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research. The disk array is the simplest. We understand the materials. Each disk is independent, so we can tolerate failures. We know how to do it today.” He half nodded. “But yes, there are Plan B designs that are theoretically faster or cheaper. The danger is that there are massive technological gaps. We could end up with nothing.”
    The construction barge, empty now, eddied into the river. The lights of Queens stretched into the distance. “So, in a perfect world, we’d stick with the disk array,” said Tanya. “But we’d pay for it properly instead of raiding the preserve budget. And we’d stockpile food, because we’ll need sulfuring to tide us over, which could cause another famine.”
    “That was our plan,” said Tengri.
    She nodded. “Any chance, Mr. Politician?”
    “None,” he said. “You saw how that that meeting went.” He pushed his empty soup bowl aside and wiped the corner of his mouth.
    “Then we have no choice but to look at your plan B,” Tania told Molari. “At least let me run some simulations to compare the alternatives.”
    Tengri nodded. “What are you going to tell our friends in the Climate Council tomorrow, Tania? News is leaking already. They’re eager to get the disk array past the General Assembly so that they can start handing out construction contracts.”
    “I’ll tell the Climate Council that I support sunlight control in principle,” said Tania. “But I’m not going to use UNBio funds to pay for a specific geoengineering project until I know more details.” She turned to Tengri. “Can I do that? The UNBio preserve budget is under my control, right? I don’t even know.”
    “Yes, you control that money,” said Tengri. “UNBio is funded for preserves and basic science out of the general UN budget. Other UNBio project funding happens as needed.”
    “Good,” said Tania. “So I’ve got at least some power. I’ll ask for a two week delay to do a scientific assessment. Tetabo, does that give you enough time to get me some details around your Plan B?”
    Molari scowled. “I’ll try.” He glanced at his omni. “My jet’s ready. I leave for China in an hour. I’ll message my team as soon as I’m in the air.”
    He stood up, his napkin wafting to the floor. “Tengri my man.” They knuckled fists. He turned to Tania. “Let’s hope this works.” She raised her fist to bump his, but he clasped it between his palms instead, his grip startlingly firm. “Be careful,” he said, leaning forward and lowering his voice. “This is a dangerous game. People get hurt.”

Chapter 4
     
    Author’s note :
    Angle quotes indicate dialog spoken in Chinese.
     
    THE TUNNEL’S ROUGH-hewn walls glistened in the orange flame of Jie’s torch. The elf padded ahead, silent as mist on the cold stone floor. Not that Jie could tell over the clanking groans of his armor. A warrior shouldn’t sneak around. It’s undignified.
    They reached the corner. Jie wedged his torch into a jumble of stones that spilled out of the crumbling wall.
    Snorrghh. Snorrghh.
    Slurping sounds of phlegm bubbling through sinksized nostrils came from the dank chamber beyond. Jie inched forward, wincing at the metallic grinding of his gear. A crack in the ceiling let in a single shaft of sunlight, and there, in its glow, sat the golden cup, gleaming as though it had been forged yesterday. Behind, resting its terrible head on razor-sharp claws, slept the beast.
    ‹Great graphics,› whispered Jie. ‹They even rendered dust particles. Can you imagine the computing power?›
    The elf hissed. ‹Stop geeking, Dad. You’ll wake it up.›
    ‹Sorry, sorry. Cheng, why don’t you go ahead? I’ll stand guard. You’re quieter.›
    The elf nodded, and inched forward. Jie gripped his sword, watching, waiting. A scaled eyelid flickered. A stutter of breath. Don’t move. Jie tightened his fingers around his weapon. That thing must be 10 meters long. If it woke, he’d be lucky to dent a scale before it