Toby Manning came in, and behind him were Edwards and Wainright. Wilson faced them angrily. "Well?" he snapped.
Manning looked uncomfortable, but said nothing.
"By Regs," said Wilson slowly, "I am still in the command of this squadron."
Toby Manning nodded slowly.
"I am refusing to obey orders. I am not placing my squadron in your command, Mr. Manning. Understand?"
Toby smiled crookedly. "I understand. You are accepting all responsibility, and you are telling me that if I do not follow your orders, I am disobeying a senior officer."
"Precisely."
Wainright said, "But look here, Ted, isn't that—"
Wilson's laugh was brittle. In it was no humor at all. "That is precisely right. Even though I am disobeying my senior officer, Mr. Manning will be disobeying his senior officer if he does not follow my orders."
"But isn't Admiral Stone senior to all of us?"