Blue Gold (NUMA Files 2)

“Several reasons. With no apparent economic use for it, the demand was nonexistent. Then, too, the refinement process is quite complicated. The main ore source is in a troubled part of Africa that is constantly at war. I had several ounces, enough for a working model. I would have proposed that the nations of the world pool their resources to produce enough anasazium to set up pilot projects. Working together we could have viable quantities of this substance within a short time.”

“Gogstad was running an installation off the coast of Mexico. It was destroyed in a tremendous explosion.”

“Tell me more about this installation.”

Austin gave her a quick summary, starting with the death of the whales. He described the storage cylinder after the explosion and how he traced it to the flying wing. Sandecker filled her in on the cold war mission to Siberia.

“A fantastic tale. It’s too bad about the whales,” she said sadly. “My process produces heat which can be turned into energy. The material can be unstable and under certain circumstances becomes a powerful explosive. These people must have been trying to replicate my desalination process and were unaware of the material’s instability. Where would they have acquired the anasazium?”

“We don’t know,” Austin said. “We are aware of a large source but don’t know its exact location.”

“We must find it so I can resume my research,” Francesca insisted.

“There’s an even more important reason,” Sandecker interjected.

“I know no more important reason than to continue my work,” she said defensively.

“In time, Dr. Cabral, in time. Your work will have little meaning if Gogstad succeeds in its plans. Whoever controls the world’s water controls the world.”

“It sounds as if you’re talking about global domination, Admiral Sandecker.”

“Why not? Napoleon and Hitler failed, but their attempts were made through force of arms. In each case they came up against somebody with a bigger stick.” He took a smooth puff on his cigar and watched the cloud of smoke. “The people protesting globalization, all that business with the World Trade Organization and the International Monetary Fund, were onto something. The danger is not in these entities but in the fact that it is easier now for someone to exert total control over an economic sector.”

“A sort of global Al Capone?” Austin offered.

“There are similarities. Capone was ruthless about exterminating the competition and had a fine instinct for organization. His economic power gave him political clout. Bootleg booze is a far cry from water. The world can’t do without water. Those who control its flow will have the ultimate political power. Who will stand up against someone whose word can condemn you and your country to die of thirst? That is why I say with all due respect, Dr. Cabral, that there are more important matters to be taken care of first.”

“You’re right, Admiral Sandecker,” Francesca conceded. “If this Gogstad finds the m

ain supply of anasazium, it will control my process as well.”

“Intelligence and beauty are such a welcome combination,” Sandecker said with unveiled appreciation. “The young lady has stated my fears exactly. It’s imperative that we find that long-lost cache before Gogstad does.”

“I was trying to figure out how to pinpoint the location when you called. I’m going to need some help.”

“That’s not a problem. Use any NUMA resource that you need, and if we don’t have them we’ll find them elsewhere.”

“I think Joe and I should leave as soon as possible for Alaska.”

“Before you go dashing off to the Yukon there’s something else we have to discuss. This buildup of tankers that Joe’s reporter friend told him about has me worried. What do you make of it?”

“At the very least Gogstad is expecting to move lots of water from Alaska to someplace that needs it. There has been talk of transporting water to China.”

“Perhaps,” Sandecker said, unconvinced. “I’ll talk to Rudi Gunn. Maybe he and Yaeger can shed light on this mystery. While you and Joe are trying to nail down this flying wing, they can see what they can find about the tankers.”

Austin rose and said, “I’ll start things moving.” He shook hands with Francesca and said, “I’ll show you out, Dr. Cabral.”

“Thank you, and please call me Francesca,” she said as they strolled to the elevator.

“I will if you call me Kurt. Tell me, do you prefer Korean, Thai, Italian, or just plain old American cooking?”

“I beg your pardon.”

“No one told you?” he said with mock amazement. “Dinner is part of the Austin rescue package. I hope you won’t refuse. Who knows how long I will have to subsist on whale blubber and walrus steaks after today.”

“In that case, I would be happy to accept your invitation. Would seven o’clock be convenient?”

“That’s fine. It will give me plenty of time to start making preparations for our trip to Alaska.”