The company proposed collecting limited, documented samples from several identified plots.
Its scientists would compare them with the archived Walter Ashford material.
They would conduct preliminary compositional and genetic comparisons where feasible, along with other tests appropriate to the research.
The immediate goal was not to certify a commercial product.
It was to establish whether the present crop appeared consistent with the archived reference material and whether further evaluation was justified.
Dileia agreed.
But only after her attorney reviewed the sample transfer terms.
She did not surrender ownership of the farm.
She did not authorize unrestricted propagation.
And she did not grant any company broad commercial exclusivity.
The agreement identified the sample quantities, testing purposes, permitted transfers, confidentiality arrangements, and responsibilities for preserving the results.
Dr. Meier seemed pleased.
“Your father would have appreciated this.”
Dileia looked toward him.
“How do you know?”
He smiled.
“His letters were very specific.”
She laughed softly.
Then asked whether the company still intended to discuss an option payment.
The scientist nodded.
“Yes.”
He explained that Helvetic was prepared to consider a limited evaluation option supported by a meaningful initial payment, independent of any future decision to commercialize the material.
That payment would compensate Dileia for defined research access and the temporary commercial opportunity she was granting.
It would not represent the entire crop's value.
And it would not guarantee the success of a future product.
Dileia listened carefully.
Then asked the question that mattered most.
“How much?”
Dr. Meier exchanged a glance with the commercial advisor beside him.
The advisor opened a folder.
“We're prepared to propose two hundred and fifty thousand dollars for a limited evaluation and negotiation period, subject to the agreed conditions and verification.”
Dileia stared.
For several seconds, she couldn't speak.
Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars.
It wasn't twelve million.
It wouldn't make her rich.
But it could pay the eighty thousand dollars required to cure the mortgage default, fund urgent equipment repairs, and provide breathing room while the research continued.
She looked toward her attorney.
The older woman remained calm.
“We'll need to examine the conditions.”
Dileia nodded quickly.
“Yes.”
Then she looked back toward the scientist.
“I want one thing understood.”
He waited.
“My father's crop isn't for sale as an unrestricted monopoly.”
The commercial advisor became thoughtful.
Dr. Meier nodded.
“We've read his research correspondence.”
Dileia leaned forward.
“He wanted the material developed responsibly. He wanted farmers to benefit if it eventually proved useful.”
The scientist smiled.
“We're interested in discussing a structure that respects that objective.”
She nodded.