21-6-1561 WC
.....
A low fog drifted across the outer fences of the Bernard Strategic Arsenal. The facility lay deep in the western hills, far from the capital, Rafa. Inside, rows of armored floodlights washed the concrete yards in pale blue.
In the main operations hall, men and women gathered around a long steel table. Their uniforms were plain, their faces set. Maps of the Indiana Empire glowed on the wall—vast coasts, mountain ranges, and the endless interior. Red circles pulsed over key cities and military zones.
Chief Planner Selene Varga stood at the head of the table. Her dark hair was pulled tight, her voice level. "We begin final targeting review. Emperor Alberto expects the strike plan in twelve hours. The warheads will be ready before dawn."
The room went silent. Everyone knew what that meant.
