“More of us have arrived,” reported the Medical Charity (& Other) Sites Research Coordinator, “and everyone’s surly.” Karma Ilacqua spoke from the passenger seat of a helicopter pointed toward the noses of a dozen others. The call was coming from her old friend, Arch contact Arys Steinman. “Your annoyers are stalemated against the strong presence of six competing companies who want to protect and acquire your information. None of us can overpower the rest of us, and none of us are willing to let anyone hurt you, either. But luckily for you, you’re not even where the Enemies of Progress think you’re supposed to be.”

“No. We’re somewhere else beautiful and quiet, just as we hoped. Thank you for taking the risk.”

“That’s my specialty. I may not be here personally the entire time. Most likely, others are on relief rotation, as we’ve planned. Tension could get ugly at any moment, but those of us who want you alive and well have a lot more ‘collective bargaining’ here than those who want to damage you. The long term risk is yours, allowing all these major players to negotiate over your IPs. Opening up is a big deal for any project, especially the top private mystery research unit housed inside of high-currency proprietary advancements. When it comes to risks, you also might want to wonder how the Foundationals got your triangulation in the first place.”

“That thought has occurred to many. Others refuse to worry about it. Active suspicion is just as likely a waste of time, and such is not the inclination of those who’ve been brought to work here. We’re not the department of spying. We are on the edge now, Karma. The absolute edge of the world, and peering off into something else.” Arys sounded haggard, and inspired.

“Please, do not tell me any more. But I’m proud of you. I hope you make it. Have your liaison inform us of any surprise positioning strategy. We’ll all play off each other in order to maintain the lowest possible threat. The Foundationals here won’t be going anywhere without an escort.” The helicopter pilot opened the console hot box and pulled out a mini burrito, scarfing it while projecting a steely stinkeye. “I hope you don’t run out of safe spots.”

“This goes a long way to ensuring that we won’t. We might have to be doing this for days and days while we… wait for something.”

Karma smiled softly. “Augh, what a week this is going to be. It’s okay. I’m here for you.”