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“Chaos will be our friend It will prepare the way for Gogstad’s political takeover of weakened govern will survive”

The icy blue eyes seemed to bore into Francesca’s skull “Don’t think this is retribution for all the slights I have received because of my stature I am a businesswoman who realizes the proper political climate is necessary to do business This has required no s up a fleet of water tankers that would transport water frooing bags I have been waiting years for this moment I have not dared to move because I feared your process It could destroy my monopoly within weeks Now that I have you and the anasazium, I can strike Within days the entire western half of the country will run out of water”

“That’s impossible!”

“Is it? We will see Once the Colorado River is finished as a supplier, the rest of the pieces will fall rapidly into place My company controls most of the fresh water supplies in other parts of the world We will simply turn the faucet off, so to speak Gradually at first, then more forcefully If there are any co as much water as possible”

“You know the results,” Francesca said levelly “You’re talking about turning much of the world into desert The consequences would be terrible”

“Terrible for soet any price we ask”

“From desperate people You would soon be exposed as the monster you are”

“To the contrary Gogstad will say that we are ready to move water from Alaska, British Columbia, and the Great Lakes to other parts of the world in the tanker fleet I have been building When Gogstad’s beautiful tankers appear off the coast ill be hailed as heroes”

“You’re already apparently rich beyond the dreams of many Why do you need more wealth?”

“This could benefit the world in the long run I will prevent wars froht over water”

“A pax Gogstad, imposed by force”

“Force will not be necessary I will reward those who bend to my will, punish those who don’t”

“By letting them wither and die”

“If that’s necessary, yes You must wonder where your desalination process fits in”

“I assume you would never allow it to spoil your mad plot”