“It’s called quantitative psychology,” Neil said. “It allows them to create mathematical models of human attitudes and psychology, even down to preferences and emotional behaviors.” He looked at Noah. “I bet you’re driving them crazy. Somehow, I can’t see them being able to predict you all that well.”
Noah shrugged. “I’m not real picky about most things,” he said, “but they did manage to get me the kind of clothes I like to wear, and they knew what kind of razors and shampoo and such I like. As for the house, I think it’s probably beautiful, but I can’t really say that it appeals to me aesthetically. As long as it’s functional, I’m content.”
“Content?” Neil asked. “Wouldn’t that be an emotional response?”
Noah shook his head. “No. Contentedness comes from an awareness of security. As long as you’re not in danger, and there’s no immediate situation that threatens your security or causes you discomfort, then you should be content. And speaking of content, breakfast is ready.”
Sarah got up and handed him each of their plates, so that he could load them down with eggs and sausage and toast, and then she passed them back. She gave Moose his plate first, then Neil, then took her own and sat down. Noah joined them at the bar a few seconds later.
“Man,” Moose said around a mouthful of egg and sausage, “this is really good. Thanks.”
“Yeah, thanks,” Neil said, the same way.
“Hey, no problem,” Noah said. “Gotta keep my team healthy and fed.”
“This is a good start,” Sarah said. “These really are good.”
They finished breakfast, and Noah made a second pot of coffee so that they could sit and talk for a bit.
“So,” he said. “The dragon lady says we’re looking at a mission in the not-too-distant future. Does anybody know anything about how they train for a specific mission, here?”
Moose nodded. “I got some friends who have been out already,” he said. “Somewhere on this huge compound, they got a place they call Hollywood. They set up whole neighborhoods or mockups of specific buildings, so that we can literally practice whatever plan you come up with.”
“I guess that’s what she meant when she mentioned simulations,” Noah said.
“Yeah, that would be it. They actually run through missions with people playing the parts of the bad guys, using special paintball guns that look and feel real, but shoot those little pellets that go splat.”
“I heard a rumor a couple of days ago,” Sarah said, “that they were building a set, you know, like a movie set. Something about Mexico, but that’s all I’ve heard.”
Noah pursed his lips in thought. “If it’s Mexico, then we’re probably talking about something to do with a drug cartel.”
Neil was shaking his head. “Bet not,” he said. “Maybe you guys don’t pay enough attention to the news, but Mexico has been known for a while now as the conduit of choice for terror organizations to get their people and materials into the US. They use the same coyotes that the Mexican nationals use to sneak into the country, so I guess those guys don’t care whose money they take. My guess is they got a line on somebody who’s facilitating, and want you to take him out.”
“Either way,” Noah said with a shrug, “it’s not a mission I’d have a problem with. Once we get our briefing, I’ll probably want to sit down and get some input from you guys before I decide on the plan.”
Neil made a face. “Oh, and here, I thought you were going to be the decisive leader, the dictator who tells us what to do and expects us to do or die. You’re actually going to ask our opinions? That could be a little bit on the frightening side, just so you know.”
Noah looked at him, his face blank. “One of the things I learned in the Army is that everyone sees things from a different perspective. If I get your opinions on this mission, it may give me another way of looking at something that could make the mission more successful, or at least help save our lives in the process. Trust me, I’m quite capable of making the decisions, and when I give an order I will expect it to be followed completely and without hesitation. Is that understood?”
Neil’s eyes were wide. “Perfectly,” he said. “You don’t even need to tell me what the penalty is for hesitation.”
Moose laughed. “One of the things about our fearless leader that I like is the fact that if one of us goes rogue, or puts the rest in danger, he isn’t going to hesitate to take that one out.” He looked pointedly at Sarah. “Even if he’s sleeping with her.”
Sarah glared at him. “Jealous much? For the record, where I sleep, or who with, is none of your business. And trust me, that part of him that you like is the very reason I’m dressed this way this morning. Great sex and no entanglements.”