The off-road convoy departed the snowy plains of Niseko and traveled northwest along Route 229.
Outside, the white landscape changed to black basalt and a steel-gray sea. The Sea of Japan contacted the cliffs of the Shakotan Peninsula.
"Young Lady, we are approaching," Fujita Tsuyoshi said.
Satsuki was reviewing the Niseko master plan. For the facility to be built and operational by next winter, substantial funding and a continuous construction schedule were required. There could be no delays.
She heard Fujita Tsuyoshi, rubbed her temples, and closed the file.
She nudged Amy beside her. "We have arrived."
Satsuki's voice woke Amy. "Are we?"
She wiped her eyes and looked out the window. "What is that?"
At the end of the road, on the exposed rock of Cape Kamui, was a structure of steel and specialized glass. Half of it was embedded into the black mountainside. The other half extended over the cliff, suspended above the sea.
The sunset illuminated the curved glass wall.
The plaque at the entrance read: Saionji Biotechnology Center
The motorcade entered the climate-controlled underground garage.
The doors opened. The garage was warm, and the air contained a trace of ozone.
A middle-aged man in a charcoal suit and gold-rimmed glasses waited. His hair was combed neatly, and his posture was composed.
Professor Kijima.
Formerly of the University of Tokyo, Faculty of Agriculture. Recruited by Saionji's personnel department with three times his previous salary and an unrestricted research budget.
"Miss Saionji, welcome." He bowed slightly.
"All systems are operational. Please follow me."
They took the elevator to the top floor.
The doors opened.
Outside was early spring.
Inside was humid and warm.
The glass dome filtered ultraviolet light. The air contained the scent of fruit and soil.
"This is Zone A, the controlled environment trial fields," Kijima said, walking ahead and indicating cultivation troughs suspended in the air.
There was no soil.
Plants grew in tiers of white pipes, with roots exposed to nutrient mist. Sensors above each plant monitored temperature, humidity, light, and CO₂ continuously.
The sounds of water pumps and computer fans were audible.
"This is an improved Amaou strawberry cultivar," Kijima said, stopping at a rack.
He put on gloves, selected a strawberry, and placed it on a nearby analyzer.
Beep.
The screen displayed: "Diameter 45mm, Brix 15.2, Acidity 0.5. S-Grade compliant."
Kijima gave it to Satsuki.
"We have eliminated environmental stress. No wind, no rain, no pests. This is a standardized product produced under data control."
Satsuki examined it under the grow lights.
The surface was unblemished.
She took a bite.
It was very sweet.
"Consistent," Satsuki said without inflection. "Like a formula."
Amy observed. "What is the cost per unit?" she asked quietly.
"Excluding equipment depreciation, the unit cost is approximately three hundred yen," Kijima said, adjusting his glasses. "If we follow Miss Saionji's Royal Special Supply selection and remove anything sub-perfect, the cost increases to eight hundred."
"Then we sell them for two thousand." Satsuki wiped her fingers and continued walking.
"But this is insufficient. If the objective were only greenhouse cultivation, I could perform it in a Tokyo basement. Professor Kijima, where is the facility I requested?"
"Zone B. This way."
Kijima led them down a glass corridor.
An airtight door opened.
There were no hydroponic racks.
The cliff's natural terracing was utilized instead. Snowmelt from the peak was channeled into an artificial stream that flowed over black volcanic rock.
"This is controlled nature," Kijima said, indicating clusters of green in the stream.
"Using Shakotan's mineral-rich water and a regulated flow rate, we cultivate Japan's highest-grade Mazuma wasabi here."
He crouched and removed a root.
The stem was dull green with rough skin. He used a small knife, removed the skin, and revealed a bright green interior.
"No chemical fertilizer. No pesticides. The mountain forest serves as the medium. We only protect them from pests and storms."
Satsuki took it and smelled it.
The scent was fresh.
"Acceptable," she said, nodding.
She then walked to the cliff guardrail and looked down.
Below, in the bay, a section of sea was enclosed with nets.
"Sea urchin cultivation," Kijima said. "Currents introduce fresh seawater. We supplement with nutrient-enhanced kombu. The result is wild-level flavor with farmed-level consistency."
"A combination of technology and nature." Satsuki observed the water.
Kijima signaled, and an assistant brought a tray of fresh sea urchins.
Kijima opened one. Five gold lobes were inside.
"It is early in the season. Wild specimens are not mature yet. But these…" He offered Satsuki a small spoon.
She took one lobe and ate it.
It tasted of salt and sweetness. The texture was smooth, without fishiness.
"The mass farms at S-Farm produce potatoes and onions. Those sustain the general population."
She turned to Amy.
"But this is for the upper class to live better and longer.
Half the output goes to the Saionji family and The Club. The other half is sold to Tokyo's premium restaurants."
Satsuki indicated the engineered mountain-sea system, then the greenhouse.
"These are not food products, Amy. This represents privilege."
Amy leaned on the rail, observing the facility.
"Impressive," Amy said.
She looked toward the asphalt road that led here. The streetlights were illuminated.
"But, Saionji-san, something is inconsistent." Amy adjusted her glasses and frowned.
"What?" Satsuki asked.
"At Tomakomai Port you stated we need our own logistics to avoid JA control." Amy pointed at the road. "But this road is complete. And those utility poles… in this location, without the local JA's approval, funding alone would not construct this."
Satsuki smiled.
"Amy, your observation is correct."
"I knew you were performing at the farm…" Amy said, puffing her cheeks. "What I find odd is, if we already have a private agreement with JA, why are we operating RORO ships? Is it not less expensive to use their trucks?"
Satsuki reached over and touched Amy's cheek. "Why indeed?"
She turned and looked at the road.
"You are correct. The permit for this road was processed at the prefectural office by the Ogawara JA chairman personally. That substation was built by a JA contractor."
"We provided them with what they wanted. Part of S-Farm's low-end transport contracts. Staff canteen vegetable contracts. All theirs."
"It is a transaction. Publicly, I criticize JA's monopoly so Tokyo reformers approve. Privately, I supply JA so they approve our projects on this land."
"Then why…" Amy was confused.
"Because cooperation does not equal dependence." Satsuki's smile disappeared.
"Amy, remember this.
Paying parties buys a road. It does not mean you place your operations under their control."
She made a chopping gesture.
"Logistics is critical. If we use JA trucks and JA warehouses to reduce costs, then one day when we stop providing them revenue, or when they increase prices, they can halt our operations. Our potatoes would spoil in the fields."
"So even if it costs twice as much, even if we purchase ships, we maintain control of the supply chain."
"I can provide them business. I will not provide them control."
Amy nodded slowly.
She looked around.
There were CCTV cameras on the biotech center's walls. The security personnel patrolling were not local.
Their uniforms were black. Their posture was military. They wore earpieces.
"Observe." Satsuki followed Amy's gaze. "Security here is not JA-recommended either."
"This is core technology. Private property. JA does not have access."
"Even with allies, you maintain security."
The sky was now dark.
The glass building behind them emitted blue light against the night.
"Let's proceed." Satsuki gave her cup to Kijima and turned inside.
"Rest early. Tomorrow morning, the Ogawara JA chairman and Hokkaido Agricultural Bureau officials arrive for an inspection."
She paused at the automatic door and looked back.
"We require energy. Tomorrow we perform reconciliation and 'building the future together' with them."
Amy looked at Satsuki's back.
Under that illuminated glass dome, the girl appeared small. And significant.
In this network of money and power, she was the composed architect, constructing her enterprise.