Briefing concluded, MacWhite leaned forward, elbows on the table, a thoughtful frown chiseling deep lines on his leathery, sunken cheeks. “Ma’am, we’re getting a strong sense that the Russians have bitten off far more than they can chew in the Baltic states. The people are responding magnificently and, by God, are refusing to roll over. Thousands, maybe even tens of thousands, have taken to the forests to pursue the fight and the Russians are having ever more problems each day that passes. So it’s interesting that we’ve picked up they may be on the point of thinning out in Kaliningrad, that’s the little Russian enclave between Poland and Lithuania. Their Iskander nuclear armed missiles are there in force, but recent signal traffic plus a lot of vehicle movement from Kaliningrad into Lithuania that we’re seeing on satellite imagery, all indicates that something odd is happening there. The only conclusion we can draw is that they’re getting well and truly pulled in by the Baltic insurgency and they need reinforcements fast, if they are to stamp it out before it gets out of control. It’s what I would do if I was the Russian commander: concentrate resources on the main effort while accepting risk elsewhere.”

“What can we do to support the insurgents?” asked Dillon.

“Simple, ma’am—weapons, equipment, training. We’re preparing to insert liaison detachments of Special Operations Forces from European Command to coordinate support. With your permission, of course.”

“I’m happy with that,” replied Dillon crisply. “Now, tell me what you think of the British idea of getting onto the offensive with an attack on Kaliningrad?”

MacWhite was cautious, the hallmark of a veteran with vast combat experience who knew that once embarked upon, war frequently developed a dynamic of its own; difficult to foresee, impossible to control.

“It’s an interesting idea, ma’am. I gather the idea originated with SACEUR and his Brit deputy, a punchy so-and-so, I gather . . . a Marine,” he added approvingly. “I gather the idea is that we snatch Kaliningrad and then offer it back to the Russians on the condition they get out of the Baltics?”

Dillon nodded. “Correct.”