Chimera

“Sir, may I at least suggest we get Beijing to release more reinforcements from other regions?” Feng asked calmly, ignoring the sharp stare from Chen. “Our four Fighter Divisions in the combined MRAF are all but gone! And we just lost our most effective air-defense cover over Lhasa and Shigatse! We need more units,” Feng pleaded.

“What units do you have in mind?” Chen asked after calming down.

“For now I want the 19TH Fighter Division and its J-11 equipped 55TH Air Regiment from Jinan. They will help us replace our J-11 losses over the last few days. That Division is currently deployed on deterrent duties against a fictitious Japanese and USA military threat. No such threat exists. I want that force moved to Tibet right away,” Feng said as he stared at the map board now zoomed out to show the whole of Asia.

“Beijing will not like it,” Chen replied. “That region serves as a buffer around Beijing. Thinning that out now will not help convince the party leaders that we have things under control.”

Feng was getting frustrated now: “Would they rather that we lose this war? Because I can tell you that once the Indians establish dominance over Tibet, and believe me, they are this close,” he brought is left hand thumb and index finger close to emphasize the point, “they will apply unbearable pressure on the PLA Divisions engaged in combat on the border. If you think the Army could not punch through under neutral skies, see what happens when they have to fight it out under enemy controlled skies! I will keep pouring as many of our J-7 units into combat as I can. If not for wrenching control from the Indians then at least to deny them total control!”

“We better,” Chen said fatalistically. “Or else we are going to be relieved of our command. I have already been threatened once this morning by the CMC and I don’t intend to make a habit out of it.”

Feng was shocked to hear that last bit of information. He was concerned about the state of the war and the possibility that they might fail. But Feng had never seriously considered that his own life might be in danger…

“Coming to the operational issue,” Chen continued, “Beijing is not willing to lose its entire force structure to try and force a conventional victory anymore. This has gone on too long, Feng. We have failed to provide the victories they wanted. This is not a punitive border war anymore. It never was. You knew it, I knew it and Wencang knew it too. But I think Beijing is only starting to do so now.”

Chen walked over and sat down in his chair near the conference table in the room. He turned to Feng who was still standing by the wall.

“I will get you what J-11 units I can get my hands on,” Chen continued. “But find a way to plug these damn holes the Indians are making over Tibet. We don’t want Liu and his boys over at 2ND Artillery getting spooked about losing their top cover like they did yesterday after the attack near Lhasa. If we want to force a conventional fight through to the end, we have to ensure Liu that his nuclear missiles are still protected and safe from destruction. If he loses that confidence, he will report the same to Beijing and say that his Corps cannot guarantee the survival of their strategic missile forces in Tibet. But if we keep taking such losses in the air and on the ground inside Tibet, Liu will force Wencang’s hand and that of others in the CMC who still wish to keep this battle non-nuclear!”

“The Indians are forcing us towards nuclear war!” Feng said.

“Imagine the irony!” Chen said and laughed, “I had a chance to think about it this morning after I calmed Liu and Peng at the CMC. I thought to myself as to why am I subconsciously resisting the unleashing of nuclear fire over India? The Indians are the ones killing my pilots across Tibet. So maybe I should be supporting Liu’s argument for the use of nuclear weapons instead of throwing more and more of my pilots into the slaughter!”

Feng walked over and took his own chair as the gravity of the situation began to sink in. He sank his face into his two hands and then took some deep breaths. Both men remained in silence and the other half dozen mid-level officers in the room dared not speak. Feng sighed and regained his composure.

“How long do we have before the 2ND Artillery wins the argument?”

“Forty-eight hours at the maximum. That’s it,” Chen responded. “If we and the PLA commanders in Tibet cannot show progress, Liu is going to push for his plans in the CMC. One of Liu’s senior commanders within the 2ND Artillery Corps will be meeting with me today to discuss operational details that involve our 36TH Bomber Division H-6s out of Wugong. Depending on how our last exertion of conventional strength plays out against the Indians, we will lay out our contingency plans.”

TWENTY KILOMETERS EAST OF DOTANANG

BHUTAN

DAY 8 + 1520 HRS