As they started down the stairs, Talina added, “Inspector General, focusing on Clemenceau and the law is going to get messier for you than a mud puddle full of slugs. Let’s just say that Corporate law didn’t figure much in Clemenceau’s thinking there at the end. Unless, of course, the legal code regarding extortion, kidnapping, rape, and murder have changed since I shipped for Donovan.”

Reaching the bottom of the stairs, Kalico answered the waves various people sent her way, all of them staring curiously at the IG and his Four. Remembering Step’s earlier declaration that they had her back, she chose a table off to the right and in front, the one close to her usual place at the bar. Talina, gave her a “see you” salute and retreated to her stool, calling, “Stout and the special, Inga!”

Seating herself, Kalico leaned forward and braced her elbows on the table, meeting Soukup’s emotionless stare. “It seems, Inspector General, that we haven’t really had a chance to talk, what with quetzals and all. So, where do we go from here?”

“I want to see all of the Corporate assets. There are questions. Specifically, what is Corporate Mine? What happened to Freelander? I want a personal update and inspection of the Maritime Unit. What is the current condition and circumstance of the Unreconciled, as they are called? What, specifically, is your relationship with Port Authority, and was your decision to hand it over to the Donovanians in the best interest of The Corporation? I would also like to interview Captain Torgussen of the Vixen, given that there are questions about his transition, not to mention Tamarland Benteen. In addition, there are questions regarding your personal allocation of Corporate property and assets. And, of course, I must pursue any irregularities my investigation might uncover.”

Kalico chuckled, glancing up as one of the wait staff appeared. “We need the special, six of them, all the way around. A glass of whiskey with a water back for me. Mint tea for the IG and his aides since they don’t drink. Put it on the Corporate tab.”

“You got it, Kalico,” Ginnie Nagargana called, spinning on her heel and heading for the kitchen.

“Kalico? That seemed a bit familiar,” Soukup noted. “Do these people have so little respect for your position?”