The Rising Sea (NUMA Files 15)

Akiko gave Joe a sideways look and Joe shook his head, protesting vigorously. “I like to work on machines. I’m not interested in dating one.”

“How wonderful,” Akiko said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Soon we won’t need other humans for anything. We can all live on our own, surrounded by mechanical servants.”

“Not me,” Joe said. “I prefer a human touch.”

Kurt had to laugh. He’d never seen Joe so smitten. He glanced at his watch. “We need to get over to the ceremony if we’re going to catch Han’s speech.”

They moved on, passing several other interesting displays and making their way to the great hall. It was standing room only in the auditorium. Up on the dais, Walter Han was speaking not about robotics but about opportunities for Japan and China to cooperate.

“The two great powers of Asia will change the world in this coming century, but first we must change our relationship. The past must be forgotten. The mistakes of the previous century left to history so as not to derail the future.”

“Interesting subject, considering all the tension in the South China Sea and the dispute over the Senkaku Islands,” Joe noted.

Han soon touched on that. “. . . The Chinese government is now moving to end several impasses,” he said. “A new proposal granting Japan full control over the islands in question is being prepared. No longer will we fight over trivial things, when partnership can bring both great nations so much more.”

A wave of applause went up.

“He speaks as if he holds all the power,” Akiko replied.

“Nagano said he has a quasi-diplomatic status.”

“But did you hear the word he chose? Granting Japan control over her own islands.” Akiko was offended. “The arrogance drips from him.”

Kurt didn’t argue. He just turned back to Han and listened. Eventually, he finished and the ribbon was cut. China-Nippon Robotics was officially open for business and the celebration began.

While the political figures vanished—hustled offstage by their security teams—Han came forward, glad-handing his way through the crowd, stopping and talking to people on the way.

“Time for me to go introduce myself,” Kurt said.

Joe stepped aside. “We’ll meet you outside in the hall. Good luck.”

The auditorium was emptying as Kurt made his way down the aisle. The longer Han was delayed, the more effort he put into leaving. He shook hands more briskly and cut every conversation short. He brushed off one man with a quick smile and a bow and then turned to go, only to find Kurt blocking his path.

“Walter Han,” Kurt said, proffering a hand. “So glad I caught you. Excellent speech, by the way.”

Han’s face was a mask that didn’t reveal much, but a look of surprise had appeared for the briefest of instants. “I’m sorry,” Han said. “Do I know you?”

“Not personally,” Kurt said. “My name is Austin. Kurt Austin. I’m the head of Special Projects at NUMA—the National Underwater and Marine Agency, based out of Washington, D.C. You and I haven’t met face-to-face, but I—or, should I say, my technical people—are big fans of your work.”

Han’s demeanor went from annoyed to pleasant. “How, exactly?”

Kurt played the part to the hilt. “We use a growing number of robotic and automated vehicles in our deep-sea efforts. We’re currently beginning an important expedition into anomalies we’ve discovered in the East China Sea.”

Kurt hoped to spook Han, but the mention of the East China Sea brought nothing from the man. He remained taciturn and opaque.

“China-Nippon Robotics would be honored to work with an organization as renowned as NUMA,” Han replied. “In fact, we have several aquatic models designed for pipeline inspection and deep-sea drilling that you may find useful. Call my office on Monday. I’ll put you in touch with the operations director.”

“I’m afraid Monday will be too late,” Kurt said. “We launch tomorrow. We feel it’s urgent not to waste any time.”

“Why the rush?” Han asked, his brow knitted together for effect.

“The anomalies I’m speaking of are geologic in nature,” Kurt explained, “a series of inexplicable earthquakes. Considering the region’s history with tsunamis and other tectonic disasters, we feel the investigation cannot be delayed. In other words, we need to know what’s going on down there. Any chance you and I could talk later tonight?”

Han shook his head. “Not possible. But leave your contact information with my office. If the chance to help does come up, CNR would be glad to oblige.”

He shook Kurt’s hand again. “Best of luck. Enjoy the Expo. Excuse me.”

With that, Han brushed past. He continued down the aisle, accompanied by several of his people, and pushed out into the hall.