Deng’s voice was grim but resolute as he responded. “If that happens, Tao, then it escalates. Obviously, it would mean your squadron would take losses. That may unfortunately be one of the prices we’ll have to pay to achieve victory. If that is the case, we suffer whatever losses are necessary to achieve our strategic objective — the Penghu archipelago. You and I both know the capture of Penghu means Taiwan will be on borrowed time. If we have to, we simply embargo the island and starve them into submission.”
Deng paused what he was about to say, staring at the digital map before speaking. “In the end, Tao, it’s not like America is going to willingly trade the city of Los Angeles for Taipei. And it’s not like Europe would dare risk nuclear war over territories thousands of kilometers away. Just look at how paralyzed they were during the Russo-Ukraine War. The mere mention of nuclear weapons caused them to falter, exactly when they had Russia on the ropes. Instead, they allowed Putin to save face and turn certain defeat into strategic survival. Trust me, Tao — Europe and America will do the same in Asia. They’ll blink.”
Shen felt a shiver run down his spine at how casually his mentor spoke of nuclear war, of loss beyond anything he imagined. As he thought of his family in Beijing, he asked, “Admiral, you may be right about Europe, maybe even America. But are we prepared to risk losing Shanghai for Penghu if that’s what it comes to?”
“That is a question for the CMC and the Politburo. Your mission, Tao, is to make sure it never comes to that. Give Taiwan a bloody nose, not a mortal wound. If things go according to the plan, then America will be too busy to respond with enough force to stop us.”
Shen felt the urge to laugh, catching himself just in time.
“What’s so funny, Tao?” asked Deng, his perceptive eye missing nothing.
“I was remembering a phrase an American boxer named Mike Tyson used to say,” Shen began. “He said everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.”
Deng laughed, a deep, loud belly laugh. “Oh, Tao, I needed that. He is right, of course. No plan survives first contact. That is why I push you commanders so hard: to make you resilient, to force you to adapt and bounce back from each setback. I only hope I have prepared you commanders for the battles we are about to face,” confided Deng.
Outside, the rain intensified. The wind howled through the palm trees as the eye of the storm approached.
Deng’s tone softened as the rain grew louder. “There’s something else I want to tell you; it’s personal.”
Shen waited quietly, letting him speak when he was ready.
“You know my son, Minghao, he recently took command of the
“I remember. Minghao was beyond excited when he learned he was selected for command of a
“Do we?” Deng answered as he moved to the window, staring into the storm. “Or are we simply pretending to control the forces beyond human grasp?”
A flash of lightning illuminated the garden outside the window as Deng’s voice grew softer. “Once first blood spills, Tao, control becomes an illusion. Follow your orders. Ensure your squadron does its job and brings us a swift victory before this plan has a chance to spiral out of control into something we’ll regret.”
Shen nodded soberly. “The rules of engagement practically guarantee—”
“Do not open this unless the situation demands it,” Deng interrupted, handing Shen a sealed envelope from his desk safe. “It carries my personal authority. I trust you, Tao. Use your judgment over Beijing’s. If you receive orders that endanger your survival, your crew’s, perhaps the world’s — don’t hesitate to use this letter. I’m giving you the freedom to act wisely in a time of chaos.”
Shen accepted the envelope; the weight of it felt beyond its paper and wax. “Of course. If I may, what does this letter say?”
“It says whatever you need it to say to cover and authorize whatever action you deemed necessary to take to ensure the survival of yourself, your crew, and our world, if necessary.” Deng’s eyes met Shen’s with profound trust.
The sound of thunder crashed once more, close and violent as the windows shook.
“We’re manipulating forces we barely understand,” Deng continued softly. “Beijing sees opportunity. Moscow sees necessity. Washington sees threat. But no one sees the full picture.”
