Shock of War

There was only one honorable thing for Harland Perry to do.

The general picked up the phone.

“I need to talk to the White House,” he said. “To the President. It’s urgent, and it’s personal.”

* * *

When he reached the hotel, Zeus went up to his room. Unsure whether or not he was being followed — he guessed that Perry might have someone watching — he went and started a shower. Then he took out his shaving kit.

“No damn shaving cream,” he said aloud, just in case the room had been bugged.

He pulled a shirt and his boots back on. The clothes Chau had gotten him when they got back — Vietnamese army pants and a civilian sweatshirt — were a little loose, but the shoes were nearly two sizes too small now that his feet had swollen up.

He stuffed his toes inside anyway.

Zeus took one of the towels with him, wrapped over his shoulder.

“I wonder if you have any shaving cream,” he asked the desk clerk downstairs.

The man ducked inside the office, and for a moment Zeus worried that he would need to use his backup plan. But the man quickly returned.

“No. Very sorry. No shave. Very, very sorry.”

“It’s okay,” Zeus told him. “I think I know where I can get some.” He took off his towel. “Can I just leave this here?”

Outside, Zeus walked to the street and turned the corner. He was going to go to the next hotel and take a cab there, but saw a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction and raised his hand. The driver immediately stopped.

“I need you to take me to a special place,” Zeus said after getting in. He dropped five American twenty- dollar bills on the front seat. “You won’t get in trouble. But you have to keep your mouth shut. You will tell no one.”

“Where?” said the man, reaching for the money.

* * *

The guards knew who Zeus was and what he had done, and that made it all considerably easier. Still, he expected it would be more difficult than it proved to get to see Trung. Instead of being questioned about what he wanted, or even made to wait, he was shown immediately to his office.

“It is an honor to congratulate you personally for your service,” said Trung, bowing his head as Zeus came into his small office. “The Vietnamese people are deeply grateful.”

“You’re welcome,” said Zeus.

“You have heard of our plans?” asked Trung.

“I have accepted your proposal for a counterstrike,” said Trung. “We are gathering our forces now.”

Caught off guard, Zeus could only nod.

“I have decided to lead the battle myself,” said Trung. “We lack only one thing: a tactician to assist in the strategy.”

“You want me to help,” said Zeus.

“It would be most agreeable.”

“I will. On one condition.”

Trung’s face remained emotionless.

“There is a woman, a doctor who treated me a few days ago, when I was brought back to Hanoi from behind the enemy lines. She’s been arrested on false charges of treason. You will release her, and then I will help you.”

Trung said nothing.

“Her name is Anna Anway,” said Zeus. “She’s in Cao Dien Army prison.”

General Trung remained silent, an unmoving stone.

“You’ll also probably have to convince my commander. General Perry has ordered me to return home.”

Zeus looked into Trung’s eyes. The two men locked stares.

“It will be done,” said Trung finally. “Major Chau will see to your needs.”