A pair of short-range missiles streaked overhead at Mach 6 while I sent activation codes for the late Nineteen Eighty-Four’s loitering orbital munitions. While small in relation to normal antiship missiles, they had the distinct advantage of not being expanding clouds of gas.

I picked a civilian frequency and had one of the shuttles aim a comms burst at the public library.

“This is Lieutenant Reckall in command of all local USNE forces. We have suffered an unprovoked catastrophic attack on our intersystem force projection elements.”

I paused while the missiles struck the comms mast. At minimum subnuclear yield, its explosive energy was slightly less than the sum total of all detonations since the rebels had begun their countdowns.

“Nonetheless, we are still capable of and willing to use deadly and overwhelming force against the enemies of the USNE. As this happens to be the Synod at this time, I suggest a little co-operation so I can save some missiles.

I’m leaving a channel open. Reckall out."