The Final Storm - Jeff Shaara [109]
“If you insist, sir.”
“I do insist. Return to your office. Remain there until I summon you again. I want you close, in the event our situation requires some immediate action.”
“Of course, sir.”
Ushijima heard the sarcasm in Cho’s show of obedience. He was gone now, and Ushijima felt the anger, Cho’s smugness digging into him. He tried to relax, stared at the bare floor, took several long breaths. The lump in his throat was growing, a pain in his chest, and he clenched his fists, no! I will not be a victim of this disaster! He continued to breathe heavily, the pain subsiding. Outside there were voices, and he waited, knew someone would appear. It was Yahara.
“Sir, we have received a report from Colonel Kujima. He has been forced to withdraw from his forward position. He claims he has no choice but to return to his original position.”
Ushijima thought of Kujima, another of the academy graduates.
“He is a good man. If he has withdrawn it is because it was the right thing to do. I will find no fault with him. With any of them. But this must end.” He paused, thought of Cho, the man’s eagerness to throw himself into the glorious abyss. No, I will not make it so easy for him. His plan did not work, but, still, he cannot be embarrassed. He would lose his effectiveness as a commander.
“Colonel Yahara, as you predicted, this offensive has been a total failure. Your judgment was correct. I am determined to stop this. You will see that my order to every field commander is communicated in the most effective way possible. I am ordering a … temporary halt to the offensive.” He paused, saw the undisguised anger on Yahara’s face. “You have been frustrated because you believe I have not used your talents wisely. In that you are correct. Sometimes a man in my position must do the unwise, in the hopes of a positive outcome. But I do not wish this army to commit meaningless suicide.”
Nothing in his words calmed the anger in Yahara’s eyes. He knew how valuable Yahara was, felt suddenly like the father who has disappointed the son. He avoided Yahara’s stare, said in a low voice, “What else would you have me do?”
Yahara did not respond, and Ushijima felt a sudden wave of emotion, tears in his eyes, the hard shell cracking for just a brief moment. He lowered his head, tried to hide it, said nothing for a long minute. Yahara waited patiently, and Ushijima felt the control returning.
“Our main force is largely spent. But our fighting strength remains. This army is loyal and dedicated to our cause. If we must, we will withdraw to the southernmost hills and make our final stand there. I will require your assistance, Colonel. Your logistical skills will be crucial. Do you understand?”
“I do, sir.”
There was cold in Yahara’s words, and Ushijima still avoided his stare.
“I want you to see to our position as it stands now, and draw in our lines to the best possible defense. The Americans will come again, and this time they know we are wounded. Make the best use of those assets we have, most especially this ground.”
“I understand, sir.”
“Is General Cho in his office?”
“I just saw him, yes, sir.”
Ushijima nodded, knew that Cho’s proximity meant that he had heard everything Ushijima had just said. He glanced that way, toward the wall, thought, he is standing close, making sure he misses nothing. Good.
“I am not ready to end this fight, Colonel. I was sent here with specific orders that we not destroy this army by engaging in one massive suicidal charge. Those kinds of attacks are no longer appropriate, and as you know, they do nothing at all to bring victory.” He raised his voice, aimed the words at the ears of Cho. “A military victory.” He paused. “We have one duty now, to kill as many of the enemy as it is possible to kill. I am counting on you to see that we accomplish that.”
“I understand, sir.”
There was a commotion behind Yahara, an aide, holding a piece of paper. The man seemed agitated, excited, and Ushijima said, “What is it?”
The man stepped