Firestorm

33

President Lee Teng-hui put the call on his phone speaker and nodded at his advisors. Not all spoke English, but an interpreter was there to translate as the call proceeded.

"Yes, Mr. President Hawthorne. It is good to speak with you again."

"Mr. President Lee, I'm glad you called back. How is our project going to rescue those thirteen Navy SEALS?"

"We are in a quandary, Mr. President. We have heard rumors about some attacks on the mainland, but we have no proof. You say a number of airplanes and missiles were destroyed."

"Absolutely, Mr. President. I'll fax you satellite photographs we took less than two hours ago that show over forty paratroop aircraft that were totally destroyed and two missile warehouses that were ruined or disabled. You can also see two warships that would deliver the poison gas missiles are sunk in the mud in Amoy harbor."

The interpreter listened and talked at the same time. He hurried to catch up with the English conversation.

Lee hesitated, watching his interpreter. "Yes, Mr. President, I would like to see definite proof. Not that we do not believe you. My cabinet is most strict in matters like this that could open us to furious retaliation by China."

"I figured you might be a little slow to come around," President Hawthorne said. "When you get these pictures I'm sure you'll see that these lads have saved your island from attack, invasion, and a terrible loss of life that would be in the millions."

"We will study the fax material carefully."

"Yes. I've had word just now that the photos have been faxed to you and should be coming off your machine any second now. Isn't this modern-day communication wonderful? Do you have the pictures yet?"

"No. I'll send someone to our communications room to check. My staff and cabinet members are all here. We will confer on the situation and let you know what we decide."

"Can't stress it enough, President Lee. We here in the U.S. would be terribly disappointed if you don't try your damnedest to get our boys out of China over there by Amoy."

"Thank you, President Hawthorne. You will be hearing from us. We understand that time is short. You will hear. Good-bye for now."

Lee broke the connection and stared at his staff and cabinet. The door behind them opened and a man rushed in with six sheets of paper. He laid them out on the President's desk. They were the faxes the U.S. President had sent.

At once the President and his people studied the photos.

"Can these be real photos of China?" the Minister of Foreign Affairs asked.

"Oh, yes, they have the satellites, the capability," the Minister of Defense said. "They would not send fake photos. It's Amoy Bay in this photo, and look at one part of the naval yard area that is totally flattened."

The rest of the men crowded around to study the photos.

President Lee Teng-hui sat back in his chair and watched his advisors. No matter what they said, it was up to him to make the final decisions. He frowned at the photos on his desk and heaved a long sigh.