( it is a stretch, but it makes ivan snort with a soft laugh anyway. )

Good God, all the military strategists back home would have fits. ( he can't imagine how white his uncle's hair would be if he had to contend with that. ) Well, if it works for those of you not stranded on some awful planet, I guess it's good enough.

( still sounds like it's more trouble than it's worth. but hey. )

Ivan Vorpatril, by the way.