Not meaning to be abrupt with last post. I only felt that if you gave up your position without a fight you might as well learn Cantonese because the C's would overrun the planet. There are several probes left on the planet, there are weapons at their disposal, and Zachary was in a position to do some damage. I thought to myself "let's fight back. Vaporize the suckers." Cheers to Enoch for a job well done.
Now I hear that Amphibians are coming and poor Zachary is trapped like a hamster in a petting zoo. There are lots of unknowns coming into play. Maybe a strategic retreat is in order. I like your idea about trenches Hamlet. Maybe you could build consecutive falling back positions with trenches in front for viewing and possible counter-attack. This would kind of be like layered series of forts and could incorporate the existing Ipso Infastructure. The probes in the front positions could always be supplied from the rear and excape tunnels
could be fashioned at the very back to give the probes achance of escape in case of complete defeat.
There are ways to fight back if threatened but the Amphibians bring a whole new factor into play. You're right the probes shouldn't be left vulnerable on the plain. I think you're on to something here Hamlet!