December 13, 2020, 10:30, Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center), Seoul

  The final phase of Operation Rise of Goguryeo had started. The 7th Mobile Corps and the 3rd Armored Division began their attack on Beijing. Instead of marching, the 7th Maritime Flotilla and the 10th Amphibious Fleet were standing by, set to sail.

  “Everything is going smoothly so far, sir,” the Operations Director reported to Chairman Kang.

  On the Command Center’s main screen, the 7th Mobile Corps’ subordinate divisions were represented by blue triangles following along a path. The 3rd Division was 53 km away from Sepeng and engaged in battle with the 13th Army Group. The 13th Army Group was assigned to retaliate against threats to any Southeast Asian countries like Myanmar, but they were smaller compared to other army groups.

  Ring ring ring ring!

  The Chairman’s phone began to ring as he was staring at the screen. When he checked the caller ID, it was from the VIP’s direct line.

  “Mr. President, sir. This is Kang Ui-sik.”


  After the short phone call from the President, Chairman Kang’s face darkened.

  “What is going on, sir?” the Operations Director asked.

  “I need to go to the Blue House immediately. In the meantime, check on the movements of the Russian military along the Chinese–Russian border.”


  The sudden order of the Chairman to check on the movements of the Russian military hinted to the Operations Director that something had come up. He answered without any questions.

  “Yes, sir. Right away.”


  Chairman Kang heard the answer and left the Command Center.

  * * *

  December 13, 2020, 11:20, Jongro-ku Blue House, National Emergency Center underground bunker (President’s office), Seoul

  Chairman Kang Ui-sik arrived at the Blue House bunker and received a stack of documents from the President.

  “This is the translated version of the document from the Russian Embassy in Korea.”


  Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jae-hak said.

  The document was labeled “Russian–Chinese Territory Transfer Agreement.” Chairman Kang’s brows furrowed deeper as he was reading the document.

  “Is this true?”


  Chairman Kang could not believe what he had read and asked again the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

  “It is certainly true. The Chinese pulled a good trick under our noses.”


  The document claimed that China had handed over the three Northeastern provinces and a part of the Mongolian autonomous region to Russia. From November 13, 2020 at 12:00 p.m., both nations had agreed to hand over and receive the territory without any price. The document also demanded all Korean military forces to withdraw from Russian territory. If they did not, then the Korean forces will be considered as insurgents that have invaded their own territory, and Russia will take military action.

  “Those sons of—Ah, I am sorry, Mr. President.”


  Chairman Kang must have been so flabbergasted that he almost swore in front of the President.

  “It’s fine. I understand.”


  President Suh Hyun-woo spoke feebly, conveying that a thousand different thoughts must be racing in his head.

  The unexpected request from Russia made Chairman Kang’s head spin. The Minister of National Defense, Kang Hyun-soo, who arrived earlier, spoke.

  “I never thought the Chinese would take things this far. Handing over the three Northeastern provinces to Russia, I don’t know whose idea this was, but they are raising their stakes high. It seems they are trying to involve Russia into this war to pressure us to terminate the war, once and for all.”


  The Minister of National Defense was so upset that his voice trembled as he spoke.

  General Chiu Ji Liang Ji had judged a chance for China’s victory was slim. When he did so, he persuaded President Xi Jin Ping to hand over the three Northeastern provinces they lost to Russia and have Russia pressure Korea in return. There were two intents behind this move. First, have Korea pull back from the Northeastern provinces under Russia’s threat and coax a request to end the war. Second, if Korea did not give up the provinces, form a Russia-China alliance and take over Korea. General Chiu Ji Liang Ji had hoped Korea would fight against Russia.

  “Chairman Kang.”


  “Yes, Mr. President.”


  “What do you think about all this?”


  Chairman Kang could not answer the President’s question immediately. After taking some time to think, he answered carefully.

  “Mr. President, I am a soldier. Political decisions will be yours to make, but as a man of the military, I would like to not lose this opportunity.”


  “Are you certain?”


  “Yes, sir. It will not matter even if the old Soviet Union was at our gates. Our military will be victorious.”


  “Are you saying we can win against a war between Russia and China?”


  “Sir, I am certain!”


  Chairman Kang spoke firmly with confidence.

  “Minister Kang, what do you think?”


  President Suh Hyun-woo asked Minister of National Defense Kang Hyun-soo.

  “I also agree with General Kang. Our people’s wish of reclaiming ancestral lands are afoot, sir. We have come this far so as to give in. Also, if we hand over the three Northeastern provinces, then the war against China may drag on as well.”


  “That is true if we only engage in war through the sea when the land routes are blocked.”


  Knock knock knock!

  “What is it?”


  Chief Secretary Na Sung-tae answered when he heard the knock.

  “An urgent report from the Joint Chief of Staff, sir.”


  “Come on in.”


  The door opened and one of the secretarial staff began to speak urgently.

  “We have detected Russian forces attempting to cross the Chinese border.”


  “Is that true?”


  Chairman Kang stood up from his seat and asked.

  “There’s more, sir.”


  “More?”


  “A large Japanese fleet is heading toward Dok-do Island.”


  “Japan? Those damn japs! It was the Sarin gas attack last time, and now they are making provocations near Dok-do Island!”


  Minister of National Defense Kang Hyun-soo slammed the table and expressed his rage.

  “Mr. President! You must hold an emergency meeting to decide the situation. I will return to the Joint Chiefs of Staff to prepare a retaliation, sir.”


  “Of course. I will contact you as soon as we reach a decision. Chief Secretary, please give the order for an emergency meeting.”


  “Yes, sir.”


  * * *

  December 13, 2020, 12:00, Yongsan-ku B2 bunker (ROK Military Joint Command Center), Seoul

  The Command Center was in an uproar.

  “What’s the situation? Tell me about Russia first.”


  Chairman Kang spoke as he glanced at the main screen.

  “The Russian military on the move was not a large force, but they are mobilizing to cross the border at four locations. On the map, you will see that the 57th Vehicle Infantry Division from the 5th Eastern Army has fully mobilized and started from Khabarovsk and is now 5 km away from the border. Also, the 38th Vehicle Infantry Division under the 35th Army stationed at the Blagoveshchensk had crossed the border and 15 km in from the southwest. Also, the 39th Army’s 39th Independent Vehicle Infantry Division is marching toward the Shweizen border, sir.”


  “Anything else?”


  “The 5th Army’s forces are the most suspicious.”


  The Russian 5th Army was an elite force under the Eastern military stationed at the Primorsky Krai and Ussuriysk area to fight against China and Japan.

  “I see they are going to march one division at a time to feel the waters and then plunge in afterward.”


  “Comrade Chairman! Our North Korean military may not be equipped with high-tech equipment, but our special forces from our 8th Corps Command are our best and 100,000 soldiers strong. Say the word and we can bring you Putin’s head.”


  This came from Vice-Commander General Choi Ho-il, who spoke angrily, his face turning red.

  “General Choi! The 8th Special Forces Corps will have a great role to play. So please wait until the moment comes.”


  “I understand. I just hope the day comes soon.”


  Upon completing the analysis of Russia’s movements, the topic shifted to Japan’s movements.

  “Where are the Japanese naval defense forces?” Chairman Kang said.

  “Screen 3, sir. Along the Maizur seas, the 3rd Escort Fleet and 1st Carrier Strike Group is 22 km southeast from Oki Island and 168 km from Dok-do Island sailing at 17 knots. Including the Kaga (CV-2001) aircraft carrier and Hyuga helicopter carrier (DDH-181), the anti-air destroyers are 15 in total. There are 6 Aegis destroyers consisting of 5 Atago class ships and 1 Kongo class ship. Also, we have detected up to 4 submarines they are 2 Oyashio class subs and 3 Soryu class subs under the 1st Submarine fleet.”


  “What’s the location of our 1st Naval Fleet?”


  “The 1st Naval Fleet’s (Eastern sea fleet) 11th Destroyer Fleet is 35km southwest from Jeju Island to defend it. They are 630 km from Dok-do Island. The other 12th Escort Fleet is docked at Po-Hang base. Sir, should we give the order to the 12th Escort Fleet to sail?”


  “The escort fleet would nowhere be enough! Damn, we got caught with our pants down by the Chinese.”


  The screen showed the location of the Japanese fleet, each ship’s name, and specifications.

  “There is no Korean vessel that can stop the Japanese fleet, sir.”


  The Operations Director spoke with a helpless expression on his face.

  “What about sending in the 23rd Fighter Wing, sir?”


  General Kim Byung-hwan, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, asked.

  “They have 15 anti-air destroyers and an aircraft carrier. Also, I think it would be too much to block off the fleet with just jets.”


  “Sir, we do have the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin ship, don’t we?”


  Everyone glanced at General Na Hyun-hwan, the Chief of Naval Operations.

  “Are you suggesting we send the ship that has not even been deployed on the field for more than a month?” Chairman Kang said.

  “The Lee Sun-shin has two thirds of its crew on board for its evaluation and deployment. Also, for the past six months, the crew had been training via simulations so they will be able to handle themselves in battle. We also have the Poseidon 1, sir.”


  “But to fight against Japan’s fleet with one ship . . .”


  “Since that is the case, couldn’t the 23rd Fighter Wing aid them?”


  General Kim Byung-hwan suggested the deployment of the 23rd Fighter Wing once again.

  “Where is the Lee Sun-shin right now?”


  “It is 55 km east of Oolsan, sir.”


  “So it’s distance is fine. What about its arms?”


  “It’s at 30 percent of its capacity, sir.”


  “Would that be enough?”


  “The Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin is heavily armed so 30 percent would be sufficient, sir.”


  “Very well! Contact the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin’s Captain.”


  The Communications Director answered Chairman Kang’s order and began giving orders to the operators.

  “We are online on screen 5, sir.”


  “Sir! This is Captain Ahn Youn-joon.”


  “Captain! How well trained are your men?

  Colonel Ahn Youn-joon served as Korea’s first Aegis destroyer captain and was considered as one of the best from his tenure across the Ministry of National Defense. He had declined his promotion to apply to become the Captain of Korea’s first Hocula heavy cruiser.

  Colonel Ahn Youn-joon had already known about the happenings in the East sea through radars and communicators. He understood the intent of the question and answered valiantly.

  “The crew of 180 including myself had only been aboard the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin for 20 days, but we have the teamwork of a crew that worked together for 10 years, sir. No matter what mission you give us, we will not tarnish the name of our vessel, sir.”


  “Very well. As of today, the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin is officially deployed to the field. Have your deployment ceremony amidst the applause of the Japanese.”


  “Thank you, sir.”


  “Sail to Dok-do Island immediately and do not let them into our commercial waters.”


  “Yes, sir.”


  “Fight well and good luck.”


  “Thank you, sir!”


  Chairman Kang Ui-sik finished the video call and continued his order while looking at the Operations Director.

  “Have the 23rd Fighter Wing on standby.”


  “Yes, sir.”


  * * *

  December 13, 2020, 14:00, East sea, 127km Southeast from Dok-do Island, Korea

  Admiral Kasui Hiroyuki, Commander of the 3rd Escort Fleet was sitting on his island-bridge chair aboard the helicopter carrier the Hyuga (DDH-181). He looked down at his fleet sailing across the blue waves with a pleased grin. Captain Ito Hiroshi of the Hyuga (DDH-181) came up and asked a question.

  “Admiral, you seem to be in a good mood, sir.”


  “Hahaha, is that so?”


  “Yes, sir.”


  “How could you not be pleased by such splendor?”


  “Of course, sir.”


  “Take a look at that Kaga ship. Doesn’t that fill you up with assurance? Our Japan must begin building aircraft carriers like those soon.”


  “I agree, sir.”


  The second in command joined in the conversation.

  “Contact from the Korean Navy, Admiral, sir.”


  “Patch them through.”


  “This is Admiral Kasui Hiroyuki, Commander of the 3rd Escort Fleet.”


  – Hello. This is Captain Ahn Youn-joon of the Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin under the Korean Navy.

  Admiral Kasui Hiroyuki covered the radio microphone with his hand and asked Captain Ito Hiroshi.

  “The Chungmugong Lee Sun-shin ship? Are they talking about that 4,200-ton anti-air destroyer?”


  “You’re correct, sir.”


  Admiral Kasui Hiroyuki smiled smugly and put his lips near the microphone.

  “Yes, what is it?”


  – Currently, the Japanese naval defense force is approaching Korea’s exclusive commercial waters where Dok-do Island is located. We will not allow you to approach any nearer, please turn back.

  “What do you mean by ‘exclusive commercial waters’? Isn’t that area a joint sea territory between Korea and Japan?”


  – Since September 10, 2018, the Korean government officially terminated the Korea-Japan joint fishing agreement.

  “My, my. If one party terminates it without consent in a one-sided manner, is that even an agreement?”


  – We don’t think it’s proper for Japan to use the phrase one-sided.

  “Captain Youn! Your government’s claims were never permitted by Japan nor was it accepted. We will continue with our mission.”


  – I repeat. We will not allow the approach of the naval defense forces. Turn back.

  “Naval defense forces? We are a defense navy!”


  – Ah, sorry. Navy—


  Admiral Kasui Hiroyuki must have gotten upset and cut off the communication altogether and gave an order to the captain.

  “Where is that arrogant bastard?”


  “We can’t detect them on the radar, sir. It seems they are beyond the range of our radars.”


  “That cowardly bastard! To provoke me like that while hiding. Contact the Kaga and have them send out a patrol plane! It will conduct reconnaissance near Dok-do Island.”