WAIs couldn’t possess currency, but machine rights people had argued that they should in preparation for the first sentient artificial intelligence. Some human being had funded the design and build for the Machinehood operatives, but if the caliph was behind it, what was his motive? And how had they hidden the money trail? Welga recalled the altered two minutes and twenty-two seconds of the refinery attack. If the Machinehood had access to data storage and communication networks, it would explain how they’d covered all their digital footprints in spite of thousands of gigsters—and governments—searching for them.

“The popular theory that a SAI is behind all this works in favor of our field agents to investigate without too much suspicion.” The screen behind the director showed a battered kitchen lying by the side of a road. “The cost, however, is increased violence and suspicion against existing bots and WAIs. Many civilians believe the Machinehood will hack the devices in their homes and turn them evil. We don’t believe they’re capable of this, but their next move remains unknown and significant, given that their one-week timer expires today. Wireless communications are particularly vulnerable.”

Damn right they are.

“All fieldwork therefore includes two primary constraints: one, you will conduct interrogations in person, at a secure facility, and always accompanied by a second agent. Two, you will not be allowed the assistance of any analytical or tactical bots. Any questions?”

The whole room tried to speak at once. Welga held her broken arms and wished the goddamn pain drugs would kick in. After years of working as a shield, the restriction against bots in the field didn’t bother her. Shields never used them—it didn’t look good. The interrogation constraint didn’t surprise her either, not in a matter this sensitive. All the counterintelligence work in the Maghreb followed the same protocol, though they had tents as their secure facilities while overseas.

Olafson murmured, “You have an alcove assigned within the building. Go review the full intel report.”

“If I’m going to the Maghreb, I’d like to stay.”

“I don’t know anything for sure, but Rice isn’t stupid. She’s going to make sure your talents and experience are put to good use. I’ll join you as soon as I’ve checked in with her.”

Welga grunted and exited the room with the majority of the attendees. Follow orders had worked when she was a fresh-faced member of the armed forces, but she’d spent the last several years working with Hassan, who valued his team’s input. If they wanted her to deal with the caliph again, she would ask for command or go solo. Don’t expect me to trail after someone else this time.