The Enigma Dragon - A CATS Tale

Julie was contemplating her pending assignment in London when her cell phone chimed, alerting her that Juan was checking in. She answered with, “Hello, honey! How is my favorite partner?”

Juan, somewhat distracted, answered, “Uh, I’m okay, babe. Just overwhelmed and feeling a little inadequate here at Quip’s data center. Jeez, this guy is a mutant! He is working on three, count them, three PCs at a time and coaching me in between, all while holding a call with EZ. What is it that Jacob says? It ain’t bragging if you can do it! I used to think he was bragging, but I don’t anymore. Anyway, enough on that, how did the assignment exercise go?”

Julie, being somewhat evasive, responded, “Oh, I think it went alright. There was a bit more friction than I expected. They wanted to double team these assignments for cross-training purposes and, well, for better personal safety. A bit more cautious than I was going to suggest, but I want them to try this. They have some real chances to learn from each other.”

Juan did the math in his head and then asked, “Julie, doesn’t that leave one AIM lead unaccounted for? With me not there, we have one lead not being pursued, unless you are going to split a team or you hired someone already.”

Julie, now trying not to answer, responded, “Honey, you know I’m perfectly capable of handling a simple sleuthing assignment by myself. I mean, after all, who taught this group their trade?”

Juan fumbled with the phone but finally grabbed it firmly and insisted, “No, sweetheart, please? I don’t want you to do it alone! I’ll be back the day after tomorrow, and I can go do it. I don’t want you at risk.”

Julie smiled at her husband’s pleading concerns and said, “Yes, honey, you know I always do what I’m told. I’ve never worked on my own before, either. I love you.”

Juan, now feeling his insides rolling with uneasiness, bluntly stated, “Julie, I know that tone, so promise me you won’t go do this assignment. Then, when you ignore my request, please be careful and cautious on the assignment that I know you are going to do even though you shouldn’t.”

Julie smiled lovingly as Juan pleaded and promised, “Yes honey, I’ll be careful. Besides, it’s just the babysitting one. Love you.”

She then disconnected the call and began creating her new identity for the assignment, recalling a fun evening of old time movie watching they’d recently shared with her favorite, Superman III.