This chapter opens with a quote from Sun Tzu, a Chinese philosopher who wrote the classic "Art of War." In this chapter, we are introduced to the protagonist, David wohl , and his fiancee, Brian ching , who are both doctors at the city's main emergency room, Beekman Medical Center. David tells Brian that the city and the nation were "profoundly affected" by the attack, and that the staff at the emergency room was particularly "hard hit" . The protagonist is grateful to have been able to save the lives of his patients, and he asks Brian to tell him what happened to his fiancee. .