"I believe we can set up an operation to delve into these matters, but it will be necessarily risky for those involved."

In response, President Weisskopf simply stated, "Comes with the territory Mitch, as with any job a.s.sociated with facing down your enemies, whether overtly or covertly. Make it happen, and be prepared to discuss the details with myself and with John Bowers ASAP. I'll sign off on any directive that makes sense, and that is compartmentalized to the point of protecting our involvement."

"Mr. President, I must object!," interjected Fred Reissinger, the Secretary of State. "Please do not sign off on any such directive without allowing us in State, at least at the highest levels, to review and respond to possible implications."

The President responded immediately.

"Fred, your turn in this is coming. Rest a.s.sured, if I believe there are any possible holes or ramifications, I will get your read. In the end, I have to make the call, however, and my threat gauge is pegged over on this. Okay, Jeremy, your turn. Shoot."

Jeremy Stone, a thirty-five year professional soldier and four star General in the United States Army was the current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. He was committed to strengthening the military technologically, and was also committed to insuring that the Army's heavy armor remained an integral part of the fighting force in the foreseeable future. This stance, with respect to armor, ran counter to the efforts of the last two CJCS and to the former Secretary of Defense. Nonetheless, President Weisskopf agreed, and he had selected both Jeremy Stone, and his Secretary of Defense, Timothy Hattering, who was present in this meeting, for their agreement with his positions on armor, among other reasons.

"Mr. President, the Chinese reacted quickly to our latest SR-77 over-flight. No weapons were fired and they did not lock on, but our crew was uncomfortable with their ability to track and communicate the whereabouts of their aircraft so quickly.

"I would recommend that we pick our targets carefully and employ the HR-7 on the next mission. If we can get HUMINT or SIGINT from satellites to point us in a direction regarding potential new naval construction, or any other relevant facility or region, we can quickly employ an HR-7 in a surprise over-flight to acquire more information.

"Bill Hendrickson and Tom Lawton are sitting in with us today from the IMINT Directorate at NRO.

Tom is the a.n.a.lyst who discovered this activity from some routine satellite photographs. Do either of you have any comments regarding the best use of NRO surveillance a.s.sets in this regard?"

Bill stood up somewhat nervously to address the room full of the most powerful people in his government.

"Gentlemen, we have a.n.a.lyzed the data extensively. As has been stated here already, it is painfully clear that the Chinese are planning something, of which we have no knowledge or intelligence, with respect to their naval air capabilities. Our estimates indicate that they would have to be building four to five more carriers to handle the aircraft they are training. Our thought is to focus our attention on all of their military s.h.i.+pyards and see if we can find any indication of activities in this regard. Tom, have you got anything to add?"

Tom Lawton was even more nervous than his boss. While used to making presentations on sensitive and cla.s.sified material to important audiences, he never quite imagined he would be in a position to stand before the President of the United States and make such a presentation. Nonetheless, Tom had nagging suspicions, so he dove right in.

"Just this: It is clear that the Chinese have announced what they want us to hear: the building of large deck aircraft carriers and training of air wings sufficient for them. The fact that they are training many more air wings at these other facilities without divulging such information, clearly indicates their intention to build more carriers. I would set up a schedule with our satellites and examine every s.h.i.+pyard that the Chinese have, military or otherwise, and then use the HR-7 for detailed looks at wherever that leads."

As Tom and Bill sat down, Jeremy Stone began wrapping up his comments.

By the end of the meeting, it was agreed that John Bowers would coordinate efforts to utilize three national defense resources to aggressively delve into the mystery of the Red Chinese naval air training efforts. These included a covert CIA mission, more NRO satellite and over-flight a.s.sets, and, based upon Admiral Crowler's (the CNO) recommendation, to use the latest Sea Wolf cla.s.s SSN for a covert mission near the s.h.i.+pyards. Any actual mission had to be signed off by the President, but the okay to plan such missions and present them to him for a decision was approved.

In addition, Secretary of State Fred Reissinger got a commitment from the President to hold off on any actual CIA or Naval missions until the President met with his Chinese counterpart later in the month and raised the issue as judiciously as possible, and then reviewed and a.n.a.lyzed the results.

After closing the meeting, while everyone was filing out, the President motioned for his long time friend John Bowers to join him for a moment.

"John, find out if Tom Lawton can accompany you and join the first lady and me for dinner next week. I am interested in an "unofficial," after-dinner discussion with that gentleman on his feelings regarding these moves by the Chinese. Let's tentatively say next Wednesday, the 13th. If it's going to work, I'll have the Chief of Staff arrange it and pick you both up."

John was never surprised at the President's ability and willingness to "get right down in the trenches"

when he felt it necessary. After all, this was how he had come to know the General himself. After he indicated his intention to contact Tom Lawton, John smiled, shook his head and exited the room.

April 11, 2005, 08:00 WNN Broadcasting Studios, New York David Krenshaw was not an early riser; he never had been. But the early morning (4 am) call-and, even more so, its content-from China had got him out of bed and over to the broadcasting studios.

Several calls en route had gotten the major editors, production crews and general management apprised of the story on which WNN (World News Network) would be getting an exclusive.

Calls had also gone out to their local camera teams in Beijing, New Delhi and Moscow, and they were all standing by now for simulcasts.

"It's good to know, and it's even better to be known," thought David as he sat down for his final makeup as the production crew was hurriedly making final preparations. His ability to find out about and even (at least in his own mind) influence events to the benefit of his network, and more importantly to the benefit of himself, was moving him straight towards the top of his field. In fact, he was convinced he would pull in some type of serious award for this very story and his involvement in it.

Now the production people were queuing him up. 3, 2, 1...on air!

"Good Morning. This is David Krenshaw in the WNN newsroom, interrupting with a Special Report.

We have camera crews standing by in Beijing, New Delhi and Moscow for exclusive coverage of an unexpected announcement by all three governments. Our sources indicate that an historic economic pact between the People's Republic of China and India is going to be announced momentarily by the Presidents of those two nations. It is also expected that the President of the Russian Federation will announce an involvement with these two Asian giants in projects a.s.sociated with the Sino-Indian announcement. Okay, I am told that we are ready in Beijing and New Delhi. We take you now to Beijing for a Special Announcement by President Jien Zenim of the People's Republic of China."

On his monitor, David saw the picture of the Red Chinese flag, screened over an evening shot of Tianammen Square, which was now appearing on tens of millions of TV sets around the world. The block writing across the screen in both Chinese and English stated: Special Announcement President Jien Zenim People's Republic of China Momentarily, the picture faded to a press conference room where the WNN camera crew was showing a podium in front of a picture of Mao. Standing at the podium was President Jien Zenim. In the lower right hand corner of the screen, another, smaller shot was superimposed, picturing a similar scene in New Delhi, where the Indian president, President KP Narayannen, stood at a similar podium. Although both men began speaking, the words of the Chinese President were carried by WNN.

"Good evening. We are very happy and gratified to announce today the creation of a new economic pact between the nations of India and the People's Republic of China. This pact has been more than five years in the making and will establish open and free trade between our two countries. It also establishes many agreements on the utilization of our mutual work forces, which, as most people know, are producing a large majority of the products for the various peoples of the world."

"We are calling this pact the "Coalition of Asian States," or CAS for short, and we invite all Asian countries to review the basis for the agreements and how they apply to our mutual benefit. It is our sincere hope that more nations will join with us as we proceed with our future hope and prosperity, based on what we call the "Time of the Three Wisdoms." They are: 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 is peace."

We hope to set an example for the rest of the world with these high ideals, showing by example how they can serve as the basis for peace and mutual prosperity between nations. A press and diplomatic package has been prepared for any network or nation wis.h.i.+ng them. Thank you, good night."

The picture faded back to David Krenshaw in WNN's New York studios.

"We have just witnessed an historic announcement by the People's Republic of China and India, announcing a new "Coalition of Asian States" based upon an economic foundation with strong ideological overtones. The governments of the two largest work forces and populations on earth have apparently worked out what were perceived, until today, as considerable differences. I am now told that an announcement from The Russian Federation is ready. We take you now to Moscow."

Again, the picture faded, and David saw President Vladimyr Puten sitting behind his desk in his presidential office, facing the camera. After no more than a second had elapsed, he began to speak.

"This evening we have witnessed an extraordinary economic agreement between two great nations for peace and prosperity. Their ability to rise above their differences and unite in friends.h.i.+p and prosperity has energized our own Russian government, and will do the same for our people."

"It is therefore with great enthusiasm that I announce today the Siberian Economic Development Treaty.

This treaty is made exclusively with the Coalition of Asian States for the economic development of our vast Siberian resources. We look forward to its impact on the people of our mutual regions as we build or economies and our prosperity upon the principles of equality and social justice outlined in the CAS 'Time of the Three Wisdoms' which we in the Russian Federation endorse completely."

"This ends the announcement. There will be no press questions at this time. A full Press Conference will be held tomorrow in the Kremlin at 10 am. Thank you, and good night."

As David Krenshaw faded back onto the screen, the enthusiasm in his eyes and demeanor were self evident.

"That was President Vladimyr Puten of the Russian Federation announcing a Siberian Economic Development Treaty between his nation and the just-announced Coalition of Asian States, made up of The People's Republic of China and India. For those of you watching on TV, or listening via the WNN radio network, let me say these are historic and momentous times. What we have witnessed this morning is nothing short of the largest potential economic development in the history of the world. As our correspondents gather more information, and as our a.n.a.lysts review that information with the doc.u.mentation provided, we'll broadcast updates. Please stay tuned to WNN for more developments throughout the day, and on your nightly news. This is David Krenshaw reporting, and this has been a WNN Special Report."

April 12, 2005, 10:00 The Oval Office, Was.h.i.+ngton, D.C.

"Okay, you've each had time to review these announcements and the diplomatic information handed out with them. Let's start with State and proceed to National Security, Defense and CIA. What are we seeing here folks? What's the impact to us, economically and diplomatically? What does it mean to our allies, and to other nations in the region?"

As the President finished, he turned to Fred Reissinger and waited.

"Mr. President, this announcement caught us completely by surprise. The Chinese and Indians began having more serious talks, which were geared towards settling border disputes, back in 2000. It was generally agreed at the time that they were making good progress. But an economic agreement of this nature and magnitude did not appear to be on the table, particularly after the closer ties we developed with India during the entire campaign to defeat bin Laden and Al Qaeda. Clearly China and India have been working behind the scenes and very confidentially to put this together. The announcement by the Russians was clearly coordinated and also indicates considerable prolonged behind the scenes activity."

"As to what it means to us diplomatically, a lot depends upon how serious they are about these agreements, particularly regarding their workforce. Basically, they are going to be charging huge tariffs to utilize their workers in factories within their borders, for corporations that are not part of the CAS. If they implement this as written, it will have the ultimate effect of nationalizing the a.s.sets of foreign corporations, without overtly doing so. Basically, those businesses will no longer be able to profitably operate their own facilities and will be forced to look elsewhere. In the meantime, the idled factories, if not paid for, will revert to the nations wherein they exist."

"Normally, this would be economically devastating to those countries, as they lost the contracts with those companies. But apparently both Red China and India feel that they will be able to continue producing product under a different name, and offer them even less expensively to the western markets.

The pricing structures and trade formulas in the CAS agreements accomplish this. In addition, with the opening of unprecedented exploration and exploitation of the Siberian oil, gold, timber and other resources, they apparently feel they can live with whatever sanctions we care to place on them-and they may be right. If so, this is going to put enormous pressure on our friends and allies in the region: most notably j.a.pan, South Korea, Australia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and the ROC."

As the Secretary of State finished, the President experienced that same unsettling feeling he'd had almost a week earlier when talking about the Chinese issues. Turning to John Bowers and Timothy Hattering, he asked "Okay, John and Tim, what are we getting ourselves into here? I have to believe that the naval air issues and these announcements are related. What other surprise announcements can we expect from the Red Chinese?"

John spoke right up.

"Well Mr. President, although we haven't determined exactly what the Red Chinese are up to in that regard, we do have the three operations we discussed last week ready for you to review."

Before the Secretary of State could interrupt, John continued. "Don't worry Fred, we aren't going to be stepping on your toes. Based on last week's meeting, none of these require any kind of approval before the President meets with President Zenim in Beijing later this month. However, Tim and I both agree that you should at least review them, Mr. President, and be prepared to act based on the outcomes of those meetings."

"My personal feeling is that either the Chinese are developing something on their own which they will announce in due course, or they are working with someone else, maybe the Indians-although I find that difficult to believe-to do the same. The intent would be to establish more military force projection in the South China Sea and surrounding areas."

At this, the Secretary of Defense spoke up. "Mr. President, I believe we would be smart to increase our military presence in the Western Pacific at this time. These developments are disturbing as the Red Chinese continue to build up their forces across the strait from Taiwan, and in general throughout the South China Sea. Their bases in the Spratleys have been well established and garrisoned for some years now, and they still have that satellite monitoring station on Tarawa Island that was handed over to them under Clinton. They have beefed up their electronics there, as well as the dock facilities and airfield."

"In light of what State just said, I believe it prudent to get another carrier in the area, and perhaps a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), and have them temporarily stationed out of Guam, while we monitor developments."

The Secretary of State interrupted. "Oh come on Tim, that will be viewed by everyone in the region as provocative and an overreaction. I do not deny that the developments are disturbing and that there may be a military overtone to them. For that reason we should be prepared to deploy. But I believe deploying prematurely would be playing into their hands, and may even force the issue. I would recommend holding off, Mr. President."

President Weisskopf listened to all of this, and made up his mind quickly.

"Alright Fred, we'll hold off on any deployment; but, Tim, get the orders issued that will ensure that we are logistically ready to deploy from a provisioning, fuel and armament standpoint. We'll set it up to base them out of Guam in support of the Kitty Hawk group out of j.a.pan."

"In addition, John and Mitch, I will review those three operations. The NRO and the Navy operations are probably going to be a 'go' as is, but Mitch, I want to scale back the HUMINT operation and not risk any of our highly-placed a.s.sets at this point. What are your thoughts?"

Mitch Foley was actually very relieved. First, the operatives he had placed in the Chinese industrial sector and at the foreign ministry were not something he was anxious to risk. Second, he had expected much more heat to be directed at CIA in this meeting regarding this matter since his Chinese operatives and his other intelligence officers had been taken by surprise.

"Mr. President, I understand and concur regarding those a.s.sets. They may be much more valuable to us later. This announcement by China and India was not discussed at their level, but implementing it certainly will be. Regarding finding out more about their naval s.h.i.+pbuilding, I have some ideas and will have our Director of Operations work out the details."

"Great, Mitch, I look forward to the updated plan. The fact that the Chinese surprised both State and yourself is very disconcerting. Something major is going on over there and we need to know what it is.

John, we can start on the final review of the other two operations after dinner tomorrow night."

"Finally, Fred, let's finalize the team that will be going with me to Beijing for the summit with Zenim. I want to talk to him directly about these "labor" arrangements and about the Naval Air facilities we have been monitoring. In the meantime, I'd like you to get a read from our allies before the trip so we can factor all of that into the discussions."

April 13, 2005, 22:00 Along the Potomac, Was.h.i.+ngton, D.C.

It was beautiful clear night along the Potomac. Even though the Secret Service was arrayed as inconspicuously as possible around them, and even though the two younger men who had dined with them were clearly there in some official capacity, Linda Weisskopf was glad to be out with Norm.

Leaving the stuffy and very official Limousine behind and using the black Suburban for this "outing" had been a nice touch, she thought. As she watched Norm walking and talking casually with John and Tom, the young a.n.a.lyst from Virginia, she reflected on Norm's disposition the last few days.

Linda had been with Norm far too many years to not recognize the hints and telltale signs of apprehension and concern. She had seen them when he left for a tour in Vietnam and had then lived with the apprehension that accompanied his return home. She had seen them when he was the deputy task force commander for the invasion operation in the Caribbean. That had been a success, but there had been a cost; as there always was, for any honest and virtuous officer making life and death decisions for his soldiers.

And among his many attributes, Norm was honest and virtuous. He was perhaps a little gruff on the outside, but as she had said so many times, despite that gruff exterior so necessary in his profession, he was a true "burnt marshmallow." Rough and crusty on the outside, but soft and caring underneath it.

Caring for his soldiers, caring for his country, caring for her.

She had seen the same signs of apprehension before Desert Storm and on the TV screens, she had felt it over telephone lines during that epic conflict which had thrust him upon the national stage. She had seen it during his candidacy for the Presidency and she saw it now.

Norm was troubled. He was probably having another of "those" feelings. And though he hadn't shared it with her yet, he didn't need to. She knew it instinctively...and he would know she knew it, and take comfort in the thought that she shared it with him.

As if though sensing her thought, he turned away from the young men and came and took her by the hand.

"It is a beautiful night, sweetheart, and I apologize for not being able to spend more of it with you. What I would give to be able to just hold your hand and walk along the river here and properly enjoy this evening. Look at those stars! Even around all these lights they're so bright this evening."

Linda knew he could not stay much longer and did not want to make him be the one to break it off. She knew he truly wanted to stay with her and that was enough. She was content with that knowledge.

"You better go on now, Norm. These young men have important business with you, and there is little time left this evening to accomplish it. Let's go back to the "house" and I'll wait up for you."

April 13, 2005, 23:00 The Oval Office, Was.h.i.+ngton, D.C.

They had talked for almost an hour about specific technical details of the surveillance regarding the six airfields and the makeup and capabilities of the aircraft that were training there. Finally, the President felt the time was right to ask the pertinent question.

"Tom, I brought you here tonight because you were the one to notice these airfields and were perceptive enough to recognize their potential significance. In addition, John here has recommended you highly. I hope you will speak freely. As an old war-horse, I know that sometimes it's critical-even essential-to hear the unvarnished truth from the ranks. It's a lesson I learned and took to heart long ago. What do you feel is going on there with the Chinese and these naval airfields and training?"

Tom was amazed at the President's disarming, open nature. It begged one's trust and confidence to a degree Tom had seldom felt. Instinctively, he knew that this President was one of the rare ones who put duty, honor, and country above his own personal feelings and aspirations, and who would lead you right into the jaws of h.e.l.l if necessary, with himself on point. Knowing this was the case, Tom did not hesitate to tell him, "Mr. President, I cannot prove this at the moment, but I believe the Chinese are putting something together somewhere that will carry those air wings they are working so feverishly to train. I don't know where. I don't know when...but I believe it will be soon, though we have no evidence of it outside of those curious training facilities and the aircraft themselves. They are building carriers, lots of them."

The President glanced at John, who nodded his agreement and approval.

"I tend to agree with you Tom. I want you and your people to work closely with John. You can trust him implicitly. At the same time, always ensure that your superiors at NRO are kept completely within the loop. I am afraid that, if the Chinese have been able to keep this from us, there are any number of other things they are bringing together to move their plans forward. We have to find a way to get out in front of it or I am afraid the surprises will not bode well for us. I hope I can make progress in that regard when I visit and speak directly to President Jien Zenim."

"Now, if you two gentlemen will excuse me, it's past my bedtime, and I am going to rectify that."

April 26, 2005, 21:00 local time Government Conference Center Beijing, The People's Republic of China The decor had been tremendous and exquisite. The food and entertainment had been marvelous. The pleasantries had been genuinely respectful. Many of the peripheral issues had been discussed and plans had been set in motion for hopefully amiable solutions. But now, the time had come for the two leaders to speak man-to-man, and place upon the table the true issues between them. President Jien Zenim was prepared, even eager, to do so.

He sensed he had the upper hand in these issues, and although he had personally researched the General's exploits and character, and been briefed by experts psychologically on him, still the feeling persisted to be wary.

"Mr. President, let us, as you Americans say, "Cut to the chase." The announcements we have made with India and the Russians must be uppermost in your mind. I am sure you desire to know our intentions."

President Weisskopf was relieved to hear his Chinese counterpart speak directly, and was anxious himself to address this central issue.

"Yes, President Jien, you have, as we say, "hit the nail on the head." This is a princ.i.p.al concern; particularly the details of the labor arrangements and the new tariffs. To be blunt, we believe this is a move by your government to force our companies out of the factories they have built in your nation."

"It is good to hear an American who will speak directly to princ.i.p.al issues. I respect you for that and hope our conversations can always be so sincere and understood. In fact, we are looking for a significant return on investment. Our workforce has been used by the West to reap unimaginable wealth for the capitalists in your society who own those businesses. We are serious about the ideals and tenets expressed in our 'Three Wisdoms,' Mr. President, and we mean to put them into effect throughout our society."

President Weisskopf could scarcely believe that President Zenim was so bold and direct. His intuition told him that the Chinese President meant every word he was saying, but he also felt he had to be extremely wary; there was much more to this somehow; much more.

"President Jien, while I respect your forthrightness, I must tell you that the United States would view gravely any attempt, even a veiled one like this, to unilaterally foreclose on American interests within your country. It would lead to severe trade restrictions and perhaps even a trade war. Surely there is some way we can accommodate the interests of your people, and the agreements you already have with our business community."

President Jien Zenim did not hesitate. Though other Americans may have been wholly unlikely to speak so directly and to risk so much, from Jien Zenim's perspective, the Americans were caught in a trap of their own making, despite their newly-elected leader.

"We have accommodated those business interests for many years, Mr. President, at extremely low wages for our workers. We want them to now enjoy a higher standard and believe there are those, even in your own business community, who will pay it."

Again, somewhat taken aback by Zenim's direct and challenging speech, and all the more wary, President Weisskopf proceeded.

"This is a troubling att.i.tude, Mr. President; one that will unavoidably lead to severe economic strain between us, and potential damage to our diplomatic relations.h.i.+p. When we couple this with your extraordinary Naval Air buildup, we are extremely concerned."

This train of thought and dialog was unexpected by Jien Zenim. As such, it upset him and he allowed a little of that emotion to creep ever so slightly into his tone, as a warning to the American head of state.

"Of what Naval Air buildup do you speak, Mr. President? We have made no secret of our efforts to build two aircraft carriers, and are openly training them. Why is this such a threat to you? Do you honestly believe that the US Navy is the only Navy ent.i.tled to such equipment?"

Norm Weisskopf detected the challenge in Jien Zenim's tone and sought to diffuse it in some way without giving up any initiative.