"So we'll have to back Suvendra. She came up through the

Djakarta office, so the East Asian contingent's behind her.

She's old, though." Emily frowned. "And she smokes. An ugly habit and it tends to rub people the wrong way. Those clove-scented Indonesian cancer sticks-one whiff and you're ready for a biopsy." She shuddered.

"Still, Suvendra's our best bet. At least, she'll appreciate our support. Unfortunately that moron Jensen is running again on a youth platform, and that'll cut into the votes we can swing. But to hell with it." She pulled at a coil of hair. "I'm tired of playing the young ingenue anyway. When I run again in '25 I think we should aim for the Anglo and feminist vote."

She flipped pages, frowning. "Okay, a quick review of the party line. Let me know if you need more data on the arguments. Philippines farm project: no way. Farming's a black hole and Manila's price supports are bound to collapse. Kymera joint project: yes. Russian software deal: yes. The Sovs still have hard-currency problems, but we can cut a good countertrade in natural gas. Kuwaiti housing project: no. Islamic Republic: the terms are good but it stinks politically. No."

She paused. "Now here's one you didn't know about.

Grenada United Bank. The Committee's slipping this one in." For the first time, Emily looked uneasy. "They're an offshore bank. Not too savory. But the Committee figures it's time for a gesture of friendship. It won't do our reputation much good if the whole thing is hashed out in public. But it's harmless enough-we can let it go."

Emily yanked open a wooden drawer with a squeak and put the Report away. "So much for this quarter. Things look good, generally." She smiled. "Hello, David, if you're watch- ing. If you don't mind, I'd like a private word with Laura now."