Shoshone Station: The Galactic Consortium season 2

Episode Four: Meteors #13

"Well, you have your commission now. Are you pleased?" Maka asked Jack.

Jack gave Maka his best poker-face smile and agreed. "Yes, we are quite pleased that your people are cooperating on this." He was pleased about the conference, but he thought Maka was a little too happy about it. The man looked positively smug.

"Zeta and I were going to grab supper at Shamu's, if you would care to join us."

"Shamu's again?" Zeta said. "We could go somewhere else."

"Shamu's is the best on the station. I want the best for my girl."

Always has to hang out at the most pretentious place, Jack thought.

"Anyway, you would be welcome," Zeta said to Jack. She seemed almost pleading. He would have relented, except that would have entailed another hour at least in Maka's company.

"I've something I need to take care of, actually," he said. "But maybe some other time."

"Of course, some other time. We look forward to it," Maka said, offering his hand again.

Jack went back into his office. He had a suspicion about Maka, and now that they'd announced the conference, he thought he had a way to find out.

Jack put in a message to the Information Bureau and was answered by one of the officers. He wore a nondescript uniform and a carefully neutral expression. "How may I help you, today?"

"Jack Sheridan, United States State Department. Shoshone Station. Investigating for the Commission of Orbits and Objects."

"Most of that information will be diplomatically sealed until the talks are completed."

"I know. I've a more specific request. Any references to asteroid or meteors made by one Maka Jains to any Earthside individual."

"Pretty broad request."

"Before Deepaval."

The man thought. The rumors had started after their holiday of Deepaval. He nodded. "We will get back to you if a review shows anything you have vested interest in."

Jack set back in his seat, hoping he'd worded his request right.