"No rights to do so?" It made Hugo's blood boil. He resorted to violence, slapping William square in the face. "Who do you think you are? A traitor like you can become a commander?" he sneered.
All William could do was turn to George, pleading, "George, say something! We used to be best friends in The Flame Army..."
When he first joined The Flame Army, William's arrival was unwelcomed as he joined later than the others. Besides, he failed his physical assessments as well as the other criteria. He was recruited as Lucille exempted him.
Hence, William was shunned in The Flame Army and the object of ridicule in the squad. It was always George who came to his rescue.
Their friendship grew stronger with time after the incidents.
Hence, William and George were indeed best buddies among the former members of The Flame Army. They usually hung out together.