Sky Masters полностью

Sun paused momentarily. Yin seemed to have an answer for everything. Sun did not dispute his commander’s thoughts, but he was being extraordinarily confident of his own fleet’s power and recklessly unconcerned about the American Air Force’s power. “I agree with you, sir,” Sun said slowly, “but I think it would be wise to augment our air-defense preparations by moving the Hong Lung and some of its antiair-equipped escorts to the eastern Celebes Sea area. That would give us four ships with surface-to-air missiles and four more ships with large-caliber radar-guided antiaircraft guns. Zamboanga is secure — our presence is not needed here.”

Yin thought about the suggestion, and he liked it — Sun would make a fine fleet commander one day. The Hong Lung was one of the most powerful ships in the world, well suited for both antiair as well as antiship operations. It was also a very potent weapon for simple show-of-force, but since Yin liked to keep his warships mostly out of sight of the local population, it wasn’t doing much good as a weapon of intimidation in Zamboanga. His shore setups here were in place and operating well — it was time the Hong Lung, the Red Dragon, got back into the fight.

“An excellent suggestion, Captain,” Yin said. “I want one vessel to remain here, positioned so residents of the city can see it clearly; the rest of the Fleet Master will accompany the Hong Lung to the battle area. Choose your escorts and alert the fleet: we sail immediately for the eastern Celebes Sea.”

Sun looked much more pleased — it was obvious he disagreed with Yin’s estimation of the American air threat — and he bowed to acknowledge the order. “If there is nothing else, publish the orders and proceed.” His flag staff stood, bowed, and exited the office.

Yin was alone in his office for several minutes when his executive officer knocked. “Sir, you have a visitor: Philippine President Daniel Teguina. He is requesting a short meeting with you in private.”

Yin had to struggle to maintain his composure. What in hell does Teguina want with me…? Since the coup, Teguina had dealt exclusively with the People’s Liberation Army Supreme Commander, High General Chin Po Zihong, on any military matters; otherwise he dealt with Dong Sen Kim, the ambassador to the Philippines, or to the Foreign Minister directly. Just a few weeks earlier, Teguina would have gladly kissed Yin’s feet if he had helped him with his coup — now that the coup was completed, Teguina was actually starting to believe the myth about China just assisting Teguina to defeat the “rebels” and save his country.

“Tell him I’m too… never mind. I’ll meet him. Have this room cleaned and coffee and pastries served… and put his flags back, too, his stupid Aguinaldo flag and the Sulu flag. And make sure our conversation is recorded and the video cameras are activated — I want a complete record of this entire meeting.”

The executive officer nodded and hurried off to issue the orders.

It was just like that pompous ass Teguina, Yin thought, to make up new flags for his two new “countries” before consolidating power — the flags only become a butt of jokes and an object of derision if the coup fails.

Accompanied by a heavily armed Marine guard, Admiral Yin made his way to the quarterdeck and onto the receiving area. He was kept waiting as several escort vessels made their way toward the Chinese destroyer, under the careful scrutiny of deck-gun crews. An honor guard was quickly assembled, and several crewmen were-positioned on the port rail, standing at parade rest, as Teguina’s liaison craft approached. Teguina’s boat was stopped several times and inspected before being allowed to dock at the Hong Lung's boarding platform, and the new Philippine President started up the stairs. The honor guard snapped to attention, and a broadcast was made on the public address system announcing the arrival of the Philippine President.

Yin forced himself to raise a hand to the brim of his cap in salute. Teguina ignored the Chinese colors and Yin’s salute. “I must speak with you immediately, Admiral,” Teguina said without preamble.

“By all means, Mr. President,” Yin’s interpreter replied. He quickly translated both Teguina’s words and his own hasty reply for the Admiral, and Yin scowled darkly as he followed Teguina through the quarterdeck doors. A few moments later they were in Yin’s flag briefing room.

“The Admiral wishes to extend his warmest greeting to the President of the Democratic Federation of Aguinaldo,” Yin’s interpreter said in English. “The Admiral considers it a great honor that you have come for a visit and wishes to offer you…