"It would be nice if we had a table large enough for all of us to eat at the same time, and in the same place." But how would you get a table that lar...e," Taachachi asked."I can't think of a way now, I was just wishing for one. There are many things I know of that would help us out greatly." Like what?" Taachachi asked, and it led to a long talk. I mentioned several things, and then encouraged them to do the same. Later we moved on to problems they had and I explained things I knew about that. "I thought I was coming back for a jolly time as a platoon commander again."Peter smiled sympathetically. "I promise you, Mark, the CO thought long and hard about this. I think he got it right. We're relying on you." Mm, I need to report regularly. I can hardly do that from the company office." No. I agree. See what you can arrange with the 14th/20th." I'm not sure I like that much either. I think a personal letter with the routine charter flight might be better." Good idea. See what you can. ”The dragon sounded pleased by this answer. “Ah, so you hate this warrior-woman just as much as she professes to revile you. Excellent! There are three levels of Challenge you may complete. Each with its own reward. Do you wish to hear the Terms?”The Black Valkyrie regarded her calmly. “I have successfully Challenged before. Are yours different than the Pearl Dragon’s?”“They are not.” The dragon replied. “Do you wish to waive my explanation, and state your preexisting understanding?”“I will. I. “N-no,” she admitted, her feathers drooping.“They can turn even a Krell into strips of meat. We’ve seen the Bugs launch large dropships, small landers, even individual drones contained within drop pods during a planetary invasion. Your fighters would not be able to track and destroy them all. I don’t know what your people encountered at Kerguela, but there’s no guarantee that this fleet will have anything in common with that hive. The Bugs mutate and genetically engineer themselves to suit.