Drone Command

SIXTY-SEVEN

Prime Minister Ito’s situation room was modeled on the American one, though its video displays and electronics were superior. One of the large video displays was linked to American satellite feeds of Ningbo naval base, and a second featured a live video link to the Liaoning at sea, its aircraft scrambling into the air as it turned a hard circle in an evasive maneuver.

A third video monitor was used for a live video conference feed between Ito and his cabinet with President Lane and his circle of civilian and military advisors back in Washington. Other video feeds showed the George Washington at sea and the remote North Korean launch complex at Musudan-ri, where the North Korean’s DF-41 MIRV was still on the launch pad.

Myers sat next to Ito. Pearce was still on board the Sword Dragon and wasn’t visible to either room but was audio linked to both.

“The Chinese are panicking,” Shafer said. Lane’s advisors were seated around the table while he stood, pacing.

“Maybe,” Lane said.

“Your handiwork, Mr. Pearce?” Ito asked. He was surrounded by his cabinet as well, along with the uniformed service chiefs of the ground, air, and naval forces of the JSDF.

“Yes, sir,” Pearce said over the speakers. “My drones are only throwing large electronic signatures to fool the Chinese. So far, they’re working.”

“By now Admiral Ji must realize they’re not really under attack,” Myers said.

“But at least we’ve rattled their cage,” Lane said on the video screen.

Tanaka shook his head in disbelief. “And when they figure out they’re in no danger, won’t they simply resume their assault?”

“Would you?” Lane asked.

“Of course!” Tanaka barked.

“Frankly, it’s that North Korean missile that scares the hell out of me,” Lane said.

“Join the club,” Ito said.

A collective gasp filled the room as a flash of light exploded on the Ningbo screen.