The drones flowed around him as he walked to the center of the room. He stared up, reaching out with his mind, hooking into them. He chose ten, nine tailless “stubs” and one a bit more advanced, and moved them close, as easily as moving his own arm. His voice rapped the walls. “A new generation of Skaeya have opened their eyes. You will guard the gatestone, as close as you can get, lure them far enough away to intercept. They must not be allowed to see the Council.” His next order had the more sentient among them exchanging glances. “I want them alive.”