“Mid- America is currently in compliance, according to the latest inspection report, so your only option would be to try and purchase the rights directly from them. They would no doubt gouge you for the pleasure.” He thought for a moment. “There may in fact be another possibility.”

“Go ahead,” Goyette urged impatiently.

“There is a national defense clause in the license. Should this brouhaha with the United States continue to escalate, there is a possibility of using it for grounds to terminate the license. The clause allows for the termination of foreign-held licenses in the event of war, conflict, or dissolution of state relations. A long shot, of course, but one never knows. What exactly is your interest in the islands?”

“Something that is as good as gold,” Goyette replied quietly. Regaining his brashness, he barked, “Prepare the necessary details for me to bid on a new license. I’ll figure out a way to have this Mid-America Corporation cough it up.”

“Very well,” Jameson replied, his teeth gritted. “I will await your results.”

“That’s not all. As you know, the Melville Sound site is showing extraordinarily rich reserves of natural gas, yet I only own rights to a tiny fraction of the fields. I will be needing to obtain the extraction rights to the entire region.”

The line fell silent for several seconds before Jameson finally muttered, “I’m not sure that will be possible.”

“Nothing is impossible, for the right price,” Goyette laughed. “You’ll find that most of the tracts are previously ice-covered regions that nobody was interested in. Until now.”

“That is the problem. Word is out that major shipments are already being made from Melville. We’re receiving dozens of exploration requests for the area.”

“Well, don’t bother responding to them. The Melville gas fields will be worth billions, and I’m not going to let them slip through my fingers,” he snapped. “I will be sending you several maps shortly. They delineate my desired exploration zones, which encompass large sections of Melville Sound and some other Arctic regions. I intend to dramatically expand my exploration business in the Arctic and want wholesale exploration licenses for the entire lot. There are incredible profits available there, and you’ll be amply rewarded, so don’t blow it. Good-bye, Arthur.”

Jameson heard a click as the line went dead. The resources minister sat frozen for a moment until a seething anger welled up from within, then he slammed the phone down with a whack.

TWO THOUSAND MILES TO the west, Goyette punched off his speakerphone and leaned back in his chair. Gazing across his office desk, he stared into the cool eyes of Clay Zak.

“Nothing ever comes easy,” he griped. “Now, tell me again why this ruthenium is so bloody important.”