"A lot changed fast," she murmured.
"It did."
"And not for the best."
"We have reinforcements inbound. The Council split on sanctioning me, and those whose support Jetr swayed for me are sending their armies to battle."
She reviewed the last several days, taking in the swelling number of enemies in the skies and on the ground.
"How many ground forces do you expect?" she asked.
"One and a half times what we have now."
"Where did you learn?" Leyon asked, standing beside her.
"In A'Ran's battle room."
"Check grid 77," A'Ran instructed.
She manipulated the scene before her and saw his concern: the only food repository in the area was under attack. She nudged Leyon aside to punch another set of buttons and issued an order to reinforce the failing efforts there.
"There aren't many good water sources," she murmured. "The next nearest is on the moon and a logistical nightmare."
"I'm sending a list of trouble areas. I've got to go. I trust you to handle these."
"Thank you, thank you," she whispered. "You don't know how much this means to me. You're not treating me like some enslaved woman with no brain."
"I've not given up on righting your behavior," he assured her.
"Good luck!" she retorted. She shook her head as he closed the communication line with a click and concentrated on the scene before her. The grids with issues popped up as a layer over the hologram of the existing battles. She couldn't read the writing, but she knew the numbers well enough to find the grids.
She sat down, growing oblivious to those around her as she manipulated and modified the battlefield. A'Ran submitted changes, and she reviewed the images. The day grew hot fast, though the surrounding peaks shaded her from the sun itself. Mansr sat beside her and remained, watching the scene before her. Only when the pain in her body returned did she lean back for a break with a grimace.
"You must rest," Mansr said quietly. "You've done more this day than I could in seven."
"My body hurts."
"Leyon will take you to the medical facility," he said. "Forgive me, nishani, I should have taken you yesterday. I wanted my nephew to see what kind of enemy he had."
She wasn't sure what to say and offered a smile instead. She didn't doubt the impact of her battered visage on any man, especially A'Ran. Leyon motioned for her to follow him and guided her through the rocky trails to another of the low stone buildings at the base of the hills.