Hale’s eyes narrowed about two millimetres.

“Our [i]fortress[/i] is built on the combined might of two of the strongest navies this galaxy has ever seen. Over a [b]thousand[/b] ships of the line of battle, and two million fighters to go with them.”

He swept one forearm out to the side, then clenched a fist.

“I think I know what side of the walls our friends will want to be on, when it comes to it. Regardless of how much they know, they won’t want to face this alone.”