first-strike-fear

In this chapter, the characters witness an unprecedented mass launch of spacecraft from Earth to Salter Station, revealing a massive evacuation or mobilization effort. Suddenly, missile launches from West China trigger a full alert, indicating the outbreak of a surprise nuclear or missile attack, likely a first strike, with counterattacks already underway. The chapter ends on a tense note as the defenders prepare for imminent conflict, highlighting the fragility of peace despite advanced space infrastructure.