Stack said, “Agent Marlow, you had a rather interesting day. In fact, it became interesting for a lot of people.”
That was a fair enough opening. He had not been asked to sit, though.
“It did, sir. The tactical situation differs from our original terms, and our client is making additional trips we had not counted on.”
Andronov said, “I am not interested in justifications. I am interested in unauthorized weapons fire right outside the perimeter, and firefights with locals who are not armed.”
Alex took a measured breath and said, “As to the latter, sir, they made every attempt to appear armed, and that they were using deadly force. What appeared to be explosives required an armed response. Had it been a rushing crowd or such, we would have blocked physically and removed Ms. Highland, and we did that as well. My agent’s response was appropriate at that moment, even if it seems otherwise in hindsight. I do not yet know BuState’s position, but it is my company’s position that he was fully in accordance with contract. That means everyone’s legal teams will have to decide the ramifications, and it becomes a matter for our employer, which is BuState. The military will not legally be involved.”
Andronov spoke sharply. “I don’t give a damn for legalities. I care that the locals now perceive violence on the behalf of the UN. My soldiers will have to deal with that. Or is that not of concern to you?”
Alex could feel the prickliness. “Sir, anything that interacts with hosts, allies or opposition is of concern to me. I will say again that the circumstances were rushed, threatening in presentation, and that our original contract has been stretched. However, abiding by the strict letter of that agreement will create”-”enemies would be a bad word, he thought, “-problems with BuState. I couldn’t address it then. I’ll do so as soon as feasible.”
Andronov seemed about to reply so he added quickly, “As to the former, it is standard practice to test weapons before a mission or movement. It also used to be a standard practice in the military. I will not put my client at risk over a difference in policies. To that end, I informed your operations team that we would conduct that test, and that we would do so immediately upon leaving the wire.”
“Is that true, Das?”
“I’m told it is, sir. They made the call, and informed Lieutenant Ghar.”
“Ghar did not propagate this information to you?”
“Neither to Security Operations nor to Intel, no, sir.”
Andronov looked at Stack. Stack didn’t say anything.
Turning back to Alex, Andronov said, “There will be some discussions, then. I will accept, under protest, that your rules are different. I will discuss this with our people, and with BuState. I make the official request of a favor that you provide me with as much information as you can.”
“I’ll do so through Captain Das. And of course, anything we observe that might be of intelligence interest will be shared, including relevant footage.” After Elke scrubs what they don’t need to see.
Andronov didn’t seem at all mollified, but it did appear he grasped the problems of a completely distinct chain of command he had no control over whatsoever.
“Very well. You may go.”
Alex wasn’t about to be dismissed like an errand boy. There was an issue of status, and that had to be covered at once.
“There is one matter you raise, sir.”
Andronov leaned on the desk and said, “Yes?”
“While information on certain of our movements are necessary for cooperation, and I will do my best to improve that, we are an adjunct of BuState, operating at the highest level-the Minister is our personal responsibility. I must request that you not attempt to track anything without clearing it through me. State will not be happy with certain information, some of it personal, being furnished even to BuMil, and if it spreads sufficiently, of course, there is an OPSEC risk.”
“Agent Marlow, as you have explained to some of my people, and to myself, I will explain to you. I will conduct my operations my way. If I need to discuss them with BuState, I have my own superiors and my own lawyers. It would be in both our interests to avoid that.”
“Understood, sir. I’ll do what I can. I’ll start on it now.”
He took the previous leave for granted, turned and left.
When he put his glasses back on, he had a message waiting. He scanned it.
Highland wants to see you ASAfP. J.
That was choice. He made use of the latrine in this building, washed his hands, opened his armor, and walked the half kilometer to the Dip compound.
Cady’s people were on the gate, and recognized him.
“Chief Marlow, good to see you,” the sentry said. “Check here, please.”
He stepped over for a bio scan, waited for acknowledgement, and walked through the turnstile.
Their building was comfortable, if warm, and he felt a bit of burden release with his own people around him. Though they were a bit tense. He needed to deal with Highland first, then debrief them. He walked past with a nod, through the hallway door and down the corridor that served as one of several breaks against eavesdropping.
He knew this wasn’t going to be pleasant. He braced himself inside while keeping a neutrally agreeable facade outside.
“You called, ma’am,” he said as he stepped into the room. Highland was alone.
“I perfectly understand why people hate your outfit,” she said.
That wasn’t necessarily a preface to attack, he thought. Comprehension did not necessarily…
“What in the fucking hell are you… thugs… playing at?” She panted and flushed and looked incensed already, from merely irritated moments before.
He’d heard of her famous temper, and he wasn’t going to interfere. Best to let her run out.
She stood, fists on desk. “You shot unarmed protesters, which makes me look bad. You pissed off the military, on purpose I gather. You unleashed weapons of mass destruction you knew were intended for deterrent appearance only.”
He reflected that she really didn’t know what “weapons of mass destruction” meant, and he’d be careful not to let Elke know, because she’d be too happy to demonstrate.
“Ma’am, our mission is to protect you. We have specific approaches and technique, and these were detailed in our contract addenda.”
“Fuck that trash!” She turned and straight-arm heaved her glass at the wall. It shattered in a cascading rain of wine and crystal. “We all know that’s just ass-covering. I’m not some rich-bitch schoolgirl or a third world babysitter. I am the Minister of State, and the next Secretary General! Your job is to look imposing, stay out of the way, and cover me in the rare case it happens to be necessary. You will not engage in any hostile action without specific permission from me. Is that clear?”
He wasn’t going to argue the point. That’s what lawyers were for.
“I understand, ma’am, and will so inform my people you said so personally.” If she weren’t so incensed, she’d realize he had not agreed to the demand, only acknowledged the statement.
“You had better,” she said with a finger point. “In one day, one day, you’ve splashed me across every feed, page, stream and vue in the universe, as some kind of right-wing, uncompassionate kitten stomper.”
If the shoe fits, he thought.
She seemed to have run down, and just glared at him.
“I’ll work on improving things right now, ma’am,” he said, and backed out under her stare.
That could have been better. It also could have been worse. He cooled off as he walked down the hall, and took the stairs rather than an elevator.
Back in their common room, he asked, “Where’s Elke?”
From the couch, Jason said, “She said something about making friends with the engineer unit.”
He started to ask, “Does that mean-” and Jason cut him off with, “Yes.”
He sighed.
“Okay, I’ll need to talk to her about that. In the meantime, everyone understand that we must hold the real weapons in reserve. We’ll get fried if someone else gets it.”