The moment the higher-ups decided to launch an extremely provocative attack, Venerable Orthox De Massie learned the news shortly afterwards.
The Ferril Provincial Army had chosen to mobilize three whole mech divisions for this hastily-organized operation.
The generals didn't have much to choose from. Many mech divisions were either too far away or stuck performing other missions. The number of units who were stationed close to the projected route of the human fleet and could be mobilized in their entirety only amounted to a handful.
The Vulcan Empire had embraced peace for a very long time. It was unnecessary to keep every military unit on a war footing. It was not only expensive, but also hard on the soldiers.
If the Ferril Province had more time, then it could have gathered thrice as many mech divisions. As it was, sending out the Molten Hammers, Slug Rangers and Hivar Roarers on short notice was the limit.