When Diplomacy Fails…

CHAPTER 13

Alex was glad to have Aramis back in one piece. That was his primary concern. Officially, not losing the principal was primary. In actuality, he cared more for his people than the job. Stopping bullets was their mission, but that was just it-the principal was a job. Aramis was a friend and valued subordinate.

So, whether Aramis was mentally fit for duty or not, he was alive, safe, healed. That was first.

Das was with them in their own conference room in the BuState compound. Aramis had been debriefed several times in various levels of consciousness. This was to confirm the intel and have him sign off on it, and decide if he would remain on mission.

“Before we call him in, I need to know if he’ll be fit for the trip next week.” It was a long trip, too, visiting two other cities and several smaller towns. The argument for her visit as minister was incredibly tenuous. It was obviously an election junket.

Shaman said, “Yes. He will be fit, if a bit weak, and he’s eager to resume operating.”

“Good, then. I’ll still keep Lionel on call as backup for anyone who might go down.”

Jason said, “That’s a reasonable precaution. We can also cycle Aramis back with Cady’s group as he spools back up, as an interim.”

“Yes, we discussed that. It’s possible.” He turned and asked, “Captain Das, are you ready?”

Das said, “Quite, and relaxed. Please don’t let me hinder you, and I appreciate your hospitality and cooperation.” He still had that faint smile. It was nice to deal with a professional.

“Well, we appreciate thirty kilos of Composition G. But you can bet Elke will want more.”

He grinned for just a moment. “I’ll allow it, if we can find it.”

Jason said, “Here he is.”

Shaman escorted Aramis in. His limp was mostly gone, and he seemed to be fatigued and battered at this point. That was a significant improvement over the sack of meat he’d resembled a few days before.

Alex offered, “Morning.”

“Yes it is,” he said, in mock disgust over the cheerfulness he couldn’t hide. “I should have been drinking to feel like this.”

“Well, you can do that in a few days, too. I’ll allow one evening of relaxation, if Shaman agrees, regardless of Army rules.”

“Thanks.”

He indicated the tablet and hard copy notes on the table. “Here’s the audio debriefs you had, though you’re not coherent in some. You’ll need to go through them again and see if you can decipher your mumbles. We don’t expect additional data, but have to check.”

“I’ll check. I don’t remember those at all, so it’s going to be a formality.”

“That’s what we expect. Then you’ll need to review the written notes and sign off. This here is just a release form,” he passed it over, “so Captain Das can officially use your intel. I took the liberty of extending him courtesy on that.”

“By all means,” Aramis said. He glanced over the page easily enough, printed the thumb block and signed over it in pen.

Das said, “Thanks. Before anything else, I’m very glad you’re alive and recovering. And I do appreciate the intel. Everything we can get is not enough. You know this and I’ll spare you the breakdown, but do know I’m grateful.”

“No problem, sir. Thanks for cutting the resources loose to recover me.”

Das nodded and moved on. “So, we’re still trying to narrow down who might have targeted you as a means of targeting her. They asked about one specific schedule. Anything else you remember at all?”

“No,” Aramis said and shook his head firmly. “They asked lots of questions, but I only remember that they wanted Highland’s itinerary, accused me of lying for not knowing, disputed that it would be changed if there was a problem. Then they made personal comments about my resistance.”

Alex pondered, “So the question remains, were they stupid enough to think the schedule couldn’t change, or connected enough to believe she wouldn’t let that affect her?”

Jason said, “The question may remain a while longer. However, I’m tending toward the latter. They had good intel and surveillance practice to get Aramis, their interrogation was brutal but effective at its purpose of causing extreme pain with minimal critical damage-not even fractures. They understood the potential for embolism, aneurysm, internal hemorrhage and other complications, and avoided them.”

Alex said, “Except they died quickly. They might know intel, but they don’t know combat.”

Jason said, “The ones interrogating didn’t know combat. They may not have been the only ones.”

“We also know they’re local, from genotype and environmental cues.”

Aramis started and flared his eyebrows.

“Shit.”

“What?”

“The ones who interrogated me were speaking English. North American. Neutral accent.”

Captain Das said, “You know, I could have used that information the day you were brought in here.”

Jason looked at the man and said, “Yeah, well he was a bit distracted at the time. One tends to notice the unusual. I suspect being beaten with boat oars was more unusual than hearing someone talk.”

“Sorry.” Das had the grace to look sheepish.

Alex said, “Significant. So the brains had vacated the scene when we arrived and left flunkies to die in their place.”

Das said, “This would tend to indicate we are dealing with seasoned professionals. The MO does not fit the Amala or Shia. It might fit the Coalition or the Sufis, though I can’t find any motives for them. It also suggests it might be an Earth-based faction.”

“Not necessarily,” Jason said. “Grainneans have several accents, and lots of us sound North American because we were. They could also be hirelings, including possibly suborned military. No offense, sir.”

Das shook his head. “None taken. I have to consider that, too.”

“Could the Isolationist groups have hired outside contractors?”

Das said, “Shia most definitely would not, ever, do that. It would be beneath them. Amala might, but probably can’t afford to.”

“Are we missing any potentially hostile groups?”

Aramis said, “Random pissed off rich dude? I know you said we were told it was unlikely, but it is possible. Caron… Miss Prescot, might have ideas on who’d be willing to throw money away for that.”

“I would expect not random, and well-concealed, but it’s worth asking the question.”

Jason said, “I’ll send that inquiry ASAP.”

Das said, “I appreciate your cooperation. This would be so much easier if we had control of the mission.”

“Yeah, and the reverse is true, of course. Any interaction leads to delays and inconsistencies. I’m also still wondering why BuState wanted us when they have a good security force, and easy access to the military.”

“They didn’t tell you?” Das asked.

“Uh, no?” Alex replied. Was this something known?

“She’s campaigning. BuState can’t use their resources for private escort, just as we can’t.”

“I knew a bit of that, but they still have some personnel, and they’re paying for it.”

“They are? Because officially it should be her campaign’s money.”

“I doubt they can afford us. I will confirm, but I understood they were paying.”

“Well, that’s a potential discrepancy you may wish to investigate.”

“Yes. Very. Thanks.” That would fit a lot of things in, but it also compounded the potential number of threats. Did anyone like this woman?

“Useful. We need to talk more, Captain,” he said.

“Obviously, I welcome that.”

Alex said, “Good. So, with that covered, we have a unit issue to discuss.” That was a hint for Das.

Das said, “I’ll step out for a moment. I’ll come back for the documents shortly. I must secure them before you leave the premises. Official copies will be forthcoming.” He rose and walked out the door.

Aramis looked at Alex, and then the others.

“What’s up?” he asked.

Alex said, “First, how do you feel about returning to duty? Are you ready now, or do you need more time?” That left it open for “more time” to be “past the mission” and then indefinite.

Aramis sat a little straighter and said, “Personally, I’m ready now. I’ll accept your assessment on whether you think I’m ready. But I feel prepared. If need be, I’d be okay swapping out with one of Cady’s people for a few days.”

Alex grinned. “I’d considered that, too. Well, then, Shaman?”

Shaman said, “I’ll want to keep checking him, but he seems sound on the whole. Endurance could be an issue, and that limp might slow him slightly, and, of course, we have had actual engagements.”

“So yes or no?”

“Yes. With the proviso I may need to pull him back if he shows signs of fatigue or injury.”

“Of course,” Aramis said. “But yes, I’m ready and eager to serve.”

“Jason?”

Jason extended a hand to Aramis and said, “Glad to have you back.”

Aramis smiled, so Alex did.

“Good, then let’s clear stuff up for Captain Das and get back to it.”

When they got back to their quarters, Elke was waiting, standing.

“Aramis, welcome back, my friend,” she said with a grin and a brief hug, standing a foot away. For her, that was close.

Alex caught her eye and said, “You look alert, what’s going on?”

“Our principal has friends.”

That was interesting. “What is special about these specific friends?”

“She talks to them. A lot. Too much, in my opinion.”

“Movements and meetings?”

“Yes.”

“So, we should suspect this is a potential leak.”

Jason said, “It breaks down into analyzing which information goes to whom, and cross-referencing to any incidents. Then to attempting to divert schedules further than we do to hinder attacks.”

Alex said, “Sure, but since we suspect elements in the military, local forces, local groups and BuState are toxic, who do we tell? I trust Das, but he has to forward intel to people we don’t trust.”

“Well, what do you have exactly, Elke?”

Elke took out her secure phone and played a recording.

Highland’s voice said, “… Yes, Wally, I’ll be speaking at the Mayor’s Forum, then trying to catch lunch with Mr. Huble. If you want to catch up here, fifteen hundred should be good. I’ll tell them to admit you.”

“Wally?”

Elke said, “Walton Blanding, former state senator for Maryland, North America, then lobbyist for Breeze Power, then advisor to the current SecGen’s Energy Minister.”

“What’s his connection to Highland?”

“He was state senator when she was on the Governor’s Council on Trade.”

Aramis said, “So this guy’s from the windfarm lobby, and she’s an orbital power proponent?”

Alex said, “Okay, Mr. Blanding just earned an investigation. I’ll also caution Highland about releasing information like that. I’m sure she’ll take it in the spirit in which it’s intended.”

Jason said, “In the meantime, just in case, I’ll plan to vary our routes more. That means not using the military assets we tried so hard to get.”

Bart said, “We will still use them, but only as decoys. A task they are well-suited for.”

Alex nodded, “We can improve safety en route any number of ways, but we’ll be fixed in place at the events.”

Jason said, “Also, just because, or even if, rather, he turns out to be the leak, doesn’t mean he’s a conspirator. He may be a patsy talking to someone else, or they may have him bugged.”

“Yes, but he’s certainly a likely source.”

“She’ll never believe you.”

“Of course not, but I’m required to try.”

“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.

“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 to relay details.”

He nodded politely, letting it be an abbreviated bow by way of diplomacy, then turned and left the room himself.

Behind him, Highland kept talking, to the air. That was just a little bit creepy.

She tried to follow him, but he’d latched the security bar and it beeped and tingled as she approached. She apparently then turned her attention on Bart. He deserved some kind of bonus for that. It took five minutes before she ran out of steam and left.