Nisha nodded. “We understand and we agree.”

“I believe you, but what about bosses? Do they understand and agree?”

“Yes,” Jed said abruptly, interjecting for the first time and not sure why. “You have our word.”

Silence hung in the air a moment as they each contemplated the veracity of the promise, a promise that Jed wondered if he was even in a position to make. Movement in his peripheral vision caught Jed’s eye and he turned to find Eli standing in the open doorway to the hall.

“All the principals are assembled,” the veteran Shepherd said with an easy smile. “They’re ready for you.”

“That’s your cue, Dr. Zhao,” Nisha said, sliding her chair back from the table and rising. “Why don’t you go with my friend Eli, and we’ll join you in a moment.”

The Chinese scientist nodded, got up from the table, and did as instructed, pausing at the threshold for a curious backward glance before disappearing.

“What’s up?” Jed said, curious about the holdback.

“Why do you do that?” she said, narrowing her eyes at him.

“Do what?”

“Butt into conversations I’m managing, usually at inopportune times. I had it under control. I didn’t need you to step in with your command assurance. And it’s not the first time you’ve done it, either, Jed,” Nisha said.

He exhaled through his nose and mulled the question. Why do I do it?

“I guess because I didn’t want you to feel compelled to make a promise that might compromise your integrity. If somebody had to make a promise on behalf of the organization that might be broken, I’d rather it be me.”

Her expression softened and she did her lip-curl thing. “That’s very noble of you, Jed, but it’s not your job to manage my integrity. I’m a professional, just like you, and for that matter given my background, I’ve navigated many more dicey asset management situations than you have.”

“Yep . . . I reckon you have,” he said. “Sorry I stepped on your toes.”

“Apology accepted.”

“So are we good?”

“Yeah, we’re good,” she said with a chuckle. “C’mon, they’ll be waiting on us .”

Together, they left the break room and walked quickly to the executive conference room where the Shepherds’ senior leadership was assembled. Their CIA liaison, Gayle, had a place at the table as well. Jed and Nisha took seats in two open chairs and the debrief got quickly underway.

After getting the introductions and formalities out of the way, Ben didn’t pull any punches.

“Dr. Zhao, I’m just going to go straight for what we in this country call the meat and potatoes,” the Shepherd commander said. “Will you please tell us everything we need to know about this weapon and how we can stop it?”

“First let me apologize for poor English. I understand almost all, but not fluent in speaking,” Zhao said.