General Hawke cursed, pondered for a few seconds, then sighed, "Retreat, set up the defensive line five kilometers outside the city, and gather the troops."
"Yes."
After the deputy officer and the Chief of Staff turned to implement the orders, the General came to the window, watching the burning city: "How did things turn out this way?"
But he quickly smiled again: "Good thing we set many houses on fire for illumination during the night operation, let the Anteans inherit a scorched land."
At this moment, the deputy officer returned, softly asking: "How do we explain to His Majesty the Emperor now?"
General Hawke's smile froze.
Just then, the red phone on his desk rang.
The General promptly unplugged the line from the phone.
The phone went silent.
————
The Prosen Emperor pulled the handset away, checked it in confusion, then put it back to his ear, but still heard no sound.
He hung up the phone, looking at the still drowsy generals.
