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Kurt nodded “And when did China suddenly reach out to Japan and start thawing out relations?”

“Also eleven o,” Rudi said “In fact, the initial contacts coincide with CNR’s incorporation to the day”

Kurt could see the outline of the answer, even if he couldn’t see as at its center “The Chinese wouldn’t go through all this trouble to cover up an abandoned mine or to save face fro the truth because it’s an ongoing operation One that has shifted from the bottom of the sea to the islands of Japan”

“That’s a big leap,” Rudi said

“I don’t think so,” Kurt said “All the actors are here Han and his robots The Chinese diplo trend in diplo at the pace of a bullet train All pushed by the Chinese side after seven decades of deression in World War Two”

“What are you suggesting?” Joe asked

“Whatever they were looking for in that underwater canyon they now believe they can find here, in Japan or in Japanese waters Han is an extension of the Chinese state The war trend is a cover under which to operate CNR is the tool to be used when they find what they’re looking for”

“Which is?”

“Impossible to know,” Kurt admitted

“I’ll give your theory to the geology team,” Rudi promised “Maybe they can round up a few possibilities My pri out what the Chinese stu And our only hope of achieving either goal is by putting the screws to Walter Han”

“Understood,” Kurt said

“I don’t care if our hides get hung out to dry,” Rudi added, “I want you to find out what he’s up to, even if you have to break into that factory and abduct him with your bare hands”

“I don’t think you’ll have to go to such extremes,” Akiko announced

Kurt turned She had his phone in hand A text was flashing on the screen

“A e just popped up,” she explained “Walter Han is inviting you to dinner”