Kyle Pratt - Through Many Fires

“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?

Caden and Cheng exchanged salutes as he approached.

“Where is Mr. Weston?” the Chinese officer asked.

“He is coming by another vehicle and should be here momentarily.” I hope.

Seconds later a silver limousine pulled up and backed into a parking spot near the group. David Weston stepped out from the front passenger side carrying a black briefcase.

Caden looked on questioningly. Why is David riding around in a limo and who rides around in the front of one?

Weston walked briskly toward the Major. After shaking hands David said, “I have the draft letter of understanding with me here,” he patted the briefcase with his free hand, “but before we begin there are a few things I don’t understand. Why does President Durant want to give companies controlled by the Chinese military authority over our western ports?”

The Major appeared surprised. “You make it sound so menacing,”

“Well isn’t it?” Weston asked “Would you allow us to control ports in your country?”

He tilted his head back as if looking down his nose at Weston. “The situation does not warrant your country controlling our ports.”

“Why does our situation warrant your control of them?”

Major Cheng looked tired, “I do not answer to you. Come. Let us complete the business at hand.”

“Is it the price we have to pay for the food assistance? If we want to eat do we have to give up our ports and our resources?”

The Major’s eyes flared with anger and for several moments he stared at Weston. “You Americans owe my country nearly one and a half trillion dollars and now you ask us for billions more in aid to feed your peasants.” He glanced left and right. “How will you repay us for this kindness? President Durant has already advised creditors that the United States cannot make the next interest payment when it is due. Your currency is worthless; your people are in panic, your factories sit idle, you have no exports.

“Despite your situation, the Chinese government has graciously agreed to provide hundreds of tons of food and medicine on credit. However, the Chinese people do expect to be repaid.”

Weston smiled sarcastically, “You said our economy is ruined, if it is, how do you expect to get paid?”

“Why do you ask me this, you have heard the answer. Your President Durant understands the situation better than you. He has signed a new Most Favored Nation trade agreement with the People’s Republic and a second treaty granting China the right to manage your Pacific ports for the next ninety-nine years while your western states provide needed raw materials to Chinese industry.”

“What! Ninety-nine years! Why should America agree to that?”

“As I have previously said, President Durant has already agreed to the terms and, if I may be so blunt, if you refuse you will starve.”

“No treaty is binding until it is approved by the Senate.”

“Such legal niceties are no longer practical. The Chinese government has found working with President Durant more advantageous than awaiting some future restored government. Obey your President or forsake our most gracious offer of assistance.”

Caden shook his head. “America is stronger than you think. I know we can get the country back to work and feed ourselves, without sacrificing liberty or our natural resources to you.”

“The matter has already been agreed upon. As the treaty declares, Chinese troops will soon manage security for western mines, oil fields and Pacific ports. Surely, you would not want to violate the laws of your country.”