He stood up, walked to the large screen, and tapped the map with his fingertip.
"First, the Kurd people will be forced to redeploy at least two brigades to defend the Hulmatu direction. Second, the Persians will fill the power vacuum through militia organizations, expanding their influence to an unprecedented degree. Third, 1515 will gain breathing space, transforming Hulmatu into a base for recruitment, training, and launching attacks. Fourth—"
He turned to Williams, "Regional allies will fundamentally question our commitments and capabilities. And this 'East University Mercenary,' if they choose to stand by and wait until we clean up the mess, then join at a higher price, the situation will only worsen."
The meeting room was silent.
The air conditioner outlet hissed, as if accompanying this silence.
Cortes broke the silence: "Miller, from a purely military standpoint, what is the cost of accepting Song Heping's conditions?"
