The creature that dragged itself into Slaiton's office barely resembled the cocky Secmaster that had briefed him weeks ago. Slaiton had gotten regular updates, as requested, but Whent and his team had stayed deeply entrenched in their lair to work the problem. None of the news had been good.

“Close the door,” Commissioner Slaiton said. He stalked to his desk and sat down heavily. “Now start again. And try to keep your voice down.”

Jet was in my office as soon as the CSO techs had left the building. Unbidden. That surprised me a little. Maybe he was learning.

“They're done, sir,” Jet said. “And they're not happy.”

“Hey, Jet,” I said, plopping down in the vacant chair in front of his desk. “We need to talk.”

“D-99 signing in.” The synthetic voice sounded a little more natural, more fluid today. Ace wondered if Dee was refining the program.

“Hey, Dee,” Ex said. His voice was forced casual. He didn't want to be the first to broach the subject.

“Hey, Dee,” Ace said. “That was a great run. You sure this is your first time?”

“Yes,” D-99 said. “Though I have observed many streamed recordings.”

“So, Jenter,” Slaiton said. “Care to explain?”

The weasley head of CSO Intelligence looked sideways at the left wall, the one plastered with Slaiton's accolades. “There was no hint, Commissioner,” he said. “No announcements. No public record. We're not sure why, but the elder Hellard wanted to keep this completely quiet. We're not even sure where he went. If he's still alive.”

Commissioner Slaiton slammed his hand down on the desk, sending pens rolling and interns fleeing. “Hellard is negotiating? Damn it. We do not have time for this.”

“How can I help you, gentlemen?” I said. I swung my chair around with my hands steepled. It had precisely zero impact on them, but it made me feel better. Besides, I've always wanted to do that. Unfortunately, my architect had talked me out of putting a trap door in the floor.

Bzzt.

Now? Seriously?

Bzzt. Bzzt.

Fine, great, whatever. I slammed my hand down on the receive button.

“Move your ass, Ex!” Z-76 shouted. “Keep hots up on the end zone!”

“Z-76 signing in.”

“It's about damn time, Zee! We're starting behind because of you,” shouted A-25.