there’s good news. Such a rapid advance leaves the Kremlin fatally overextended. A mobile force roaming the front, coupled with surgical strikes on supply lines, will quickly drive this point home.” McConnell leaned close over the map, scowling through his bifocals. Dalia could guess his thoughts. Bharadwaj, looking at the same scenario, had no doubt advised frontal resistance. As a rule, Bharadwaj preferred brute force. The man would play a dulcimer with a sledgehammer. Yet CENTCOM loved him, because he justified their juicy budget. McConnell stroked his second chin pensively. “I’ll send it up the chain.” He leaned back. She knew that brooding look. “Something else I’d like you to take a look at, Dalia. Not a simulation. A developing situation. Of course, I appreciate how busy you are, but once you see what’s going on, I have a feeling you’ll want to help out.” “I hate to disappoint you. But Issus awaits.” “Issus has waited two millennia. Surely it can wait another day or two while you help us put out some sparks in the greatest geopolitical tinderbox of our time.” Finding the cane, she stood. “Enjoy your summer, Jim.” “Think it over, Dalia.” Behind the smudged lenses, his green eyes flashed. “You know how you’re always talking about all our fates being entwined? Well, it’s true. You know how to reach me.”
Manhattan, New York City
Song was rereading the message when the baby cried. Shaken, she started back at the beginning. The message was in Munhwaŏ, the DPRK standard version of the Korean language. 9