Kosovo, Mitrovica.
Ceku stood in a building half-destroyed by shells, looking down at the street through a shattered window.
The Serb neighborhood was ablaze.
His troops had crossed the Ibar River last night, and using rocket launchers provided by "Black Mamba," they took out three Serb militia posts. At dawn, four flags of the Kosovo Liberation Army rose on the river's opposite bank.
"General," the adjutant ran over, panting, "The Serbs are gathering in the north, at least two hundred men, with armored vehicles."
Ceku did not turn around.
"Send the third battalion to hold them off. Have the rocket launcher operators find good positions and wait until the armored vehicles are within range to fire."
The adjutant hesitated.
"The third battalion fought all night yesterday, only half of them remain."
Ceku turned around.
"Then fight with half."
The adjutant said nothing more and ran off.
