Pages 41-44 Over dinner, Nathan's boss Solomon Darver informs his girlfriend, the politician Elania Elmore, about Nathan's concerns with Frost and the water project, but she dismisses them, saying that the dam is important for the greater good.
Pages 45-46 The next morning, Darver gives Nathan Never and Branko their latest orders:
(MPC newscaster) “Following the latest sabotage at the New Alamo Dam, it is clear that the law enforcement and security service of the dam should be harshly criticized. Even the famous Alfa Agency, called in as support, has not made a difference and has actually proven to be ineffective. In the meantime, the authorities are still inclined to increase both the water reserves and the water throughput to New Alamo for industrial development.”
(Nathan interjects) “This is…”
(Darver) “Ssh… Let me hear everything, Nathan.”
(Newscaster) “It's just been confirmed that funding has been authorized for a new, higher capacity dam that should guarantee an adequate water supply for the city. Design will be entrusted to Max Powell, the engineer who designed the first dam, and the construction to Andrew Bacon's group.”
(Darver turns off the newscast and speaks to Nathan and Branko.) “Nothing new. Elania gave me a heads up on this last night, and we've got a tough job here.”
“Especially because that guy Frost, the head of security for the dam, is an idiot.”
“Get over it. Don't tell me you're having trouble managing him.”
“I'm telling you because our support role is not well-defined, and it's time for that buffoon to know that we’re not under his command.”
Page 47 “I'm sure you and Branko can handle it. In fact, I have to ask you to stay in close contact with Frost to really understand his position. Elania suspects that guy is dirty.”
“Dunno about that. Maybe he's just a yahoo that the dam company has greatly overestimated.”
“Or maybe not. So keep your eyes open, okay?’
“Whatever. Can I at least ask you to put another liaison officer at my disposal?”
“Are you kidding? You and Branko are already too many, and if it weren't for the fact that Elania cares about the case, I'd have sent a rookie and used you two somewhere else.”
(Nathan and Branko go to a bar.) “Solomon Darver… what’s the saying? If he didn't exist, we'd have to invent him! The more time passes, the more unbearable our boss becomes.”
Pages 48-49 “Yeah. But it's not just his fault. He made that clear, right? There's a favor to Elania Elmore involved.”
“An obnoxious and lovestruck boss… Is there anything worse? At least he can see Elania. I haven't seen May in three days. We returned yesterday from the mission in the desert, just as she was leaving for an investigation in Eurasia. Lately we've only been communicating by phone.” (Branko refers to his wife, Agent May Frayn. Their adopted daughter Kay has super powers.)
“I get it. Sara was the same. But you two have a daughter, and I think that strengthens the bond between you. By the way. How's Kay? That little girl is slippery as an eel. When I call to say hello, she's always in a hurry.” (Nathan's girlfriend is the lawyer Sara McBain.)
“She's growing up, taking her life into her own hands now. Well, you know very well what she is capable of. Her mental powers grow more and more incredible. She does everything to make her mother and me believe that she is happy and carefree, but she really isn't at all.”
“I don't believe it, come on. With you and May, she’s bound to be happy.”
“Yes, but she is not at peace with herself, because she feels the responsibility of what she can do with her abilities.”
“I understand. But it's good that she feels the responsibility. In her place, many would have abused such extraordinary powers.”
“Lunch break is over. A message from the Agency… Sure enough, new problems with the dam saboteurs.”
“Well, let's move, then. Don't want to keep that charmer Frost waiting.”
