Free The Foundation: Jack Emery 1 by Steve P. Vincent Page A

McCulloch. “Keep the peace? By sailing a fleet past their front door?”
    “Sounds crazy, and I understand the skepticism, but the balance of power in this region is fragile.” McCulloch turned down a hallway. “China, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan all have legitimate fears and grievances at the best of times.”
    “Nothing so bad as half of Shanghai being blown up, I’d think.”
    “You’d be surprised, son. The folk in this region don’t forget easily. They still hold grudges from centuries ago. It's our job to mediate and be the counterweight to too much ambition on any one side. The policy has worked for half a century.”
    “Surely the Chinese understand it’s not Taiwan’s fault. Despite the bit of evidence that has trickled out, it seems capital-S stupid.”
    “Speculation isn’t my business.” McCulloch shrugged. “Who knows? But the State Department thinks that things are different now. China and Taiwan have been cautiously friendly for the last few years, but that’s gone—Shanghai changed everything. China blames the island, and they’re going to keep flexing some muscle. That’s why we just need to cool everyone down.”
    Jack wasn’t sure he believed the premise that more guns equaled less likelihood of conflict. “Guess we’ll have to see.”
    “Damn right.”
    They walked in silence through the maze of long corridors, Jack doubted he’d be able to find his way back to the deck. As they went deeper into the ship, junior sailors stood to the side and saluted.
    Eventually they reached a door and McCulloch paused in front of it. “Here we are, Mr Emery. If you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a fleet to get moving.”
    “Of course, Admiral, appreciate the chat.”
    “Welcome aboard the George Washington. We’ll catch up once we’re underway and you’re settled in a bit.” McCulloch turned and walked away.
    Jack opened the heavy steel door and stepped inside his quarters. He was immediately taken aback by the sight of Celeste Adams seated on the bed. While he’d known that she’d be here, he was shocked at how she looked. Her face was covered in grazes and scratches, and her left arm was in a sling. She smiled at him.
    He put his bag down in the doorway and approached her. “Looks like you’ve seen better days.”
    “Hi, Jack.” She stood and held her one good arm out. He was surprised when she put the arm around him. “Thought you could use a friendly face once you got aboard.”
    He recoiled instinctively from the contact, but she persisted. He gave in and put his arms around her as well. He held her loosely, awkwardly, not sure what was expected. In truth, he wished it was Erin he was holding, despite their issues. He wondered for the first time if agreeing to work on board the carrier was a mistake.
    Eventually, after she pulled away and looked at him, he fumbled for words before the moment became awkward. “I’m glad you’re alive.”
    “You're glad I'm alive?” Celeste’s laughter broke the tension. “Erin told me you were strange at times, Jack, but come on.”
    “You know what I mean.” Jack smiled at the memory of Erin, who’d used to say that a lot. “Too many good people died over there.”
    “Yeah.” Her voice trailed off. “You’ve got a nice room. Bigger than mine, anyway.”
    Jack looked around. The cabin was not spacious, but he was certain it was better than most of the men and women on board enjoyed. A single bed ran the length of one wall, and there was a small table with two chairs against the opposite wall. There was also a small door that probably led to the bathroom.
    She sat back down on the bed and punched the pillow. “Feels okay.”
    “Yeah, it’ll do.”
    They sat in silence, before Jack turned to her and blurted out what he’d been thinking for several minutes. “How did it happen, Celeste? How did she die?”
    She continued to stare straight ahead and didn’t look at him as she spoke. “We were both outside the hotel. Erin had just