future.”
“I still don’t understand how you think starting a war with China is going to benefit the United States.”
McIntyre made a face. “You’re deliberately missing the point. It’s not about all-out war. It’s about fighting, and winning, a
“Hong Kong
“But it doesn’t
“And still is.”
“But it’s faltering. The PRC is taking advantage of capitalism in Hong Kong, but that won’t last. In the end, they won’t be able to keep their hands off. In fact, that’s already starting. Bit by bit, the PRC will kill the financial engine of Hong Kong, to the detriment of the rest of the world — including America.”
“So what are you saying? You want the United States to conquer Hong Kong and claim it as a possession, the way the British did?”
“Exactly.”
“Why not push the British to do it, then?”
“Please. China isn’t Argentina. We’re talking about the largest military the world has ever known — and it’s getting stronger all the time. Hong Kong is a big contributor to that growth, because the PRC uses Hong Kong business to generate billions of dollars, and to get access to otherwise forbidden technology.”
“Like UAVs.”
“That’s another reason I did all this, Matthew. What better way to draw attention to the utility and
“The fact that McIntyre Engineering International happens to be able to build most of the components in a UAV has nothing to do with it?”
“Obviously my company would benefit, monetarily, from American UAV construction. But America would benefit, too, and isn’t that what it’s all about? Democracy and capitalism working together, hand in hand?”
“Not when it comes to manipulating politics through terrorism, no.”
For the first time, McIntyre’s face lost its composure. “How can you not
“Of dollars, or people?”
“Both! My god, Matt, even the PRC realizes the two are connected! If the Chinese aren’t stopped
“So let me get this straight: You’re starting a war in order to prevent a war. Is that it?”
“That’s exactly it. When it comes right down to it, the PRC will allow America to take control of Hong Kong. They won’t dare fight over it too hard, for fear of destroying the very thing they need most.”
“That’s the craziest idea I’ve ever heard,” Coyote said. There was a bandage on his forehead where he’d been cut by flying glass.
Before Bird Dog could respond, Batman turned to his right and said, “Dr. George? Do you agree?”
“That the idea is crazy? Depends on your ship. Looks like she took some damage, so…”
“
“Well, then you’ll be fine. Might get some kids in the infirmary with bad seasickness before it’s over, but other than that you should be fine.”
Batman nodded and turned to Lab Rat. “Your thoughts, Commander?”
“I think it’s just harebrained enough to work.”
“Then let’s get started. COS, notify the fighters in the air what to do. I’m going to address the crew.”
“Unbelievable,” came the mutter over ICS. “They want us to fly
“People do it all the time,” Hot Rock said, watching his radar, carefully maintaining the interval with the other fighters of the air wing. Nineteen had survived the Chinese assault — better than half. Considering the original odds, that was remarkably fine. So far, all but two had even managed to get a drink from the Texaco. “Stormchasers, they’re called. The trick is to fly with the wind, like we’re doing now. It’s a little rocky, but nothing we can’t handle. And this is a typhoon, by the way. Not a hurricane.”
“When did you get so smart?”
“When I stopped listening to you.”
“More smoke,” Bird Dog said. “More fire. We have to make this look real convincing.”
Ten decks below them, flight deck crews were tending burning fifty-gallons drums. A little AVGAS, a bunch of plastics they’d been retaining on board — and finally, something useful from the tedious environmental recycling programs! — and a few flares were all it took to produce geysers of black, acrid smoke whipping around in the stiff wind.
It looked convincing enough to Batman, watching from the bridge: a dense spiral of black smoke and flame unwinding from
Still, he did as Bird Dog suggested, ordering the addition of more plastics and AVGAS to the bonfire. He hoped the damage control teams were heads-up and ready to go with their hoses, just in case.
“You’re sure this isn’t going to hurt my flight deck any more than it’s already been hurt?” he asked. “Remember, at some point, we’ve got to get all those aircraft back onboard.”
Bird Dog didn’t even spare him a glance. “It won’t do the non-skid much good, but it won’t keep planes from cycling, either, no. I mean, once the deck’s repaired. And the wind will clear off the deck fast enough once we douse the fire in the drums.”
“Good.” Batman turned toward Dr. George. “How long before the typhoon really grabs us? Before we’re out of sight from the outside?”
George’s eyes were bright. He looked pretty happy. “Oh, we’re right on the edge of the outer wall right now. It should have us in no more than ten, fifteen minutes. But Admiral, don’t you think you’re taking a chance by not turning head-on into the wind? I realize this ship is no pushover, but you’re talking about a 140-knot wind here, remember.”
“Our present course is temporary,” Batman said. “We’ll turn as soon as we’re out of sight of the Chinese. I want them to think we’re really hurting.”
George’s eyes twinkled. “All right!”
Batman turned to the helmsman. “Steady as you go.”
“Aye, sir,” the helmsman said. His face looked greenish in the sickly light. Or maybe it wasn’t the light.
“It’s true,” Tai Ling said over the radio. He had been asked to verify the reports made by various other sources, including land-based radar. He hated flying this low, just above the waves, but he had to get under the weather to see at all. And for once, the view was worth the risk. “The carrier’s on fire. Looks severe. And the typhoon is catching up with it. Coming right around it….”
