“It’s…” Ito’s voice faltered. “Is ironic the correct word? My technology is useful because it can be carefully targeted. Certain materials, certain locations. We could destroy China’s entire military capability without harming a single human being. But he’s going to use it in a way that’s completely indiscriminate. He’ll kill everyone. Civilians, women. Even children.”

Was Ito just running on at the mouth to try to assuage his guilt or was he there to suggest some kind of action? Smith glanced up at the dead cameras, painfully aware that the clock was ticking.

“Can he be stopped?”

“The prime minister is flying to China today, and he’s ordered Takahashi to go with him. Both Sanetomi and President Yandong have made it clear that they will find a way to come to terms. That this situation will be de-escalated.”

“But Takahashi doesn’t want that.”

“No. He’s ordered me to finish making the weapons, and when I’m done he plans to deploy them.”

“I assume you’re here because you don’t want that blood on your hands, Doctor. Do you have a course of action in mind?”

Ito reached beneath his smock and pulled out a screwdriver made of what looked like carbon fiber.

Smith almost laughed when the scientist held it out to him. He’d hoped for something a bit more clever from the man who had cracked molecular manufacturing.

Ito obviously sensed his disappointment. “As I’m sure you’re aware from your investigation of Fukushima, we have sterilization protocols in place that are similar to what you use in your lab at Fort Detrick.”

“Radiation,” Smith said.

Ito gave a short nod.

“And as the lead researcher, do you have the ability to unilaterally initiate sterilization?”

“Yes. However, this is Takahashi’s facility. The procedure takes time to implement, and he has the ability to override.”

“Will he?”

“I guarantee it. I’ve seen how twisted the man has become. He will never allow his weapon to be destroyed.”

“So what are you proposing?”

“If we can access one of the server rooms, there is a chance that I can block his attempt to shut down the sterilization protocol.”

“Then why don’t you do it?”

“Because I don’t have access to those particular servers without his express permission.”

“And that’s where I come in.”

“Yes.”

Smith looked down at the screwdriver in the scientist’s hand. “There’s a problem with your plan.”

“What?”

“On my best day, I couldn’t close the distance to that guard before he gets his gun out. And believe me when I tell you that this isn’t my best day.”

“But we have to—”

“What we have to do is deal with reality, Doctor. I have a lot of ground to cover and the guard just has to move his gun a few inches. It’s not going to happen.”