPlease, Clancy. We ought to have a full surface scan so we can map all the Hiver installations. Get Lea Day up here to help, and who’s that other good telekinetic on board?”
    â€œVlad Ivanov in the machine shop,” Thian said. “He’ll do fine if he’s available.”
    â€œHe is,” Semirame said, interrupting herself. “Thought he’d be needed. And have you picked out our landing spot?”
    â€œYes.” Thian pointed to one of the unused screens in the bank ranged across the bulkhead. A scene came up from some of the initial footage of their day’s scanning of Arcadia.
    â€œBy a collection facility?” Semirame asked in surprise.
    â€œWhy not? That space right there.” Thian put the cursor on the spot. “Nice open space for the shuttle, good visibility. Computer, print screen five.” The hard copy rapidly extruded from the unit and he handed it to Semirame, who frowned as she scanned it. “Copy to the Admiral’s screen. I’ll leave it up for you,