Mycroft surveyed the table. Eight middle-aged men stared back at him awaiting the plan.
"Well gentleman", he started with authority, "I have begrudgingly found a resolution to our current predicament."
The door at the end of the hall swung open and a woman flounced into the room. She had long, snow blonde hair that fell around her shoulders and even white skin that accentuated her pleasing features. Her gray-blue eyes glanced about the room before settling on the man at the head of the table.
"Mycroft, honey, we have dinner tomorrow with the queen's treasurer at 8:30. I left a message with your secretary, but figured that while I was at it, I would remind you in person as well."
"Ah darling, perfect timing." he answered, "I was just announcing our solution to the Markova issue."
The woman continued around the table until she was at his side, placing her hand on his. The beautiful diamond ring on her fourth finger caught the attention of more than one of the men seated around the table.
"May I introduce my wife, Katalina." Mycroft declared, "She has volunteered to be our inside woman, much to my chagrin."
Katalina grimaced, Mycroft and her had argued at length over the past week over her possible role in the mission. He had voiced his opinion that the position was much too dangerous, and that the leverage the enemy could gain was not remotely worth the risk. She countered that she was perfectly prepared for the situation, and that the possible success of the mission would earn them a man too powerful to leave unchecked.
"Hello everyone." Katalina smiled pleasantly, trying to earn their approval in order to be accepted into the mission. "I have convinced Mycroft, through much persuasion, that I could be your perfect operative. Since that decision relies on a majority vote, I have come today to explain to you why I am the ideal candidate. Unfortunately Vincent Markova tends to frequent seedy clubs around the central district. I have a distinct background in the skills necessary for infiltrating such establishments."
Mycroft listened to his wife with patience and approval. As she informed his team of her skill he caught himself in a sarcastic thought Yes I am aware of your skill, and also that you happened to develop it in the two years after you completed college to pay off your student loans.
He almost hoped that the men would veto her proposal and he would be spared the worry of her capture, but he had to admit to himself that she would undoubtedly be an incredible asset to use in this situation.
Katalina caught a look from Mycroft and continued, "If I was to be approved, my role in the mission would be to distract Markova until his men could be dispatched, and then lead him into the trap where your mercenaries would capture and deliver him safely. While they secure him I would make my return to the surveillance truck. The truck would then deliver Mycroft and I to the drop car so we can drive home."
The majority of the men were nodding and Katalina only glanced a few furrowed faces. Taking this as a good omen, she kissed Mycroft goodbye on the cheek and headed back out the door.
The men gathered at the table watched her leave before returning their attention to their boss. "Have you all reached a conclusion?" Mycroft pleasantly asked with an undercurrent of warning. "All in favor of Katalina performing the objective raise your hand."
Seven of the eight men raised their arms in the air.
"It is settled then", Mycroft announced, "Katalina will be our operative. We will meet next Monday to further discuss the specifics."