“Now I’ve stopped playing messenger. I’m a Star Watch officer, and I’m going to take me responsibility that goes with the uniform. I’ve seen the enemy face to face, and I’ve seen the rebels, too. Fighting, killing, destroying—that’s not going to bring peace to this planet. I’ve got to convince the rebels of this.”
Aikens grunted”And the Komani? Are you going to talk them out of their plans of conquest?”
“No, I’m afraid not. They will pay attention only to force. But when we fight them, I want it to be on my terms, at a time and place that I chose, not at Okatar’s convenience.”
Aikens’ eyes glittered with rage. “If—I say, if. Watchman—if we both live through this, I’m going to see you before the highest military tribunal in the Empire, stripped of rank and uniform, and sentenced to the worst penalty they can mete out.”
“Perhaps,” Vorgens said, “Perhaps.” Then he added softly, “But the first thing we must do is live through today, isn’t it?”
Vorgens dropped to one knee and picked up the brigadier’s pistol belt. Then the Watchman straightened to attention and made a formal salute to Aikens. The older man did not return the salute, but merely sat behind his desk, glaring at Vorgens.
The Star Watchman left the compartment. Mclntyre was still standing out in the passageway.
“Get one of your men,” Vorgens said, as he shut the brigadier’s door, “to stand watch at this post. Then join me at the control center.”
‘Tes sir,” Mclntyre said, with a salute. Then he relaxed for a moment and said, with a grin, “Congratulations, sir. And good luck.”