“Of course we will do everything possible to promote peace, Doctor. But while it’s comfortable to hope for the best, it’s wise to plan for the worst, no?”

“Of course. I understand.”

“And on that subject, is the demonstration of our drone technology still on schedule for this week?”

“It is,” Ito said submissively. “I think you’ll find the software to be an order of magnitude more sophisticated than prior generations. We’ve also made intermediate strides in range, speed, and maneuverability.”

“I look forward to it. Now I don’t think there’s any reason to keep you from your work any longer. It’s been good seeing you as always. I’m glad you’re well.”

Ito was typically anxious to go and stood quickly, giving a short bow before leaving the room. Takahashi remained silent for a long time, considering the dangers and opportunities presented by the quickly shifting landscape.

“You told me it would be possible to fabricate evidence that implicates the Chinese in the attempt on my life, Akio.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Can I assume you’ve created a plan to do just that?”

“I have.”

“Good. Leak just enough to get the press speculating about a possible link to Beijing.”

Himura wiped a hand nervously across his mouth before responding. “I would advise against it.”

“Why?”

“First, creating something like this out of whole cloth was extremely complicated. Our efforts could be discovered. And second…” His voice faded.

“Speak up,” Takahashi prompted.

The intelligence chief gave a jerky nod. “Sir, you understand that this…” Again he hesitated. “Dr. Ito is right. Passions are running high. Very high.”

“I trust it’s not lost on you that US military intelligence has physical evidence from Fukushima. And just as important, Ito’s health is failing. I don’t know how much longer our doctors can keep him alive. I assume that you agree his presence would be desirable in case there are problems with the deployment of his weapon?”

“Yes, sir. But—”

“We don’t have the luxury of waiting any longer,” Takahashi said, standing and smoothing his uniform. “Do it immediately.”

19

19

Beijing
China

Kaito Yoshima walked to the bar in the corner of his living room and poured two drinks. Randi hung back. She had her phone in her hand and her thumb hovering over the touchscreen but was still starting to regret suggesting coming back to the condo. Who knew what surprises he’d built into the place? She’d given him the home-field advantage.

He walked over to her and held out a crystal glass filled with what was undoubtedly very good scotch. She just shook her head.

“It’s not drugged, Randi. You have my word.”

“It’s not that I don’t trust you, Kaito. Of course not. It’s the calories, you know?”

He smiled and fell onto a sofa, patting the cushion next to him. She took a chair opposite, keeping a heavy coffee table between them.