“While we’re being honest,” he said, “I’ve never understood why establishing Net Force was necessary. I’m not disparaging it. I’m only telling you that I feel the president was misguided in pushing it through Congress. Our existing intelligence groups—the agency among them—did a fine job of anticipating and counteracting threats to our electronic infrastructure without an additional layer of jurisdictional haziness.”

“Is that why New York happened?”

“New York was an exception. The cyberattack had unprecedented elements. We’ve since plugged all the holes in our defenses.”

“Except for the holes you can’t see,” Michaels said. “We’re here, Lane. Like it or not, Net Force is here to stay...but how about we stick to my question? I want to know about the Stalwart being potentially out conducting espionage operations. Using new Sentient technology. In Chinese territorial waters.”

The room was silent. Kildeer’s fingertips came together under his chin again. This time his eyes were fixed on the ceiling, as if looking for the right answer there.

“The CIA is chartered as an independent intelligence agency. It has been for almost eighty years. And we have to retain that independence to do our job. As I suggested a minute ago, I’m not required to loop you into our operations. Specifically or generally. You don’t have oversight.”

“But the president does,” Michaels said. “No one can go snooping on China without her knowledge and approval. That applies to all of us.”

More silence. Kildeer brought his hands down to the desk and sat up straight.

“Is this why you’ve come, Alex? As Annemarie Fucillo’s personal errand boy? You’ll forgive me, but I thought you would be more circumspect about your special friendship.”

Michaels stared at him. “You’re losing me.”

“I don’t think so,” Kildeer said. “Rumors fly in Washington. As a member of the cabinet, you really wouldn’t want that. It opens you—and POTUS—up to all sorts of uncomfortable questions about conflict of interest. Not to mention candor and integrity in your dealings within the government. Fair enough?”

Michaels stared at him for a long moment but said nothing.

“I think we understand each other moving forward,” Kildeer said. “Is there anything else you’d care to discuss before we both get on with our morning?”

Michaels shook his head.

“No, Lane. Not right now,” he said. “But it doesn’t mean we’re finished. If I find out you’re keeping secrets about the Stalwart that resulted in harm coming to the civilians aboard that ship...and that threaten our national security... I promise you’ll be hearing from me.”

Kildeer looked at him and smiled his white, neutral smile.

Michaels stood up and left.

“Something funny?” Carmody asked.

“No,” Kali said.

“Then, why are you smiling?”

“You always ask questions twice.”

“And more often if needed,” he said. “Why the smile?”