Chapter 977 — Detonation Point

"Philip, have the First Legion complete its preparations in the shortest possible time and advance toward the boundary line at the Covenant Fort. Whether or not the Typhonians follow up with military action, we must seize the initiative—and if the Typhonians make any hostile move, attack as soon as they enter the firing zone. You and General Maqi have full authority over the operational plan."

"Godwin, make ready for public-opinion control and guidance. You should have plenty of contingency plans for that...

"Anton, you will temporarily take charge of..."

Hetty moved swiftly through a rough division of labor—in the face of this sudden crisis she had no leisure to let everyone arrange matters in detail at the meeting; many things required immediate decisions. Only after all the arrangements were made did she rise, both hands braced on the tabletop.

"Everyone, this is no longer a 'conflict.' Though there remain many strange aspects to this affair, we must prepare for the worst—it may well escalate into a full-scale war!"