Lethal Force by Trevor Scott

and can follow it for days on the nanobatteries.” He paused.
    But Jake knew it was more important than just that. He’d heard about the use of other nanotech weapons that could be deployed with this method. “I’m guessing the guys who want your technology don’t just want to track people. What else makes this so important?” He slowed for a corner ahead, grasping the wheel with both hands.
    â€œWell, my former partner was a biochemist and had worked for the government in the past on a number of projects that would now be considered illegal,” Tramil explained. “That was years ago. The Army and Air Force wanted him to consider modifying his work to the nanotech level, which is my specialty.”
    â€œSpeak English, professor,” Jake implored. He picked up speed on a straight stretch that ran parallel to the lake. He knew exactly what the man was considering, but he needed him to say it.
    â€œYou could take an incapacitating poison and produce it at the nanotech level,” Tramil said before hesitating.
    â€œGo on.”
    â€œThe element is so small it makes it through any filter currently on the market.”
    Time for a wrap-up, Jake thought. “So, essentially the two of you have developed a weapon that could be shot from anywhere in America, that could be placed on target with GPS accuracy, based on Hunter’s Global Shot technology of more than ten satellites, and could infiltrate any filtering system out there. Is that correct?” He looked back through the rearview mirror and saw the professor’s jaw slacken.
    â€œWhen you say it that way, we sound like monsters.”
    Jake shook his head side to side as he checked out the look on Lori’s face. She looked confused. “I’m trying to be as objective as possible, Tramil.” Time to bring it on home. “I don’t judge you. It’s a scientist’s job to discover. It’s a politician’s job to develop policy and direction to implement or not implement these discoveries. The military’s job is to use this technology as force equalizers to reach their objectives. Only God can judge if any of our actions are just. I’ll leave that up to Him.”
    Tramil, who had deflated himself somewhat into the leather chair, now pushed his frame forward. “Exactly. If we didn’t think of this, surely someone else would have. Someone who might actually use it. And we’ve also come up with civilian uses for our technology. We’ve thought about cloud seeding in drought-ridden regions, or blasting an approaching hurricane with nanotech particulates that would turn a Cat-5 into a Cat-1 or a tropical depression. This is an important discovery.”
    Now he had him right where he wanted him. Jake said, “Right. Will you still be all right without your colleague?”
    â€œOf course,” Tramil said. “Besides, I still have his work. Another biochemist could pick up on that easily enough.”
    Someone already knew that, or they wouldn’t have killed Professor Stephan Zursk. But here it comes. “That’s great, Tramil. However, what if we all crash tonight and die in this vehicle? Should only one person be trusted with this important discovery?” He checked out the man for response. From his reaction, he had thought of it. But perhaps the reality hadn’t set in until just now. He wanted to get this off his chest to someone. And who better than to a former CIA officer and a respected US congresswoman? Two people with the highest security clearance in the country.
    The professor looked down at his right shoe and then removed it. With great difficulty he pried open the heel and removed something, holding it up for Jake and Lori to view. “It’s been with me the whole time,” Tramil said.
    Jesus, Jake thought. “That’s good to know. I’m guessing you’ve made copies.”
    Tramil shook his head and pointed to his