Overwhelming Force

by Andrew Watts

  An analyst said, “Indeed. Inside the US, political parties are fighting over which direction to take while their nation will wake up tomorrow facing its fourth day without electricity. Many in the US are clamoring for a more aggressive response, especially in light of the death of the former US president. While the official cause of the Air Force One crash is still under investigation, leaked preliminary reports point to a surface-to-air missile attack.”

  The newscaster shook his head. “Horrifying.”

  “Indeed. While the Chinese deny any such action, that doesn’t stop the anger welling up among many of the American people. So, it is quite shocking to see the new US president accept this peace treaty. But what we are hearing from US diplomats and military experts that the US president felt there was a need to deescalate. He wanted to get any Americans in the Asia-Pacific theater out of harm’s way. And the Americans were afraid that further use of nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons could damage their nation beyond repair.”

  The TV screen showed a still image of the former vice president of the United States as he was sworn in as president. A recording played his voice. “My fellow Americans, our most important responsibility is to the safety and security of our citizens, including the hundreds of thousands who are now located in Asia. While we strenuously object to the military action China has taken, we must make peace to ensure the stability of our great nation.”

  The analyst said, “Many Americans are not happy with the president’s decision to accept the Chinese peace treaty. Some in the president’s own party are calling on him to resign.”

  The news host held his hand to his earpiece. “Now, can you go into the details of the peace treaty? Explain what the two nations have agreed to exactly.”

  The camera switched to a third man. “Of course. China has demanded that the United States remove its troops from its bases in the Western Pacific, and it seems that the US has acceded to that demand. Now I’m told that all US forces must move east of a certain longitude line within a certain timeline…”

  “And is the US in fact complying with China’s wishes, then?”

  “It seems that yes, they are. Japanese and American commercial airliners have been commandeered to begin transporting any US civilians and troops back to the United States, and US military forces are—well, they aren’t officially calling it a retreat, but that is what I’ve heard several military experts refer to it as.”

  “Fascinating. And how will this play out globally? Are any other countries bound by the agreement? We’ve seen some very steadfast declarations of American backing from Australia, Canada, and of course the United Kingdom. But no members of the European Union have committed to supporting the US? Or even other members of NATO?”

  “Well, a few NATO members have said that they would respond with military action if the United States and China restart hostilities. Or if Russia—”

  “Yes, now this Russian ultimatum…that seems to have thrown a wrench into everything, hasn’t it? Are they really saying what I think they are saying? That Russia would actually start a thermonuclear war with the United States if the Americans were to use any additional nuclear weapons?”

  “Well, I just want to make one correction to your statement there. We don’t know for sure that the United States has actually used nuclear weapons.”

  “How can you say that? There are reports of nuclear detonations in North Korea and China.”

  “I understand that. However, until we get confirmation from the United States government, I would urge us to take all of the information we’re hearing with a healthy dose of skepticism. I’m hearing from my sources that China and North Korea were the aggressors here. That they launched a surprise attack on US forces in the Pacific.”

  “Even if that were true, it does not refute the fact that the United States launched nuclear weapons in retaliation. How can you dispute that?”

  “I’m not disputing it. I’m saying that I don’t know that it’s true.”

  The newscasters began talking over each other heatedly. Then the host said, “Well, tell me this—do you think that the United States will take Russia’s threat seriously?”

  “I do. And here’s why: the Russian Federation simply has too large an inventory of nuclear weapons for their threat not to be taken seriously. No one wants further bloodshed. And I’m shocked that it has come to this between United States and China. But if there is to be fighting, I think the entire world has a shared interest in the fighting being done with conventional weapons. Your reporting states that there were at least ten nuclear explosions on the day the war began. That alone is very dangerous. The loss of life, the radiation, and the potential environmental effects are devastatingly real. I hope with all my heart that if anything good comes out of it, it is that world leaders will take a breath and settle down—perhaps work out their differences peacefully. I realize that’s a lot to ask after what we’ve seen in the past few days.”

  Lena heard another knock at the door and shut off the television.

  “Enter.”

  The same MSS man who had brought her food came into the room again. “Miss Chou, we have received a cable. Your transportation to the mainland will arrive tomorrow.”

  Lena was surprised. “Oh? I thought that I was to wait here for the next week.”

  “You have been summoned, Miss Chou.”

  “I see.”

  She didn’t have to ask who had summoned her.

  11

  Chase Manning sat in the back of a Toyota sedan, parked outside the premier business terminal at Narita Airport near Tokyo. The driver, a young CIA operative who worked for Tetsuo, was inside making sure all of Chase’s paperwork was in order and that there would be no trouble as he made his way onto the US government plane. There were stories of US intelligence agents being apprehended and hauled away by Tokyo-based Chinese intelligence operatives.

  “See the red armbands?” Tetsuo handed his binoculars to Chase, nodding over towards the commercial terminal arrival area. Busloads of American troops and their dependents were being dropped off outside the airport. This was the American mass exodus of the country, set in motion by the peace agreement.

  “I see them.”

  “The red armbands are pro-Chinese. Those are Japanese citizens that are eager for the Chinese to come take over.”

  “You gotta be kidding me. What the hell are they thinking?”

  “Look a little to the right. You’ll see a gray sedan parked behind them. Diplomatic plates. That’s from the Chinese consulate. I recognize the driver. Chinese intelligence.”

  “What’s the angle?”

  “Looks like they’re firing up the locals. Probably been recruiting these guys for a while. But they want it to appear like the Japanese all want us out of the country. Someone will get video of the scene on their phone and then circulate it online. It’ll get picked up by influencers and maybe even major media outlets, and then that’ll become the narrative. Japanese kick out American oppressors. That’s what they want people saying at the dinner table.”

  “But we’re not—”

  “You’re preaching to the choir, brother. Trust me. I know.” Tetsuo reached out his hand and Chase gave back the binoculars.

  The Chinese intelligence officers were being aggressive. The cease-fire was only a few hours old, yet there they were, staking out their territory. A Chinese occupation would come soon. The PLA wasn’t here yet, but it was only a matter of time. Then this country would really change.

  A 747 jumbo jet had just taken off, its landing gear collapsing into its giant belly, filled with American families and servicemembers headed to Hawaii or San Diego. The evacuation was in full swing. The Japanese government had made it clear that American servicemen and government employees were to depart the country immediately in fulfillment of the cease-fire agreement. Japan saw this as their only option to avoid disaster. Neither Chase nor Tetsuo had seen it coming.

  Tetsuo was a CIA operations officer statio
ned at the American embassy in Tokyo. Chase Manning was with the CIA’s special operations group. He had been on a special assignment to help uncover covert Chinese war plans. A week ago, he had been embedded with an Army Delta team performing reconnaissance on a Chinese military base. He had just left China and arrived in South Korea when the war had begun. He had barely escaped Korea, flying to Japan on a military transport as North Korean rockets had pummeled the country. But Chase’s mission had been helpful. He had supplied the CIA with vital information, allowing the American military to prepare for attacks on Hawaii and Guam.

  When Chase had arrived in Japan, he had been ordered to move Natesh Chaudrey—a Chinese agent the Americans had managed to turn—to safety. Things hadn’t gone according to plan.

  “You thinking about her again?”

  Chase shot him a look but didn’t answer.

  Tetsuo gave a slight smile. “Brother, if you survive this war, they’re going to sit you down on some shrink’s couch and go deep inside your head, and Lena Chou is gonna be waiting for you there. Trust me. I can tell.”

  Chase chewed on his lower lip, bouncing his knee. “She’s probably still here, you know. In Tokyo.”

  “I’ll keep my eyes peeled.” He didn’t look too concerned.

  “I got good eyes too.”

  Tetsuo shot Chase a skeptical look. “Don’t be a dumbass. You have orders now.”

  Images of Lena flashed through his mind. He imagined her as she had been in Dubai. They had been lovers there for a time, while she had still been working for the CIA, before anyone had been aware of her true allegiance. Memories of their bodies intertwined on fresh linens in fancy hotels. Open windows and waves crashing outside. Her flowing jet-black hair running down her luscious body and tickling his bare chest. Silk-skinned and wildly passionate. Her eyes, stoic yet seductive.

  Chase knew that his mental vision of her was no longer accurate. She had burn scars along her left side now. Burn scars that he had created. Perhaps he’d deluded himself into believing she was anything but an enemy.

  He told himself not to harbor any sympathies. Lena Chou was a monster. A traitor. Was she a traitor? She had been loyal to her own cause. She had been a sleeper agent, implanted into the US years ago. Chase tried to wrap his mind around it. How long had she been living that lie? A part of him almost admired her for the dedication and discipline it must have taken.

  Chase has seen her do horrible things. But he knew what he was capable of doing to his fellow man, in the name of his country. While he suffered the inner demons of a warrior, he was mostly able to wash it away with the belief that he served honorably, and on the side of justice. Was it possible that Lena was abiding by that same warrior code?

  He shook the thought away, not trusting his own mind to behave rationally towards her. This was sympathy for the devil. Chase needed to convince himself that Lena wasn’t the woman he’d been with all of those nights in Dubai. It must have been a charade for her. She had used him to gain information and access, just as she had everyone else she’d worked with at the CIA. How many others had she taken into her bed? He wasn’t special. He shouldn’t be so naïve. Lena had betrayed the United States, a country that had been her home for many years. He should want to kill her for that betrayal. He should be filled with disgust and rage.

  But he wasn’t.

  He was conflicted. Whether it was remnants of love or lust, or some strange kindred spirit warrior-spy understanding, Chase had an intense desire to find her. What he would do if he found her, he wasn’t sure.

  Chase turned to Tetsuo. “Just give me twenty-four hours.”

  “No.”

  “The planes are leaving nonstop. We still have a few days.”

  “Hell no.”

  “Let’s at least discuss it…”

  Tetsuo looked at him sideways. “Listen, white boy. In case you haven’t noticed, this is Tokyo. See those guys wearing the red flags? They don’t like you. You won’t be able to operate here anymore. Chase. Let it go. You ain’t gonna find her. Get on the plane. Follow your orders. Don’t let your emotions cloud your judgment.”

  Chase let out a slow breath through his nostrils. Another jumbo jet took off from the runway.

  “Here comes my boy.” Tetsuo’s fellow CIA officer exited the private aviation terminal and headed towards their car. Tetsuo rolled down the window as he walked up. “Everything good?”

  “Sort of.”

  “Sort of isn’t good.”

  “I know the guy at the desk. We should be alright. Plane lands in a few minutes. Wheels up another thirty after that. We’ll have five of our VIPs from the embassy on board. Chase here makes six. No empty seats. Pilots are American, and both check out. I’ll go to the other car and brief the State Department folks.”

  “So what gives?”

  “They say people have been calling around. Government folks asking for passenger manifests.”

  Tetsuo looked at Chase.

  “What?”

  Tetsuo nodded in the direction of the Chinese intelligence operatives over by the commercial terminal. “Those MSS guys are probably looking for some high-value targets to snatch and grab, if they can get away with it. I’m sure you’re on their list.”

  In the distance, another gray sedan parked in back of the first one. An Asian man exited the rear vehicle, walked up to the lead vehicle and began speaking to the driver.

  Tetsuo said, “As long as they stay over there, we should be good. There’s plenty of official security over there. They probably don’t realize that we’re getting special transports for our VIPs at the business terminal.”

  Tetsuo’s CIA colleague standing outside the car said, “Alright, I’ll be back momentarily. Chase, good luck.”

  Tetsuo rolled up the window.

  Chase shook his head. “This whole situation is just wrong. Tucking our tails and leaving like this. You know how much military equipment we’re leaving behind?”

  “They’re loading most of the important stuff onto ships now.”

  “They really aren’t, though. It would take months to do it right. No, we’re going to be forced to leave a ton of supplies, ordnance, and data behind at all of those bases. They’ll destroy what they can, but that takes time, and they have very little time. So what will happen is the Chinese are going to take it all.”

  Tetsuo shrugged. “Shock and awe, man. And the will of the people. We lost the opening battle, and the international community isn’t behind us.”

  “Fuck them.”

  “Yeah, well, our new president thought differently.”

  “Him too, then.”

  “You find out where they’re going to send you yet?”

  Chase said, “Some task force. The orders didn’t say much about what I’ll be doing. All I know is I’m supposed to meet with someone in San Diego once I get off the plane.”

  “Agency?”

  “I don’t think so. The cable gave a name and location and said to await further instructions.” Chase sighed. “What about you?”

  “We’ll go dark. Start running agents and sending info back however we can. It’s going to be a whole new ballgame once Japan becomes Chinese-occupied Japan. The world has changed, my friend. The world has changed.”

  Chase swore softly. A Gulfstream taxied up near the terminal in front of them, the high-pitched whine of its engines loud enough that Tetsuo rolled up his window.

  “Looks like this is it.”

  Chase held out his hand. Tetsuo took it and shook firmly. “Be safe.”

  Ten minutes later, Chase was on the aircraft. Everyone was buckled in and the door had been shut.

  The pilot’s voice came over the speaker. “Just a few moments, ladies and gentlemen, and we’ll be off the ground.”

  Out Chase’s cabin window, he could see Tetsuo and his CIA companion sitting in their Toyota. Two gray sedans pulled up behind them, cutting off their ability to move. Chase gripped his seat belt and moved closer to the window. For a brief momen
t, he contemplated running out of the aircraft and going to help.

  Several men wearing red-and-yellow armbands got out of the car. Two of them were pointing weapons at the CIA men. Shit. Chase tried to think of something he could do.

  Then he spotted Tetsuo. He was looking right at the plane. Right at Chase. Their eyes met. Tetsuo had an almost imperceptible smile and shook his head ever so slightly.

  A flash of gunfire and spiderweb cracks in the glass, blood on the pavement.

  The two armed men who had been standing outside Tetsuo’s vehicle were on the ground, unmoving. Tetsuo’s car door opened and he stepped out, towering over the bodies. His movements were deliberate, calm, and swift. He raised his pistol and began firing into the driver’s side of one of the sedans. Tetsuo’s colleague was also out of the vehicle, firing into the other sedan.

  The other passengers on the plane were now watching. Chase heard a few gasps of breath, but no one spoke or cried out. They just watched in tense silence. Outside their window, the violent spasms of a fresh new war played out.

  The plane jolted forward and began taxiing, faster than normal. Just before Chase lost sight of Tetsuo, he saw him fire at a man running away on the street. The running man took three bullets in the back and collapsed onto the pavement.

  Tetsuo was right. The world had changed.

  12

  USS Ford

  1000 nautical miles west-northwest of Hawaii

  Admiral Manning stood behind his polished wood desk, thumbing through blue folders filled with documents. An ornately decorated chestnut inbox was filled to the brim with stacks of the blue folders. Orders, status reports, and approvals. Everyone seemed to need his signature. The cover page of each folder was signed off in rank order by the appropriate chain of command. He would never get through the pile. Eventually the strike group’s chief of staff, a Navy captain, would sign most of them and bring the admiral only the most important documents.