Bilal sounded worried and frustrated on the speaker. “Request!” Barnard exploded. “It’s not a request. Don’t they understand that they are picking a fight they can’t possibly win?” “Barnard’s right,” Price said. “It’s mass suicide.” “I explained it in words of one syllable,” Bilal said. “They’re asking for proof, but frankly, the impression I got was that ACOG are so determined to show off their new military might, to teach the Bzadians a lesson and tear them a new asshole, that they won’t change their minds.” “Proof?” Price said. “They are looking for these bombs of yours,” Bilal said. “They’re interrogating all the captured Fezerkers. They are taking this seriously.” “Not seriously enough,” Price said. “I’ll keep trying,” Bilal said. “What’s your plan? What are you doing with Azoh?” “Azoh seems to believe that if she addresses the High Council, she can convince them not to retaliate.” Price said. “Chisnall and Brogan are trying to get her there.”
