Maxwell's satellite phone rang almost immediately.
He glanced at the screen, the corner of his mouth lifting, and answered.
"Prime Minister Takahashi. Hello."
There was a brief silence on the other end. Then, in hesitant Federation Standard, the man asked softly, "And you are…?"
"Maxwell Kane," Maxwell said. "I'm currently in charge of the Atlas Federation."
"Oh… so it's General Maxwell Kane." Takahashi's tone turned instantly respectful. "I've heard a great deal about you."
Maxwell leaned back like he had all the time in the world. "Prime Minister Takahashi, everyone's fighting to stay alive after the apocalypse. I'm surprised you've got the leisure to call me."
"Well," Takahashi said smoothly, "it's been a long time since the end of the world began. Things aren't as hard as they were in the beginning. It's only natural for us to check in on each other, right?"
"Mm." Maxwell nodded to himself. "Fair enough."
