Inside The Seed Excerpt

FOSTER: Tell me about this article. In Fortune.

COLE: Some kid – Alan…Alex…

FOSTER: Skilling.

COLE: Skilling, right. Called around asking for interviews. I told him to submit his questions prior, then I get this e-mail full of crazy shit about our financial statements, stock valuation, accounting abnormalities–

FOSTER: Abnormalities?

COLE: I told him I’d be happy to help him understand the questions he was asking and never heard back.

FOSTER: Why didn’t you tell me about this?

COLE: Because I didn’t want you to go and get all puffed up.

FOSTER: I don’t get all puffed up.

COLE: Reporters throw rocks to provoke a reaction. He wants to make a name for himself and we’re an easy target.

FOSTER: If a magazine of this pedigree calls us out, that’s going to throw up a few red flags, don’t you think?

COLE: What I’m saying is let me worry about Skilling and you keep your eyes on the prize. Don’t get all puffed up!

FOSTER: I’m not puffed up! I want to know what’s going on!

COLE: Fair enough.

FOSTER: I’m trying to rehabilitate our brand.

COLE: I know.

FOSTER: Most people still think Demetech is a chemical company.

COLE: What did I tell you to do, Foster? What did I beg you to do?

FOSTER: Change the name.

COLE: And what did you do?

FOSTER: Kept the name.

COLE: What’s the first thing you think of when I say “Phillip Morris”?

FOSTER: Tobacco.

COLE: What’s the first thing you think of when I say “The Altria Group”?

FOSTER: What’s the Altria Group?

COLE: It’s Phillip Morris! They changed their name!

FOSTER: Demetech funded the original research…when we created Golden Grain. I want to run that Demetech. Demetech before it turned to the dark side.

COLE: Don’t explain yourself to me. I’m used to your making decisions that cause the most amount of grief for everyone involved.

FOSTER: Our finances are in order?

COLE: They’re under control.

FOSTER: Our stock is solid?

COLE: Better than solid – it’s going up!

FOSTER: Okay – that’s all I need to know.

COLE: Once Africa is complete, our contracts kick in, we’re free and clear. Speaking of which – what’s the word on the shipment?

FOSTER: They’re loading the planes as we speak.

COLE: Great. And they’re taking off when?

FOSTER: As soon as I talk to Keyes…once I’ve given him the signal or…the go-ahead or green light or whatever.

COLE: Great.

Beat.

Is he calling you or are you–?

FOSTER: He’s calling me.

COLE: Great.

Beat.

And that’s just a formality, right? Giving him the go ahead? There’s nothing going on that could in any way whatsoever conceivably delay–

FOSTER: I want them all.

COLE: Foster, no.

FOSTER: The governments of Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique must accept the aid. Not one plane takes off until they do.

COLE: Foster – we’ve been over this!

FOSTER: I want them all.

COLE: We’re talking about people who believe AIDS is spread by evil spirits. If they think the seed is poison then there’s nothing you can do to convince them otherwise.

FOSTER: I have a plan. A sort of a plan.

COLE: A sort of a plan? What sort of a plan?

FOSTER: I’d rather not go into the details.

COLE: (Pause) May I ask you to reconsider?

FOSTER: Yes.

COLE: Will you reconsider?

FOSTER: No.

COLE: I’m naming my first ulcer after you.

Beat.

You taking lunch?

FOSTER: I’m pretty wall-to-wall.

COLE: I’m meeting an old Army buddy…up from Washington. Come with.