“I take it we cannot get ships in,” the Chairman said.
“No, Comrade Chairman. Enemy naval activity has effectively closed our harbors. I have initiated a plan to send out submarines to try and relieve this problem. The loss of a carrier, battleship, or other supply ships would greatly relieve the pressure we are experiencing from the sea. Because of the battleships cruising the shores we must keep our men and supplies inland. We don’t know how they find the units and equipment, but they have been very effective. We believe there are some hidden transmitters and spies who provide that information to them.”
“Can’t you intercept those radio transmissions?”
“We have not been able to do so as yet, Comrade Chairman. As a matter of fact, the enemy is not using much in radio transmissions. We have intercepted some static-like transmissions and occasionally some voice. But when we try and interfere, the frequency changes. We are doing our best.”
“It seems our intelligence arm was wrong when they told us the enemy’s technology would be devastated,” the Chairman said softly. “Comrades, we must regroup and counter this invasion immediately. We cannot let anyone stop us from reuniting this country and taking our place on the world stage. The first priority is the military; the second is transportation and then agriculture. All other efforts must be curtailed until victory is complete. From this moment on, everything must be geared to that victory,” he demanded.
“I want to make plans to have a massive thrust against our enemies right here!” he said pointing to a position on the map. “I want everything thrown at them no later than one week. The movement will be preceded by a massive missile attack by our rocket forces, heavy saturation by our artillery and then as many troops as possible all massed for attack. We will drive back down the peninsula and end this once and for all,” he demanded.
Then Kim seemed to gather his thoughts. He must appear enlightened even if he was angry and disgusted with the people around him. He said softly, “Comrades, I know you did not have a hand in getting our nation in this position. But I tell you now that I hold each of you responsible for what happens from here onwards. You all know that I will not tolerate any man who betrays his country either through purpose or through ineptitude. The people expect a victory and it is up to the Party to deliver that victory,” he said. Although his voice was calm, there was fire in his eyes as he spoke. Everyone knew exactly what would happen if they failed. “Now let us discuss other matters,” Kim said. The meeting lasted another two hours.
At the end of the meeting, Kim motioned for one man to stay. Jung Il Choi was the head of the country’s National Security Bureau or secret police. He was working very hard to ensure calm and support for the war. As a result, hundreds of people expressing the least opposition to the conflict were hastily carted off to prison. He also tightened the reins on the three government-recognized classes in the supposed “classless” society. His “Citizen Registration Groups” segregated the population into three classes — Basic, Chaotic, and Enemy. Only the Basic class could be politically trusted and, as a result, could have a few liberties.
Choi was thin and hard. His choker collared grey uniform was starched and pressed. Some even joked that he was not actually strong enough to cause a crease in them. He wore black glasses and his thin graying hair was short and brushed backward from his forehead. It was the eyes that had the biggest impact. They were black as coal and so cold it was like looking at death itself.
Choi discreetly remained behind as the others left. The doors closed and Kim asked him to sit down with him. Choi waited respectfully until Kim was seated, then eased carefully into his seat.
“How my I help you, Comrade Chairman?” he asked.
“I want an investigation into the upper levels of the military. I need to know who is politically trustworthy and who is not. I have been getting the feeling that some of the military leaders have been more interested in their own hides than in making sure the plan was followed,” Kim said.
“Comrade Chairman, we have files on each of the officers in your command. When we started seeing things go wrong I began a much more in-depth investigation into each of the senior officials. I have selected four to receive some special attention. Three of the ones killed were found to have used the computer facilities for their own personal gain. They also had been having liaisons with women who could be described at best as chaotic. They have sons in the military. I sent you a report recommending we arrest these officers and detail their families as an example for others. I also recommended we relieve one other officer. I found a witness saying that the man made several trips to the People’s Republic and established relationships with people there. Clearly this is contrary to the needs of the People and the State.”
“I agree. Make an example of them all. What about Lu Chen?”
“Nothing on him personally; however, as you recall I made a report that his wife had come from an untrustworthy family. His son was reported missing just three days ago. Since there is no witness that he was killed I suspect he deserted to the enemy. His wife has not been found as yet. Therefore he is very suspect.”
“All around me are traitors and conspirators. It is good that you are adding to the investigations. Your reports have been enlightening and explain many of the problems we face.”
“Comrade Chairman, my reports will always look out for the best interests of the State. As you recall, these men were allowed to retain their ranks for expediency under your predecessor. They performed well under normal circumstances. However, they may have become compromised through other influences and held in wait until just the right time. My office has taken the steps to make sure this does not happen.”
“Very good. I must make sure our leadership is entirely trustworthy. I even had you checked out,” Kim said with a slight smile.
“Yes, Comrade Chairman, as I expected. No one should be above investigation, especially a senior security officer. I invite the State to know everything I do and everything I know at all times. Then you will know whom you can truly turn to,” Choi said calmly, although the thought of being investigated upset him.
“I do, Comrade. That is why I have you here now. I want you to personally step in whenever you find someone who betrays the State. As soon as you know, take action and report to me. You have full authority.”
“I will, Comrade Chairman.”
“Good. I will not detain you further,” Kim said.
Choi quietly stood up and left the room. He would order the arrest of several men within the hour, including several who were a threat to his position and authority. He would make sure order was carried out in a manner he saw fit.
Ricks opened the door of the small studio apartment and reached down to picked up Su Lynn. She looked at him questioningly.
“Why you do this?”
“It’s an old American custom for the husband to carry his new bride across the threshold of their first home,” he said. “Now that you’re with me, you’ll need to learn some of these things.”
She clung to his neck as he eased the door open and stepped inside. Setting her down again, he reached back and closed the door before bringing her into an embrace. “Welcome home, Mrs. Ricks,” he said after breaking away from their kiss.
She pulled him in and gave him a tight squeeze, hugging his strong chest. “This is wonderful, Dale,” she said.
After a mile of red tape, medical exams, licenses, and counseling, the chaplain pronounced them man and wife just four hours before. Kuan Jeu gave his sister away in the presence of Colonel Peterson, Master Sergeant Hufham, and nearly half the company. Almost everyone from the public shelter had been there as well. The old woman who befriended her cried like a baby during the whole ceremony. Afterwards everyone went to the shelter where the residents used up some of their meager rations to throw a big celebration.