"The market will be saturated within a few years," Yamagata said. "Your diamond craft are too good! They are so reliable and durable that the need for new ones will soon decline steeply."

"But how will you maintain Moonbase?" Joanna asked. "Economically, I mean. Clipperships are our main source of income."

Yamagata hesitated a moment, then said in a lower tone, "Moonbase will be maintained at a smaller size and level of activity."

"Downsized?"

"To some extent. Yamagata Industries will support the scientific studies being done there, of course, and the research work in Moonbase's laboratories."

"But not Clippership manufacture."

"Nothing that has touched nanomachines will be exported to Earth," Yamagata said firmly. "Except helium-three, of course."

"Fuel for fusion power generators," Joanna realized.

"Yes."

"So this is nothing but a power grab, after all," she said. "You're using Faure to take Moonbase from us, just as I thought."

"Not at all! I am offering Masterson Corporation a share of the greatest opportunity since the discovery of fire: a share of the fusion power industry."

"That's Rashid's doing," Joanna said.

"He has tried to interest your board of directors in fusion for many years, to no avail. Now Yamagata Industries offers you a partnership in this new industry."

"You want to take over Masterson Corporation."

"A merger makes much sense. Cooperation is much to be preferred over competition."

Lev spoke up. "May I interrupt?"

Yamagata turned his head toward the Russian.

"If you gain control of Moonbase, why do you want to pursue a cooperative partnership with Masterson Corporation? You will have the nanotechnology to produce fusion fuel on the Moon. Yes?"

Yamagata smiled politely. "Just so. But why not be generous to a defeated competitor? Masterson can market fusion systems in the western hemisphere while Yamagata markets them in the eastern hemisphere."

Scratching at his beard unconsciously, Lev replied, "And when the market for Clipperships opens up again, you can resume manufacturing them despite the nanotech treaty. No?"

Yamagata shook his head vigorously. "No. Not at all. That point is clear. The forces arrayed against nanotechnology will not allow Clipperships to be brought to Earth. Not for the foreseeable future."

Lev frowned, puzzled.

"You must realize," Yamagata said, shifting his attention to Joanna again,'that not even I can openly flout Faure and the nanoluddites. Helium-three they will accept, diamond Clipperships are too obvious a symbol of nanotechnology for them to put up with."

Joanna watched the man's face as he spoke. Even though Yamagata maintained a bland mask that revealed almost nothing of his inner emotions, there was something going on inside him, she was certain. He's not telling us his real motivations.

"You will maintain the nanotechnology laboratories at Moonbase?" she asked.

Yamagata avoided her eyes. "Yes, I think so. Although we will have to keep their work quiet, so that the fears of the nanoluddites are not aroused."

"Including the medical research?"

"Of course."

"But what good will the researchers' work be, if their results can't be used on Earth?"