Michael Williamson - When Diplomacy Fails…

“There’s more,” Jason said.

“Yes?”

“I’ve done some research.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. More that their rep didn’t offer, though he might not have had a reference, given what you asked of him, or he may not have thought it relevant.”

“Tell me.”

“She has two vocal opposition groups, and they do have records of violence, but most of it is petty and direct, not sophisticated and indirect. About ten years back, Power to the People tried to plant a bomb and got caught. You know them-exploit every resource and damn the environment. Then, Friends of the Environment has managed to hack her personal files twice.”

Alex said, “Amateurs then. Professional intel gathering isn’t that direct. And obviously we’re being observed, given what’s occurred.”

“Yes. Aramis and Elke were softer targets than the whole team. Also, it may have been intended as much as a psychological attack on us as an intel effort.”

He nodded. “Yes, if they can sow fear, they can exploit it.”

“We know what they can do. I really wish the hostiles had survived.”

“I know, Jason. But I don’t trust nonlethal force, they did present first, there wasn’t much time, and realistically, neither MilBu nor BuState was going to let us even question them. They’d have a moral win since they’d be jailed at best, walk most likely.”

“Yes, we sent a message and counted score. I support you completely. I’m just idly looking for better outcomes for next time.”

“You expect a next time?”

“Don’t you?”

“I definitely do.”

“Okay, we need to know who they have here, and try to follow assets, though we’re not placed for that. Do we risk asking Das?”

“I can take over the intel we have and ask.”

“Do it. We don’t need to keep it close.”

Jason said, “Just so we’re clear, we’re concerned about protecting her for the duration of the contract, not proactively being belligerents against anyone.”

“Right. If they bag her the day after we’re gone, that’s BuState’s problem. If we can scare them off meantime, that’s fine. Better, in fact, since any actual shootings will be used to build her up and attack us. If the word leaks we know who it is, the job gets done easier.”

“I see two problems,” Elke said.

“Yes?”

“First, we must be very sure we leak the right name, or we risk making things worse.”

“Yes. Second?”

“ ‘Easier’ means I don’t get to blow anyone into goo.” She frowned slightly.

“It’s a sacrifice you may have to make.”

“You are aware of my standard protest on this matter.”

“I am. Noted.”

He wasn’t sure if she actually liked killing people, or just liked explosions. She didn’t seem to have any qualms about either. She did limit collateral damage, though. Usually.

She added, “While it would be good to know who is behind each MO, all we really need to know is what the MOs are. We defend against those. We are only six, and not investigators.”

“Correct, but as we’ve found out previously, it’s useful to know who the threats are. Mr. Prescot was the only principal the company has lost, and we lost four friends with him.”

Aramis said, “So, much as I hate to know, what is the agenda for tomorrow?”

Alex figured that related to his captivity. He really didn’t want more info than he critically needed. That was reasonable, but not necessarily compatible with their mission.

“Third round of the environmental summit.”

“Am I the only one who sees a dichotomy in traveling several light years to discuss energy expenditures?”

Elke said, “They are saving Earth’s environment. The sacrifices here are just necessary.”

“Back on subject, please,” Alex said. Yes, their principal was a politician and acted like one. That was only peripheral.

Elke said, “Sorry. Go ahead.”

“Okay, this is in Shia territory, but it’s on the edge of Amala territory. There’s no fighting there currently, because there are lots of troops and cops on patrol. There’s a protest planned, and a zone blocked off for it, and a counterprotest zone.”

“Two groups?”

“No, about six groups, which is what scares me. The government, meaning BuState, has decided to have pro- and anti- camps.”

“Can Highland change that?”

“I suppose I need to ask.”

Elke said, “Better you than me.”

“Thanks.” Still, it was his job.

Alex called Jessie first.

“I have a question about venue and transport. I’d like to cover it in person with Ms. Highland, to maintain privacy.”

After a moment’s mute, Jessie said, “Ms Highland can see you.”

“Thanks. I’ll be right down.”

One of Cady’s women had the door, and after saying, “Hello, sir,” confirmed with Cady, and with Highland, before admitting him. He was glad that his own people didn’t take anything on face or assumption.

Highland had a professional mask of cheer on. Or was it a mask? She had no trouble telling him off generally.

“What do we need to discuss, Agent Marlow?”

“Thanks for seeing me on short notice, ma’am,” he said. “I have a concern about the venue, in that it’s near a faction boundary. Also, there’s a protest area, and a counter protest area, but the multiple factions don’t fall into simple for and against you positions. Is there a way to diffuse the protests with other areas? Spread them out farther?”

She said, “That has to do with budget and scheduling. They coordinate with our contract security here.”

“Meaning Rosen Event Services.”

“Yes.”

“Can you issue instructions to them?”

She looked mildly irritated. “Only through Earth.”

“I’d recommend it.”

“I did,” she said, looking embarrassed. “BuState have a guidebook with policies. There’s an office for Mtali Cultural Affairs. They have to approve it.”

“Do you think they will?”

“Probably eventually.”

“Is this just normal process? Or do you think there’s hostile intent from someone along the chain?” This was a delicate, but necessary discussion.

She seemed to take it seriously. She paused a moment, and replied, “Certainly the former is a matter of consideration. The latter may be, too. Any agency has factions within, and then there are party affiliations, too.”

He said, “Then we’ll do what we can. Hopefully there won’t be any issues. But I’m not comfortable with pigeonholing groups badly, then consolidating them. I’ll suggest to Rosen that they should watch for internal violence. The press would love to attach that to you.”

He didn’t want to go very far in that direction. It wasn’t their concern, and he wasn’t supposed to help with her career, nor did he want to.

“I appreciate that,” she said.

He could tell she didn’t mean it.

“We would rather not have an incident, or see any incidents. And of course, they present a PR… complication.”

“Jessie will handle that,” she said with an encouraging smile. “I’m glad you’ve decided to avoid any incidents.” As if it was their doing.

“We’ll keep an eye out for brewing problems, and change profile as needed to minimize it,” he said.

“That will be fine.”

“Very well. I’ll take care of our end. Do please call if you hear of anything affecting it.”

“Thank you.” She turned back to her screens.

Yeah, that was a dismissal.

Twenty minutes later, though, Highland came through. “Let me in,” she demanded through the door screen.

She was within their contract to demand, but it would have been nice to phrase it as a request. Alex nodded and Bart buzzed her in.