The staff officer walked over. "Commander, a telegram from Damascus. The President says the troops are not to retreat, hold the current positions."
Hassan took the telegram, glanced at it. "Tell Damascus, we can hold the position. What about the water? The agreement is signed, when is the water coming?"
The staff officer paused for a moment. "Damascus didn't mention anything about the water."
Hassan folded the telegram and stuffed it into his pocket. "If they didn't say, I'll ask."
He picked up the satellite phone and dialed a number. The phone rang twice and was answered. It was Major Sanchez's voice.
"General."
"Major, when will the water arrive?"
Sanchez was silent for two seconds. "The equipment at the extraction point still needs to be debugged, at least a week."
Hassan nodded. "One week."
"When the water arrives, Syria's share cannot be lacking. Not even a liter."
There was a three-second silence on the other end. "General, Mexicans keep their word."
