In a retrospective the Consortium details how Powell was caught in the middle during Desert Storm between Bush I and the military. The military didn't want to unnecessarily risk casualities on both sides as long as a non-violent resolution was possible. A likely option was rejected by Bush in favor of the war he wanted in order to purge the ghosts of Vietnam. The price was 127 killed in combat and 236 from other causes. Light casualties for an operation of that size but were the ghosts of Vietnam worth it?

It must seem like deja vu all over again for Colin.