With Maria and Xander on their way out of the city, Rob is left alone with General Gong.
"This goes against good judgement in almost every way I can imagine," Gong sighs, "but I'm going to brief you on the city's defences. You'll need to know where the strong points and weak points are, so you can tailor your own actions to suit."
"Just give me the chance at Aquila, and I'll end the whole thing," Rob states flatly.
"This isn't some robbery or assassination, Scarf," Gong spits. "This is a military operation, and you will do as I command. I'm already giving you a lot more freedom than I should. Don't make me regret it."
"Cut off the head, and the body will die. Simple as that."
"Not when the assaulting force is the size you describe."
"Worked against Shuigang, when Dail was under Brevon's control."
"Only because we went after both heads at the same time. And as you just said, King Dail was under Brevon's control; once that was broken, he was himself again. He called for the Shuigang surrender; without that, it's not clear we would have won."
Rob tries to come up with another argument, but is stopped short when Gong continues.
"On the battlefield, the ninja is best deployed as misdirection. Sow the seeds of doubt and confusion among the lower ranks, and it'll bubble up the chain of command. If done right, it could stall their whole attack."
"Yet you were going to send all three of us out of the city," Rob points out.
"Because we need reinforcements, and as much as I don't want to admit it, the Scarves are the best at being able to evade capture. But since you refused to accept that mission, I'm forced to plan B. Now pay attention."
As the general describes the city's defensive capabilities, he begins to receive strategy updates from the field; several defence posts have already fallen, and the Jade Alliance is beginning to penetrate the inner city.
"These guys really did their research; they know exactly where to hit us…" Gong sighs.
"Then our best bet is to let me go free-roam," Rob offers. "Surgical strikes where they least expect it."
"You'll need a firearm; your sai aren't going to be enough."
"Then give me the key to the armoury. And before you suggest the Scarves armoury, remember that that is outside the city."
Gong curses violently. "It looks like I have no choice. I'll take you myself; I can't do much good right now anyway. And I expect whatever you check out to be returned the instant we drive the Jades out of the city."
"Now we're getting somewhere," Rob grins darkly.