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“Much has changed in just a feeeks,” a voice said from behind him

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nbsp; Kurt turned to see a enerals 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 So tells me the next time you’re aboard one, it will either be without permission or as a prisoner”

The General offered a wry sht,” he said “Then again, like you said, things can change”

“Unfortunately, the rise in sea levels hasn’t slowed”

“We’ll get to the bottoue 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 claested 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 ain”

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’ano said “You were missed at the ceremony today”

“Sorry,” Kurt said “I prefer to avoid the lio?”