“Much has changed in just a few weeks,” a voice said from behind him.
&
nbsp; Kurt turned to see a man in uniform standing behind him. “I thought generals spent their time on land.”
“We prefer to,” General Zhang said, “but I wanted to meet you in person. To see if you’re real. You’ve made quite an impression on us over these last two years. Now, here you are, standing on the deck of a Chinese ship as an invited guest. Something tells me the next time you’re aboard one, it will either be without permission or as a prisoner.”
The General offered a wry smile. Kurt returned it. “You’re probably right,” he said. “Then again, like you said, things can change.”
“Unfortunately, the rise in sea levels hasn’t slowed.”
“We’ll get to the bottom of it,” Kurt said, tongue firmly in cheek. “The worst of the debris has been cleared away and a new docking collar has been fitted to the surviving part of the station. Ingenious, building most of it into the rock. Our sonar scans indicate the interior environment was not compromised.”
“Walter Han’s idea,” Zhang said. “He should have plenty of time to think up new ideas in prison.”
Kurt figured a deal would be cut sooner or later, but the fact that Han was not clamoring to get back to China suggested he was better off in a Japanese prison.
Another sailor approached, carrying a satellite phone. “You have a call, Mr. Austin.”
Kurt took the phone and extended a hand toward General Zhang. “Until we meet again . . .”
Zhang shook Kurt’s hand firmly. “May the circumstances be as pleasant as they are today.”
As Zhang walked off, Kurt put the phone to his ear. “This is Austin.”
“I’m glad I caught you,” Superintendent Nagano said. “You were missed at the ceremony today.”
“Sorry,” Kurt said. “I prefer to avoid the limelight. How did it go?”
“Perfectly,” Nagano said. “Akiko was given the honor of presenting the Honjo Masamune to the Prime Minister and the people of Japan. In return, she was given a medal and officially accepted into the Federal Police training program.”
“Looks like she’ll have a family now.”
“We take care of our own,” Nagano said. “I must tell you, she looked resplendent.”
“I bet she did,” Kurt said. “Was Joe with her?”
“He’s hardly left her side since the surgery,” Nagano said. “They seem to talk endlessly. But from what I’ve overheard, it’s mostly about cars.”
“Figures.”
A whistle got Kurt’s attention. Gamay was waving at him from the hatch of the submersible.
“I have to go,” Kurt said. “All the best.”
“Arigato, my friend,” Superintendent Nagano replied.
Kurt handed the phone back, climbed up the ladder on the side of the submersible and dropped down into the hatch. Paul and Gamay were waiting. “Next stop, the Serpent’s Jaw.”
A ten-minute descent took them to the bottom of the canyon. Three other submersibles waited for them. Their lights illuminating the walls on either side of the chasm.
Kurt eased the submarine into position and connected with the new docking collar. With the seal confirmed, he opened the submarine’s hatch and climbed out. Paul came with him, while Gamay switched to the pilot’s seat.
“I’ll pick you boys up when you’re ready,” she said.
Kurt closed the hatch and moved to the inner door of the docking unit.
“Not sure why I have to be here,” Paul said, crouching in the tight quarters.