The Three Gorges Dam across the Yangtze River would be the first structure attacked. Its collapse would unleash a flood that they projected would kill millions as well as cutting electricity to critical sections of the country. The catastrophe would overwhelm China’s military and civilian network as they carried out rescue efforts and tried to determine the cause of the failure.

While the country was consumed with that disaster, the rest of their infrastructure would quietly disintegrate. When their machines began to fail and their cities crumbled, the Chinese would have no idea of the cause. And even if they did, it would be too late.

“We expect a full breach within six weeks of deployment,” Takahashi said. “The rest of China will be three weeks behind that.”

“And the Americans? What of your meeting with President Castilla?” Tadao Minami asked. He was too brilliant a soldier to remove as head of the air defenses, but Takahashi considered him the weakest of the group. He saw Japan’s future as one of the most powerful members of the international community, while the others shared a vision of Japanese dominance.

Takahashi crossed his arms over his still-powerful chest. “Their reaction is difficult to predict. While their president seems intelligent enough to understand his country’s new subordinate position, I’m not sure of the depth of that understanding. Further, we have to acknowledge that he’s only one facet of the American government and that the congress he answers to is largely populated with half-wits and fanatics. In light of that, we have to be prepared for America to act stupidly.”

The faces of the men in the room darkened. Some carried more than a hint of apprehension, but it was something Takahashi was prepared to tolerate. History created a powerful current in Japan, and they all remembered the consequences of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

“Don’t misunderstand me, gentlemen. I’ve made it abundantly clear to the president that this is not an attack on America and that we have no intention of mounting one unless we’re provoked.”

“And if we are?” Minami said. “They’re the cornerstone of the current world order and account for almost a quarter of the world’s gross domestic product—something that will be even more important to us when China’s economic output disappears. How much damage can we really afford to inflict on them?”

Takahashi was unaccustomed to being challenged and stiffened perceptibly at what he saw as an attack. “If the Americans side with the Chinese, we will respond. Is that understood?”