ask her. “General McGraw came up with a winner the first time,” she said. “I think you should keep doing what he suggests until he fails.”
President David Sims put his chin on his chest, deep in thought. He pursed his lips. He sat like that for a time. Finally, he raised his head, glancing at each of them in turn.
“It’s a big risk,” the President said. “Yet I believe it’s what George Washington would do if he were in my place. Yes. Let’s get started on a new offensive. Let’s get Army Group South to St. Louis as fast as we can.”
ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO
Soldier Rank Zhu accompanied First Rank Tian into the captain’s office.
Everything was in disarray: the radio equipment, the computers and masses of paper. Bai Hu HQ Denver was moving out to join the others for the breakout attempt.
The captain of the Eagle Teams was an ordinary-looking Chinese officer. He didn’t seem like the leader of the most elite soldiers in Third Front. But then, Zhu didn’t seem like the highest-rated sniper, either.
Despite the commotion, the captain sat behind his desk. Both Zhu and Tian came to attention before it, saluting and waiting.
“Sit, sit,” the captain said with a wave of his hand.
With a grunt, Tian fell back into his chair. Zhu perched on the edge of his. He’d never been in the captain’s office before. This was a great honor.
The captain glanced at a computer scroll on his desk before eyeing Zhu. “So, you’ve slain one hundred and sixteen Americans with your sniper rifle.”
“Yes sir,” Zhu said.
“Impressive.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“At ease, Soldier Rank, at ease,” the captain said.
“Yes sir,” Zhu said. He remained perched on the edge of his chair, with his back ramrod stiff.
“Is he always this way?” the captain asked Tian.
“Zhu is the best soldier in my unit, sir. I believe he is the most conscientious soldier in the entire Chinese military.”
“Well, well, well,” the captain said, eyeing Zhu once more.
Zhu felt miserable under the scrutiny.
“Such zeal should be rewarded,” the captain said. “We’ve lost too many good White Tigers in this blasted city. These Americans don’t know when they’re beaten. Well, in any case, we’re going to beat them now in Colorado Springs. High Command tells us the enemy has brought their super-tanks along, the Behemoths. It won’t help them this time, not once we join the assault.”
The captain leaned back in his chair. “What caused you to pick up the sniper rifle, Soldier Rank?”
“Sir?” Zhu asked, uncertain what he was supposed to say.
Tapping the computer scroll, the captain said, “I’ve read the reports. You jetted up to some of the tallest buildings and hid up there for half a day, at times. You waited for an American to poke up his head and then you shot him. Why did you go to such lengths to hunt the enemy?”
“I am a White Tiger. I am an Eagle flyer,” Zhu said.
“Go on,” the captain said.
“Sir, the Americans refused to surrender. That meant they needed killing. These past few weeks, sniper attacks have proved the most effective means of whittling down their remaining numbers.”
The captain slapped the table. “I don’t have all day. So we’ll get to the point. Soldier Rank Zhu, due to your excellent performance and skill as a soldier, I am promoting you to First Rank.”
Zhu could only blink his eyes at this astonishing news.
The captain grinned and winked at Tian. “He’s the strong and silent type is he?”
“He’s silent,” Tian said, “and he’s very strong of heart.”
“A real White Tiger,” the captain said. “First Rank Zhu, let me be the first to congratulate you on your new rank.”
“Thank you, sir,” Zhu said. This was unbelievable. He was a First Rank now.
“With your exalted status, I can’t very well leave you in Tian’s squad,” the captain said. “Therefore, you’re going to get a squad of your own.”
“Sir?” Zhu asked. He glanced at Tian in worry.
The captain chuckled. “Don’t worry. You’ll still be near Tian. The man’s unstoppable, I know. Yes, it’s good having several of those like Tian in your command.” The captain paused before telling Zhu, “If I could, I’d like to give you newer recruits, First Rank.”
Zhu was still shocked at his promotion. Gaining rank in the White Tigers was much harder than in regular Army formations. Yet he had become a First Rank.
“I’ve amalgamated the fragments of several squads and formed them into one unit,” the captain was telling him. “You’ll be their First Rank, Zhu. Do you believe you’re up to