TSUNAMI STORM Read Free Page A

and loyalty of your crew. After that, you’ll be on your way up the chain of command, just like I was.”
    “Exactly how do I earn their respect and loyalty?” Tiffany asked.
    “You give and then you receive. Just like in real life, baby. First you stand firm in what you expect of your crew. Always, always treat each and every one of ‘em with respect. Acknowledge the things they do right and firmly correct what they do wrong. No place for anger or frustration. Always remain calm, firm and respectful, and in time, they will follow you anywhere. That method led to me commanding a mechanized division in the Gulf. Damn, with all the smoke, the chemicals and the Depleted Uranium shells flyin’ it was hell-on-wheels.”
    “George, she doesn’t need that right now,” Joyce interrupted.
    He grumbled. “We were just happy to be alive,” he said quietly. “We didn’t know all that stuff was going to make us so sick.”
    “George,” Joyce repeated.
    “It’s okay, Mama. I understand,” Tiffany said.
    “It’s not like she’s going into combat, for cryin’ out loud. We’ve got some ground action goin’ on, but we haven’t had a naval battle since World War Two,” he replied.
    “So when does your ship leave?” Joyce asked, trying to change the subject.
    “Not for another two weeks,” Tiffany replied. “I’ve got a Damage Control class to go through first.”
    “Damage control?” Joyce asked. “Isn’t that what they do for politicians?”
    Tiffany chuckled. “It’s not that kind of damage control. This is about putting out fires and stopping leaks and water from coming inside the sub that could cause it to sink.”
    “Sounds serious,” Joyce said.
    “It is,” Tiffany replied. “On the ground you can retreat, you can run. On a ship there’s nowhere to run. You either put the fire out and stop the leaks or it’s over.”
    “See,” George said. “It’s safer in an Abrams Tank.”
    “George,” Joyce said more sternly.
    “Just sayin’”
    Tiffany and her dad shared a glance and a smile.
    After breakfast Tiffany packed her small travel bag and joined her mother in the car.
    “The military’s a hard place, baby girl, especially for a woman. You’ve got to work hard to earn their respect,” Joyce said.
    “I know,” Tiffany replied. “Captain Jacobs sets the standard for respect and performance on the sub, Mama. He’s a good man and a good officer. A great mentor, too. I’m learning a lot from him. He’s always teaching us about how people think and act and how that determines how they fight. He’s spent his career developing new tactics for submarine warfare and confrontations. He’s one of the best the Navy has. It’s an honor to serve with him.”
    “I just worry about you, baby girl, that’s all,” Joyce replied.
    I’m fine, Mama. Things are going really well.”
    “I know, baby. It’s a mother’s job to worry. I just want you to be safe.”
    With the car parked, Tiffany and her mom walked into the airport. Tiffany hugged her mother, who kissed her on the forehead.
    “Take care, baby girl, and make me proud.” Joyce said.
    “I will, Mama. I will.”

CHAPTER 4
    Eastern Sichuan Province, China
    Quietly the morning light appeared, and with it, other than the aftershocks, the first sound Guang Xi had heard since the earthquake. The sound of copper goat bells gradually woke him. Three goats approached, the smallest one licking his face. He struggled to get the small animal away from him. That’s when he noticed a goat herder standing twenty feet away examining the massive rock wall, which stood like the Great Wall of China, solid, formidable and impenetrable.
    “Over here,” Guang Xi yelled.
    The goat herder turned and looked at Guang Xi with a shocked expression on his face. He paused and stepped back, uncertain of what he should do.
    “Get me out of here,” Guang Xi screamed.
    The man slowly approached. “How long have you been stuck here?” he asked.
    “Since it