She learned later his name was Tiago Gonçalves—code name Recycler—and that he was from Rio de Janeiro. His power allowed him to assemble trash into a protective barrier.

Standing alongside Recycler was the Australian ace, Tinker. Tinker had come on board after the Committee was well established. And while his power was certainly handy (he could make any kind of gadget he wanted out of materials at hand) Michelle had discovered on more than one mission that he hated following orders. He didn’t understand doing what was best for the mission even if you didn’t like it.

There was one other person in the group. Michelle assumed he was Marcel Orie from the information in her brief. He was much taller than Michelle. His hair was salt-and-pepper-colored, and he wore round wire-rimmed glasses that gave him a professorial air. The expression on his face said he’d rather be anywhere but in the lobby of the Committee offices. According to the dossier on him, he could control lightning bolts, and his code name was Doktor Omweer. Michelle thought he would come in handy when she needed some bubbling fat.

Ana crossed the lobby and gave Michelle a hug.

“You do look like crap,” she said, but she was smiling. “I’m sorry Adesina had a rough night. Is there anything I can do?”

“No, but you’re sweet to ask,” Michelle replied in a low voice as she hugged Earth Witch back. “You giving the new additions the nickel tour? Doktor Omweer looks like a treat.”

Ana tried to stifle a laugh and ended up snorting instead. “I’m afraid none of us are worthy to hold his jacket. I’d offer to let you meet them, but I doubt he would deign to talk to you, you know, because you’re a model and all.”

Michelle shrugged. She didn’t have a great formal education, but she wasn’t stupid either. If Orie thought she was beneath him because of that, well, he was a snob. And all the education in the world didn’t mean jackshit out in the field.

She nodded toward Aero. At least there was one new ace she liked. “I already know Cesar. He had dinner at my place last night.”

“He asked me what the kiddo would like,” Ink interjected. “Did he get her something?”

Michelle nodded. “Nice Ocelot 9 toy,” she said with a slight smile. She looked at Juliet still smiling. “Ink was a good auntie telling him what to get. Adesina was thrilled.”

“You should meet Tiago,” Ana said. “He’s a great kid.”