“We sent one platoon in,” Nabiyev said with a heavy sigh. “Most of them didn’t come back. And the few that did, well, you can see them in the infirmary. The injured civilians coming out are in the Red Crescent compound. And on top of everything else, we have every major media outlet camped just outside our position.”

Klaus frowned. “Before we head out, we should get a better idea of what we’re dealing with,” he said. “Michelle and Ana, you go check on the civilians who’ve come out of the city and see if the doctors have any idea what’s happening to them.

“Aero, you and Angel go talk to the soldiers who were in the zone. Maybe they’ll have some insight into what’s going on.”

He motioned to the rest of the aces. “Doktor, Tinker, Recycler, get as close to the perimeter of the fog as you can. Get some more recent pictures and video.”

There was a gleam in Klaus’s eye. Michelle knew that expression. He got that look whenever he was about to jump into the fray.

Representative Temir Bondarenko of Kazakhstan was a thin, tall man, who looked as if he might break in half if he fell down. That impression was enhanced by the drawn and sallow face; Bondarenko looked as if he hadn’t slept in days. Barbara figured that might actually be a correct assessment. Evidently, Ink felt the same way as she ushered the man into the meeting room where Barbara and Jayewardene were waiting. “Coffee?” she asked. The tattoos on her right arm swirled: a pot pouring dark liquid into a mug.

“Ah! Yes, please,” Bondarenko answered. “I would … like.” Barbara rose from her chair, as did Jayewardene. The man’s handshake was firm but not overmuch so, and he sank quickly into the seat that Barbara offered him. His accent was strong, and it was obvious that his English was limited.

“Would you be more comfortable speaking in your own language?” Barbara asked. “I can make it so we can all understand each other.”

Bondarenko nodded, and Babel closed her eyes momentarily, letting her wild card ability fill the room, encompassing all three of them. “I know your ability, Ms. Baden. Secretary-General Jayewardene has told me of it. Thank you.” He clasped his hands together on the table. “This situation is awful,” he said. “Nothing less. I appreciate having the opportunity to meet with you, and to hear that Lohengrin and other aces are already on their way to help. I wish you to know that my country is grateful.” He paused as Ink entered with a tray holding a pot of coffee and three mugs. She set it down near Bondarenko, shaking her head covertly to Barbara: nothing new from Lohengrin. “And I am personally grateful as well,” Bondarenko finished.