American officials here said it was the first time they had heard a senior Indonesian military commander speak so directly about human rights.

Many officers and commanders do not speak to him.

Farther down the table, a commander spoke, his words rushed.

It was intended to allow commanders to speak directly to those fighting a fire below ground.

"And the commander, who I understand spoke to you?"

He was about to pass his scanner over Vaughn when the commander spoke.

All turned toward the man to whom the commander had spoken.

The alien commander spoke again, because I didn't know what to do.

"Why won't your commander speak with me here and now?"

The commander spoke back, threateningly and with a confidence he was far from feeling.