He paused slightly, allowing the weight of his words to fully settle.
"It is quite clear that he wants to convey a very simple and clear message through me to everyone present here, and to the Pentagon—he never intended to be an enemy of the mighty US Army. However, he and his people are even more unwilling to sit and wait for death in Hulmatu. I think he won't just send this message to me alone; I guess this is just the appetizer, and who knows if the next move will involve sending it to the Russians or the Persians..."
Simon's gaze swept over Kote's ashen face, and across the room of generals whose expressions were ever-changing and eyes complex.
"He is warning those who planned and executed all this that if they continue to oppose him, it will come at a political, diplomatic, and strategic cost!"
Upon saying this, his tone relaxed a bit.
