Gabriel Tam (
gabriel_tam) wrote2006-11-06 11:03 pm
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Parliament may not be in session at the moment, nor the Council of Seven in deliberation, but that doesn't mean that there's not work to be done. In fact, it's often the weeks between sessions that make for busier days, Gabriel's found, as it's during those weeks that everyone with a particular issue to press tries for appointments, meetings, or anything that will get them on the schedule.
His staff is good at coordinating, however, and Mark Jiang, Gabriel's executive assistant, is expert at managing both staff and schedule. In addition to everything else, he sees to it that each afternoon has a couple of hours free for Gabriel to use for emergencies, unscheduled visits, or merely catching up on paperwork, communications, and miscellaneous other tasks.
He's in the middle of reviewing a report during one of these quiet hours when Mark comes to the door to announce a special appointment.
His staff is good at coordinating, however, and Mark Jiang, Gabriel's executive assistant, is expert at managing both staff and schedule. In addition to everything else, he sees to it that each afternoon has a couple of hours free for Gabriel to use for emergencies, unscheduled visits, or merely catching up on paperwork, communications, and miscellaneous other tasks.
He's in the middle of reviewing a report during one of these quiet hours when Mark comes to the door to announce a special appointment.
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"Senator, this is Bill Hoffman," Mark explains.
He recognizes the name, even as his assistant continues,
"He was heading up the team on Osiris."
Gabriel stands and moves around the desk to offer his hand to Hoffman.
"Xièxie, Mark. Mr. Hoffman, I'm glad to meet you. Please, have a seat."
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"Bringing the final report in person, Senator Tam. Of course, you're already aware that nothing untoward happened, as we would have informed you immediately -- but here's the details of what didn't happen."
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Gabriel resumes his own seat and glances at the folder in the other man's hand, but doesn't reach for it.
"Why don't you summarize that for me, based on your opinion of what's most important?"
It's not exactly a test. Not exactly. Hoffman's security consulting firm had been highly recommended, after all, or Gabriel wouldn't have hired them in the first place.
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Hoffman glances at the folder, but doesn't open it.
"Ensign Edward Chao. The recognition was apparently mutual, and not hostile."
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Gabriel Tam is suddenly very still.
"Really?"
It's almost impossibly neutral.
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Hoffman's smile slips down a few notches toward sober, and he adds: "I made the call not to move the perimeter inward to listen in when they talked, and I take full responsibility for that."
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He offers a cordial, half-wry smile, adding,
"I'd much rather know of the conversation itself, even without its content, than have your people discovered through getting too close."
A pause.
"I trust that Ensign Chao wasn't being watched?"
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"Really? And what thing would that be?"
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From his expression, Gabriel finds it to be anything but.
"What brought it to their attention, do you know?"
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Hoffman taps the folder against his hand again. "It's all in the report."
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Gabriel smiles cordially at him.
"Good work, Mr. Hoffman. You have my thanks."
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He hands over the folder, and rises to his feet.
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"Be assured that I'll do just that."
As the door opens and Mark escorts Hoffman out, Gabriel settles back in his chair and begins to read the security expert's report.
It's far more interesting than what he was working on before.