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The Long Shadow of Peace
"Hell," Creel began. "We are not ready for this. Already some of our fighters have suffered catastrophic system errors. Others we have kept occupied with wiping out the remaining pockets of the Coalition. How do we proceed?"
No one could answer at once. By and large, the problem was beyond comprehension. RZ fidgeted somewhat, but was silent. Minutes passed, and stretched into hours without incident. Finally, one would speak.
"We need to secure our facilities, and those which we have wrested from the enemy," said RZ, relieved that he had spoken at last. The effort it took to even think so much was considerable.
Immediately, the air of doubt had been dispelled. Tran, second only to Creel, spoke next: "It would also be good to repair our infrastructure. To mend our roads, our vehicles, and such."
"Now that the fighting is over," Leck, Minister of Engineering, said, "We can devote more time to securing and refining our resources. To stockpile energy supplies, for one."
"What about the drones," Creel asked. The question struck those present like a physical blow. "The vast majority of our population is trained to do nothing but follow orders, and kill. Or so it would seem."
"But they wield weapons," Leck replied. "Surely we can show them how to handle tools otherwise. A simple series of program additions should take care of...most of them."
"That won't work," Tran said. "The drones are of simple design. It may well be beyond them to accept duties so far removed from combat. They must be recycled, and new builder drones constructed."
"Do you know how many drones you're talking about, Tran," Creel asked. "Of course you do, and you must see the monumental scope of such a task. It is beyond us."
"Look at our land," said RZ. "Much of what we have is in ruins. Look at the rubble that surrounds us. The drones can clear that, if told. I should know."
"He's right," Leck said. "While a few of the drones we have eradicate what's left of the opposition, we can employ the rest in cleanup operations. And while that happens, we can work on what we have to do to rehabilitate them."
"Do it," Creel said.