Defense Briefing Classifies the Phrase 'We Will Get Back to You'

Colonel Liberty Hawk arrived at a fictional security briefing armed with seven questions and left with seven promises of future contact. The promises have now been classified, making it impossible to confirm whether anyone intends to keep them.

A spokesperson explained that response times could reveal operational capabilities. Asked whether an answer existed, she said its existence was also subject to review. The review team works in an undisclosed room formerly known as reception.

Hawk requested a tracking number for his questions. Officials supplied a ceremonial envelope containing a smaller envelope. It was empty, but the packaging carried a reassuring seal: INFORMATION SUCCESSFULLY PROTECTED FROM ITS INTENDED RECIPIENT.

Real-world context

October reporting described European discussions about sustaining and financing support for Ukraine amid continuing attacks. The fictional briefing targets official communication, not people harmed by war. Research cutoff: October 24, 2026. Source: <a href="https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2026/10/17/war-in-ukraine-europe-stands-united-behind-kyiv-but-must-revisit-how-to-finance-its-support_6758692_4.html">Le Monde: European support for Ukraine and financing</a> (2026-10-17).