But then the engines flared and Ito’s rocket increased its speed to what seemed an impossible level.

“The fighters’ AAM-3s have a top speed of only Mach two point five and a range of thirteen kilometers,” Ito explained. “The computer’s determined that it will be more efficient to just stay ahead of it until it runs through its fuel.”

The pilot banked to try to take out the other autonomous missile as it skimmed the waves in pursuit of the other fighter, but there was no chance. It was too fast to even reliably track with the human eye.

The plane exploded into a fireball just as Takahashi spotted the imminent return of Ito’s second weapon. The pilot saw it too and with no other recourse, aimed straight for it with guns firing a constant stream of tracer bullets. They collided less than a second later, another fireball filling the air before breaking up and falling lazily toward the sea.

Takahashi took a hesitant step back from the windows. The test had been a resounding success, but his only sensation was one of numbness. He had set out to change the world and done just that. He had created a new reality in which men like him, men like those magnificent pilots, were of no importance.

“They’re ready to be put into full production?” he asked finally.

“Yes, sir.”

“Then do it.”

“Right away,” Ito said.

“And the Fukushima project?” Takahashi asked. “We’re on track again?”

The loss of the Reactor Four lab had been a setback, but the new facility in the north was proving to be a more effective—and more private—setting for what needed to be done.

Ito licked his cracked lips. The damage to the flesh on his face normally made his expression difficult to read. Today, though, his fear was on full display.

“Progress is difficult, General. We’re trying to control the underlying forces of nature.”

“It’s my understanding that all your tests have been one hundred percent successful.”

“Yes, sir. My error correction systems have functioned flawlessly to date. But those are only small-scale simulations. We—”

“Weren’t you just telling me that I should rely on simulations?”

Ito became even more uncomfortable. “In this case, I’m not sure that reliance is wise.”

“You sell yourself short, Doctor. You’ve succeeded. You’ve succeeded beyond anyone’s wildest dreams.”

24

24

Prince George’s County, Maryland
USA

Fred Klein rose from his chair when Randi charged into his office, but Smith had finally managed to find a comfortable position and stayed put.

“Is Yoshima dead?” she asked by way of greeting.

“We believe so. Reports are that his body was taken away by Chinese authorities, but we haven’t been able to find out anything more.”

She stood frozen in the middle of the floor. “And me?”