Empire Rising by Rick Campbell Read Free Book Online Page A

the American Pacific Fleet!”
    Shouting broke out throughout the auditorium, as some admirals echoed Admiral Shao’s sentiment, while others admonished him for both the disrespectful manner with which he voiced his disagreement and his lack of faith. Yet everyone in the room knew there was a kernel of truth in the Vice Admiral’s assertion.
    Fleet Admiral Tsou stood with his hands clasped behind his back, waiting patiently for the fervor to die out. Finally, he replied, “Well stated, Admiral.”
    Tsou’s response took everyone by surprise; they had expected him to defend the battle plan vehemently. Instead, he agreed his plan had no chance to succeed. Tsou continued, “Under normal circumstances, you would be correct in your assessment.”
    Admiral Tsou cast a glance across the auditorium. For the plan to succeed, his admirals must believe it can. The PLA’s new capabilities had been kept secret long enough. It was time to reveal them. It was time to reveal everything .
    *   *   *
    It was only a few minutes later when Admiral Tsou finished. Heads nodded throughout the auditorium, confidence radiating from the men within. They now believed they could defeat the American Pacific Fleet. And that, of course, was the most important ingredient.
    With the operations brief complete, it was time to send his men on their way so they could make final preparations for tonight’s attack. Admiral Tsou stood at attention, and for today’s farewell, he decided to follow an American Submarine Force tradition. The PLA Navy’s new submarines, after all, would play a crucial role. His eyes scanned his men as they drew themselves to attention in response, then he uttered the time-honored farewell.
    â€œGood hunting!”

 
    8
    BEIJING
    Night was settling over the city, neon café signs illuminating pedestrians strolling the sidewalks as two black 7 Series BMWs, their armored frames riding low to the ground, wound their way through the center of Beijing. Joining Christine O’Connor in the back of the lead sedan was the United States ambassador to China, Michael Richardson, flipping through an appointment calendar on his lap. Christine could see the reflection of the sedan behind them in the security glass, which was raised between the front and rear seats, offering privacy for her discussion with Richardson.
    Eighteen hours earlier, Christine had boarded an Air Force Boeing 747 waiting at Joint Base Andrews, the combined Navy and Air Force base southeast of D.C., landing at Beijing’s Nanyuan Airport. As she descended the staircase onto the tarmac, Ambassador Richardson, leaning against the black government sedan, had stepped forward to greet her.
    The news he delivered was unexpected. There had been a change to her itinerary. Instead of heading to her hotel near the American Embassy, they would proceed to the Great Hall of the People. Tomorrow’s meeting had been moved up to tonight. No reason had been given for the change other than “schedule considerations dictate an immediate meeting.” Even more perplexing, the planned meeting with her Chinese counterpart, Vice Premier Wang Qui, had been replaced with a meeting with China’s president, Xiang Chenglei.
    Richardson closed the appointment book as he looked up at Christine. “Nothing. I can’t figure out why they want to meet tonight, or why you’re meeting with the president instead of the vice premier.”
    Christine had an inkling. “If China has decided to attack Taiwan, tonight’s meeting might include a formal request the United States refrain from interfering. Of course, they’d be just going through the motions, knowing we’ll come to Taiwan’s aid regardless.”
    An astonished look spread across the ambassador’s face. “That would mean hostilities are imminent.”
    â€œThat’s what I’m worried about,” Christine replied. “I