Ma glanced at Minister Dong. “I see.”
General Chen said, “It was most embarrassing.”
Minister Dong shook his head. “Yes, and it had saved General Chen from being the sole scapegoat after his defeat at the Battle of Johnston Atoll.”
Chairman Jinshan raised his hand. “Gentlemen, enough.” He waved to one of his servants, who opened the door to the kitchen. The cook’s staff rolled in trays of food. Chilean sea bass, roast duck, sautéed vegetables, and chilled white wine. General Chen had grown accustomed to eating well over the years. Jinshan’s personal chefs, imported from all over the world, didn’t disappoint.
After one of the servants filled their wine glasses, Ma raised his for a toast. “Gentlemen, I believe congratulations are in order. South America, and all of its resources, is now under Chinese control.”
Minister Dong and General Chen carefully clinked their glasses in a toast, eyeing each other as they sipped their wine.
Jinshan placed his glass down on the tablecloth, and the men began to eat. They spoke of strategy and status reports. General Chen knew that despite the fine china and Michelin-star-quality food, this dinner was really just a tryout for the position of vice president. Jinshan was giving Ma facetime with the two candidates who would be most helpful in wartime.
Chairman Jinshan said, “What were the results of our satellite launch?”
General Chen set down his fork. “The mass launch went very well, Chairman Jinshan. The imagery provided us with a much-needed update of American forces. Accurate intelligence and reconnaissance have been hard to come by of late.” He looked at Dong, who glared at him.
“Our space launch facility near Wenchang is, as you predicted, Chairman, a source of great advantage,” Dong said. “We are now able to launch large-scale surveillance mini-satellite constellations at much lower costs. And we are continuing to improve this capability. Under my oversight, we soon shall be able to provide China with a reinstatement of satellite datalink. Global positioning, targeting, and communications will all be available to our military partners when they enter combat.”
General Chen said, “Yes, but the problem remains: the Americans destroy these satellites within days.”
Minister Dong said, “And we destroy theirs within hours. We have the communications and surveillance advantages, General. As our forces advance north through the Americas, they will fight US troops on the ground. But our PLA forces will be armed with enemy targeting information, beamed down from above. On that same battlefield, the United States will be in the dark.”
General Chen snorted. “They aren’t in the dark. They have drones and surveillance aircraft, just like we do. And they are working on the same ISR satellite capabilities.”
Minister Dong said, “We are much further ahead of them in that regard, thanks to the investment we made at our Wenchang space facility.”
Ma looked inquisitive. “And what makes this new capability so potent, Minister Dong?”
“The new space facility uses dozens of reusable rockets to lower the cost per launch. Each rocket can carry racks of mini-satellites. As our forces in the Americas advance, our advantage will be significant, and sustainable.”
Jinshan nodded. “The tipping point. Good work.”
Dong lifted his glass and drank. “A pity that our submarines near the US coastline won’t be able to participate.”
Ma said, “What do you mean?”
Dong feigned surprise. “I am sorry, I thought you knew. The attack that General Chen ordered used the only two submarines we had placed near the United States. Because they were ordered to fire their cruise missiles, they gave away their positions. The American Navy has destroyed both vessels. All of our other submarines are busy protecting our convoys now traveling across the Pacific.”
Jinshan flashed a rare look of anger and turned toward General Chen. “Your haste cost us the only two submarines we had positioned near the US? You are aware of how challenging it will be to successfully place more submarines that close to US bases?”
“A regrettable setback, Mr. Chairman.” General Chen glanced at Dong, fuming.
Jinshan said, “What was the result of the attack?”
“Sir, we estimate that particular American base is out of commission for a month. The POW camp was destroyed.”
Ma covered his mouth. “Our own people?”
Jinshan said, “I admire your compassion, Secretary Ma. However, we must continue to make these difficult choices for the greater good.” Jinshan’s face went dark. “Lena? Is she dead?”
The room quieted. This was a delicate subject between Lena’s biological father, General Chen, and the man who became her mentor, Jinshan.
General Chen shrugged, looking at Dong.
Dong said, “No word just yet.”
Jinshan said, “Tell me about the scientist in Peru. Progress?”
Dong nodded. “Things have been going well, sir. Our researchers are now attempting to replicate his methods. The technological improvement in hypersonic weapons capability shows incredible potential.”
“Good.” Jinshan placed his knife and fork down on the white tablecloth and turned to General Chen. “General, tell me, how would you use this new hypersonic weapons technology?”
General Chen recognized the tone. Jinshan was famous for testing his subordinates. During his first few months as the head of the People’s Liberation Army, he had been battered many times by such lines of questioning. But eventually his survivalist instincts took over, and he was able to better anticipate the tests, leaning on his staff to prep him for whatever Jinshan might ask.
“Due to the cost and limited launch capacity of these hypersonic weapons, I would use them in a strike on American naval and air force bases, destroying as many air defense stations as possible. After this is accomplished, we will be able to use conventional air strikes to soften American ground forces. As tactically important targets present themselves, we would employ the remaining hypersonic weapons as needed.”
Jinshan nodded approval.
Ma said, “General, excuse my ignorance. But could you explain what makes these weapons important?”
General Chen took a breath, summoning patience. “Of course, Secretary Ma. Due to their great speed, hypersonic weapons can travel uninhibited by enemy interference, and destroy long-range targets with great precision and lethality. Air defenses are made useless, due to the speed and maneuverability of hypersonic missiles.”
Ma said, “But what makes them more important than nuclear weapons? How do they help us strategically?”
General Chen kept his face still, trying not to show annoyance by the question’s simplicity. “They allow us to defeat our enemy, obviously.”
Jinshan turned to Dong. “What do you say, Minister Dong?”
Dong looked thoughtful. “Hypersonic weapons technology tips the scales of power. The Russians claim to have these weapons operational, but our operatives know that they, like the Americans, have faced technological hurdles.” Dong leaned forward. General Chen was sure that the man practiced speaking in front of a mirror. “Now that China has successfully landed in South America, we will slowly and methodically move our forces up through the continent. Our military reach will spread into Central America and the Caribbean. We will strangle the United States economically and politically. We will use our growing international influence to pressure the US. In a year’s time, our military will be built up to levels never before seen in the world, and they will be waiting at America’s weakened border.”
Ma said, “And that is when you will use hypersonic weapons? When the Americans are at their weakest?”