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‘No, Bill, we’re not,’ Pauline said. ‘We’re just looking at options. What’s the next one?’

‘Third and probably last,’ Bill said, ‘is the minimalist approach: a full-scale American air attack on military and government installations in North Korea, using bomber and fighter aircraft as well as cruise missiles and drones, but not ground troops; the aim being to completely destroy Pyongyang’s ability to wage war by land, sea or air – without actually invading North Korea.’

Chess said: ‘Even that would offend the Chinese.’

‘It would,’ said Pauline, ‘but it’s borderline. The last time I spoke to President Chen, he implied that he would not retaliate against our missile attack on North Korea provided no US personnel entered North Korean land, airspace or maritime territory. Bill’s minimal option involves us violating North Korean sea and airspace – but we would have no boots on the ground.’

Chess said sceptically: ‘And you think that Chen would tolerate that?’

‘I don’t guarantee it,’ said Pauline. ‘We’d have to take a risk.’

There was a long moment of silence.

Gus Blake spoke for the first time. ‘For clarification, Madam President, given any one of these three options, would we attack the part of North Korea that is under the control of the rebels?’

‘Yes,’ said Schneider forcefully. ‘They’re North Korean, and they have weapons. We can’t do half a job.’

‘No,’ said Chess. ‘Some of their weapons are nuclear. If we attack them with the stated aim of wiping them out, why would they not retaliate with nukes?’

Gus said: ‘I’m with Chess, but for another reason. When the Supreme Leader is gone, North Korea will need a government, and it may be wise to give the rebels some part in that.’

Pauline made up her mind. ‘I’m not going to fire on people who have never done anything to harm the US. However, the minute they move against us, we wipe them out.’

That got general agreement.

‘I get the feeling of a consensus here,’ she said. ‘Bill’s minimalist option is the one we should be talking about.’

Once again there were murmurs of agreement.

She went on: ‘I said today and I meant it. Eight o’clock tonight, our time, will be soon after sunrise in East Asia. Bill, can you do it by then?’

Schneider was energized. ‘You got it, Madam President.’

‘Cruise missiles, drones, bombers and fighter aircraft. Also deploy US navy ships to attack North Korean navy vessels anywhere.’

‘Even in North Korean harbours?’

Pauline thought for a moment then said: ‘Even in harbours. The mission is to wipe out the North Koreans as a fighting force. No hiding place.’

‘And raise the alert level?’

‘Certainly. DEFCON 2.’

Gus said: ‘For maximum impact we need also to deploy forces based outside Korea, specifically in Japan and Guam.’

‘Do it.’

‘And it would be good to have some of our allies participate, to show that this is an international effort, not just the US.’

Chess said: ‘I believe they’ll be keen to join in, the more so because of the use of illegal chemical weapons.’

Gus said: ‘I’d like to get the Australians involved.’

‘Call them,’ said Pauline. ‘And I will address the nation on network television at the moment our attack begins, eight o’clock tonight.’ Pauline stood up, and they all did the same. ‘Thank you, ladies and gentlemen,’ she said. ‘Let’s go get this done.’

***

Back in the Oval Office she summoned Sandip Chakraborty. He told her that the James Moore campaign was already accusing her of timidity. ‘No surprises from that quarter, then,’ she said. She told him to book her fifteen minutes on all the networks at 8 p.m.