Stephen Makk
The Tiger and the Dragon
“THE BUSINESS OF A SOLDIER is to fight. Armies are not called out to dig trenches, to throw up breastworks, and live in camps. But to find the enemy, and strike him; to invade his country, and do him all possible damage in the shortest possible time… But such a war would of necessity, be of brief continuance, and so would be an economy of prosperity and life in the end. To move swiftly, strike vigorously, and secure all the fruits of victory, is the secret of successful war.”
Foreword
The dispute between Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China, the Tiger and the Dragon respectively is cool but could become hot.
It’s a struggle for the soul of Chinese nationhood. Both claim to be China, only one in the long term can prevail.
By downloading this book you’re probably interested. I’ve included links that guide you to a greater knowledge of the issues.
BUT IN A NUTSHELL:- After the rebellion in China early in the 20th century the communist rebels won and the legitimate Chinese government fled in exile to Taiwan. There, they ultimately founded a prosperous democracy, The Republic of China. Strongly allied to the USA.
The mainland is controlled by the communist party.
WE COMMONLY CALL THESE two: The Republic of China (Taiwan) and The People’s Republic of China (China).
Taiwan and China, both claim to be the legitimate government of China.
In the People’s Republic’s eyes, Taiwan is a renegade province.
In Taiwanese eyes The People’s Republic is a rebel regime.
REMEMBER, IT’S ALSO a battle between intelligence agencies, the Chinese Ministry of State Security, the MSS.
And the Taiwanese National Security Bureau the NSB.
Both are approximately analogous to the CIA.
“The battle for the mind begins before the battle of the fist.”
AS USUAL IN MY BOOKS, I do incorporate something of the real world in there. All devices used on the USS Stonewall Jackson are in service or being prototyped right now.
This book is about what could happen. The future is hard to predict, but flesh out the bones and something like this is an option.
STEPHEN MAKK. 2018.
HTTPS://WWW.SCMP.COM/week-asia/geopolitics/article/2156235/strait-talk-are-china-and-taiwan-brink-conflict
https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/china-taiwan-relations
Chapter 1
YESTERDAY?
For Commander Nathan Blake that wasn’t anything like early enough.
He was keen to get his pride and joy the USS Stonewall Jackson back into service. At least it was now afloat here in Kobe bay at the home of one of its creators. It had been a rush, he’d been in Guam and was notified by the CNO to get his boat to Kobe quickly to have a new device fitted. The equipment and newly fabricated mast had been flown out to Japan and the Navy had borrowed Kawasaki’s equipment and men for the task. After all, they knew the Soryu class submarine that Jackson was based on. They’d helped create it. The US team were from Huntington Ingalls Industries and Boeing Directed Energy Systems. The device had been fitted but the sea trials had been a setback. He stood in the quayside watching the new mast raise and lower from her sail time after time.
“Hi, Commander Blake, it’s looking good now. I think we’ve got it sorted out.”
Nathan looked at the Huntington Ingalls Engineer, the man was grinning.
“Yeah? You sure?”
“It was a transient flow… Commander, it was an issue with hydraulic motor control. We had to fly in a modified control system and fit it, but it’s looking good now. The mast will retract and deploy reliably now I’m sure. Apart from that how did the sea trials go?”
“Ok, very good I must say, but we noticed some mast issues early on. Eventually, we just had to come into port.”
“Yeah, I can understand that. We’re sorted now. How was it going when it worked?”
“Good. We had the directed energy beam taking out Helicopters, aircraft and missiles out at seven miles range, more on clear days. Tracking was good and quick.”
“Good, we should be done here today, Commander.” Nathan went aboard looking at the mast raising and lowering as he descended the ladder from the sail. He walked into the control room. The chief Boeing Engineer stood watching one of his men securing the inspection hatch on their device.
“Commander, Hi, we’re done here, we got your software upgrade done, the tracking will be more accurate now plus a few other internals. The free electron laser will recharge faster now too. You’re the proud first user of the submarine-based directed energy weapon Vulture’s Stare.”
“I hope it’s as good as you guys say it is.”
“It’s been tested four ways and back at Yuma and China Lake. Static and fast-moving targets, both were taken out. You’ve a real fighting chance now against Helicopter and Maritime patrol aircraft. If you’ll sign this Commander, I’ll be off.” Nathan signed the work release. The Boeing people left the boat. Nathan gave Lt Cmd Larry Sayers a smirk.
“That’s it XO, they want us to run a few more trials offshore, but all things being well Vulture’s Stare is ours.”
“Yeah, it’ll be good to fight back at them sir.” Nathan knew it was now time to contact her.
“I’m just going ashore again Larry, get ready to cast off.”
“Aye sir.”
Nathan climbed the sail and walked out along the quayside, he took out his cell phone and dialled the National Security Bureau Officer. May Hsin was a member of Taiwan’s secret intelligence service and had approached him in Guam, that was just before the CNO had ordered them to Kobe. The trip that she’d requested he make to Taiwan was on hold for now.
“Yes.”
“May, it’s Blake we’re done now. I’m in Kobe Japan, are we still on?”
“Yes. Get yourself and Nikki to the airport, you’ll find China Airlines tickets to Taipei waiting. See you soon.”
He’d have to think of a reason why Nikki had to go with him. He’d need to tell the XO something. But for proof that the trip was needed, that wasn’t a problem. Back in Guam May had him call the CNO himself at the Pentagon and he’d authorised the trip, so that was good enough for him. Why? he’d no idea, but he knew there was only one way to find out.
“KEEP STILL. I’M JUST finishing your left eye and that’s it.” The makeup artist finished her gold whisps with a flourish.
“There you are, have a look Tsai.”
Tsai Zhou, a gorgeous twenty one year old Chinese C-pop artist looked in the mirror and smiled. Her eyes, lips and skin looked perfect.
“You’re too good to me Liu.” The door opened and a man, young Chinese yet blond, looked in.
“Three minutes Tsai, you’re on.” She was bustled to the entrance at the top rear of the stage.
“Ready, now.”
Thousands filled the stadium in excited chatter, they knew the star was ready.
“Ladies and Gentlemen. It’s now the time, she’s here. We welcome Tsai Zhou.”
A great cheer went up, there was a flash on stage followed by billowing smoke. Down the steps she walked, one leg bare, one covered by her red and gold dress. The crowd erupted wild and screaming.
She walked up to the microphone.
“Jiujinshan wo ai ni. San Francisco, I love you. I love you.”