Challenges: Chinavare's Find Book Two: Chinavare's Find, #2

Chapter One: Eileen Sands

May 6th, 2047

Omaha Station, Echo World.

Newly-promoted Captain Random Arthur Hause stood, gazing at the door, shaking his head in amazement:

The sign on the door read:

AUN Off-world Ninth Air Cavalry Corp

Seventh Division, Alpha Regiment

First Battalion, Baker Company

Company Commander:

Captain Random Arthur Hause

This was his office, his new command. Random's new office was in Omaha Station, two blocks south of the UN Off-world Supreme Tribunal. He opened the door and stepped into his new realm. Compared to his previous quarters on New Beijing, this office suite was plush, and definitely spacious. The suite included a main office/reception area, an AV/meeting room, a dining room, and two smaller offices, separated by a full bath.

His personal suite included a private office space, with a separate sitting room, and a full bath. All of the seating in the new office had leather upholstery, while the desks, tables, and shelves were solid oak. The state-of-the-art terminals and Sit screens were also a nice touch. This is nice. A guy could get used to this, Random thought as he looked around, surveying the new realm.

Random, and Cynthia, aided by a squad of enlisted men, from Random’s new Company, spent the remainder of that first day getting the new CO and his office manager moved into their new office and connected to the system. Everything seemed to be so easy. After making sure that all of their equipment was in place and that everything was functional, Random and Cynthia went out and enjoyed a meal at a very nice restaurant owned and operated by the delegation from Delhi II.

The next morning arrived, and Random and Cynthia were brusquely made aware that not all was smooth and easy. The morning dispatch had brought a mountain of reports to evaluate. To make matters worse, the terminals had been on for less than an hour and Cynthia was already being driven crazy by people requesting Random's presence at official functions. The callers all seemed to refer to Random as the Savior of New Beijing.

Why are these people calling you the 'Savior of New Beijing,' sir? Cynthia asked.

Random shrugged and looked around puzzled, I don't know Cynthia. Someone has been tooting my horn, loudly, from the sounds of it, he answered.

Do you wish me to accept these invitations sir?

How many have we received?

Thirty and counting sir.

Damn! That's too many. We're going to have to pick and choose.

Then which should I choose sir?

I don't know. There are bound to be political repercussions to whatever choices we make. Honestly Cynthia, I'm out of my element here. I could really use your Uncle's advice.

Cynthia frowned and suggested, It's unlikely that Uncle would come here to help us sir, but I could ask Undersecretary Deng for his advice. He has been Undersecretary since New Beijing was first colonized.

That sounds perfect. Ask him if he'd be willing to visit with us and give us some pointers.

Yes sir. I'll see to it at once.

The face of the security officer in the entrance hall popped onto the terminal screen. He said, Miss Han, Battalion Commander Major Anton Tupelov is here to see Captain Hause.

Random shouted from across the room, Send him up Ian.

The security officer smiled and answered, Yes sir Captain Hause.

Cynthia closed the connection on the terminal and the security officer's face disappeared. Random paced angrily around the room and groused, Jesus H. Christ! We've been open less than three hours. You'd think the bloody Pope had taken up residence in our office.

Should I disappear, sir? Cynthia asked quietly.

Random turned and looked at her for a moment, "No. Stay and listen, discreetly. Act busy."

Cynthia looked wryly at her desk surface and her terminal then said, What act? I've still got that mountain of records to review sir. She smiled and then turned back to her terminal.

A moment later, someone, presumably Tupelov, was banging on Random's office door. Come in. It's open, Random said.

The door swung open and Tupelov strolled in. He was wearing his dress blues. Random definitely felt under dressed in his work uniform. Too late to change now. He asked, What can I do for you sir?

Tupelov looked Random over then observed, Your stay in New Beijing seems to have done wonders for your health. The first time I saw you, you were in pretty bad shape.

Random couldn't remember the first time he had seen Tupelov. When was that sir? he asked.

Tupelov smiled and answered, Just before your flight out to New Beijing.

Random's haze cleared a bit. Oh. I think I might well have been hung-over from the night before sir. I still don't remember much about that whole day.

Tupelov smiled again. I can believe it son. I have a favor to ask of you.

Random's ears perked up. Warning sirens went off in his head. And what would that be, sir?

I have a young woman that I would like you to hire.

Random frowned and looked towards Cynthia, before answering, I already have an office manager sir.

Tupelov looked at Cynthia, then back at Random, smiled again and said, I'm fully aware of Miss Han's role. If you'll remember, I'm the one who gave you clearance to establish that role. No. This particular young woman is much more than a glorified secretary. She has excellent computer skills, a great head for business, and is well versed in local politics.

Random nodded and already knowing the answer, asked, Do I have an alternative sir?

Not really, no. I wouldn't like to make it an order, but I will if I have to. Is that clear?

Perfectly sir.

Good, the young lady will be by later this afternoon with a letter of introduction. Good day.

Good day sir, Random answered as he walked Tupelov to the door.

As soon as he closed the door Random began pacing the room again, muttering angrily. Marvelous! Just bloody marvelous! Not only do I not know what is going on out there, but now my superior officer is saddling me with a spy. Cynthia didn't comment. Instead, she quietly focused on her work, occasionally peeping out over the top of her monitor, to check on the state of Random's mood.

Eventually, Random tired of pacing, and walked over to Cynthia's desk and said sternly, We had better learn the ground rules around here quickly; otherwise we're going to be swallowed up. Looks like we're in the big leagues now.

Cynthia nodded, and then looked up. She suggested, Yes it does. Let me also interview the girl sir. Maybe between the two of us we can find a way to deal with her.

Random shrugged. I'd like to tell her to piss off.

I understand that. I would too, but if you're to survive here, you must find a way to work with this Major, sir. You cannot appear to be insubordinate, Cynthia replied trying to sound reasonable.

Agreed, then he continued, Having both of us interview her sounds like a plan. Now, it's even more vital that we get in touch with the New Beijing Undersecretary and ask him if he'd be willing to fill us in on what's happening and give us some pointers. I feel that we’re swimming in very dangerous waters, more dangerous now, than before.

Cynthia nodded and smiled. I'll see to that right now sir, as she turned to speak quietly with whomever she had made contact with on the terminal.

Random returned to pacing, while Cynthia communicated with what he presumed to be the Undersecretary. A few minutes later, she said over her shoulder to Random, He says that the he will be here before nightfall. He also recommends that we publicly announce that we will need a few days to get our feet under us before we begin accepting invitations. Cynthia turned back to her terminal and continued talking to Undersecretary Deng.

Random sighed and said, That sounds like a reasonable plan. Let’s send out a blanket announcement, asking for seventy-two hours or so to get established. Hopefully, by then Deng will have helped us decide which invitations we should accept.

That sounds workable sir.

Excellent. Would you like a drink?

Not now sir, maybe later. Cynthia finished her discussion with Undersecretary Deng then buried herself once again, in the records, while Random poured himself a glass of port.

Shortly after noon, the security officer signaled again. This time he said, Miss Han, a young woman is here to see Captain Hause. She says that Major Tupelov sent her.

Random looked up from his notes and said, Tell Ian to send her up. He sounded as resigned as he felt.

Yes sir, Cynthia answered then turned to the terminal and said, Send her up Ian.

Yes Miss Han, I heard, Ian answered as the screen went black.

Cynthia turned to Random and asked, Do you wish to interview her first sir?

Yes. I'll signal when I'm finished, Random answered. Cynthia rose and walked out of the main office and into one of the other rooms in the suite.

A few moments later, Random opened the door and Eileen Sands walked purposefully into the office, handing Random an envelope as she entered. She wasn't Ingrid Bergman beautiful, but she was certainly striking, and she had those eyes. People noticed when Eileen Faith Sands entered a room.

Random certainly noticed. He noticed that Miss Sands' had a pretty face with small, very finely sculpted features. That she had long, straight, blond hair, and that she had blazing blue eyes. He also noticed that today, she was wearing a conservative, dark blue, business suit, which contrasted sharply with Cynthia's cheerful, sapphire blue dress.

Without speaking, Random opened the envelope and extracted the letter of introduction and a resume. Random walked to his desk, took his seat, set the resume down and skimmed through the letter quickly. He then studied her for a moment. She certainly didn't look dangerous.

He estimated that she was maybe one hundred sixty centimeters tall with a petite frame, but Tupelov's letter of introduction had warned him to be cautious. According to Tupelov, Miss Sands had left a trail of broken hearts, not to mention arms, legs, and skulls smoldering behind her. Just wonderful. So why is Tupelov sticking me with her? he wondered. Then he answered his own question, because he can.

Random looked back at the letter. He found where Tupelov had written that Eileen Sands had clawed her way out of an East London slum and had no intention of ever returning. Supposedly, she was coldly efficient, with an excellent mind for business. She also had a gift for having her orders carried out promptly. That could be useful.

Random set down Tupelov's letter and then picked up Miss Sands' resume and scanned it quickly. Based on the resume, Miss Sands had a short work history followed by coursework. During her work history, she had been with four different corporations. At each corporation she had advanced quickly. Perhaps too quickly. In two cases, through no apparent fault of her own, she had been let go because her boss had been sacked.

After the fourth employer, Miss Sands had enrolled in, and completed a computer science degree, in less than three years, at Edinburgh University in Scotland. Wow! Now that's impressive. He noticed that there seemed to be a large time gap between her fourth employer and her enrollment at Edinburgh University. Curious.

After the degree, Miss Sands had left Earth for personal reasons. I wonder if it was by choice, or at gunpoint? he thought and then glanced again at Miss Sands. He noticed that she had begun tapping her foot impatiently. Deciding that she had cooled her heels long enough, Random set down the resume and said, Please, take a seat.

Miss Sands nodded and replied, Thank you. I hope my CV is acceptable. coolly, with the barest hint of a smile as she seated herself across the desk from Random.

When she was seated, Random answered, It's certainly impressive. If I may ask a question, Miss Sands, what benefits can I expect if I were to hire you?

Eileen again smiled slightly then answered, For starters, a survey detail assignment for your Company. Her voice was clipped, distant, and cold.

It doesn't sound like she's real thrilled about this assignment either. She didn't say 'sir,' so she's not very formal. On the other hand, a survey detail would be one hell of a plum, He asked, May I ask how you expect to arrange that?

I don't. Let's just say that it's part of the deal.

I see. So if I don't hire her I can kiss the survey detail assignment goodbye. "Why do you wish to work for me?"

Again, the slight smile crossed her face. Major Tupelov has asked me to, and I owe the Major a favor.

Is that the only reason?

Eileen shifted nervously in her seat, and then said, Well. No. Your reputation as an honorable man who is willing to stand up for the rights of the downtrodden precedes you. That's the type of man I'd like the opportunity to work with. I'd also like the opportunity to play the information market. With a survey detail, your office would give me the access I need. This time Random detected a hint of thaw in her voice.

Random sat quietly. She said with and not for, an interesting choice of words. Wow! What have they been saying about me? How in the hell am I going to live up to those expectations? Then again, she does have a point about the survey detail. We'd have access. A survey assignment would give us access to a potentially vast amount of marketable information. If we play this right, we might be also able to actually clean up the development industry. From the way she reacted, she obviously wants this. Maybe her desire to play the market could be the tool Cynthia was looking for.

Random picked up Tupelov's introduction letter again and skimmed through it quickly, buying time. Tupelov says she has a good head for business. With the proper encouragement, we could begin to really alter the dynamic, and make us tidy sums, to boot. Finally, he said, If you were to work for me, I think we could reach some kind of agreement on the markets. This time, Eileen's smile was unmistakable.

He asked her a few more questions on her qualifications and discovered that she would be more than capable of running his new office. He was troubled by the fact that she revealed very little about her likes, dislikes, and past, while answering his questions.

Finally, Random decided that he had learned all that he could from this interview. That will be all for the moment. Please stay seated. I would like to have my office manager talk with you as well. Do you object?

Eileen Sands looked nervously down at her hands for a moment, and then answered demurely, No, I have no objections. Random acknowledged her answer with a nod. Now that was an odd reaction. He signaled Cynthia.

A moment later, Miss Han came into the office and Random left. He retreated to his inner office and sat at his terminal. He busied himself by reading through Townsend's log entries. Half-an-hour later, when Cynthia signaled, Random walked from his inner office, back to the outer office. Eileen was gone.

She's a real pistol, isn't she, Random stated as he entered the main office.

Cynthia nodded and said, Yes sir. I tried, unsuccessfully, to question her about her past and her personal relationships. She talked freely about the information on her resume, but she wasn't very forthcoming about her personal life. The best I could get from her is that she had been married while on Earth and the fallout from that relationship was part of the reason why she chose to leave Earth. Random nodded in reply.

After waiting a couple of moments for Random to absorb the first comments, Cynthia continued, I advise you to tread very cautiously with this one sir. Something is seriously amiss with this girl.

Random looked up, In what way? he asked.

Cynthia thumped a pencil on her desktop, several times. I can't be sure sir. I'd be willing to bet that she's been seriously hurt by a loved one, much more seriously than your typical failed marriage would indicate.

And she's holding the rest of the world to blame?

I don't think so. At least not intentionally sir, but that may be the end result. My first recommendation would be to not hire her because working with her might be like tap dancing in a mine field.

Random shook his head and answered, No can do. Tupelov's not giving me a choice on this one.

Random went back to the inner office, sat down at this desk and began keying information into his terminal. Perhaps she can be neutralized? he said loudly.

Cynthia didn't respond immediately. Several minutes later, she stepped into his inner office and said, Possibly, if we could channel her anger into some useful direction. She does have a great deal of talent sir.

Random looked up doubtfully, wondering what talents Cynthia had been able to unearth in her twenty minute interview. Talent? What kind of talent did you see?

She's very persuasive sir, almost compelling. She could be a tremendous asset in this political shark tank, if we can get her to work for us.

Random nodded and replied, And if we can't, it will be like working with a knife at our throats. Contact your friend in the UN and see if he can dig up any information about her activities on Earth. The more information we have, the more likely it will be for us to find a real focus for her talents.

Yes sir.

Undersecretary Luol Deng arrived later that evening. The Undersecretary was an old man, but not ancient. He wore a western business suit because his job required it. His manner was prim and proper, almost to a fault.

Deng accepted the seat Cynthia offered him and then listened quietly while Random explained the predicament that he and Cynthia faced. When Random had finished speaking, Deng nodded once and agreed that Random's original assessment had been correct. Every decision would indeed have political repercussions.

Deng spelled out how the local political situation was both complicated and interesting. Let me explain Captain Hause. There are currently five key players in Omaha Station. He waited a moment for Random and Cynthia to absorb the information, and then continued. The most important of these players is the AUN. They are the final arbiters.

Everything runs through them, eventually, Random observed.

Exactly, Deng answered with a nod and a smile.

Deng paused a moment, to make sure there were no more questions or comments, and then continued, The second most important player is the SSF. They know everybody's dirty laundry and they get really upset when you try to keep secrets from them.

I'm guessing they truly hate me, Random replied quietly.

Deng shook his head slightly. Oddly enough, the SSF seems to be of two minds when it comes to you. One faction does indeed hate you. The other faction seems determined to block the first from taking any decisive action.

What the hell? Random felt truly confused.

Deng shrugged and replied, "I must admit that I too find this difficult to understand. Whatever their motivations may be, I feel confident in assuming that neither faction has your best interests at heart.

The remaining players in Omaha Station are each significantly weaker than the SSF and the AUN, but still important politically. They are the UN Off-world Secretary General, the Chief Justice of the Off-world Supreme Tribunal, and the Chief Delegate of New France.

The others I can understand, but why New France?

Deng smiled and answered, An excellent question. Let me try to explain. At this point, New France is the only truly successful colonial world. All of the other colonies have issues to overcome. The most common problems involve development fraud and the repayment of development loans.

So how did New France manage to avoid these problems? 

New France was developed by France, without the use of a UN development loan.  

I see, Random answered. Deng arched his eyebrows and smiled briefly in response, but didn't speak further on the subject.

Cynthia brought out the list of invitations that she and Random had received that day. With Undersecretary Deng's help, Random and Cynthia narrowed the list of invitations down to a dozen events sponsored by the most influential members of the community. During the process, Random felt that he was gaining a better understanding of the culture and power structure within the Off-world community and more specifically, in Omaha Station.

During this process, Deng also let slip the he had been responsible for some of Ransom’s newly found celebrity. Governor's Li's report on the recent crisis and resolution on New Beijing had basically canonized Random. Deng confessed that he had trumpeted the report to anyone who would listen.

Random believed that Deng's actions were likely enough to explain his current celebrity status, but he felt that they didn't explain the Savior of New Beijing moniker. Deng agreed and he told Random and Cynthia that Sarah Von Francois had given that moniker to Random.

According to Deng, Mrs. Von Francois's role in that process had infuriated General Von Francois. He publicly accused her of disloyalty, infidelity, and betrayal of trust. In response, Mrs. Von Francois had stormed out of their house and the two had officially separated. In fact, Mrs. Von Francois had spent some time living at the New Beijing delegation compound, until she and the General had publicly reconciled.

The General had also made it perfectly clear to everyone in Omaha Station that he wanted you dead or at least permanently stranded on New Beijing for disloyalty. When rumors began circulating that you were to be given a promotion and returned to Echo World, the General did everything in his power to thwart the plan.

The fiery little Frenchman's reaction to Random’s suggested promotion had been spectacular and ultimately futile. In the end the UN Off-world government, led by Chief Justice Osgood, steamrolled the General's objections, Von Francois was forced to swallow his pride and preside over Ransom’s official promotion ceremony.

Deng also reported that during the deliberations over Ransom’s promotion, an unidentified somebody had gone out of their way to piss off the SSF. That person, or persons, had funneled large sums of money into the UN Off-world delegations, seemingly with the intent to buy Ransom’s promotion. The General and the SSF launched a full-scale investigation, but were forced to abandon the search as their leads dried up. The failed investigation left both the SSF and General Von Francois disgraced and with egg on their faces.

Deng suggested that Random tread carefully. Whatever the SSF's outward disposition, the agency found their inability to track the source of the funds especially infuriating. He told Random that this new insult combined with the SSF's lingering fury over their inability to control events on New Beijing had created a very unstable environment.

Random concurred with Deng's assessment and agreed to keep his head down until