Councilman Stickler constantly shifts in the chair. Sweat beads in his brow. He struggles to meet PM Rhinehart's gaze. He doesn't dare meet eyes with Gen. Rhinehart, who stands in the corner. Her arms are crossed as she spins a knife between her fingers.

PM Rhinehart's fingers lace together. Elbows propped up on his desk, he rests his chin on his fingers. "So, you delivered the tech and didn't attempt any sort of bug, tracer, or anything?"

Stickler swallows hard. "No, sir."

The Prime Minister narrows his eyes.

"I didn't want to be so compliant, but I didn't want to risk my daughter even more," Stickler continues to plead his case. “Please, understand where I am coming from.”

PM Rhinehart licks his lips. "You caved too easily into the Chromies. Do you forget so easily that your actions don't just reflect you but this Committee as a whole? You sent the message to the people that we're weak and giving into the Chromies. You sent the message to the Chromies that they're getting stronger. To add to this, now other members who were once on board have to succumb to the Chromies’ demands because once it’s out that your daughter was negotiated for, it will make the rest of the Committee look like monsters for not partaking in negotiations to get their children back. This job requires patience and sacrifice, Reginald. Extreme patience. Deep sacrifice. And hope for the best. Who would know that better than us?" The PM gestures to himself and his wife. "Our only daughter, too, our only child left is still there. But did you see us caving? No. We were to figure a way to find and infiltrate their Home Base to retrieve all the hostages at once. Or did you forget that agreement?"

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"No, sir." Stickler's voice strains.

"Obviously you did when you caved in. You've set a precedent that the rest are going to have to follow. After you've gone through with your exchange, how can we stop the rest of the Committee?" PM Rhinehart stands. "Before I dismiss you, let me ask you one more thing: When you agreed to do the swap with the Chromies, did you specify you wanted your daughter brought back alive, in good health besides her nose?"

Stickler's eyes widen. His chest heaves as his face pales. He brings his trembling hands to his face.

"That's what I thought," PM Rhinehart says. "Make sure to be more specific next time. Your daughter's fate lies on your insolence. You're dismissed."

The Councilman struggles to rise from the chair under the weight of his shaking. He drags his feet to the door that slides open for him and slides closed behind him.

The Prime Minister and General exchange looks.