Finally, Vice Admiral Robek brought General Gephardt to speak persuasively, and only then did Shire set the attack time.
"Five o'clock tomorrow morning," Shire pointed to a spot on the map. "Attack V Beach."
"What's the battle plan?" asked General Gephardt.
"There isn't one," Shire responded. "We only need the fire support from the Sixth Fleet of the 'Gauls' battleship!"
Vice Admiral Robek reminded:
"I think this is unwise, Colonel."
"Everyone knows that the 'Dignity' was sunk by enemy submarines at dawn."
"At dawn, it's difficult for us to spot the periscopes protruding from the sea, which will put the 'Gauls' at risk!"
Shire coldly retorted, "Otherwise, when do you think we should land? Only if we are prepared at dawn will we have a whole day for the attack."
Vice Admiral Robek was left speechless.
This situation did indeed exist before; when the landing seemed about to succeed, it was getting dark, and they had to withdraw the forces that had already landed.
