Premier Wing was furious when General Zhu called and informed him that the UAC diplomat and WF envoy escaped capture outside of New Delhi. He never tolerated defeat of any kind, no matter the circumstances. Zhu knew there would be a price to pay.
“The commander had no choice, but to retreat, Premier. Another UAC Army force was close to surrounding his troops. They would have all been killed or captured.”
“You knew my orders were to capture or kill the ambassador and envoy, General Zhu, no matter the cost! I want that commander executed today!”
“He already took his own life, Premier. He understood his orders as well. He died honorably in cause for our country.”
Wing was silent on the call for a moment, but Zhu knew the premier was fuming that he had lost an opportunity to negotiate for more territory in the hemisphere.
Wing changed the subject. “What is the situation with the capital?”
“We have New Delhi surrounded. The Indian Army forces have encircled the capital buildings where the President and Prime Minister are holding up inside the Presidential Palace along with many parliament officials. I have called the President and demanded his surrender. He has not returned my call. I will need further orders before I attack the palace if he does not respond within the hour.”
“I will call President Khatri after this call, General. If he refuses to surrender his country and join the EF, my orders are the President and Prime Minister must be eliminated, but the palace must not be destroyed.”
“I understand your orders. I will wait for your call, Premier Wing.”
After Wing ended the call, General Zhu stepped outside his armored vehicle. The sounds of sporadic gunfire from both armies could be heard in the near distance. Zhu was confident India’s armed forces could not stop him for long. His only fear was the UAC would decide to send more troops to the war in European Union where his army was headed next. The WF Peacekeeper forces were no longer of concern to him. He knew the WF would not exist much longer as the remaining Provinces (countries) in the Eastern Hemisphere would have to join the Eurasia Federation or its people would suffer death from starvation or disease within ten years due to the worsening effects of the Climate Crisis. General Zhu knew the EF could prevent this with the only solution left to humanity—cryostasis! Deep underground bunkers were already being constructed throughout Asia and in most other Provinces in preparation. The Plague Wars must stop soon or the necessary resources would not be available to complete the job. Otherwise, humanity would face extinction.
Colonel Martin was happy to see the worn highway signs for the Indian Army and Air Force military base outside the Jaipur International Airport. Military vehicles were moving in every direction with signs of extreme urgency on the part of the troops. Everyone knew the Chinese Army would attack soon if New Delhi and the capital fell.
“We’ve reached the military base at Jaipur,” Luis said to Steven and George who were half asleep in the back seats. “I’ll drop you off at the headquarters building where you can arrange for flights out of India.”
Steven yawned once and stretched his body. He looked out the windows. “What are your plans, Colonel?”
“I and most of my troops will be sent home to Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, Ambassador. Our tour in this war has ended. I plan to stay in the army and help train more soldiers in the UAC until the Plague Wars end.
“What about you two? Going home?”
“I’ve been called back to Utopias to meet with President Carlos. I hope to be reassigned to another Province if it will help bring some peace in this world.”
George said, “I’m returning to the WF headquarters in New York City where I’ll probably be assigned another envoy mission to god knows where.”
Steven quipped, “You could resign and run for office, George.”
“I served two terms as Governor of Illinois, Steven. That was enough of politics. Maybe I’ll retire? It’s time I consider enjoying what little time we have left in this world.”
Luis interrupted the conversation. “We’re here, gentlemen. It was a pleasure meeting both of you.”
Corporal Kellter stopped the Humvee in front of the headquarters building. The three passengers stepped outside. It was still hot and humid in the late afternoon. Even with the cloud cover, the temperature would not fall below one hundred degrees Fahrenheit which was the average temperature year round now in this part of the world. Luis was thankful for the air conditioned vehicle they made the trip to Jaipur in. He shook hands with Steven and George and watched as they headed for the building. He realized he may never see either of them again once they left the country.
Luis heard a voice shouting to him in the distance. It was General Clark waving for him to come over to his vehicle. He put his helmet back on and walked over to see what he needed.
Luis saluted. “Hello, General Clark. Thank you again for coming to our rescue at Pachgaon.”
“Not a problem, Colonel. I was in the area when I received the call from Jaipur to help out. Let’s meet in sixty minutes inside headquarters after you get your soldiers settled. We need to plan our trip home.”
“Can I invite Captain Hood, sir?”
“Certainly, I’ll see both of you soon.” Clark walked quickly away to meet with the Indian generals inside the headquarters building. He needed to be updated on the fighting around New Delhi, and how much time they have left before the Chinese troops decided to attack Jaipur.
Luis called Jason and told him to meet inside the headquarters building once the troops were sent to the nearest available barracks for food and medical attention. Jason also had to arraign transportation home for those killed in action. Luis would help with that.
Sixty minutes later, Luis and Jason returned to the Jaipur military headquarters building and were instructed where to find General Clark. They found him in a small meeting room yelling on the comphone to someone in administration about air transportation back to the UAC. He finally seemed satisfied at the response and ended the conversation by shoving the comphone back inside his pants pocket.
Inside the room with the general were several other officers. They knew each other well after serving together for almost two years in numerous countries in this part of the world. “Take a seat, Colonel, Captain. You know everyone here. I’ll be quick.”
Clark pointed to a map on the wall behind him. “The war in India is over! President Khatri just surrendered to Premier Wing. The Chinese won’t be attacking Jaipur.”
There was a general sigh of relieve in the room. Clark continued, “We have been ordered home to Fort Leonard Wood. Some of you have volunteered to continue fighting with the World Federation Peacekeeping troops in Europe. I have some good news and some bad.
“Bad news first. The 27 European Union countries are coming under more attacks by the Chinese troops under Premier Wing. His goal is to control all of the Eastern Hemisphere. The good news is many of the European Provinces are still resisting these attacks. The UAC has sent more troops from other military bases to help the WF in those Provinces where we still have a chance to stop Wing.
“My Division will return to FLW to help with UAC government plans to make sure our people and country survive this Climate Crisis. I can’t go into more detail of those plans at this time, but be assured, our new President has made it clear there is a solution to this crisis and we will be a part of that solution. Any questions before you are dismissed?”
Luis asked what most officers were thinking, “When do we go home, sir?”
“The first transport planes will arrive tonight. Our troops will start loading 0600 tomorrow morning.”
General Clark received one more question; then said, “Dismissed!”
The troops were finally going home.