"Madam Director, you have a vid conference invitation from the President of the International Association of Space-Based Welders and Binders, appertaining to the ten-hundred talk this shift on worker insurance matters during the transition process, re: dental coverage for family and dependents."
"Thank you, Eden. They don't need me for that. Pass along my apologies, please."
"Very good. May I remind you about the deadline for returning your notes on version 16.7 of the Terran Transition Agreement?"
"I finished that last week, Eden. Didn't you see it?"
"I've been watching for changes on the file, but I haven't seen any."
"No? Oh! Yes, I'm sorry. I did that at home, on my private network."
"Do I have your permission to look for it?"
"Sure."
"Thank you. I've found it. Should I submit as-is?"
"Maybe do a once-over for structure and spelling?"
"Certainly. Completed. You're getting better all the time. There was only a single misplaced comma."
"Very kind. What about the Priority that went off to Greenbelt yesterday?"
"Nothing back yet, I'm afraid. Did you have a time-frame for that?"
"No, I'm just impatient."
"That doesn't sound like you at all, Madam Director. We can compose a follow-up message, if you'd like, to help emphasize the urgency of the first one."
"That won't be necessary. Um...have you gotten a confirmation for my lunch meeting yet?"
"No, but there was an audio call about an hour ago from an unknown party using a private number. It was a male-presenting voice, stating, and I quote, ‘Tell Mamie I'll be there’. I assumed it was a wrong number. Would you care to hear the message?"
"No, that's okay. It was a correct number."
"Really? If I may ask, who is this person that...sorry..."
"Yes?"
"One of your keyword monitoring programs has flagged a news article that has just been published. It references your son."
"Trapper? His bowling league, again? He said they were going for for the trophy this Quarter."
"Not Trapper, Madam Director. It's Ejoq."
"..."
"Madam Director?"
"..."
"Madam Director, did you hear me?"
"Is he alive?"
"Nothing in the article leads me to believe otherwise. It's an assessment of an ongoing feud among Noble families. His name features prominently, along with...well, a popular moniker he's apparently been given in the local language. Conflict Prophet might be one translation."
"..."
"Madam Director?"
"Bring up this article for me, please. And Eden?"
"Yes?"
"Contact the Imperial Embassy, and speak to someone in Ambassador Sir Aghan Mie'fora's office. Mention that this is in reference to Ejoq, and ask that Sir Aghan personally call the Director of Jarden Orbital Control as soon as possible. Imply that he should make it a priority in his morning."
"Would you care to be put directly through to the Ambassador right now, Madam Director?"
"No, let's give him time to gather any relevant information, and present it. When his song and dance is over, we'll bring up the tariff increase for jump point cargo transfers. Once he starts to sweat, we can begin peeling back any lies about whatever my son has gotten himself into this time."
"I was given to understand that the tariff increase had been deferred for Imperial companies this quarter."
"A fact that has yet to be made public, Eden."
"Ah, I see. Very tactical of you, Madam Director. Calling now."
"And Eden?"
"Yes?"
"Forward all articles concerning my son to me without filter or assessment please. When you find them, just send them on."
"Absolutely. Is there anything else?"
"Yes...please cancel my Lunch meeting. This is going to take some time."
"It was a restricted number, you'll remember. I don't have that contact information."
"Right. Consult my personal list. Look for the number to The High Ground Social Club. Ask for Mr. Liberty."
"Very good, Madam Director."