Takahashi actually laughed. “I think that can eventually be arranged, Colonel. But first, I’d ask a favor.”

“Sir?”

“Your president is personally hosting a meeting between China’s leadership and our prime minister. It begins tomorrow in Australia. I’d like you to contact your superiors and request a private meeting between him and me while he’s there.”

Takahashi reached into his pocket and retrieved a phone, sliding it across the table.

“Take me at my word that this summit is meaningless, Colonel. We’re entering a new era and it’s time our countries discuss how it can be brought in with the minimum chaos.”

“You mean how the world will be divided up between us.”

“If you prefer.”

Takahashi stood and gave a short bow before walking to the door. A moment later Smith was alone again in the locked cave.

There was no way to know for certain the capabilities of Takahashi’s military, but even if it was just what Smith had experienced firsthand, the face of war would be changed forever. If the man had actually found a way to control his nanotech to the point that he could deploy it as a weapon, then the US military and the rest of the world’s militaries combined were now irrelevant.

He reached for the phone and dialed one of many emergency numbers he’d committed to memory long ago. It would be routed through the analog phone system of Myanmar, passing through a house with two handsets literally taped together. And when the conversation was over, that house would conveniently burn down.

Not surprisingly, Klein picked up on the first ring.

“Yes.”

“We have a bit of a situation, sir.”

“Are you all right?”

“For now.”

“But you managed to get to a phone.”

“A phone was provided.”

“I see. To what end?”

“The general would like a private meeting with our friend while he’s on his southern vacation.”

“Understood. And are you recommending that our friend take the meeting?”

“I think it would be wise.”

“Can he contact the general directly with his response?”

“I imagine so. He doesn’t seem particularly concerned about confidentiality.”

“And you? Is there anything we can do to help you?”

It was an interesting question. In the end, though, he appeared to be inside the facility where the nanoweapon was being developed. While the chances were remote, it was possible that he could figure out some way to cause trouble.

“No. I’ll be fine.”

“Thank you for the call. And good luck.”

45

45

Tokyo
Japan