"Turned them over to my second in command, sir," Joe Mauser said. He was
standing to attention, looking at Baron Haer.
The Baron glowered at him. "What is the meaning of this cavalier
intrusion, captain? Certainly, you must have your orders. Are you under
the illusion that you are part of my staff?"
"No, sir," Joe Mauser clipped. "I came to report that I am ready to put
into execution--"
"The great plan!" Balt Haer ejaculated. He laughed brittlely. "The
second day of the fracas, and nobody really knows where old Cogswell is,
or what he plans to do. And here comes the captain with his secret
plan."