“Brigadier, don’t make this any harder than it has to be. I assumed command because I represent the authority of Star Watch Headquarters, and you were unwilling to follow the policies expressed by my orders.”
Aikens glared at the Watchman, but said nothing.
“It’s quite obvious,” Vorgens went on, “that my training as a Star Watch officer can never match your experience as a commander in the field. I took over the command of this Force because it was the only way to get us out of the Komani trapBut I have no delusions about my ability to direct a full-scale planetary action. The situation calls for an able, experienced field commander. Are you willing to resume command, or not?”
The brigadier grinned humoriessly. “I knew you’d be handing the ball back to me sooner or later. You haven’t got the backbone for this land of responsibility.”
Strangely, Vorgens smiled back at the older man, “Perhaps you don’t understand me,” he said. “I want you to esume command of the Mobile Force . . . under my authority. I am in charge of all Terran forces on Shinar, and until a higher-ranking Watchman reaches the planet, I shall remain in command. I’m offering you tactical control of the Mobile Force; strategic decisions will be made by me.”
“You … you …” Aikens’ face glowered red, and the rage seemed to well up in his throat, choking him. “You’re offering me—tactical command—under your authority! I—I’ll …”
“Before you say anything else,” Vorgens warned, his voice suddenly as sharp as a cutting beam, “I’ll be forced to turn over the job to the executive officer, if you don’t accept the command.”