by Ted Halstead
"Well, sir, those transport aircraft I mentioned are there primarily to carry out airdrops of food and medicine to people living in remote villages. Our strike will certainly destroy many, if not most, of those An-32s. The Indian government is likely to focus attention on that aspect of our strike, rather than the drones," Yang said.
"You let me worry about that," Lin said. "The Indians can spin this any way they want. They started this, but I'm going to finish it. After Forward interrupted my broadcast announcing we will take action against India, we looked weak. That cannot stand. Notify me as soon as planning for the strike is complete and you're ready to launch. Make sure you tell no one besides the men in your command who will be involved in the actual mission."
Yang wanted to point out that the Night Tiger's commando strike on the Indian sniper outpost had started this. And that it was nearly certain the Indians would respond to an attack on Jorhat AFS with one of their own against a Chinese airbase.
But he could see that Lin was in no mood to listen to any of that.
Instead, Yang said, "Yes, sir," saluted, and left.
Once Yang was in the President's reception area, he saw Admiral Bai was waiting to see Lin.
Why does the commander of South Sea Fleet Headquarters need to see the President, Yang wondered.
Too bad he couldn't ask.
Instead, they just nodded at each other politely and exchanged wry smiles.
As Yang realized, Bai was probably wondering why Lin had wanted to see him.
One of Lin's assistants called Bai to come forward. At least, Yang thought, now Bai would have the answer to one question.
Admiral Bai saluted as he entered Lin's office. Lin acknowledged the salute with an irritated wave and gestured for Bai to sit.
"Admiral, I understand you believe the American submarine that attacked our base has escaped after sinking one of our newest submarines," Lin said.
Bai nodded. "Yes, sir. At least, we have confirmed that our submarine was sunk from debris retrieved at sea. No such debris has been found from an American submarine. Though the possibility exists that it was sunk without trace, I think that unlikely."
Bai wanted to add that there was no real proof that the Americans had destroyed the base at Ziyou Island. Or that they had meant to do so. Or that they had sunk the Changzheng 20.
First, because he didn't think Lin would listen. Also, because Bai thought the Americans had some responsibility for their actions, no matter what.
Bai assumed he was here to make an appropriate response. Say, sink an American submarine, or perhaps even two.
He quickly discovered his assumption was wrong.
"I want you to prepare a target list for my approval. We are going to destroy an American naval base. I don't care which one. I suggest a method that will keep our sailors safe, like cruise missiles fired from a distance, but that's your call. I'm not the expert," Lin said.
Bai was stunned. There were no American bases within China's range as small as the one at Ziyou Island.
And what about retaliation?
And escalation?
Bai rapidly thought about the many American military bases in the Pacific. All with thousands of personnel. Okinawa. Yokohama. Guam.
Hawaii.
Bai's thoughts raced forward. The Japanese had paid a terrible price for attacking the Americans, and American troops were still on Japanese soil all these decades later.
What could he say that might change Lin's mind?
Bai knew the answer to that question as soon as it came to him.
Nothing.
But Bai did have another question to ask.
"Sir, I understand that this attack will take place using the forces under my command. Should I expect to coordinate with higher headquarters here in Beijing?" Bai asked.
Lin immediately shook his head. "No. When I called you for this meeting, I told you to tell no one, and I have a reason for that order. Operational security must be paramount if our attack is to be successful. The Americans have spies everywhere and are always watching and listening to all we do. Our only hope of victory is to keep this mission secret. You must inform no one of this order except the sailors in whatever ships or submarines you select to carry it out."
Outwardly Bai nodded his understanding and said, "Yes, sir."
It wasn't easy, though. An icy realization had just struck Bai.
Lin was keeping this order secret from the Politburo. The only ones in China with authority to remove Lin.
Which they might do if they realized Lin was about to start a war with the Americans.
But if the war were already underway, they would have no choice but to rally behind him.
And Bai had no way to legally refuse Lin's orders since he was Commander in Chief.
Bai hoped he had been successful at keeping this realization off his face.
Apparently so, because Lin smiled and said, "Excellent, Admiral. I look forward to seeing your target list soon. Let's say by this time two days from now."
"Yes, sir," Bai said as he stood, saluted, and left Lin's office.
Bai was still deep in thought as he reached the building's entrance and reached in his pocket for his phone. A Navy driver was on call for him while he was in Beijing but was not allowed to idle in front of the President's office.
"May I offer you a ride, Admiral?" Yang asked.
Bai was startled, having been so occupied with his dilemma that he hadn't even seen Yang was there.
He must have been waiting for me, Bai realized.
On the one hand, Yang was outside Bai's chain of command.
On the other, Yang certainly outranked him as Air Force Commander, while Bai only commanded a single naval force.
There was only one possible reply.
"Thank you, General. I'd be honored," Bai said.
Besides, Bai was curious. Why did Yang want to speak to him?
Once Yang's car was underway, he leaned over and said to his driver, "Xijiao Airport. Take your time getting there."
Bai nodded. Of course. Yang hadn't had any trouble guessing that Bai would be using Beijing's military airport to return to his headquarters after seeing the President.
Then Yang turned to Bai and smiled. "You may speak freely. My driver is one of the few men with my absolute trust, and this car is swept for listening devices daily."
Bai nodded his understanding but said nothing.
Yang's smile widened. "Good. If I were you, I'd be cautious too. So I'll go first. The President wanted to see me to order an attack on an Indian air station. One that sits in a heavily populated area, where civilian casualties will be impossible to avoid. Casualties that will make an Indian response inevitable and may quickly escalate to a wider war with a nuclear-armed opponent. He's ordered me to tell nobody but the men in my command involved in the mission."
Bai nodded. "So, why then are you telling me?"
"Because I'm guessing the President just gave you a similar order. And that he gave the order to you rather than your superior officer here in Beijing because he wants to keep the order secret from the Politburo," Yang replied.
"Let's say that's true," Bai said. "What prevents you from going to the Politburo? Wouldn't they listen to the Air Force Commander?"
Yang shook his head. "Under my leadership, the Air Force has had some recent successes. It has also had one failure. Though still secret from the public, that failure is known to the Politburo. Whatever I say could be taken by some there as an attempt to salvage my position. The President knows all this."
Bai frowned. "Then what's to be gained from telling you what the President has ordered me to do?"
Yang smiled. "That depends on the orders, doesn't it? We're both military men. We know that no problem can be solved without all the information available. And that we're stronger together."
Bai sat silently for a moment.
He didn't trust Yang. At all.
But Bai didn't trust his superiors in Beijing either.
At least he knew Yang thought attacking the Indians was a mistake.
Bai made up his mind. Yang was undoubtedly a far more influential figure in Beijing than he was. Maybe he could do something to stop this before a wider war began against two countries with nuclear weapons.
"The President wants me to destroy an American naval base. One of our bases was attacked a few days ago, killing a few dozen men, and one of our submarines was sunk. We think the Americans did both but have no proof. Since they don't have any bases as small as ours we can reach, I'll be forced to attack a larger American target," Bai said.
Yang looked at Bai speechlessly for a moment.
"Lin has to be stopped," Yang said finally. "The Americans will retaliate at once. And their conventional and nuclear forces are still far superior to ours."
Then Yang paused. "How long before this attack is supposed to happen?"
"I was given two days to provide the President with target options," Bai replied.
Yang nodded. "My deadline was less specific, but I know he'll expect a response by then from me too. Very well. Stall if you can. I'll try to get you word on what I and anyone I can convince are doing to stop this."
"Understood," Bai said.
Though he couldn't imagine how anyone could stop war now.
Chapter Sixty
August 1st Building
Beijing, China
The Central Military Commission (CMC) was housed in the Ministry of National Defense compound, which everyone called the August 1st building. The date was a reference to the People's Liberation Army's founding during the 1927 Nanchang Uprising.
The August 1st building was the closest Chinese equivalent to the American Pentagon. It was most similar in one way. Civilian leadership was paramount. Though the Central Military Commission included generals like Yang and Shi, it was chaired by the Commander in Chief, President Lin. And its most important positions were held by top Communist Party officials.
The building was also full of listening devices installed by Song's Ministry of State Security.
Air Force Commander Yang and Army Commander Shi were taking a chance today that all the listening devices in the building's sauna had been successfully discovered and temporarily disabled by one of Yang's technicians. Both of them had made a habit of using the sauna to relax after a long day, so no one would be surprised to learn they had been there.
They had both been mindful of the ever-present bugs on previous encounters and kept their conversations innocuous. The sauna's use was restricted to generals and admirals, and any that ranked lower than Yang or Shi who happened to be there when either came quickly found a reason to be elsewhere. So, they could be sure of privacy for today's conversation.
A bonus to this meeting's sauna setting was that Yang and Shi both knew neither of them could be hiding a recording device on their person.
Yang began by explaining what he had learned from Admiral Bai about President Lin's plan to attack the Americans. Plus, Lin's orders to have Yang strike an Indian air station in a heavily populated area.
Shi was still for nearly a minute, and Yang could see he was close to shock.
Well, who could blame him?
Then Shi slowly shook his head. "You were right all along. I see that now. Lin must be stopped. But don't you think the CMC might be willing to overrule his plans? Recent events at the Indian border have raised serious questions about his leadership. As well as Forward's successful attacks."
Yang frowned. "But Lin remains CMC chairman unless and until the Politburo strips him of that title. And that won't happen before Lin launches his attacks. If we go to the CMC and try to make our case while Lin is still chairman, he'll remove and replace us before we’re even able to speak. And you know what will happen to us then."
Shi was still again, but he didn't need long this time to decide. "You're right. We will need to use the more direct method we previously discussed. The device, as well as the technician, will be ready tomorrow morning. I will make sure the bomb threat call cannot be traced."
Yang looked at Shi intently. "And the technician will not be the same man who built the device."
Shi smiled. "Please. Give me that much credit, at least."
Yang nodded. "Sorry, but you know how many things could go wrong with this plan. And your supposed medic will be ready as well?"
Shi shrugged. "Yes. But you know as well as I do that it could all fall apart there. All Lin has to do is insist on seeing his regular doctor."
"That's true. If you have a better plan to suggest, I'm ready to hear it," Yang replied.
And Yang meant it. The assassination plan as it stood was too complicated. But the plan had to do more than just kill Lin. It had to do so in a way that couldn't be traced back to Yang and Shi. And Lin couldn’t die before he gave one crucial order.
Shi immediately shook his head. "No. I have given the problem as much thought as I know you have. I see no better alternative."
"Very well," Yang said. "And your troops in Beijing are ready for the next phase once Lin is dead?"
"Yes," Shi said shortly. Then he cocked his head and looked at Yang. "Do you think Song will order his men to resist no matter what? They're nearly as well-armed as my troops, and here in Beijing almost as numerous."
"Impossible to know," Yang replied with a shrug. "We'll find out tomorrow."
Zhongnanhai Compound
Beijing, China
President Lin stood impatiently next to his desk as General Yang was shown in by his assistant.
"General, I hope you're here to tell me that your forces are ready to strike that Indian base as we discussed," Lin said.
"Yes, sir," Yang replied. "We will be striking tomorrow as you ordered."
"Excellent," Lin said. "I presume you're now on your way to the weekly CMC meeting?"
"That's right, sir. I'm sure I will see you there. As you ordered, I will say nothing to the Commission."
"Good. Since I have you here, why don't you come with me?" Lin said.
Said, not asked. Though it would have looked like a question on paper, Lin's tone made it clear it was an order.
"Of course, sir," Yang replied automatically. While his mind was racing furiously.
This shouldn't derail the plan. Should it?
As they walked together out of the building, Yang's cell phone rang.
"I'm sorry, sir, but my office knows to call me here only in case of a true emergency. I must answer," Yang said.
Lin stopped and turned, one eyebrow arched with surprise. "I believe you. I've never heard your phone ring before. Answer, and then tell me about this emergency."
Yang tapped his phone and then put it to his head.
"Yang here. What? Is the threat credible? An Army bomb technician is already here? Very well. Tell me as soon as you know more."
Yang tapped his phone again and said, "Sir, we must reenter the building."
Then he pointed to the President's limousine, where a man could be seen underneath it doing something with a piece of equipment.
"Sir, there is a credible bomb threat from Forward. The Army has a technician examining your car because they fear your regular security detail has been compromised. But it's not safe here. We must…"
Yang wasn't able to finish his sentence.
The explosion's shock wave pushed both Yang and Lin to the ground.
After a brief moment of blackness, Yang opened his eyes.
The President's limousine was in too many pieces to count. Presumably, so was the man who had been under it.
As soon as he could move, Yang went towards Lin, cursing. The bomb wasn't supposed to have been that powerful.
Though otherwise, its detonation had been carefully planned. The man who had just planted it had been told he was to go through the motions of disarming a fake device.
Obviously, not one that would be detonated by remote control as soon as Lin had exited the building.
Yang hadn't expected to be standing
with Lin when the bomb went off. But now that he'd survived the explosion, Yang thought that fact should help deflect suspicion.
But Yang's curses were still genuine. Because Lin had to be alive. There was one order Lin had to give, or all this had been for nothing.
Lin groaned, and his eyes fluttered open. Yes!
"Sir, there's been an explosion. Are you injured?" Yang asked.
Lin sat up, dazed. Then he looked at the smoking wreckage that was all that was left of his limousine.
Yang looked at Lin carefully. No shrapnel damage he could see, but who knew what internal injuries he might have suffered.
Finally, Lin shook his head.
"Let me help you into the building where you'll be safe," Yang said.
Right on cue, Shi's troops were everywhere, pushing back the men from Lin's regular MSS security detail who had tried to come to his aid.
"Why are these soldiers here?" Lin asked in a weary voice as Yang helped him up.
"Sir, the Army has information that Forward may have infiltrated MSS. General Shi has sent troops to protect you until an investigation can determine what happened and who was responsible," Yang replied.
Lin swayed a little as he thought over what Yang had just said and finally nodded.
"I want to go to my office," Lin said.
Perfect, Yang thought.
Aloud he just said, "Yes, sir."
Moments later, they were back in Lin's office. Lin sank into the sofa closest to the door.
Yang snapped at the nearest soldiers, "Guard the President's office. We need a military doctor in here!"
Lin looked up tiredly. "Can't you find my regular doctor?" he asked.
"Sir, I don't think we have time to waste," Yang replied.
Lin didn't answer but nodded in agreement.
Yang's heart jumped. One hurdle passed. Now for the next.
Yang waved to Lin's chief of staff, Meng, who had been hovering anxiously near his office door.
"Meng, come in, please," Yang said.
Then Yang said, "Mr. President, I believe immediate action is needed to safeguard you after this attack. I recommend that responsibility for your security and the other members of the Central Military Commission be placed in the hands of military police reporting to General Shi. Reports General Shi has received that Forward has infiltrated the Ministry of State Security must be investigated. If you agree, I recommend that Meng issue the necessary orders in your name, putting General Shi in charge of CMC security and beginning a military investigation of the MSS. Today's attack may not be over. We must act."