“I’m not sure why that’s important, Akio. The Americans are our allies and are keeping us fully informed.”

Takahashi leaned forward in his chair. “Both Akio and I would be negligent not to bring up the possibility that this was the first salvo in a Chinese attack. It’s completely plausible that the tsunami interrupted their plans and that now, with the attempt on my life, they’re moving forward again.”

“Again, I caution you about jumping to conclusions. Having said that, I’ve spoken to President Castilla about that very possibility and he’s reaffirmed America’s commitment to us. In fact, he’s moving another carrier group into the area to join the two here already.”

“So you trust the Americans to intervene on our behalf against their most significant trading partner and the country whose loans keep their government from collapsing?”

Sanetomi gave a short, confident nod. “I do. But I’m not as naive as you believe me to be, General. It’s clearly time to do a detailed assessment of your forces’ ability to defend us from a Chinese attack. While I believe that President Castilla is a man of his word, the Americans have a limited presence in this part of the world. Even with them fully committed, we will not abdicate our right—and our responsibility—to defend ourselves.”

“I will begin immediately,” Takahashi said, surprised that the politician was even willing to go this far.

“But quietly, General. No. Silently. I’m not ready to put our defense forces on any kind of alert. The Chinese have agreed in principle to talks that I believe may de-escalate this situation. We can’t afford to do anything to jeopardize that.”

“I believe that to be extraordinarily unwise,” Takahashi said, only because Sanetomi would expect it. The idea of putting their forces on alert in the traditional sense was a quaint anachronism now that they consisted largely of computer networks and autonomous systems. “The Chinese may just be agreeing to negotiations in order to further lull us into complacency.”

“It’s a risk worth taking, General. And I’m sure that I don’t have to remind you that it’s my decision to make.”

Takahashi gave another contrite nod. The prime minister could play whatever political games he wished. They no longer had any meaning. While it appeared that the Americans hadn’t yet discovered the truth about Fukushima, they would soon enough.

The point of no return had been crossed.

26

26

Outside Washington, DC
USA

Jon Smith opened the cardboard container and scooped an unidentifiable tangle of Chinese food onto his plate. Across the coffee table from him, Randi was gnawing on an egg roll with one hand and compulsively spinning a chopstick across the backs of her fingers with the other.

“I’m empty,” Smith said. “You want another beer?”

“I’ll get them.”