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Marchetti put a hand on Kurt’s shoulder and ushered him forward

“This is my domain A billion dollars’ worth of effort so far Terra fir over his words, “it’s aqua Terra-aqua Or Aqua-Terra, actually But you understand what I’”

“Barely,” Kurt deadpanned

“Tax istration fees and insurance Comply with OSHA rules and inspections They tell ht there is land’s end”

Kurt stared at Marchetti “You can call it the planet Mars, for all I care I’m not with the IRS or anyone else ants to tax you or question your sovereignty—or your sanity, for that ood reason to believe you’re the cause”

Marchetti looked stunned “Me? Probleether”

Kurt stared until Marchetti stopped fidgeting

“What kind of problem?” the billionaire asked

Kurt pulled a capped vial from his breast pocket It contained the slushy iven him

“Tiny little ned by you, meant to do God knohat, and found on a burned-up boat that’sthree crew members”

Marchetti took the vial and lowered the rose-colored glasses “Machines?”

“Microbots,” Kurt replied

“In this vial?”

Kurt nodded “Your design Unless so patents in your name”

“But it can’t be”