Shanghai, Friday, morning local time, Oh God When? jet-lag-time

[mparkerceo]

There was this about 5-star hotels; they stocked enough alcohol to make jet-lag tolerable. Unfortunately, Parker wasn't going to be able to take advantage of that until after her briefing of Triela, and set-up for Angelo's audit

Comments

[mparkerceo]

"Triela, this is Angelo. My twin." Parker gestured to the cackling albeit harmless maniac playing six computer keyboards like a Spinal Tap drummer. "The job is relatively simple; unfortunately it will have to be done on-site. Angelo's brought his own equipment, which will be taken to their offices by the client."

Parker took a breath. "The difficulty is that there's the possibility of an internal interest who'd try to sabotage his security before the job is completed. You don't need to be in on any of the meetings or consultations I'll have. Your sole responsibility is keeping Angelo safe."

Angelo looked up, and beetled his brows.

"...and not let him have any explosives. Or take them away if he creates them."

He pouted.

[sorella_vecchia]

Triela considered Angelo for a couple of seconds. Difficult. Ideally a four-man job, but... She grinned.

"I can handle that. Directives regarding lethal force?"

[mparkerceo]

Parker paused, considering. "I'd prefer you not to, for multiple reasons. If there is a mole or thief, we need them alive to find out if they're acting on their own initiative or someone else's. However? If yours or Angelo's life is in danger, I mean immediate, being-shot-at-when-I'm-not-there danger, feel free to use your discretion."

[sorella_vecchia]

That was workable. Triela nodded. "Got it. Evacuation location if things go poorly?"

[mparkerceo]

Parker handed over a hand-drawn but still very precise map. "You'll have an opportunity to evaluate the site on your own, for an hour tonight before we meet with the client. I think the route traced here is the best one, but you may notice things on the ground that would change your route." She studied Triela carefully. "How are you feeling? Ready? Alert?"

[sorella_vecchia]

"Yes. No sign of any problems." The Conditioning seemed to be holding for now, at least.

[mparkerceo]

Parker nodded, then paused, looking thoughtful. "I believe you mentioned that the difficulties were due to modifications that have been made... Is work being done to compensate for that?"

[sorella_vecchia]

"There have been a couple of tweaks to brain chemical balance, but there's only so much that can be done without compromising function." Triela shrugged resignedly.

[mparkerceo]

"If you want a second opinion-- well. Our firm does have some specialists on-staff." Or people who could become specialists. "In any event. Angelo's sleeping patterns are erratic. I'll take one half-day shift, and you'll be primary on the other."

[sorella_vecchia]

"As long as the mission duration is only a few days, I can manage to run primary full-time if it will make things easier on you." That was one of the nice advantages of the cybernetics.

[mparkerceo]

"It would," Parker said slowly. She darted a look at Angelo, who tried to look innocent. "As long as you contact me if Angelo becomes erratic. It could mean he found something, or it could mean he's upset. But it would help if my side of it could be free of distractions."

She straightened from where she was leaning against a desk, and checked her watch. "Do you have any other questions for me?"

[sorella_vecchia]

"I need equipment myself," Triela answered. "Beyond that, any questions can wait until I've seen the space."

[mparkerceo]

Parker nodded to three cases on one low table. "Take what seems appropriate. There should be all kinds suitable for this job in there." She cocked her head. "As well as some concealed body armor, suitable for wearing under your suit."

[sorella_vecchia]

Triela stood and walked over to the table, sorting through the cases. "The body armor will be unnecessary, but thank you." She was armored enough as it was.

[mparkerceo]

"If you're certain." Parker gave Angelo a warning glance. "We can go to the site from here, and you can have the time you need to evaluate the exit site."

[sorella_vecchia]

"I doubt anything I could wear will provide much more protection than what I've already got." Triela selected a pistol and slid it into her shoulder holster. Then another which she slid into her coat pocket.

"I'm ready when you are."