He very much wanted to explode, just then. It was perhaps not the best possible time. “It is not commonly accepted conduct,” he said, in a deep, growling voice, “to broadcast troop movements in a time of war.” He had to hand it to the elder. The old woman didn’t wince. “I’m not a soldier. I’m not aware of such things.” “The enemy is, in all likelihood, monitoring every communication that gets transmitted in clear, anywhere on this planet,” Lanoe went on. “If I were them, I know I would. From now on anything you say about us—anything—needs to be encrypted. Better yet, don’t transmit at all.” “That will limit my ability to—” “We had—perhaps we had—some element of surprise before,” Lanoe went on, ignoring her. “The enemy didn’t know we were coming. They didn’t know this planet had any space-based defense. Now, thanks to your little slipup, they know the Navy has gotten involved. Can you see how that compromises our mission?” “Yes, of course I can.
