Dragon Fire

Zhongnanhai, Beijing, China

General Leung Liyin rang Tao Jian from the military headquarters under the Western Hills on a direct line straight through to the President’s office in Zhongnanhai. ‘Pakistan has halted the Indian advance in the south with a tactical nuclear burst,’ said Leung. He paused. Tao was silent. Then Leung continued: ‘We are ready on the western front.’

‘What about the Indian northern positions?’

‘Fighting is continuing.’

‘All right, General,’ said Tao. ‘Begin Operation Dragon Fire.’