Velikiye Luki, Russia, May 21st, 2018, Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ
Cheers sounded throughout the Russian city, echoing off the stone and brick buildings. In a large square, mammals visited wooden market stands at a bazaar. The shops selling everything from produce to clothing.
Nearby stood a Cathedral with an intricately carved stone exterior and colorful domes topping its towers. A crowd of mammals stood on each side of a cobblestone street, watching a group of religious leaders parade before them, carrying golden instruments and sacred artifacts.
A ten-year-old tiger girl was watching a bear in a gold vest walk by, carrying a large cross the same color as his clothing. She turned her gaze to a street performer nearby, who was waving around a wand. He held the object up to the tiger girl, who reached to touch it. Just before her paw touched the wand, the performer flicked his wrist, and the wand turned into a bouquet of flowers.
The young girl giggled and smiled as the mammal began to perform a series of zero-gravity coin tricks. Her eyes remained transfixed on the shiny metal object as it floated through the air.
"Vera, sweetie, could you help me with the groceries?"
The young girl turned to see an elderly tiger standing nearby, wearing a brown vest and carrying a bulging paper bag.
"Yes, Grandma!"
Vera raced over and gripped the bag in her paws, grunting as she hoisted it upwards into a standing position.
"You are so strong, dearie," her grandmother said as the pair walked down the street. "And you look so pretty in your nice white dress."
Vera could hear familiar music from street musicians and see little kids dashing through the streets playing tag.
"Maybe grandma will let me play with them." The feline thought, gaze lingering on the other kits. However, not looking where she was going, the young girl bumped into a wolverine wearing a navy blue blazer and khaki pants. She dropped the bag, and some groceries spilled onto the sidewalk.
"Oh, very sorry about that." The wolverine said, bending down to pick up the dropped items and putting them back in the bag. Thankfully, nothing was broken or spilled.
"Don't worry, things happen." Vera's grandmother said as the little girl lifted the bag again.
The young feline managed to get a good look at the wolverine. His paws were covered with dark brown fur, while most of his body had a lighter brown fur coloration. His eyes were a pale gray.
"Enjoy the festivities, ma'am." The wolverine said, waving goodbye and walking down a side street. His eyes scanned his surroundings, ensuring no one was around before opening a side door and striding into a darkened garage. A white-furred fox with pale blue eyes stood inside a darkened garage. She wore dark gray pants with a black blazer and a light gray shirt.
Elsewhere in the room, a male tiger dressed in a black suit was talking with a female coyote dressed in a steel-colored suit.
"So… Anatoly…" the coyote asked. "How was your date with that deer from the aerospace forces the other day?"
"Oh, it was wonderful, Svetlana." The tiger said, taking a drag from a cigarette. "We went to a concert… had a few drinks… went home… she couldn't resist… one thing led to another… and…"
"Well, I hope you two had fun."
Anatoly seemed to stare off into space, reminiscing about a few days prior. A lovestruck smirk on his muzzle.
“Anatoly? Anatoly? Hello?”
"Huh? Oh, sorry, Svet, I got a bit distracted there. We have another date scheduled for next week."
"Well, let us hope we do not need you for the next phase of our plan. Where are you going this time?"
"She managed to convince me to go hiking with her. But… I don't know; I don't like being out there without all of life's modern conveniences. Er… that is when I'm not on a mission for our cause."
"You'll be getting back into nature. Running through the woods is just like our ancient ancestors used to do. That reminds me, did you know that my family and many other coyotes come from Alaska, way back when it used to be part of the Russian Empire."
"Hey, here's a question for you," Anatoly said, changing the subject and gesturing to the white-furred fox nearby. "Belka. I see that name a lot for a lot of foxes and wolves. What's up with that?"
"Belka? It's a common name," The female canine responded, "Especially for wolves and foxes. It originally comes from one of Russia's national heroes. The first two mammals in space."
"I know Misha is also a common name for bears."
"Yep, after one of the Soviet Union's most loyal and respected daughters."
The recently arrived wolverine moved over to the fox in the room and spoke.
"Belka Morozova."
"Dima." She responded. "Glad to see you made it."
"I never got a chance to ask you. What did your contacts say about that mess in Dushanbe?"
"Officially, it was a communications issue, coupled with terrorist activity in the area. But… some sources indicate that it was an American force. It's possible they were spying on the meeting between our allies that day."
"Such blatant interference, we should speak to them in the only language they understand. Violence."
"I have been assured by our leadership that they are doing everything possible to give us a better chance of escaping the influence of the US and its allies. Soon, Russia and those who support her will triumph over the nations seeking to harm her. We have been a fortress under siege for decades."
The fox's watch beeped, and she looked down at her wrist.
"Sigh… it's time."
Belka strode over to a stack of dark green plastic military crates and climbed on top of them. The other mammals in the room looked at her as she spoke.
"Comrades… we are here today to undertake a mission that must be done to ensure the survival of our nation. You are some of my closest compatriots. Those most loyal to our cause. Blood Paw, we know you as. The inner circle. Those ultranationalists who are most willing to do what must be done!"
There was a pause, and the fox's mood turned somber.
"These are our people. Our brothers and sisters. It brings me no joy to do what we are about to..."
There was another long pause as Belka looked towards the floor.
"But sacrifice is necessary to achieve prosperity. For Russia!"
The fox held up her fist, and the other mammals did the same, replying in unison.
"For Russia!"
A Few Minutes Later…
The four mammals now wore heavy black Kevlar padding over their clothing, covering their entire torsos. They also wore neck braces, kneepads, equipment belts, and ballistic vests across their chests. They carried pouches of ammo and tactical gear; Anatoly even had an ammo belt wrapped around his torso.
Belka and Anatoly carried M240 light machine guns with large green box magazines. Every mammal carried a G36 rifle with an underbarrel grenade launcher. While Svetlana and Dima also carried AA-12 assault shotguns.
"Is everyone ready? There is no turning back now. Remember that what we do will be for the greater good."
The group nodded, and their leader spoke again.
"Then follow my lead."
The fox threw open the metal garage door, and the Blood Paw unit strode out onto the street lined with parade watchers.
Some crowd members turned to the strange group, wondering what the heavy weapons and armor were for. Were they merely a very well-equipped security unit?
Without so much as a moment of hesitation, Belka and her compatriots leveled their weapons, braced the stocks against their bodies, and opened fire.
Dozens of mammals were shredded by the hail of bullets in the first few seconds.
Screams filled the street as citizens began to sprint away from the gunfire, desperately trying to find safety.
Stone and brick walls ablated from the gunshots.
Religious personnel dropped their relics and tried to flee.
The ultranationalists barely had to aim. The crowd was so large that it was almost guaranteed someone would be hit if you fired in their general direction.
"Advance towards the cathedral!" Ms.Morozova ordered. "Show no mercy!"
The Blood Paw team began to press forward, stepping over the piles of civilians littering the ground and through the crimson ichor that seeped into the cobblestone.
A few police officers present at the celebration drew their weapons and fired at the Blood Paw unit. But, only wielding pistols or submachine guns, they were no match for the heavily armed and armored ultranationalists. Their bullets could barely be felt under the thick body armor.
Nearby, a boar crawled across the ground, only to be spotted by Svetlana.
"Where do you think you're going?"
The coyote put her foot on his back, pressing his face into the pavement, before putting her shotgun to his head and pulling the trigger.
"No hesitation!" Belka said, smiling. "I knew you were the right choice for this mission!"
The fox fired her rifle with one paw. Turning to the right and bracing the stock against her arm as she gunned down two police officers descending a set of stairs.
A male deer tried desperately to drag his wounded wife away from the carnage, the injured mammal making a red trail across the ground. But the deer was gunned down with no mercy, joining his mate in death.
Those who were injured, writhing in pain, attempting to get away, or putting their paws up to surrender were given no quarter. They only made for easier targets.
Besides the occasional exclamation or order from their leader, the ultranationalists mainly stayed silent. Maintaining a cold, deathly composure as they carried out their grisly task. Even Anatoly, who typically shouted at enemies and yelled battle cries during combat, was deathly silent.
Nearly a dozen mammals had tried to flee down an alleyway, only to find it blocked by a metal gate. They pounded and pulled against the bars, trying to escape until Anatoly and Dima sprayed the group with gunfire. Their bodies slumped lifelessly against the blockage.
Anatoly pulled back the bolt and opened the top of his LMG, removing the heavy metal box magazine and tucking it away. He retrieved another magazine and clipped it into the weapon, placing the end of the belt against the pin and closing the gun before resuming firing.
Vera's tail wagged slowly as she bit into a delicious frosted pastry. She and her grandmother sat at a metal table in an outdoor marketplace. Shops were all around them, and the owners were haggling over prices with customers. On the table before the tigers were assorted pastries and 2 steaming cups of tea.
"Thank you, Grandma!" The young feline said happily.
"Oh, anything for you, sweetheart." The old woman cooed, rubbing her granddaughter's hair. "This reminds me of the time I took you shopping."
"Oh yeah! I got a colorful notebook that time!"
"Are you still writing in it?"
"Yes!"
Suddenly, dozens of rapid bangs replaced the dull roar of a nearby conversation. Mammals nearby stood to attention as they could hear the sounds growing closer.
Vera looked at her grandma, the old tiger's face filled with shock and fear. Some mammals began to sprint away from the noise, while others stood frozen in horror.
"This way, dear, come! Quick!"
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The elderly feline grabbed her granddaughter's paw and hurried out of the market, leaving their pastries and groceries behind.
"Grandma, what about the food?" Vera asked as the pair made it to the front of the cathedral.
"In here! In here!" A rabbit yelled, pointing inside the building. Dozens of people ran inside the building, cowering in the back of the central room as three mammals shut the heavy wooden doors and barred them shut with a wooden plank.
"We'll be safe in here!" Someone yelled.
"Do not worry, my sons and daughters." The priest said, standing in front of the pulpit. "The lord will protect us here in this house of god."
The ultranationalists had reached the outdoor market, where more civilians were visible, hunkering down, having heard the gunfire.
The ultranationalists emptied their magazines into the bazaar, the bullets shredding through signs, produce that was on display, and, of course, people.
Belka and Dima took out grenades and pulled the pins, tossing the weapons towards the civilians. The explosions obliterated wooden market stands and tore apart anyone standing nearby.
Reaching the cathedral, the team tried to enter through the side door, only to find it locked.
"I could blow it open with C4," Anatoly suggested.
"Save it for now; let's try the front," Belka ordered.
Svetlana grabbed a shovel from a pile of gardening equipment nearby, inserting it through the door's handles to prevent them from opening.
The ultranationalists moved to the front door, only to find this entrance also locked.
"Anatoly, explosives, now."
The tiger nodded and stowed his weapon, placing a C4 charge on the door and clicking the timer.
The mammals stepped back, and the explosive detonated, reducing the doors to wooden splinters. Gasps and yells could be heard as the Blood Paw team strode inside.
The floor was polished marble, with intricate columns near the walls. Elaborate gold carvings and colorful pictures of saints and Jesus covered the ceiling and walls.
Dozens of mammals were huddled inside the building, having been inside when the shooting started or having fled to the cathedral seeking safety.
"Please!" Said a priest, standing in front of a wooden pulpit, desperately trying to stop the carnage. "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ's sake, hath forgiven you!"
"Stay behind me, dearie." Vera's grandmother said, the little girl cowering behind her. The door had shattered into splinters and caused her fur to stand on end. She could spot four mammals walking towards them, wearing suits and vests. She recognized one as the wolverine from earlier, but the group spoke in a language she did not recognize.
"Kill them," Belka ordered.
"Yes, Ma'am."
Mammals began to hunker down, cry, and hug their loved ones as the ultranationalists raised their weapons and opened fire.
Horrified screams and the rapid bangs of gunfire filled the church. Belka's icy cold blue eyes watched as men, women, and children were put down like savage monsters.
Some tried to hide behind walls or objects, while others attempted to shield their loved ones from harm. Many even tried to flee out the side door, to no avail.
After over 10 seconds of sustained fire, the white-furred fox held up a fist, and her troops stopped shooting.
All was silent.
The bodies of dozens of mammals littered the ground. Crimson puddles seeped across the marbled floor.
The priest lay slumped against the pulpit, which was riddled with bullet holes. The ethereal paintings were now covered with gunshot impacts.
"Good work, Blood Paw." Ms.Morozova said. "Now come, let us move to the extraction point."
"This does sicken me," Dima said, ears drooping. "Surely, there must be another way."
"What we do, we do for all of Russia. Tens of millions of people. What we will accomplish is bigger than a simple crowd at a parade. From this wound will be born a new era of prosperity for Russia and her allies. One without the stonewalling interference of the West."
"I know…"
"You yourself said to speak to them in the only language they understand. Do you doubt me? Or the cause we fight for?"
The wolverine's face hardened with newfound determination.
"Not for one second, ma'am."
"Then let's move."
Returning to the destroyed door out of the church, the group could hear sirens and helicopters rapidly approaching. They stacked up on the exit, and Belka spoke.
"Here comes the OMON unit. Check your weapons and ammo. Fight tactically."
The other 3 mammals nodded as the ultranationalists readied their firearms and exited the building.
Vera lay on the church floor, tears streaming down her face. She hurt all over, much worse than the stomach ache she had a month before. Her paws were covered in red liquid, which the tiger tried to wipe off her palms. But more of the substance was staining her shirt.
With great difficulty, she turned her head to the left. Her grandmother lay on the marble nearby, looking like she was sleeping.
"I'm so tired…" Vera thought. Above her, she could see the visage of Christ, reaching out his arms to welcome someone in a loving embrace.
The visage faded, and Vera's eyes closed as her last breath escaped her lips.
Outside, the ultranationalists now moved like a proper military unit, as opposed to the ruthless killers they had been previously. The group checked corners and covered each other as they advanced down the street.
Flashing blue and red lights could be seen ahead as a small Kamov Ka-226 helicopter hovered above.
Anatoly fired his under-barrel grenade launcher, striking the police aircraft near its coaxial rotors.
The helicopter spun out of control and scraped against the side of a building, sending chunks of stone flying as it careened down onto the street.
"Fly away home, sucker!" The tiger yelled as smoke grenades detonated down the street, and shadows could be seen moving inside.
"Ballistic shields, take them out!" Ms.Morozova ordered as a squad of troops with square metal shields began to advance toward the group. Their protective gear resisting the gunfire from the ultranationalists.
Anatoly fired another grenade, blowing away most of the squad, as troops with assault rifles moved in.
Belka and Anatoly drew the fire from the incoming OMON forces as Dima and Svetlana hunkered down behind parked cars. The coyote and wolverine managed to flank the police and fire at them from the side.
Pushing through the smoke, another squad of hostiles engaged the ultranationalists. Snipers even fired down from buildings on either side of the street.
"Contact above!"
"Roger that! Upper balconies!"
Parked cars and the exteriors of buildings were shot full of holes as the battle raged. But the ultranationalists kept the pressure on, using their heavy weapons and armor to their advantage, along with superior squad tactics.
An armored van pulled up and screeched to a halt, with its rear doors facing the Blood Paw team.
Svetlana pulled a grenade from her vest and let it cook in her paw. Just as the rear doors opened, she tossed the weapon, getting it through the gap. The grenade exploded before any of the officers had a chance to exit, killing the entire squad inside. The van itself was left in a smoldering wreck.
"This way, we're almost there," Belka said as the group dashed down an alley, leaving behind the street littered with dead officers.
At the end of the alley was a utility van, and the back doors opened to reveal a male reindeer in a gray blazer, gray pants, and a bulletproof vest.
"Oh good, none of you are shot," The reindeer said. "Let's go!"
The reindeer climbed into the driver's seat, and the other ultranationalists climbed into the back. The driver turned on the vehicle's lights and started up the van, zipping out of the alleyway and down the street. Police and OMON vehicles raced by in the other direction, lights flashing.
The driver spoke once they were a sufficient distance from the scene.
"Ok, I think we're clear."
The squad finally let themselves relax as Belka wiped tears from her eyes.
"Remember… what we did… we did for Russia."
"For Russia." The other three mammals said in unison.
"I put something in the medication cabinet I thought you might need," the driver said, " regardless of the outcome of your mission."
Svetlana moved over to the cabinet and opened it up, smiling slightly as she saw what was inside.
"Might help ease the pain." The coyote said, retrieving the vodka bottle and four small glasses inside.
She passed out the glasses and poured the drink before the mammals clinked their cups together.
"Good work, everyone," Belka said, taking the first sip of her beverage. This event will swell our ranks with volunteers. And then… we can look to the bigger picture…"
Walker Residence, Lakeport, California, United States, May 21st, 2018
It was a suburb like any other. Full of quiet sidewalks, green trees, and regularly spaced houses with plain, matte coloration. An ice cream van meandered through the streets, prompting kits to dash from their dwellings at the first note of the vehicle's cheery tune.
Inside a small, drab gray house, four coyotes sat around a dinner table. Two males and two females, two older than the others, sitting across the table from the younger ones.
Delta Force operator Cecilia Walker cut into a slice of salted chicken and raised the piece to her mouth. She wiped her muzzle with a napkin before the sauce from the meat could drip onto her shirt, which was dark green with black writing that said "Army."
"Elizabeth, could you pass the salad, please?" Said the older male coyote, dressed in khaki shorts and a navy blue button-up shirt.
"Yes, honey." The older female coyote responded, handing her husband a greens-filled wooden bowl.
"Dad, did you end up fixing the hot water heater?" Cecilia asked, turning to the older canine, who was helping himself to more lettuce.
"Nah, I ended up calling a guy."
"Charles, I told you, you should have done that from the start." Elizabeth chimed in.
"Alright, well, next time, I'll listen to you."
"You've been saying that for over 20 years." She said, brushing a crumb from her dull olive blazer. "Dylan, is everything going well at work?"
"Yes, Mrs.Walker!" Responded the younger male coyote, who was dressed in a sky-blue button-down shirt. "We just closed a big contract, so it's been kinda busy lately."
"Oh, I hope they give you a nice big bonus."
"And did you see? Berkeley is going to the nationals!" Charles said, gesturing to Dylan.
"Finally! It's been years since they made it to nationals." The other male canine responded, cutting through his chicken.
"Sweetie, how are your coworkers? Are you doing anything exciting?" Elizabeth asked.
"We're good mom. But you know I can't talk about any specifics."
"I know, sweetie, I just hope everyone is doing ok. You should have seen how worried I was about your father."
"Don't worry, Mom, I have great squadmates. We work really well as a team."
"Your daughter really knows how to handle herself." Dylan chimed in. "Top of her class, special forces, ribbons, and citations…"
"Well, I gave her a few pointers from my Cold War days." Charles laughed, prompting a few chuckles.
After a few more minutes of small talk, Cecilia's parents had to get going. The group cleaned up, and the two younger coyotes escorted the older ones to the door.
"Thanks for having us over, you two," Elizabeth said, leaning in and kissing her daughter on the cheek. "Love you, sweetie."
"Love you too, Mom."
"Bye, Mr & Mrs Walker!" Dylan said happily as the two older coyotes got into their car, pulled out of the driveway, and headed down the street.
"You're always so formal." Cecilia teased as the pair went back inside and shut the door.
"I'm just… trying to make a good impression. I'm always worried your parents don't like me very much…"
"Are you kidding?! They love you! Both you and my dad ran for the same track team in college."
"Yeah, but… their daughter is an elite soldier, and her husband is just a boring office drone!"
"I thought you liked your work?"
"I do! I like working with numbers. They're so easy to comprehend… numbers are beautiful in any language!"
"Ever since we first met, I thought you were very analytical."
"It's not as exciting or terrifying as your work, though. Running around in a warzone."
"Being under fire really gets the blood pumping. But I'm sure your work is a lot safer."
"I know you can handle yourself, but… I'm always worried about you…"
A ringing sound could be heard; Cecilia pulled out her smartphone and answered, Instantly recognizing who was calling.
"Hey, CiCi." Said a male voice on the other end.
"It's Stryker. Hey Stryker, I'm here with Dylan."
"Hello, Stryker." The male coyote added.
"What's up, Dylan? Hey, have you two seen the news?" The mule continued.
"No? What happened?" Cecilia asked.
"Turn on the TV. It should be on every news channel."
The coyote obliged, picking up a remote and turning on the plasma screen mounted on the wall.
They were greeted by a bright red news station logo and the visage of a snow leopard reporter dressed in a light green blazer.
"It's being called one of the worst terrorist attacks of the 21st century." The newscaster said, "Dozens of people were killed while celebrating ascension day in the Russian city of Velikiye Luki. We want to warn you that some of the images you are about to see are disturbing."
The picture changed to show a street in a Russian city. Dozens of mammal forms lay on the ground, covered by white sheets. Police and authorities combed the area as technicians set up crime scene tape and sirens flashed. A moose reporter stood nearby, speaking calmly yet seriously as the camera panned around the scene.
"Dozens of mammals gunned down while celebrating the ascension of Christ at an outdoor gathering. Initial findings indicate that the massacre began on a side street before progressing to a local bazaar and then into a church, where the attackers killed all the mammals inside."
The camera lingered on a pair of tigers lying on the church floor. One was very young, one very old, and both looked like they were sleeping.
"Afterwards, the terrorists engaged in a firefight with police, killing multiple officers and even managing to take down a small helicopter. However, after this, visual contact was lost with the attackers, who subsequently disappeared. As of now, their whereabouts are unknown."
The scene shifted back to the snow leopard newscaster. Superimposed on the screen, next to her, was a dark green flag with a white circle in the center. Arabic writing and two swords were depicted on the cloth in gold coloration.
"The death toll currently stands at 213 but is expected to rise. At this time, there are no known survivors. Al-Sayf has denied responsibility for the attack but has applauded the group that carried out the operation. Saying that such actions will free the world from oppression."
The Al-Sayf flag disappeared and was replaced by a Chinese and Russian flag.
"According to Russian officials, the terrorists were using American and Western-made weapons. This, plus the suspected tactics used in the massacre, are leading the Kremlin to speculate that this attack somehow had the involvement of the West. Russia is now demanding it be allowed to deploy troops into neighboring regions in order to safeguard its own security. Beijing is offering its full support in the event Moscow wants to take military action against those responsible for this attack."
"Did you catch all that?" Stryker asked, prompting a response from Cecilia.
"Yes, we did..."
"Shit… Cecilia, I don't like this. Not one bit. The world is a powder keg right now. China is building islands in the South China Sea… those terrorists in the Middle East are making moves. This could either be more fuel for the fire or the spark that sets the whole thing ablaze."
"I know what you mean."
There was a pause, and the mule spoke again.
"Gotta go, the misses needs me. You two be safe now, ya hear?"
"Got it, see ya, Stryker."
"Take care."
The coyote hung up the phone and paced the room in contemplation.
"Hmm… Stryker's right; we're closer to war now than we've ever been before. Damnit and I'm shipping back out tomorrow."
"Where are you being sent now?"
"I can't tell you anything specific, but I'm staying stateside for now. In California."
"You're not even leaving the state? I'm glad that you're not far, but it's hard coming home at night with you not being here."
"Hey, don't worry! When we have a kit, you'll have someone to keep you occupied."
That caused a brief chuckle between the two before the mood became somber.
“Just… come home safe please…” Dylan said, taking her paws in his and rubbing a digit against the golden band around her finger. "I love you."
Cecilia's tail wagged, her tough military mammal persona softening from her mate's tender touch and warm words.
She rested her forehead against his and felt the matching gold band around Dylan's finger.
"I love you too."
Ultranationalist Headquarters, Unknown Location, Russia, May 23rd, 2018
Belka sat at a wooden desk in a semi-dark room, her eyes looking over maps on the table in front of her. Operational reports and news broadcasts flashed on the computer monitors in front of her.
A sable in a green EME camouflage officer's uniform entered the room, and the fox immediately stood to attention and saluted her superior. He had multicolored ribbons on his chest and star-shaped patches on his shoulders.
“General Hermonov!” Belka said.
"At ease, Captain Morozova." The sable said, returning the salute. "I wanted to personally inform you that your recent actions in service of our cause have garnered a great deal of respect from the central council."
"None of it would have been possible without your assistance and guidance. I truly admire your military and political skills. They have been an immense help to Blood Paw and the Russian Army."
"The higher-ups are very fond of you. They admire your drive and dedication. You go out and push our cause with more enthusiasm and success than anyone else. You have done much for us, and your opinion is valued."
"What I do, I do for Russia."
"Speaking of which, your plan appears to have worked. The country is howling for war against NATO and the West. Like our primitive ancestors catching the smell of blood. Ultranationalist parties and groups have received a boost in support. There would be strong public support behind any retaliatory actions."
Belka's eyes lit up as the General continued.
"Messages have been sent to our associates in China, North Korea, Belarus, and the rest of our allies. We have requested updates on their progress and capabilities."
"Thank you very much for keeping me informed, sir."
"I know you like to be aware of things, and I know you will appreciate what I've told you. Be sure to prepare yourself for phase 2."