“Then let's start there.”
The negotiations lasted most of the day.
Dileia discovered that a promising business offer could be as complicated as a difficult agricultural season.
Every term mattered.
Who could use the samples?
For how long?
What happened to material derived from them?
Who owned new research results?
Could the company transfer samples to other laboratories?
What happened if testing failed?
Could Dileia work with other researchers after the defined evaluation period?
And what protections would apply if the material eventually supported a commercial product?
Her attorney was relentless.
She questioned broad definitions.
Rejected vague permissions.
And insisted on clarity regarding the initial payment.
Dileia watched with growing respect.
For the first time, she understood why Walter had spent so many evenings reading contracts.
A single paragraph could determine whether a farmer retained control of years of work.
The Swiss company negotiated firmly.
It had legitimate commercial interests.
It was willing to invest money and technical resources, but it wanted protection against competitors gaining access to the same opportunity during its evaluation.
Eventually, both sides reached a preliminary agreement.
Helvetic would receive a limited, time-bound option for further negotiations and controlled research access.
The initial payment would become due once the specified preliminary conditions were satisfied.
The agreement would not transfer ownership of the farm, confer general control over the planting stock, or grant unrestricted commercial rights.
A separate, much larger commercial arrangement could be negotiated later if the research justified it.
Dileia looked toward the paperwork.
Then toward the scientist.
“You understand that my main concern isn't getting the biggest number on the first page?”
He smiled.
“I believe so.”
She took a breath.
“I want something that lasts.”
Dr. Meier nodded.
“So do we.”
The following morning, the scientific team arrived at the farm.
Two specialists accompanied Dr. Meier.
They wore ordinary field clothing, carried labeled sampling containers, and worked from a written plan approved by the parties.
Dileia met them at the gate.
She showed them the relevant field maps.
Explained the harvesting equipment.
And guided them toward several established plots.
One scientist examined the gray-green stalks.
Another photographed root structure and soil conditions.
Dr. Meier studied Walter's old field markers.
Many had faded.
Some were barely visible.
But each corresponded with entries in the cultivation records.
He crouched beside one.
Then looked toward Dileia.
“Your father maintained these plots for years?”
She nodded.
“Some were older than I am.”
He smiled.
“Remarkable commitment.”
Dileia looked toward the fields.
“He called it patience.”
She paused.
“I called it stubbornness.”
The scientist laughed.
“Both are often required.”
They collected the agreed samples.