"And you think a MITI takeover is the answer."
"It's the only thing that's left." He sobered. "Unfortunately it'll also damage MITI's political credibility badly worldwide. But that's the price I'm willing to pay to stop Noda. What other choice is there?"
"Hurt MITI? I'm not so sure. Taking over all of DNI's American research labs should give quite a boost to your Marketshare - 90 program, wouldn't it. You'd be acquiring America's high-tech sector for Japan all nicely wrapped up in a bundle." She poured from her can. "Ought to trim years off your timetable."
"I don't know where you heard about that, Tam." Vague surprise in his voice. "But that's not a real program. Market- share - 90 is just a planning exercise over in the General Affairs Section. Part of some training for their new people."
"When we asked Noda about it, he seemed to think it was real enough."
"Then he was just bluffing. He had to be."
"Ken, what do you take me for . . .?" She wasn't sure how much more double-talk she could stand.
He waved his hand to stop her. "Please. Just trust me for this once. That's all I ask."
"You're sure as hell not making it easy. I think it's time you told me what's really going on."
"All right. I'll show you the bottom line. Maybe then you'll accept the truth." He got up and went over to his briefcase. "I have something in here you ought to see."