Michael Williamson - When Diplomacy Fails…

“I’m glad she underestimates us.”

Aramis said, “I know the military does. We’re deemed second raters. Hell, I used to think so, until that first mission. I suppose civilians have even less grasp of what we do.”

“She’s been around the track, though. She should know better.”

Shaman said, “BuState security are very much expected to take fire, and to not hurt bystanders. It’s not hard to do that among a largely disarmed population that isn’t minded to cause major violence. We come in when there is major violence in the paradigm. Then, she’s been shuffled out here for a reason.”

“So, is this possibly a deliberate assassination attempt?”

“Setup, perhaps. It could be a combination of things. Comply with letter of the law regarding security. Arrange to embarrass each of us-Ripple Creek and Highland, and take out either one if opportunity presents.”

Alex felt a chill.

“Yes, that does fit. Not only does everyone in the equation hate her, they also hate us.”

Bart said, “And now we know.”

“Indeed. Well, our tasking is to keep her alive. I am not bothered at the concept of pissing her off to do so. Whether she gets elected or not is not our concern. I would enjoy aggravating whoever comes after her. And if we confirm who’s after us, we do as we need to.”

Elke smiled that warm, creepy smile and said, “I love you at times like this.”

“Yes, well, let’s see what message she sends, if we can.”

The next morning, it was necessary to sit in conference with Ms. Highland, Mr. Gillette and Captain Das to discuss threats. Das came up to see Alex first.

“Are you ready, Agent Marlow?”

“I am,” he agreed. “I’m eager to swap intel.”

“Same here, though it often seems we provide them more than they do us.”

Alex took that as a suggestion that Das wanted more from him, too.

“It can seem that way, though circumstances do change.”

“Certainly. Some agencies like to receive more than they give, especially at budget time.”

Yes, that was a hint that Das didn’t trust Gillette either.

Das continued, “Though of course, the military’s relationship with BuState is quite solid.”

But not Ripple Creek’s. Yes, they were always an outsider, to everyone. Alex knew that.

“We’ll make it work,” he said.

When they entered Highland’s office, she fairly cooed.

“Captain Das, so good to see you.”

Was she trying to score with him? Enjoying the view? Genuinely pleased? Or trying to frazzle Alex? Who knew? It might be relevant later, so he filed it.

Gillette said, “Captain Das, Agent Marlow, how are you this morning?”

Ah, pleasantries. They didn’t really want to know, so Alex said, “Good enough,” and left it at that.

JessieM was an accomplished press flak, but her duties apparently included coffee. He accepted a cup, though he wasn’t likely to drink it. He was also quite wary of her presence. She was not cleared, that he knew of, but was a personally hired shill, and he knew she couldn’t be trusted with any modicum of privacy.

As they sat, he looked at Gillette, who gave the barest nod of acknowledgment. So, no one trusted Highland, but he couldn’t officially say anything about his boss.

Highland sat down and said, “I wanted to say I do understand the necessities of flying yesterday, and bear no hard feelings.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” he said simply. If she wanted to accept an apology he hadn’t made and wasn’t going to, fine. As long as the bank transfer cleared.

Das said, “While the situation was unfortunate, we hoped it would offer an opportunity to identify either individuals of interest, or refine our understanding of groups.”

“And what did you find?” Gillette asked.

“Not much that is conclusive, but we are building a database. Eventually it will yield results.”

Unspoken was whether or not he’d share those results with BuState, contractors, or even his own people. Sometimes, intel served best by not being released.

Gillette asked, “There’s nothing you can share at this point?”

Das spread his hands and said, “We have identified two groups friendly to Ms Highland who may have, through an excess of enthusiasm, presented so as to alarm others.

Highland said, “Ah, the Mtali Women’s Conference and the Justice League.”

“You’re familiar with them?” Alex asked.

“Of course!” she said, cheerfully. “Such enthusiasm. They’re creating a future for us.”

Gillette’s expression indicated he didn’t appreciate being blindsided by his own superior. Alex made a note to see if Elke had any other conversations of interest.

“Well, that’s good to know,” he said. Can you suggest they limit their enthusiasm out of respect for you, to help things move more swiftly? You can arrange a personal meeting with them later.” He intended such a meeting never take place, and he’d juggle schedule and create threats as needed to ensure that.

“I can try,” she said, shrugging slightly. “But these are a simple people.”

What a condescending bitch. Worse, she seemed to delight in “simple people” as her support. She must assume most people were “simple.” Beyond that, many of them seemed proud of the fact.

He brought his attention back to security. There were still items of note.

Gillette said, “I do note there are ongoing discussions between you and Mr. Blanding. My concern is that his communications may not be secure.”

“That’s ridiculous!” she snapped. “He’s been a confidant and trusted friend for decades. You may remember he formerly had your job, among others.”

“I am not questioning his loyalty, ma’am,” Gillette said with a tone that Alex interpreted to mean he certainly was. “But his phone and feeds are no longer subject to shielding through our system. They could be hacked from outside.”

“He’s very knowledgeable. He’d never let that happen.”

“Knowingly, no, but some of the modern techniques are very discreet. I stress constantly over your own quarters here, in case someone is pulling conversations and other data.”

“You assured me they aren’t.”

“That I’m aware of, they aren’t. That doesn’t mean they can’t.”

Thanks for that confirmation, Alex thought.

“I need his counsel. This is a critical time, and will continue to be so for the rest of the election cycle.”

“Of course. I only suggest you be careful what issues you phrase.”

Well, this had easily turned to protecting her campaign rather than herself. Still, if she paid attention, it would help.

Das apparently took a cue to keep her busy and not argumentative.

“Ripple Creek furnished us with their video and EM records. We are searching it for evidence. So far, there were at least three encrypted networks operating in that area. One was for your supporters. Regretfully, some of them were well intentioned, but seem unclear of where the line should be drawn. They actively agitated for action against your opponents.”

“While regrettable, that’s entirely understandable, given the cruel and false accusations leveled at me, along with threats and actual violence.”

Really, was she unable to not make a campaign speech? No one here cared, all knew the score, and this was about a real issue. She seemed to think talking could fix anything.

Das ignored it and continued, “Well, we’re still trying to crack the other two networks. The encryption was good. Very good. Good enough military experts are fighting with it. This suggests your opposition has serious resources.”

She came out of politician long enough to be bitch. “It’s taken you this long to figure that out?”