Gladius et Incursus.

[Echo 7-7]

Kinnaird clenched his fists.

"The Military has finally developed cloaking devices? Damn it!"

He paused to regain his composure.

"This is very bad news for us, then. As far as we know, Liberty started this was on the premise of preventing Rheinland from developing exactly that kind of technology. I believe they even managed to capture part of Rheinland's key laboratory and physically remove it. Evidently, the Military had more cards up their sleeve than the Joint Chiefs knew about."

Captain Hargraves cleared his throat.

"Sir, do you think it's possible that the Navy may very well be attempting to build their own cloaking devices? It would be a natural evolution in the arms race between Liberty and Rheinland."

Meanwhile, the ace had taken a bottle of Stuttgart wine down from the shelves and placed it on the table, along with enough glasses for those present. He gently uncorked the bottle and began pouring as the discussion continued.

"Indeed, Captain, it would be a logical step forward if the Joint Chiefs intend to crush Rheinland swiftly. Otherwise, they will likely be subject to an extended war of attrition against the Military, and have to act defensively against cloaked assault manoeuvres. I am unsurprised that they managed to recapture the Westfalen; the Navy was too over-extended to hold that position properly. It puts Liberty's position back to where they were nearly a year ago. However, Yvonne, we need to know if the Military intends to use its new advantages to fortify the border, or push further into Texas? I know that you may or may not have any contacts within the command structure, but even an educated guess is better than nothing."