Digital Fortress Chapter 13

Tokugen Numataka stood in his plush, penthouse office and gazed out at the Tokyo skyline. His employees and competitors knew him a sakuta same-the deadly shark. For three decade shed outguessed, outbid, and out advertised all the Japanese competition now he was on the brink of becoming a big in the world market as well.He was roughly to close the biggest deal of his life-a deal that would make his Numatech Corp. the Microsoft of the future. His blood was alive with the cool rush of adrenaline. clientele was war-and war was exciting.Although Tokugen Numataka had been suspicious when the call had come three days ago, he now knew the truth. He was blessed with myouri-good fortune. The gods had chosen him.I eat a copy of the Digital Fortress pass-key, the American accent had said. Would you like to buy it?Numataka had almost laughed aloud. He knew it was a ploy. Numatech Corp. had bid generously for Ensei Tankados new algorithm, and now one of Numatechs competitors was compete game s, trying to find out the amount of the bid.You have the pass-key? Numataka feigned interest.I do. My name is North Dakota.Numataka stifled a laugh. Everyone knew about North Dakota. Tankado had told the press about his secret partner. It had been a wise move on Tankados part to have a partner even in Japan, business practices had become dishonorable. Ensei Tankado was not safe. further one false move by an overeager firm, and the pass-key would be published every software firm on the market would suffer.Numataka took a long gain on his Umami cigar and played along with the callers pathetic charade. So youre selling your pass-key? Interesting. How does Ensei Tankado feel about this?I have no allegiance to Mr. Tankado. Mr. Tankado was foolish to trust me. The pass-key is value hundreds of times what he is paying me to handle it for him.Im sorry, Numataka said. Your pass-key alone is worth nothing to me. When Tankado finds out what youve done, he will simply publish his copy, and t he market will be flooded.You will receive both pass-keys, the voice said. Mr. Tankados and mine.Numataka covered the receiver and laughed aloud. He couldnt help asking. How much are you asking for both keys?twenty dollar bill million U.S. dollars.Twenty million was almost exactly what Numataka had bid. Twenty million? He gasped in mock horror. Thats outrageousIve seen the algorithm. I assure you its well worth it.No shit, perspective Numataka. Its worth ten times that. Unfortunately, he said, tiring of the game, we both know Mr. Tankado would never stand for this. Think of the legal repercussions.The caller paused ominously. What if Mr. Tankado were no longer a factor?Numataka wanted to laugh, but he noted an odd determination in the voice. If Tankado were no longer a factor? Numataka considered it. Then you and I would have a deal.Ill be in touch, the voice said. The line went dead.