"I'm touched by your appreciation of my aspirations."
"But where does all this leave me? You talked earlier of revenge for your impaired hearing-what made you so forgiving?"
China frowned and touched his ear. "To tell the truth, I would have enjoyed that. In fact, I had already planned a nocturnal raid on your camp at Chiwewe. I had moved up a unit of my men to the border opposite your concession and was awaiting only an opportunity to escape from my duties here for a few days personally to pay you a visit, when a change of plan was forced upon me.
Sean raised an eyebrow to signal his interest and attention.
"Very recently there has been a drastic alteration in the balance of power here in the celAral province. We of Renamo had fought ourselves into a domiAlant position. In fact, We control all the country except the thajor towns, we have reduced food production to the point where Frelimo must rely almost entirely on foreign aid, we have virtually strangled their transport system. We raid the roads and railways at will, and our forces move freely about the countryside, recruiting from the villages. We have, in fact, set up t changed our own alternative administration. However, all that very recently-"
"What happened?"
lately but stood up from the desk China did not answer immedi and went to stand in front of the wall map. "As a distinguished counter guerrilla fighter, Colonel Courtney, I do not have to explain our strategy to you nor do I have to lecture you on the weapons that we employ in the war of the flea. We don't fear nuclear bombs, heavy artillery, or modern pursuit planes. We chuckled when Robert Mugabe purchased two squadrons of fighters from his Soviet friends, obsolete MiGs, Floggers the Russians were pleased to be rid of and which Mugabe cannot afford to keep in the air. There are few, very few modern weapons we fear except"--China paused and turned to face Sean again' but you are the expert, Colonel. You know as much as any man alive about anti guerrilla operations. What do we fear most?"
Sean did not hesitate. "Helicopter gunships," he said.
China sat down heavily in his seat again. "Three weeks ago the Soviets delivered a full squadron of Hind helicopters to the Frehmo air force."
Sean whistled softly. "Hinds!" he said. "In Afghanistan they call them the "flying death.""
"Here we call them hen shaw-the falcons."
"There is no air force in Africa that could keep a squadron of Hinds in the air for more than a few days-they simply don't have the backup. Sean shook his head, but China contradicted him quietly.
"The Russians have supplied technicians and mumitions and tio spares, as well as pilots. They aim to smash Renamo in Six months."
"Will they succeed? Can they succeed?"
"Yes," China said firmly. "Already they have severely limited our mobility. Without mobility, a guerrilla army is defeated." He made a gesture that took in the dugout. "Here we cower underground like moles, not warriors. Our morale, which was so high just a month ago, is crumbling away. Instead of looking proudly ahead, my men cringe and look to the skies."
"It's not an easy life, General," Sean commiserated with him.
"I'm sure You'll come up with something."
"I already have." China nodded. "You."
"Me against a squadron of Hinds?" Sean chuckled. "I am flattered, but include me out."
"That is not possible, Colonel. As the Americans say, you owe me one."
He touched his ear. "And I owe you one-Miss Monterro."
"All right." Sean nodded with resignation. "Spell it out for me."
"The plan I have in mind requires a white face, a trained officer who understands black troops and speaks their language."
"Surely, General China, you don't subscribe to old General von Lettow-Vorbeck's theory that the best bush troops in the world are
2,16 black soldiers with white officers. Why the hell don't you do whatever this is yourselr"
"I know my own limitations," China said. "I am a better administrator than a soldier. Besides, I have explained, I need a white face." He held up one hand to prevent Sean interrupting again.
"Initially you'll be working with a small group. Ten men."
"My Shangane escort." Sean was ahead of him. "That's the real reason you sent me off on that little jaunt with them."
"Perceptive, Colonel. Yes, your reputation seems to be well founded. In just a few days you have gained their respect and, dare I say it, loyalty. I think they'll follow you on the most hazardous assignment."
"I'll need more than ten Shanganes. There are two others I want with me."
"Of course, your Matabeles," China agreed readily. "They are definitely part of my calculations."
This was the opportunity to inquire about Job and Dedan that Sean had been waiting for. "Are they both safe?" he demanded "Quite safe and well, I assure you."
"I won't even discuss anything further until I have seen them and spoken to them," he said flatly.
China's eyes narrowed. "I beg you not to adopt that attitude, Colonel.
It will only make our future relationship difficult and unpleasant."
"I mean it," Sean repeated stubbornly. "I want to speak to my men General China glanced at his wristwatch, then sighed theatrically.
"Very well." He lifted the handset of the telephone and spoke into it again, then looked up at Sean. "The two of them will be required to work with you, you can explain that to them. There is an excellent chance that, with all your cooperation, I will be persuaded to give you yot* freedom. Of course, that offer of freedom includes the nubileeMiss Monterro."