"However," Song Heping changed his tone, looking into Safar's eyes, "I need to make a trip to the United States next week. If everything goes smoothly, I'll bring you some... gifts when I return."
"Gifts?" Safar raised an eyebrow.
"Legitimate, fully documented equipment that can be transferred through official channels," Song Heping said, "It may not be a Stinger, but it will be cutting-edge individual weapons of the same caliber. And, they are free."
"Free?" Safar repeated incredulously.
"As a gesture of our long-term cooperation." Song Heping said, "But you must guarantee that these pieces of equipment are used solely for the 'Desert Eagle' and under no circumstances can they be transferred, duplicated, or reverse-engineered. I need your written promise and Minister Rashed's endorsement."
Safar pondered for a full minute, his gaze moving between the scenery fleeting past the car window and Song Heping's calm face.
