DRAGON’S FURY
World War
Against America and the West
VOLUME I
BY: JEFF HEAD
Copyright © 2011 by Jeff Head
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VOLUME I
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORWARDS
By Larry Schweikart
Co-Author of, A Patriot’s History of the United States
Author of, America's Victories: Why the U.S. Wins Wars and Will Win the War on Terror
From the moment an unholy alliance of Asian and Islamic powers forms to make war on the United States, the future of liberty in this thriller is in doubt. Using secretly developed, high speed, super-cavitating torpedoes and mines, the Red Chinese and their allies threaten to do what no power has done in the 20th century-dominate the United States at sea. Jeff Head weaves a story of what World War - perhaps the beginning of which is our war on terror - would be like, and it isn't pretty. It is, however, entirely plausible.
For 20 years, the United States has watched the Chinese communist governments conceal their socialist character and pretend to be free market capitalists, often at our expense. They have acquired high-level technology, especially during the Clinton administration, without any concessions to internal freedom, and have flagrantly constructed a blue-water navy with one sole purpose: to challenge American dominance in the Pacific. Sadly, even in the otherwise erstwhile Bush administration, such advances have not been tempered, let alone reversed, with the likely result being that, barring a remarkable weakening of China from the inside (as occurred with Soviet Russia), a conflict with the Red Chinese is nearly inescapable.
The good news is that, presently, the
United States retains a quality edge over our potential enemies,
and our submarines are superior by several orders of magnitude. But
the Chinese see this as an incentive to improve their own programs.
While an alliance such as Jeff describes is
unlikely in the short
term, the world has witnessed much stranger bedfellows at the drop of
a hat.
Jeff’s is a story of heroism, sacrifice, pain, and redemption. His analysis and descriptions are so prescient that we must hope it remains a work of fiction and not history before-the-fact.
By Matthew Bracken
Author: Enemies Foreign and Domestic, Domestic Enemies-The Reconquista, and Foreign Enemies and Traitors
If you enjoy reading big—and I mean big—techno-thrillers, then Dragon’s Fury by Jeff Head is for you. Imagine a history of World War Two, from the invasion of Poland until Hiroshima: that will give you an idea of the sweeping narrative in this “future history” of the next world war. In Jeff’s scenario, communist China forges an alliance with a unified Islamic world, and brings a reluctant India aboard. China leads the way, determined to drive the U.S. out of the Mid-East, the Indian Ocean, Asia, and the Western Pacific.
The war begins with a series of surprise attacks on American naval forces. The Chinese have secretly developed and deployed new classes of weapons the US Navy cannot counter, including hyper-speed super-cavitating torpedoes. With their breakthrough weapons and millions of expendable soldiers, victory after victory goes to the Chinese led axis, until much of the free world is crushed and subjugated.
The defeat of the Unites States seems certain, but America and her remaining allies rise to the challenge. The United States deploys its own breakthrough weapons and, without giving away too much of the plot, Jeff’s techno-thriller shows that space will be the ultimate “high ground,” to determine the outcome of the next world war.
In such a scenario could today’s bitterly divided America unify and rally behind a strong wartime President, and endure the hardships of years of defeat? Could such a war be fought, and not go nuclear in the opening battles? I wondered about these questions, but in Dragon’s Fury, Jeff Head weaves a complete story line that plausibly suspends the readers’ disbelief, and takes him or her along for a wild ride that is the next world war.
PROLOGUE
November 28, 1970, 20:35 local
Naval Headquarters, Research Center Hanoi, North Vietnam
Lu Pham rolled back from his workbench, set his slide rule down, and swiveled his stool around. Placing his elbow on the desk and his hand under his chin, he sat, reflecting
“So”, he thought, “it can be done! … the
secret is simply maintaining the wave form that keeps
the cavity
stable once that cavity has been achieved”.
Lu had been working on this problem for over a year, spending uncounted off-duty hours creating the mathematical models, which would prove or disprove his theories. In his capacity as a naval research officer, Lu was working to reduce the noise signature of North Vietnam’s coastal craft by studying the cavitation the propellers created and finding ways to reduce it.
He was being funded in the endeavor by monies from the Soviet Union, the USSR having earlier become aware of Lu’s remarkable mathematical abilities. In the process, Lu had become obsessed by the cavitation itself. In the environment of his official research, cavitation was a bad, dangerous thing. Cavitation of that sort meant sound, sound that the detection devices of the imperialist U.S. Navy could detect and use to either destroy the craft of his nation, or to avoid them.
But the cavitation that Lu was predicting was a far different matter. Such stable cavitation could only be created at extremely high speeds, and only by a proper, sleek body moving at those speeds…towards the ships of the U.S. 7th fleet. Lu only had to document these findings and present them to his superiors. He was sure they would jump at any chance to deliver a decisive blow to their enemies…to his enemies.
In his mind’s eye, as so often occurred when he contemplated delivering a blow to the Americans, he once again saw the fertile undergrowth, the moist, dense forest. Yes, there! he could just see the huts of the village…and as soon he saw them, he always caught the same faint, sickly, coppery odors on the wind. In his mind, as he proceeded towards the village, he came into the clearing where he could see more clearly the bodies of his father and his mother. They were in the center of the village, lying on the ground where the US Special Forces “Phoenix” Team had left them after disposing of this particular Vietcong coordinator whom their intelligence had correctly identified as an instrument sent there by the North.
December 9, 1970 15:30 local
Commandant’s Office, Naval Research Center Hanoi, North Vietnam
“Comrade Lu, let me understand, you have developed a mathematical model which leads you to believe that a weapon can be developed to attack the US 7th fleet off our shores and inflict severe damage on them, potentially even damaging or destroying their aircraft carriers?”
“That is correct”, replied Lu Pham to Captain Ho Chien Thom, who was the Commandant of North Vietnam’s fledgling Naval Research effort.
“The device I contemplate would travel at 300-400 kilometers per hour and could reach the imperialist’s ships before they could respond to it. One of the key difficulties will be designing the shape of the weapon. The leading edge must be precise in order to create and maintain the cavity through which the weapon moves. Another difficulty will be the propulsion system, which must be adequate to achieve and maintain the speed to create this cavity. Finally, we must find a way to deploy the device…"
The Captain cut him off.
“Lt. Lu, did you contemplate that these difficulties make it impossible for us to produce your weapon? Have you forgotten that we rely on our comrade socialist nations for all of our modern devices and conveniences?”
Now raising his voice, Captain Ho continued, “Have you forgotten that the very slide rule you use to make these pipedream calculations was not created here?”
Seeking to quickly respond and to abate the unforeseen anger of his commander, Lu responded…and succeeded in only increasing that anger.
“No, comrade Captain, I have not forgotten these things; but, respectfully, I believe that such a weapon can be developed. I also believe that those nations assisting us in this struggle would be more than willing to provide the resources once they see the potential of what this slide rule has produced.”
Unfortunately, at 23 years of age, the young lieutenant was very naïve and not savvy, or experienced in the politics of the so-called “People’s struggle” in which he was involved. Capt. Ho, far more experienced in such realities, understood that to propose such a use of resources in the current circumstances would be damaging to his own standing, not to mention the barely adequate funding they were currently receiving.
“Lt. Lu, I need not remind you that most of your associates are involved in this struggle in a far different manner than you. The party leadership and our friends in the Soviet Union have recognized your capabilities and have employed you in important research. The effort to which you must employ all of your time and intellect is to reduce the sound signature of the propellers of our existing vessels, while allowing them to operate more efficiently. Such an improvement will help our small navy, and please our socialist brothers who will use it on their ships and send more funding, and more weapons to our navy.
“Instead of considering these facts, you have spent considerable amounts of the People’s valuable time in researching an effort not related to your primary assignment. Comrade, despite your considerable talents, and despite the noble sacrifice of your parents, you are failing the people.
“So, let me make it very clear to you … if you do not want to be transferred to the forests and mountains of Cambodia, or to the rebel provinces to the south, I suggest you immediately redirect your efforts to your primary assignment. Is this understood? In the mean time, leave the results of your research here and I will find a way to mention it to the party leadership. ”
“Yes, comrade, I understand.” Lt. Lu Pham somberly replied as he stood, saluted, handed over his documents and then retired from his commander’s office.
After Lu Pham walked out the door, the Captain momentarily considered the calculations and documentation he now held in his hand. Shaking his head in disgust, he quietly folded them up, and then threw them into his bamboo waste basket and gave them no further thought.
December 9, 1970, 3 hours later
Commandant’s Office, Naval Research Center Hanoi, North Vietnam
The old man carried out his janitorial duties as he did every evening in the Naval Research Center. Stooped and moving slowly due to the inevitable arthritis of old age, he cleaned the floor and then emptied the garbage from each of the small bamboo wastebaskets into the trash bag on the cart which he pulled. He had been doing this - day in and day out - for years.
… and, as he had also done for years, he ensured that the waste, which tonight included the Lt. Lu Pham’s discarded computations, was placed in a separate, cleverly concealed bag on his cart.
Later that night, the contents of the bag were en
route to the old man’s true employer…the
intelligence
services of the People’s Republic of China.
Twenty-six Years Later
March 23, 1996, 19:00 local
Corporate Headquarters COSCO
Beijing, China
Chin Zhongbaio, President of one of the largest shipping companies in the world, and a member of the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party, watched as the General entered his office.
“General Hunbaio, please sit down. Is it true?
Have your people in COSTIND located Lu Pham
and brought him here
to Beijing? ”
The General, who commanded his nation’s weapons research and development efforts, knew that Chin was aware not only that Pham had been found, but that he was here waiting to meet the President of COSCO as they spoke. As the General took a seat in front of Chin, he replied,
“Comrade Chin, as you know, we found him teaching in Hanoi two years ago and approached him. After developing a friendly relationship, our operative showed him a copy of his long lost research documentation on cavitation. From there it was a simple matter to recruit him into our services as he has a long-standing desire to work against the Americans.
"All arrangements were made for him and his family. The importance and secrecy has been explained to him along with the consequences of betrayal. He has accepted and he is waiting outside in your reception area as we speak.”
Chin pondered the General’s words, then without further conversation, he simply said, “Please, General, have your people bring him in”
The General motioned to his aide standing at attention by the door, and the aide immediately left the room. Presently he returned with a spectacled man in his late-40’s and whose face and build showed his Vietnamese heritage.
“Mr. Lu, or should I say, Captain Lu? How nice to meet you. I hope that your family is well”
Lu Pham, recently given a commission and a Captain's rank in the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), entered the room and walked resolutely to Chin and bowed slightly,
“Thank you, sir, my family is still adjusting to being here, but we have been warmly received. I must say, I am honored to meet the man who has helped make the Chinese shipbuilding industry the third largest on the planet and the fastest growing. As you are well aware, maritime applications, particularly naval applications, have always been my singular interest.”
Chin had been engineering this moment for two full years. Ever since the first meeting with General Hunbaio concerning super-cavitation, its possibilities and Lu’s amazing computations from over two decades ago, he had dreamed of developing and deploying such a weapon, with all of its capabilities, for the People’s Republic of China. Since that initial meeting, Chin had made it his personal business to be aware of every like and dislike of Lu Pham. He walked around his desk and surprised Lu with a warm embrace; and then guided him and the General over to a warm grouping of plush chairs in a corner of his office, with a magnificent view of the city. While motioning for the others to sit with him, Chin continued,
“Well, Captain, we have a clear mutual interest, although your words regarding my personal contributions are too kind. More to the point, I believe we are in a position to supply the manpower and overall funding to a project you first contemplated many years ago…almost 25 years ago in fact.
“Simply put, we would like you to begin work immediately with General Hunbaio’s agency and a staff of the best researchers, designers and manufacturers available, developing and producing these super-cavitating weapons for the PLAN. How does that sound?”
Lu was as absolutely thrilled at the prospect, and he wanted to let Chin know. But there was an issue nagging him he felt he had to get in the open,
“It sounds almost too good to be true sir, and something I have dreamed about for many years; but, one question if I may?”
“By all means”, Chin replied.
“You have had this information for years. Why do
you require me?”
Chin thought for a moment, then motioned to
General Hunbaio,
“Well, General, why don’t you let Lu know why, after all of these years, we require the assistance of the man who came up with these remarkable mathematical models?”
General Hunbaio spoke without hesitation,
“Lu Pham, sometimes there are individuals who are given great insights. All of our researchers, those who have had the clearance to look at your work…and there have been quite a few…agree that the principles are accurate, but they have not been able to bring the work forward into reality.
“Quite frankly, all of their efforts failed. It
became apparent that we needed to find the man who
developed the
models themselves, and now here you are. It is as straightforward as
that.
“Of course, I want to stress again that once this work begins, you and your family will live in a secure environment. You will be working in a facility that is very self-contained, in a town specifically built to house that facility. No breach of security can be allowed. Any deviation from areas of research or lines of work specifically associated with your task will be viewed most severely. I know we have covered this with you and your family, but I wanted to re-emphasize it to you.”
Hearing this again did not faze Lu Pham. He
expected as much, and expected he would hear it
over and over
again in the future.
“General, I do understand. I understood 25 years ago. I kept quiet regarding this for all of those years. I can do so as I work on it now.”
Ten Years Later
May 13, 2006, 18:30 local
Tiananmen Square
Beijing, China
As they walked out of earshot of staff, away from
the press, and surrounded by a “wall” of
electronic security,
The Chinese President accompanying the President of India said,
“These talks have been gratifying. I am pleased we have been able to come to an understanding between the two us, which will ultimately allow our peoples to embrace the “Three Wisdoms” we have discussed, and which will set a pattern for the peace-loving, socially-minded people of world”.
Reflectively, the Indian President paused and turned towards the President of the People’s Republic of China and replied,
“Ah, it is just so Mr. President. Our understanding, rooted in the fundamental principles of the Three Wisdoms, will move our nations towards the realization of goals which will improve the lives of our people and catapult them to their rightful place on the stage of world affairs. Our current discretion and the arduous road ahead will ultimately lead to the emergence of an economic and social order that will sweep the earth.”
After a moment of thoughtful consideration, the Chinese President answered,
“As the leaders of the two most populous nations on earth, it is past time that our people began influencing affairs rather than being influenced by them. We shall employ the same methods that have worked to our benefit with the most recent undisciplined and decadent American national leadership.
“Who would have thought that we could make so many gains in such a short period of time? They have literally given us the keys to produce this vision, and at such low cost. By starting early with decadent leaders in other areas, we will guide them in like manner over the next five or six years.
“In the meantime, China will patiently delay plans for reunifying our nation with our rebellious island province. We will also wait to excise, the corrupting influence of the Americans; not only from the South China Sea, but from all of eastern Asia. While we do this, we will continue to encourage them to pour resources into the “economic development” of our own nations.”
The Indian knew that America had been penetrated to the highest levels throughout the 1990's. He had his own operatives working to affect similar outcomes in other regions. He was also tired of the American juggling and posturing in his own region. He had witnessed it for decades, playing off the fundamentalist, terror-supporting Pakistani government against the Iranians…and against his own India. He knew the Chinese, who had historically been one of his own nation’s largest concerns, had been working to penetrate and turn many within the American government and industry. He had recently decided that it was time to open confidential dialog with the Chinese over these very issues.
Just the same, to hear it put so bluntly…
“You are to be commended, Mr. President, for both your vision and your forbearance. Now, after further reflection, I believe I will enjoy some of that Earl Gray tea you offered.”
The Chinese President laughed and patted the
Indian on the back while directing him back
towards their
“official” discussions on “improving relations” and “border
disputes”.
Six Years Later
August 6, 2012, 15:30 local
Tianjin, China
The WNN camera panned across the magnificent stadium that had been used in the 2005 Olympics during a break in the action on the field. The 2012 regional football preliminaries were under way and although the truly massive audiences would not begin tuning in until Friday, August 8th, nonetheless, a large audience was watching the live broadcast of these preliminaries.
Amidst much talk and praise of the stadium here in Tianjin, and even more talk as the sports casters compared this stadium to the National Olympic Stadium in Beijing where the opening ceremonies had occurred three years earlier, unheralded in the distance, during one of the camera shots, a large, sleek, and imposing naval vessel could be seen making her way in Tianjin harbor.
The ship was the PLAN aircraft carrier, 83 Shi Lang, and this was the second time she had been underway since completing her initial trials four weeks earlier. Originally the Russian Varyag, the vessel had been purchased in 1998 from the Ukraine after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. She was purchased under the auspice of a Chinese holding company turning her into a floating casino. At the time of her purchase, the Varyag had been approximately 70% complete. The Ukraine simply had not had the funds to finish her, and her condition was slowly deteriorating.
Sister ship to the Russian, Kuznetsov, which the Russians had completed and made operational, the Varyag was designed to displace 67,500 tons and carry in excess of 40 combat aircraft, making the two sister ships the second largest aircraft carriers in the world, next to the American super carriers.
Ultimately the Ukrainians had removed all propulsion, weapons, communications, and detection systems and the empty carrier was towed to China in 2001 and 2002 where it was taken immediately to the Dalian Naval shipyards and kept under tight security. The holding company had gone out of business by that time and the ship came under direct control of the Chinese Navy, the PLAN, who began working on her. In 2005, after several months in dry dock, she emerged at dock side painted in the standard PLAN colors. Great speculation followed the ship during this entire episode of several years, trying to deduce what the PLAN would do with her. Some felt she was just being studied to prepare for the building of indigenous Chinese carriers, others felt she would be given minimal operational status and serve as a training vessel until China could build her own carriers, and still others believed she would be made fully operational. In a sense, all of these thoughts were right.
The Chinese themselves removed all doubt in July of 2011 when the Shi Lang was launched and sailed away from Dalian shipyards under her own power. This move caught several western military analysts and intelligence agencies by surprise, thinking that the Varyag was at least some months away from any operational capability. What surprised them even more was when, two days into her initial voyage, a squadron of twelve, advanced SU-33 aircraft landed flawlessly on her decks and began practicing with the large carrier in take-off and landing operations.
As it turned out, the Chinese had secretly purchased the aircraft from Russia in late 2008 and sent twenty-four of their best pilots there to train with the Russians in operating the fighters…first off of training installations on land, and then off of the Russian carrier, the Kuznetsov.
Now, here the Shi Lang was, underway in Tianjin harbor after extensive trials, and although she went unnoticed by the sports casters on WNN, military analysts throughout the west saw her, and took note.
DRAGON’S FURY - WORLD WAR AGAINST AMERICA AND THE WEST
YEAR ONE
Chapter 1
"All warfare is based on deception." - Sun Tsu
November 3, 10:00 local
Politburo
Beijing, China
The figure seated at the head of the table had not moved for the better part of an hour. The only detectable motion came from the flickering lights cast by the two-dozen television monitors on the wall on the opposite side of the room as they danced across his features. President Jien Zenim still personified the “new” China of his creation. Having risen through the ranks, having been the “mayor” of the Capital, having beguiled and wooed the West with the promise of wealth and influence, it was as if he had been born to rule. As a result, Jien Zenim was long used to wealth and power, and he was in possession of both right now.
He whispered a few words into the microphone attached to the tiny headset he wore, and there was discernible motion in the darkness along the side of the great conference room. A few seconds later, a navy-blue suited aide appeared by the Chairman’s side.
“Tea.”—Said Jien Zenim.
The aide rushed away and moments later the rustle of curtains was heard as the aide returned with a cup of tea. President Jien’s preference was Earl Grey tea over the local fare; a taste acquired while attending Oxford years ago. Only his most trusted advisors knew of the secret “passions” the President had for things from the West. Earl Grey tea was not the only one.
On the screens, all of the major U.S. networks were covering the same story. It was always like that on Presidential election night. But this time, the East Coast voting booths would close in an hour, and results would not start coming in until four hours later. The timeworn tradition of exit polling had been one of the casualties of the 2000 Presidential election. As a result, the media had been directed by law for several cycles now to only report the official State Board of Elections results. Those results would not be released until after the last precinct shut down in the West. The pundits on the screens sat and made empty talk while doing a re-hash of the two major contender’s campaigns.
A soft, electronic chime drew the President’s attention to the arm of the soft, custom-made Natuzzi chair. He pressed a button and spoke into the microphone with flawless English.
“Good evening, David - how are Jennie and the kids?”
“Fine, Jien! Everyone’s great. And your
family?”— the voice on the other end of the line was
perhaps
one of the best known and trusted voices in America. It was a voice
millions heard nightly
coming from their televisions, a face they
associated with every major news story reported for the last
two
decades. Some called him “The Conscience of America” for his
rousing and thought provoking
commentaries.
“Fine, David, thanks for asking. So, do you have money on the Packers again this year, or are you finally getting smart?”
The two men laughed.
“No, Mr. President. As you know, I’ve decided to back a winner for a change.”
Jien Zenim’s face registered a hint of repugnance. There were few things he detested quite as much as a traitor; but, they certainly had their uses. And the higher placed the better for Jien’s needs. If you promised them money, they take it in the belief that it will make them more powerful in the “new” world they are helping to bring about, and help them maintain a certain lifestyle in that new world. But individuals like David Krenshaw never realize that money will mean very little in the wake of “The Time of the Three Wisdoms”, at least not for them. They could not fathom that in the one world to come, only power mattered; and that the power of the largest army in the history of the world was Jien’s to command, and all of their money and influence would be forced to bow to that power.
“The Time of the Three Wisdoms” was the campaign Jien had designed many years ago to prepare the Chinese people for the coming conflict. It consisted of:
1. “All men and women are equal.”
2. “All share equally in the bounty of a working and industrious society.”
3. “One goal, one thought, one people for World peace.”
He couldn’t believe that these methods still worked. Even after all these years, the “Chairman Mao” method of propaganda was still the best way to manipulate the “people” into action, even if the message had changed somewhat.
That Mao’s propaganda had been so effective in manipulating the masses to the near bankruptcy that the People’s Republic had experienced was a testament to the success of those methods … but not as great a testament as the near bankruptcy had been to the failed Maoist economic policies themselves. That’s why the message had to change, and that’s where Jien had been able to change things … and he wasn’t finished yet, not nearly so. As the Americans might say, “he was only just beginning.”
He spoke again.
“So, David, what do you hear?”
“Jien, it looks like our projections were right on the money, so to speak. In a few hours we are going to be calling it for the old man, and by a wide margin. This one will leave no doubt about the winner. The General got almost three votes to every one of hers … it’s a landslide. The Right is in ecstasy over the victory. After the original Republican candidate dropped out of the race amidst scandal, they are calling General Weisskopf’s entire campaign a “Phoenix-like” come back from the brink of disaster.”
Jien mused on this. After that Presidential announcement by the Republican front runner late last spring, the television pundits played nightly dirges for the GOP, and the written media hinted at the scandals and possibly even vices as possible reasons for the decision. In fact, Jien was certain that his deepest moles had played a part in the misinformation and subterfuge that contributed to the front runner “disengaging”. But one of the givens in that business was that in circles of intrigue that ran as deeply as this, one could never know for sure.
On the heels of this coup, however it had come about, they had all quietly laughed at the old General when he announced he would be coming out of retirement to run for the Presidency so late in the race. They were not laughing now.
It was an unexpected complication for Jien, and he was not pleased. He never was when things didn’t go as planned. It had reminded him of his displeasure and unease when bin Laden had prematurely attacked America in 2001. Or of the unexpected ease with which America had defeated Saddam Hussein in early 2003 with their "Operation Iraqi Freedom". That victory had come in spite of fairly significant clandestine help that the Chinese had given to the Iraqis at the time. As with those instances, through this last summer, Jien had experienced growing concern and anxiety as the General gained support, and as the Right rallied around him like moths to a flame.
In the past, it had never really made any difference to him who actually won the American election because, as far as he was concerned, all of them were weak…though Bush had surprised him with his successful prosecution of the “War on Terror” and his steadfast insistence in defying the U.N. security council and invading Iraq and toppling the Hussein regime. But, in actuality, those events had ultimately served to relieve him, because it had allowed the PRC more time to further develop and prepare the greater plan. Through it all, had not the Americans, even Bush, continued to cow-tow to Chinese economic influence and continued to funnel billions of dollars worth of high tech, manufacturing and trade into the PRC, thereby continuing t fund China's growth towards complete self-sufficiency and the realization of goals long planned?
But this man, Weisskopf, he was something else again. He was very direct and forthright in his message that such funding, such trade practice must change. He also commanded the greatest respect of the American troops seen in a life time. And so now there was going to be a real Warrior in the White House when the plan which had been set in motion so many years ago, entered into its final stages.
As he thought this, the continuing words of David Krenshaw broke through his thoughts and registered on his consciousness.
“Mr. President, we believe that the incident with his opponent’s husband won the election for the General. I know that the former Senator and Secretary of State probably wished her husband had been struck dumb when he made that insulting remark about the General’s age. I mean, to that point, everyone was figuring that her time had finally come, and that she was so well prepared after serving in the former administration. But the General’s response to that remark was the key. The last thing any one of us expected was for old Weisskopf to challenge the former President, over an open microphone to a wrestling match, “I’ll take your sorry butt on anytime you’re game” will go down in history as the most effective campaign challenge of all times. When you add to this his selection of the first African-American as a VP candidate, Alan Reeves … well it turned into quite the coup.”
Jien could not stomach any more of this at the
moment, so he politely ended the conversation by
saying,
“Well, David, I have a meeting to prepare for. Thank you for the call. As always, your views, advice and information are most helpful. Say hello to Jennie for me. And happy Thanksgiving if we don’t get to talk before then. Tell her I miss her oysters and wild rice stuffing.”
Jien Zenim had visited the United States on many occasions after the 1978 recognition of the PRC by the Carter administration. Some of those visits had helped set the stage for the unbelievable influence the People’s Republic had developed in Washington, D.C. during the 1990’s.
During one of those trips, he had been a Thanksgiving Day guest of David Krenshaw’s. It was then that Jien acquired another of his western “passions”: American cooking. Since that time, on Thanksgiving day, the Chairman would have his chefs prepare a turkey dinner with full trimmings, including Jennie’s famed oysters and wild rice stuffing.
“I will pass the compliment on Mr. President. Thank you again, and goodbye.” —the line went dead.
Jien stared at the television screens for a few
more seconds and then spoke to those sitting in the
darkness.
“Gentlemen, what are your impressions about the new President?”
The room lights came on behind the President, and illuminated twenty men seated around the great conference table. Some were wearing western-style suits, the rest wore military uniforms. A surprising number were relatively young and in their early to mid-fifties. One by one, they spoke into their headset microphones or read from prepared reports.
One said, “His experience in foreign affairs appears relatively light. He handled strictly the military operations of Desert Storm while the head of their Joint Chiefs and the President at the time handled the foreign affairs and cemented their coalition…and that was a long time ago. We believe his statements regarding his intentions with their relationship with us are principally geared at solidifying his conservative base.”
Another added, “It is unlikely that the American congress and business community will allow him to go too far at this time anyway. Remember, in 2001 with the EP-3 incident, the efforts to develop and maintain any kind of boycott or more severe trade policies against us were just so much chaff in the wind. They had no stomach for it then…and now, years later, they will have even less stomach for it.
“As to his health, for a man well into his seventies he is in remarkably good health. He still carries out an exercise regimen each day and appears very alert…”
Chairman Jien stood up abruptly and turned to face the members of the politburo over whom he presided, many handpicked from among his most trusted and committed allies. His face remained impassive, but there was a deadly look in his eyes.
Some members of the politburo shrank back into their seats preparing themselves for one of the Chairman’s infrequent flares of temper.
“You tell me no more than what I can see for myself on WNN!! I want more! Find leverage, find influence which we can use on this American General. He is potentially an adversary of great virtue and strength, but we must still find a way to “convince” him to recognize the inevitability of what is coming.”
“Our plans will go forward. Our official economic alliance with India will be announced in April, and this will certainly give his new administration something to think about. In the meantime, please arrange an official conversation between myself and the new American president as soon after his inauguration as possible.”
December 16, 19:30 local
Jiangnan Shipyards
Shanghai, China
Sung Hsu had worked for the COSCO commercial shipbuilding operation his entire adult life. Although he was mildly envious of the sleek and elegant lines of the two aircraft carriers that his sister Chinese company was building in the yards adjoining those in which he worked, he still took great pride in the commercial shipping he helped his own company produce. He was very proud of the fact that his company had grown to be the world’s dominant commercial shipping company over the last 3 or 4 years.
The completion of these shipyards in Shanghai, and many others like them around the nation, had allowed China to out-produce the Koreans and the Japanese both quantitatively and qualitatively. Originally these yards were meant to produce up to six of those sleek carriers at a time by the Jiangnan Shipbuilding Company, but a decision had been made to build only two such vessels. This meant that COSCO Container Shipping had been able to “lease” the additional capacity from their socialist brothers in 2008 and thus Sung had relocated here with his family.
Sung’s responsibilities as a production crew chief in the modular design bay area, meant he had been instrumental in getting a prominent feature to market for these fine container ships for which COSCO was becoming known. COSCO was touting the robust nature of the modular design of its Container vessels all over the world; a robustness that was focused on multiple uses, either as standard container ships, or, depending on the modularity ordered, as any variety of “RORO” (Roll On - Roll Off) carriers.
Sung was one of several such crew chiefs employed in each yard producing these ships. He was amazed at the various designs. The new modular design bays were set into three separate areas along the almost 300 meter length of the hulls of these great ships. In the normal container ship mode, these bays were filled with the standard container ship ballast and equipment that would allow the containers to be stowed securely on the ship and be handled in loading and unloading. In the various bulk modes, the modules consisted of special “holds” where various commodities like grain could be carried and economically loaded and unloaded from the ship. In the “RORO” mode, the modules represented areas where various types of mechanized equipment, from automobiles to tractors, could be stored with the special ramps that allowed them to be driven directly onto and off the ship. With all of this modularity and ingenuity, the ships’ structure, electronics and propulsion had been significantly upgraded over normal container ships. This made the ships very valuable to both Chinese and foreign shipping concerns.
Sung had spoken often of his love for this work to his family. His wife, and the pride of his life, his 12-year-old son (Yan), along with his parents and grandparents, knew how much he enjoyed his work, and the pride it gave him in his own contribution, and in his nation as a whole.
But there was one thing Sung had not talked about with his family, or with anyone else until today. It had started off as a nagging suspicion through his involvement with the construction of the first ship from these yards. Since then, with the completion of the next two vessels, it had grown into something Sung was fairly certain about. Clearly, the modular designs he had been told of, and for which his crews prepared these ships were not the only modular designs available. It was something he planned at long last to speak of with his superior this evening.
So, as he entered the office of Xien Lin, the foreman for all of the shipbuilding activities for the ship line upon which he was working, Sung said,
“Thank you Xien for taking a few moments to see
me this evening before I go home. May I sit
down?”
Xien had been a faithful employee of COSCO for over 25 years. He had grown with the company and was in an enviable position, one of great trust. He viewed his subordinates as critical cogs in the machinery of COSCO and in particular, was very impressed with Sung Hsu.
“Certainly Sung, please be seated, how can I help you?”
Now that he was actually in Xien’s office to discuss his intuitions, he suddenly wished he’d just ignored the feelings. Nonetheless, he continued,
“Really, it is only a matter of interest I
suppose. I have been involved, as you know, with the shipbuilding
efforts of our mother company, COSCO, for well over 15 years. I
have been involved from the beginning with the manufacturing portion
of the new modular design for our container ships
…”
At Sung’s hesitation, Xien tried to encourage his subordinate by interjecting,
“Yes, Sung, I am well aware of all of this, and am well aware of the fine job you have done in getting your crew not only up to speed on the manufacturing aspects required to produce the designs, but also in their proficiency under your management. What is it you need to bring to my attention? “
Having unconsciously sought, and now obtained, reassurance, Sung continued,
“Sir, I have always thought I was one of those most familiar with the modular aspect of our designs. However I have begun to realize, as we produce this fourth ship from this line, that there are many aspects of the modular design with which I am not familiar.
“It seems to me, from observing, and then investigating with some of the adjacent work crews, that there must be modular designs which we are not implementing here. If this is so, then I would like to learn about those modules and perhaps train crews in their implementation.”
This statement got Xien’s attention and caught him off guard. His surprise must have been evident as Sung again paused, this time with an apprehensive look on his face, hoping he had not over stepped his bounds. These very areas of discussion were what Xien had been told by his superiors to be on guard for. Having regained his composure, Xien asked,
“What aspects of the design, or what criteria have you seen that has led you to believe this, Sung?”
Now, completely unsure of the terrain upon which he had embarked, Sung could see no other course but to let his concerns spill out in full.
“Well, uh, sir, at first it just seemed that some of the adjoining structure was perhaps overdesigned for the modules we employ here. Then, I took a more detailed look at the wiring harnesses and cables, as well as the structure and realized that there were provisions for corridors and electrical and mechanical functions which are not at all necessary to the modules we are building.”
Xien sensed that this talented crew chief was professionally interested in the things he had clearly gone out of his way to look into. He hoped for Sung’s sake that “professional” interest was all that it was. In that hope, he sought to diffuse the tension that had developed in the room and again reassure Sung.
“Well, Sung, you must keep these thoughts and speculations to yourself. I will raise your questions with upper management and see if there is anything to this, and if so, whether there is any role in it for you. In the meantime, I again caution you to keep these thoughts to yourself. We are not the only shipyard building these ships or adding the modules. Critical state economic secrets, or even national security interests could be involved.
"Your current position carries a lot of responsibility and you are well aware of the security concerns, so I am sure that I can count on you to be completely confidential regarding this. I will let you know at a later date what, if anything, I find out”
Sung knew the discussion was over and that he would have to rely on Xien to “get back” with him. Still, he felt better for having relieved himself of the concern and genuinely hoped his interest would ultimately be satisfied. Therefore, he made every effort to relay his appreciation and sincerity to Xien,
“Sir, confidentiality will not be an issue. I will gladly comply and await your word on this issue.” Relieved at Sung’s demeanor and tone, Xien now dismissed his inquisitive subordinate,
“Fine, Sung, fine. You may excuse yourself and go home to your family”.
As Sung left the office, Xien immediately picked up his phone and dialed the number he had been instructed to dial if anyone ever raised such questions. Questions regarding the modular designs were outside the considerations of an individual’s job function, and were beyond that which the company and the state felt were appropriate. As such, they were a matter of national security.
December 16, later that evening
COSTIND Headquarters
Beijing, China
General Hunbaio reviewed the records of Sung Hsu, which had been placed before him. His subordinate had taken the call from the supervising foreman on the shipbuilding line in Shanghai earlier in the evening and the General had immediately been called. Although he rarely became personally involved in the review of potential security breaches, the importance of this project and its ties to other military projects under his organization’s development made this particular issue of utmost concern.
The General had also never been a man to let even a single blade of grass grow under his feet or to hesitate for the slightest instant. Turning to the head of security, the General said,
“I see nothing here that would indicate that this Sung Hsu is anything more than a loyal worker for the people. Yet we cannot risk the slightest exposure regarding the line of questioning he has raised. It is apparent that we have many fine crew leaders performing the standard modularity on our container ships. Therefore have Mr. Sung contacted tomorrow during work and interviewed in depth.
"If it is apparent that he is desirous and
capable, we will transfer him to one of the shipyards
preparing
for the special modules. He and his family will of course have to
be made aware of and committed to the security measures necessary for
such work.
"If any information is discovered that would indicate that Sung Hsu is disloyal to the people, then handle the situation accordingly and dispose of his remains in such a way as to implicate the gangs which are known to frequent the areas surrounding the shipyards.
“In any case, any necessary measures which would fully contain the information are authorized. Just ensure that they serve to contain the situation, not draw attention to it.”
January 12, 21:45
National Reconnaissance Office headquarters IMINT Directorate
Chantilly, VA
Tom Lawton squeezed his eyes shut and opened and closed them a couple of times. He was trying to keep from developing eye fatigue as he looked at the images on his screen. He cross checked and compared his figures again and continued to come up with the same conclusions.
“Bill, would you come over here and take a look at this? I have six separate airfields here in Southern China, all within 100 miles of the coast, where the PLA has installed what appears to be some kind of new carrier take off and landing facility. Take a look.”
Bill Hendrickson, Tom’s superior at the Imagery Intelligence Office (IMINT) got up from his desk and walked over to Tom’s terminal. “Ok, Tom, show me what you’ve got.”
As Bill pulled a chair behind Tom’s and sat down looking at Tom’s 27” color monitor, Tom started in. “What I have is dual runways installed at these airfields where the Chinese are practicing takeoffs and landings. This is a configuration I have never seen before, and the “landing decks” are set into the ground so SU-30MKKs, J-11Bs, and J-10Cs make their approach and landing just as if they were approaching a carrier deck. If you look here,” and Tom pointed to an area on the screen with the cursor from his computer, “you can see what can be nothing other than arresting wires.”
Bill held Tom’s capabilities in high regard. Over the last several years, dating back to the EP-3 incident off Hainan Island in 2001, Bill had found he could best stimulate Tom’s critical thinking by playing the “devil’s advocate.” On that occasion, Tom had been the first to observe that the Red Chinese were carefully taking apart and then reassembling the various electronic components of the US naval surveillance aircraft.
“So, it’s no secret that the PLAN is building two large deck carriers in Shanghai. We are watching that closely. Of course they would be training.”
Tom, anticipating Bill’s “devil’s advocate” posture, responded “Yes, but the configuration of these decks doesn’t match what’s taking shape there in Shanghai. In addition, look at the close-ups and markings on all these aircraft (which Tom proceeded to show him through various images he called up on the screen). They appear to be training six to eight new carrier wings here—not just the two new ones needed for those new carriers—and it’s more than the “Flankers.” As I said, they are using some of those new navalized J-10 aircraft as well. There’s even speculation of a navalized J-20 stealth strike aircraft.”
Although reflecting on the potential enormity of this data, Bill continued his role of critic and countered, “Those “landing decks” look for all the world like an “X”; maybe they have them crossing like that to maximize the landings and takeoffs for wind conditions. I have to admit, though, I am concerned about what certainly appears to be the training of additional squadrons. Still, I do not believe it is any secret that the Chinese are intent on building several carriers. By the way, what’s the latest projection on the completion of those two in Shanghai, and when are they expected to be commissioned?”
Tom appreciated his superior’s knack of getting him to think on his feet by challenging him; nonetheless he knew he had Bill hooked.
“They say they will launch those two sometime early next year and then will spend a full year getting them qualified and into the fleet, so we are talking about two years. But, come on Bill, they are gearing up for something here. Why train quadruple the air wings needed, when they haven’t even announced, let alone laid down, any additional carriers yet? What do you think? Should we go ahead and forward this to the Navy’s analysts with our comments and see what their read on it is?”
Bill had been hooked from the moment he saw that there were six airfields involved.
“I’ll do more than that, my friend. I want us to meet in person with them. In addition, I am going to pass a note over to that NSA Weisskopf is bringing on. The new administration is going to be anxious to analyze this info as they face off the ChiComms. Prepare a presentation of your findings, analysis and concerns, along with the data, and be prepared to comment on them when we meet. Before I forget to say so—outstanding job digging this up, Tom!”
February through March
It was two weeks before Bill Hendrickson and Tom Lawton were able to hold their meetings with the Navy and the new administration’s National Security Advisor, John Bowers. The result was a flurry of activity as the new administration and the Navy began to make further requests of the NRO for more satellite photography, and for over-flights by the NRO’s most highly classified surveillance aircraft. The satellite imagery began pouring in and the first over-flight was scheduled for late March, to be followed up by a joint NRO, NSA and Navy meeting in early April, which the President himself indicated he would attend.
As the new American administration pointedly indicated its desires to further bolster the US military, it was viewed as extremely hawkish, not only by potential adversaries, but by many of its allies as well. Some of those allies, particularly in Europe, were concerned about the potential for confrontation. In stark contrast, America’s allies in Asia, particularly Taiwan and South Korea, viewed such straightforward defense posturing with relief, and a sense of bridled optimism.
In Red China, President Jien Zenim prepared for his meeting with the new US President which was scheduled for late April, after his joint announcement with India on their economic alliance. He intended, in no uncertain terms, to leverage that announcement to let the American President know that the era of US hegemony in the Western Pacific was drawing to a close. He hoped that the two nations could work together to ensure that the transition to the new “reality” in the region was conducted in as smooth and non-belligerent a way as possible.
During this same period, the Chinese shipyard production crew chief, Sung Hsu, having successfully answered all of General Hunbaio’s security personnel’s questions, was transferred to the COSCO shipyards where the military modifications for the Container and RORO ships were taking place under the tightest of security. Sung was introduced to these three “new” modules and immediately assigned to be a production crew chief. His specific responsibilities became the installation of new LRASD (Long Range Anti-Shipping Device) systems on the decks of the Tactical Attack ships and the Amphibious Assault ships. As these systems were newly tested and now deemed production worthy, Sung Hsu was required to work very closely with those who designed the systems to develop comprehensive manufacturing training materiel. This would allow the conversion process to be implemented in a “mass production” environment at several Chinese shipyards simultaneously. In order to accomplish this, Sung attended meetings to develop the strategies and materiel necessary to implement the training. The LRASD planning session was led by Lu Pham, the Vietnamese scientist, who would later be credited with the most revolutionary development in naval warfare in more than a century.
March 25, 19:35 local time
Over the South China Sea
Colonel “Mac” Mendenhall studied the multifunction display (MFD) immediately in front of him. He was approaching the coast of Red China from the northeast of Taiwan. His navigation or “way “ points were all programmed for a run down the Chinese coast, passing just to the east of Hainan Island. From there, he would turn away from the coast towards the interior of the South China Sea where his aircraft would begin the long journey back to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. As the airspeed indicator passed into the Mach 4 range, and his altitude cleared 100,000 feet, he addressed his electronics defense and surveillance officer (EDSO).
“Ok, Larry, we’re cleared for the ingress. We’ll be hugging the coast and getting our “view” of those installations. On my mark, we’ll be positioned and you can commence your run…three, two, one…MARK!”
With that, Captain Larry Jenkins activated his surveillance package, which would be looking directly into Red Chinese territory at several of their air bases using light, radio and other electronic wavelengths and bands.
The SR-77 “Pervador” (or “Aurora” as it was mislabeled by many in the public) was a flying wonder. It was the replacement for the retired, but by most nations’ standards, still very “space age” SR-71 “Blackbird” that the United States National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and other national security agencies had used for years. This new aircraft could cruise at Mach 4 at very high altitude and was designed with the radar cross-section of a sparrow, employing radar-absorbing material directly into its surfaces.
The aircraft employed every sensor imaginable, from devices which would pick up any telltale signs of radioactivity, to devices which would detect and categorize any radar emissions, or any conceivable light wave length, and all VHF and UHF communications, whether clear air broadcasts or simple “leakage” into the atmosphere. It also had the most sensitive encryption software and hardware available on the planet, and could communicate real time with satellite relay stations and devices on the ground, or in space. At full speed, it could outrun almost any anti-aircraft guided missile, though in its eight years of active service, none had ever been fired at it.
For potential use against those nations developing detection and missiles defense capabilities which could reach the SR-77 (and Red China was one such nation), the aircraft could also be coupled with the HR-7 “Thunder Dart” hypersonic reconnaissance aircraft.
The HR-7 could be carried “piggy back” by the SR-77 and then launched at a standoff distance. It could also launch on its own from a suitable airfield. The single seat HR-7 carried a similar surveillance package, but would use its turbojet engines to achieve a speed at which its new technology Pulse Detonation Wave Engines (PDWE) could be activated.
Those engines would then boost the aircraft to Mach 7+ and an altitude approaching 200,000 ft. Its endurance was more limited, but the HR-7 could, by virtue of its speed and operating altitude, circumvent even the most heavily and technologically advanced defenses, allowing those installations that they defended to be analyzed.
On this mission, the additional defensive capability was not deemed necessary to take a good look at all six airfields. As a result, this SR-77 had been sent aloft, without its HR-7 companion craft to conduct this mission. Captain Jenkins had just activated a special package of sensors to complete that mission at the first of the suspected airfields Tom Lawton had discovered from the satellite images a couple of months earlier.