34 ORDERS
Zheng printed the decoded message of the American operation. He took the paper to his desk and sat, rereading the report, a furrow of dissatisfaction deepening on his broad forehead. He closed his eyes, listened to the hum of the air conditioner, and leaned back against the upholstered chair. His posture was one of serenity, but his mind waged a battle between possibilities, options, and consequences. Finally, as a Sung antique clock murmured the hour, he pressed a button on the phone console. A male voice spoke a simple greeting without identifying its owner or asking the identity of the caller. Zheng summarized the contents of his message, then listened to terse instructions.
“The woman has accelerated the pace of the operation. Her instincts are correct. Increased US
