"I’m asking you to tell them that a sovereign, allied nation utilized advanced, proprietary energy technology to protect the global community," I correct her, my voice ringing with absolute authority. "The specifics of the technology are classified under the Blackthorn Treaty. What the public needs to know is that the threat is neutralized, the tides are receding, and the sun is shining."
Silence stretches over the comms. Vance and Croft exchange a look. They are master politicians and soldiers. They know a power play when they see one.
"And the integration of your 'energy technology' into the global grid?" Vance asks carefully. "The UN is still very interested in the piezoelectric quartz."
"It will proceed as agreed," I reply. "But the terms have changed. The Blackthorn Pack is no long
