Antonio was still consoling Winters, telling him how he should respond: "Fulfill your duty."
As they rode back home from the parliamentary hall, close to the entrance to their house, Antonio casually mentioned, "The navy is clearing the nearby seas. Once they've cleared the shipping lanes, the Third Legion will be striking out. Get ready and sort out any outstanding business."
"What? We're sending out troops so soon?" Winters suddenly became alert, "This is too hasty, the warships, gunpowder, shells, provisions... Are we prepared yet?"
"We are not ready, but we must respond," Antonio said with a slight bitter smile, "The anger of the people is a fire that can burn both the enemy and ourselves. If we don't retaliate when attacked, public opinion will crush the government. The Politburo needs a victory now more than ever to establish its authority."
