Mana Pool Snippets - The Days After

Five

"Anyway," she said to Jaruka. "I understand what happened last month. I'm truly sorry no one with the right mindset to tend to your needs. For the record, I sincerely apologize how my country and the former administration...."

"And Victor," Jaruka added.

"And how Mathews treated you. I assure you that it will never happen again. Ain't that right, Mathews?" She eyed Mathews behind her and he looked away.

Jaruka sniffed at the air, now laced with Winchester's floral perfume. "That's it? An apology? You came all this way just to say your sorries? What a waste."

"Among other matters today." Winchester looked around the dropship. "But not only to apologize. See I came here because I was against talking to you by phone or Skype. I didn't want you to travel to Washington with military personnel that might trigger the spires. I went through a lot of trouble within my administration to even come here in the event that I don't have another opportunity in the future."

"So does every idiot from other countries."

"I heard about Russia and Spain."

"They're okay, just not cool with one all nuclear prone."

"Good point."

Jaruka crossed his arms and asked, "Is that all?"

"We're just getting started." Winchester smiled. "Mr. Mathews, can we have a moment alone?"

"Certainly. Come, ma'am, before the storm gets stronger," he said and approached the hatch.

Winchester coughed. "I mean me and Jaruka. Alone."

Mathews did a double take. "Ma'am, it's not wise-"

"I'm aware of the risks, Matthews."

"Jaruka is unstable."

"And so is this country. Be aware where you stand on this issue."

"But he killed people. He's reckless. You've seen Site A. You've seen Groom Lake's devastation."

Winchester turned around and stared at Mathews with a hard jawline, making Jaruka rethink his image of her. "Don't make me repeat what I said earlier, especially your status," she said. "Now, if you please, walk out."

The muscles in Mathews' neck tightened as she spoke. Winchester's authority had gotten Jaruka's attention, not that females in a male dominated sector mattered to him, it was the power in her voice compelled him to pay attention.

"Fine," Mathews said, "your call. Ignore what I said, this country is going to shit for all I care." He walked out into the rain, but Jaruka heard an audible "bitch" in Mathews' voice.

Winchester turned back to Jaruka. "Men," she said, "such power-hungry egos. Care to shut the door? This is something that I don't want eavesdroppers to hear."

Jaruka took a breath. "Is this what you humans call 'you got balls coming here'?"

"I got more than that, sir."

Jaruka hummed. "Fair enough." He closed the hatch. Winchester sat on a bench without asking, and simply watched him, ignoring the trash. "Thank you. That man is atrocious for security," she said.

"You tell me. Why isn't he fired already?"

Winchester shrugged. "Director Haze's orders, and the department is short staffed if you weren't aware."

"I do."

"So Mathews staying with the CIA is vital. Firing people in a time of need disfavors the people."