"Are you willing to follow my orders — without question?"
"To what purpose?"
"Your words: the end of this madness."
"Define your terms, man. Tell me in your words, not mine, to what end I commit my life, and as you put it, my honor."
"Confusion and disruption throughout the combined fleet, destruction of Plutonian warships and, possibly, those of all INOR; no assault on the Terminals and, ultimately, removal of Narval from any position of authority in the Outer Region."
Drummer nodded slowly.
"I commit myself to that purpose. And yourself?"
"Committed."
A knock on the door. The crewman peered in.
"Comm-center has a classified Category One spunnel message for you, Admiral Drummer," he said. "It's in the President's personal code, sir, to which only you have the keys. Have I your permission to pick up the message and bring it to you?"