"No."
"But there must be a signal, some word they're waiting for."
"Yes," said Tauncer. "When the scout takes us off, that will be the signal. Means we've got Commander. Means Lyra Squadron confused."
Garstang tugged at Kirk. "Come on."
"But," said Kirk to Tauncer, "suppose the scout doesn't find anybody here."
"All the same. They'll know I've failed, and plan may be known. So order will be to strike like lightning before defensive measures taken."
Kirk shut off the projector. He bent over Tauncer. "Get up," he said. "Joe! Give me a hand." They got Tauncer wobbling to his feet. "Put him in the ground car and take him back to Charteris. Try and convince Charteris to let the Fifth go on battle-alert. Every minute may count—if we're caught on the ground, we're sunk."
"Kirk—"
"Don't argue. If anything happens to me, Larned is to take over and cooperate fully with Admiral Laney. You—"