"What?" Shannon asked. "Slow down and speak clearly." He listened to the fast-talking spokesman and asked him to repeat his statement.
"What do we have?" the president asked. "I have to make a decision."
Shannon's tense features suddenly relaxed and a smile spread across his ashen face. "The crisis is over — it's over!"
Macklin looked at Shannon. "Give me the details — I need confirmation and details."
The passengers in the cabin were erupting in wild celebration. Backslapping and bear hugs were the order of the day.
Shannon listened for a few more seconds. "That's the Party line — the stroke story is smoke and spin. Our sources closest to Liu have confirmed that he was physically removed from power and is currently under house arrest. The new leadership — a triumvirate of senior Communist Party leaders — have issued a request for a summit with President Macklin at his earliest convenience."
The president sighed and then gave Chalmers and General Bancroft the order to stand down. "Cigars for everyone."
"Mr. President," Hartwell said, "this would be a good time to call the new leadership in Beijing — a very good time."
Epilogue
After a restless night on Kitty Hawk, Scott and Jackie were flown to Kadena Air Base at Okinawa, Japan. Along with senior officials from the Central Intelligence Agency and ranking members of the U.S. State Department, the commander of U.S. Naval Forces, Japan, greeted them when they arrived. Jackie and Scott turned the Chinese hard drives over to the CIA and then went to one of Scott's favorite restaurants to enjoy Kobe beef and hot sake.
The next morning they were transported, as requested, to the U.S. Virgin Islands on a C-32A VIP jet from the 89th Airlift Wing. En route to their enchanting destination, Scott made arrangements to charter a thirty-six-foot sailing yacht — sans crew.
For the next eleven days, they investigated pristine beaches, sheltered bays, coves, coral reefs, and enjoyed the friendly people they met on each island they visited.
Finally, they returned to the calm bays of Norman Island, their favorite anchorage near the Sir Francis Drake Channel.
Refreshed from a leisurely snorkeling session, Jackie emerged from the cabin and accepted her rum surprise. Nicely tanned, she was attired in baggy shorts and one of Scott's colorful, oversized aloha shirts.
Dalton was about to propose a toast when his satellite phone rang. He answered it and smiled when he heard Hartwell's voice. After a pleasant but brief conversation, Scott signed off.
Jackie had instantly known it was Prost. "What's up?"
"Well, the president is going to Beijing next week, and the Chinese have recalled their ships containing the laser weapons, so relations are thawing nicely. The Chinese troops in Panama are on their way home and Beijing has agreed to dismantle their laser production facilities under our observation."
She raised her glass in a toast. "That's some progress."
"And," Scott said with a faint grin, "you won't believe this."
"I'm listening."
"Merrick Hamilton has been selected by the Blue Angels."
"You're kidding."
"Nope — she's slated for jet number three in the left wing spot."
"That's great, really great." Jackie eyed Scott. "Did Hartwell have anything to do with her selection?"
"No way." He sipped his rum drink and smiled. "The team selects their own replacements, and Merrick is certainly qualified."
"She really is, and I'm happy for her."
"Speaking of Hartwell, he said we can start looking for a flying machine whenever we're ready."
"Well," Jackie said with a radiant smile, "I think it's time to celebrate."
"We're certainly in the right place."
"And the night is young."
On a cool, crisp morning, President Cord Macklin walked to the Rose Garden to greet his distinguished guests. Among the guests were the wife and family of Dr. Richard Cheung.
While Macklin secretly detested Cheung's traitorous acts against the United States, he knew it was in everyone's best interest to let the story rest as the American media had portrayed it — Cheung had been taken against his will, forced to assist the Chinese with their laser weapon development, and ultimately gave his life for his country. To do so made Dr. Cheung a hero while the Chinese received unfavorable press for their aggressive acts.
Understanding the impact on world opinion, President Macklin had decided to overlook his disdain for the traitor. After several minutes of praise for Dr. Richard Cheung's heroic service to his country, the president presented the Medal of Freedom to Cheung's widow.