Chapter Twenty-Five
The first thing Caden noticed, as his five-vehicle-convoy approached Olympia, was that the freeway had been cleared of abandoned cars. Then he noticed the traffic. There wasn’t much for what should have been the morning rush hour, but there was some. About half-a-dozen cars, all with passengers, were in the southbound lane. As he scanned the roadway, two military fuelers passed him heading north.
But, there were many broken windows, wrecks and debris still visible from the highway and despite the cool February weather, the grass was long and unkempt.
Farther along he saw the old school bus with the wild paint job race south. He grinned as the smell of french-fries reached him and he recalled the vegetable oil fuel.
He also noticed lights in some homes and businesses. Even though power was out in Hansen, it was on in Olympia. As they pulled off the freeway, he hoped Brooks would be able to get the old coal power plant back online and restore reliable electricity to their small town.
Caden’s SUV, followed by two supply trucks and a fueler, rolled toward the capitol complex. He pulled into one of the many available parking spots and the Humvee and trucks continued on to the supply depot to get what they could.
As soon as he stepped into the capitol, aides informed him that a press conference with the presidential delegation and Chinese officials was in progress.
“Was I supposed to be at it?” Caden looked at his watch. It was only minutes after eight in the morning.
The aide caught his glance. “The new Secretary of Homeland Security wanted to start early. Evidently there is a lot to be done.”
At the back, where Caden entered the room, many were standing. Slowly he moved along the wall looking for a good view. Most of the room was filled with chairs that were occupied with reporters, Guard and regular military officers and, judging by blazers and badges, FEMA, DHS and other state and federal officials.
Becky’s voice caught his attention and he looked to the platform at the far end of the room. In surprise, his heart skipped a beat. There at the lectern was Becky, his fiancée. Impulsively he stood behind a tall reporter and was immediately disappointed in himself. He would need to talk with her, and put an end to their relationship, but right then he didn’t want to exchange smiles and possibly a discreet wave of the hand. With a sigh, he stepped out from behind the reporter and turned his attention to what Becky was saying.
“…efforts of FEMA and the entire Department of Homeland Security, there are still approximately 30 million displaced citizens. Estimates of those killed range from four to six million with an equal number of injured. That is why this country has recalled its military forces from Europe and Asia.”
As Caden listened he noticed a Chinese army general standing on the podium along with Carol Hatch. He had attended several meeting with Carol as an Under Secretary of Homeland Security, but he now assumed she was the new Secretary of DHS. He watched with growing unease as Carol and the Chinese general spoke to each other in whispers. Becky, never at a loss for words, continued to speak.
“While we believe that all the perpetrators of these terrorist attacks have been caught or killed, we are going to need long-term assistance to recover. Much of the aid has been promised by the government of China.”
When Becky paused a reporter across the room quickly spoke up. “General Lau, is it true that tens of thousands of Chinese troops are already in San Francisco and Oakland?”
The General stepped forward with a smile. “A few hundred soldiers are working in those ports to expedite food and medical distribution—not tens of thousands.”
“General, some are saying the treaty just signed by President Durant and your government formalizes repayment procedures for U.S. debt to China and that the Chinese soldiers are here as part of that treaty. Is your government attempting to ensure that America repays its debt?”
“China and the U.S. have signed a treaty of mutual friendship—that is so. Regarding the repayment of debt by your government I can only say that I am here merely to manage food and medical assistance.”
Another reporter jumped up. “But Chinese soldiers are not just in San Francisco and Oakland. I’ve seen some at the port of Tacoma and I’ve read reports of them at Long Beach and Eureka.”
Thousands of troops…all the Pacific ports. It sounds more like an invasion than a relief effort.
The general smiled. “Some soldiers are here with me and have inspected the port of Tacoma. They are at those other ports under the terms of the treaty of friendship. For the duration of the emergency they will ensure the aid is quickly and fairly distributed.”
“Chinese currency is showing up in those ports,” Another reporter said. “Why is that?”
“Our soldiers are paid in yuan. Some of it would naturally leak into the surrounding community.”
“Are Americans being paid in yuan?”
“Despite the fact that your dollar has ceased to function as a currency we are not paying American workers in yuan. Currently we are paying American laborers with vouchers for food and fuel.”
A reporter in the front row stood. “When do you believe that the current crisis will end and your soldiers will be able to return home?”
The General sighed. “We are here as peacekeepers, to distribute aid and assist with stabilization—that is all. Our troops will be here only for as long as needed to implement the newly signed treaty. I am a military man. Our departure is a political decision.”
Becky raced to the microphone. “Thank you. That is all the time we have for questions.” Everyone on the platform turned and walked briskly through a side door.
Caden left the briefing room as quickly as possible, but didn’t see Becky in the packed hallway. Heading toward the Adjutant General’s office, he saw David Weston. The two men moved from the traffic into an alcove along the hall.
“What do you think of this friendship treaty?” Weston asked.
“I think Durant is panicking and making some bad decisions.” He shook his head. “Having hundreds, maybe thousands, of foreign troops in the country doesn’t set well with me either, even if they are doing relief work. We can do that and,” he said with a frown, “I don’t believe they will march back on the boats when this emergency is over. Does Governor Monroe? By-the-way, where is he?”
“The governor does not support the treaty, and believed that his presence would be interpreted by many as approval for it, so he chose not to attend the press conference.”
“All you heard is the spin President Durant and the Chinese government want everyone to hear. General Lau is a politician as well as a soldier. I’m sure he’s been told to deliver the talking points and he will do it well, but my sources are telling me it’s not the whole story.”
Caden gave him a questioning look. “Are you saying that Durant is part of some Sino-American deception? I don’t like him, but why would he do that?”
“Perhaps I can find out. The ceremonial transfer of authority for the port of Tacoma is tomorrow morning.” He made a discreet nod in the direction of another Chinese officer. “But I’m to meet with Major Cheng this afternoon and finalize the letter of understanding. He has a reputation of being a hot-tempered, no-nonsense soldier.” He wrote down an address and handed it to Caden. “Meet me there, okay?”
Again he looked at Weston quizzically. “What are you planning?”
“I haven’t worked out the details yet but,” Weston gave him a mischievous grin. “I’ve got some questions I want to ask the Major.”
Caden had never been down to the port, nor had either of the two soldiers he brought along, so it took them a few minutes to find the building where the meeting was being held. As they drove up the Chinese delegation was just outside the gate. There was an American guard at the entrance, but two uniformed Chinese soldiers flanked him. A bit premature isn’t it Major? As Caden stepped from the vehicle he patted his holster. He wondered if he should have issued side arms to his fellow soldiers. No, don’t be silly. David is a politician. He fights with words not guns. What could happen?