Chapter 36: Planning Before Action (2)

  After the wilderness survival training, Tianhu combined all the maps drawn by each team to form a comprehensive map of Shenshan Mountain, which gave him a thorough understanding of the terrain. He also spoke with the new recruits from Shenshan and gained a basic understanding of the mountain's geography.

  Two months later, Tianhu found Guo Yinan and asked for permission to launch an attack: "Captain Guo, our team has completed all the necessary training. Every day, I see the enemy planes flying overhead, and it makes me uncomfortable. The team members are also filled with hatred towards the Japanese army's atrocities in Singapore and Malaya. I request that we start a guerrilla war against the enemy. What do you think?"

  "This idea is good, but we need to study it carefully," Guo Yinan said while pulling out a map from his box. "We need to figure out where to attack, how to attack, and what to do in case of an emergency."

  The map turned out to be a simplified map of Malaya.

  "Great! Where did you get this?" Tianhu asked excitedly.

  "We must plan before we act," Guo Yinan said with a smile. "We are currently located on the west side of Shenshan Mountain, and our surroundings include Trusan, Merulau, Ranau, Tarapacan, Kota, Bandau, Sena, and Pulau Island. Among these places, Tarapacan, Kota, Sena, Pulau Island, Merulau, Sandakan, and Api are all connected to the sea, and every day there are Japanese warships docked or passing by. However, Ranau and Tawau only have a small river, Kinabatangan River, which is not navigable for enemy ships. From our observations of the Japanese army's activities, they are most active in Tarapacan, Kota, Sena, Pulau Island, Sandakan, and Api, with many troops stationed there. In particular, Sandakan and Api have already been occupied by the Japanese, and their ports have become temporary bases for the Japanese navy. However, Ranau and Tawau have relatively fewer Japanese activities.

  Therefore, I think we should utilize the terrain to our advantage and launch a guerrilla war. We must lure the enemy to Ranau and Tawau, where we can engage them in battle. If we advance, we can reach Miri, Tarapacan, and Papar; if we retreat, we can enter Krook Mountain and return from there. This is the best place to launch a guerrilla war.

  The key now is how to lure the Japanese from Tarapacan, Kota, Sena, Pulau Island, Sandakan, and Api to Ranau and Tawau."

  "Ah, that makes sense," Tianhu said while nodding his head in agreement.

  "I have also been in contact with China, requesting them to send some experienced personnel to guide us in launching a guerrilla war. They have sent General Xian Jiaxuan and nine other experienced individuals to assist us. However, I think we cannot wait for their arrival; we must launch a few bold guerrilla attacks before they arrive."

  Tianhu pulled out the map of Shenshan Mountain that he had drawn with his team members and showed it to Guo Yinan.

  "Great!" Guo Yinan exclaimed. "With this map, we can control Shenshan Mountain!"

  "Alright, Tianhu, you arrange a date for our attack, and I will see you off," Guo Yinan said while returning the map to Tianhu.