Langley

Back in his office, Mike immediately called Ed Kurtz and asked him to come see him. A veteran field operative, Ed had headed the East Asian section for the past five years.

Although Kurtz was a reserved man, who was perceived by colleagues as being hard and unsympathetic, Mike had learned to respect his subordinate's integrity and common sense, qualities which did not always survive twenty years of field work.

If Mike didn't especially like Kurtz, well, he'd rather have him on his side in a crisis than many of the people he did call his friends.

"Yes sir?"

Kurtz stood in the doorway of the DDI's office.

"Come on in, Ed. Sit down."

Mike motioned to the chairs in front of his desk and Ed settled his tall, lanky frame into the nearest one.

"You know the President's planning to visit Japan in October?"

"Trade negotiations."

Ed nodded.

"Right. He's personally asked that we keep him informed about any developments which might affect the success of the trip."

"We'll prepare the usual briefing, of course."