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.
“I wanted to catch you before you got too far on tomorrow’s preparations,” she said.
“Yes, ma’am?”
“We’re meeting with several contingents, and we’ve agreed to show respect to the host nation.”
“Of course. What do you need from us?”
“For this, women need to wear traditional garb.”
Elke asked, “What do you mean by ‘traditional’?”
“A basic hijab or long skirt with long tunic, and head scarf.”
Elke raised her eyebrows slightly and said, “I’m sorry, I will not be able to.”
Highland seemed flabbergasted that anyone would refuse her orders. “But you must! They’ll be insulted if they see a woman in Earth Western dress.”
“I am unable to perform my functions in such clothing. If you wish, I will style my hair back and present as male. If a swap can be arranged with Cady’s demolition technician, Adam Helas, I am agreeable if Alex is.”
“I am not,” Alex said. “I have a team that works and no need nor desire to break it.”
“This isn’t subject to debate,” Highland said haughtily. “It’s a polite order.”
Well, this was getting tense.
“Unfortunately, ma’am, our contract and policy states that I decide operations and have override if I feel our capabilities are hindered. That mode of dress will hinder Agent Sykora. That hinders the team, and our ability to protect you. Additionally, while you may identify the level of dress, you may not dictate specific outfits. You are describing an informal public event. Sykora’s garb will meet that standard, as will all of ours.”
The woman flushed deeper and deeper purple in rage as he spoke. Her voice was only snappish, but it seemed to rise as she replied.
“Listen, you, I am the minister. I am the candidate. This mission is about me. You’re paid well and we all know what for. So don’t give me that letter of contract bullshit.” She paused and heaved for a breath.
Alex said, “Elke, can you do the weekly inventory on our batteries and cells, please?” He pointed at the storeroom while doing so.
“Of course,” she said, and walked that way. There was no such inventory. He just figured she’d appreciate the escape. Jason was in the armory already. Aramis wandered off, looking ill. It was probably an act, but Shaman went with him. Bart waited silently at the door.
Highland continued, “You can expect I’ll have a call out at once. The response will be after this event, but you can expect it will support me. What you think as a contractor means little enough, and it’s about time you egotistical strokeoffs got that through your skulls.”
“I will await that reply, ma’am. In the meantime, I will need to review routes. You have my codes if you need
