Daylight Saving, Issue 6: Part 3.1

Page 138

Panel 1: The staffer hands the note moments later to their boss- ARKADY of the Russian delegation.

Panel 2: Arkady looks up from the notes moments later after reading it and getting the top line gist of its origins.

ARKADY

(seeking clarification, translated from Russian)

And you're certain this intelligence is accurate?

ARKADY

(Bubble 2; reacting to Panel 3, Bubble 1)

This could prove problematic, especially if whatever they’re making relegate us to the Kids table politically.

Panel 3: The staffer nods quickly, flashing confident at what they'd heard before as they speak. 

STAFFER #2

(translated from Russian)

100%, sir. This is part of a wider plan the Chinese and Americans are working on, out of view of the press.

Panel 4: Arkady furrows his brow in thought; the first scrap of nerves visible in the senior diplomat's eyes.

ARKADY

(Cont.)

How far along are these negotiations, did your source say?

Panel 5: The staffer shrugs, unsure about that detail as they're going through their memory.

STAFFER #2

They didn't give a specific time frame. But I got the sense, from what they told me, it was still relatively new.

Panel 6: Arkady fires back with a little more confidence than in Panel 4, certain where to go next.

ARKADY

Okay. That gives us enough time to--

Panel 7: At another part of the conference hall, and in another time, we see the head of the Saudi delegation reacting to this news with a more cynically pragmatic view of the situation than the Russian.

SAUDI HEAD

(to their subordinate, translated from Arabic)

Find a way to kill this negotiation, and any deal that may arise, before it gets out of hand, without hitting the Wealth Fund too badly. Given how much they hate each other.

Page 139

Panel 1: Wide shot from the ceiling, marked at different points representing the half dozen countries (Russia, Saudi Arabia, India, the United Kingdom, Germany) that picked up rumors of the negotiations.

Caption

(Cont., Saudi Head)

“That shouldn’t be a problem.”

Panel 2: Eventually, it picks up to local news correspondents reporting on "Saudi King Criticizes Rumored China-US Negotiations."

NATHAN

(Off-Panel)

You said this wouldn’t be an issue. That we could do the work without the cameras following us.

Panel 3: Cut to a shot of the head of the U.S. delegation, NATHAN, standing next to Brie watching during a break in action.

BRIE

(clarifying)

I know this is a problem. But you were the ones who agreed on my autonomy, without any connection to the delegation. This can still be salvaged, depending on how you- 

NATHAN

(interjecting)

Don’t tell me to do my job, Benoit! I’ve spent the past three hours listening to how the White House wants you pink slipped to keep us from another Gas Crisis. I'm about sixty seconds from obliging him, especially with Florida as close as--  

Panel 4: Close-up on Mx. Benoit countering with an idea designed to lower the temperature in the whole discussion.

BRIE

(interjecting)

I'd understand if you did. But like I said, this can still work to the benefit of the nation and the planet. You were telling me this morning, before the news broke, how good the negotiation with the Chinese head has been.

Panel 5: Nathan bursts out in disbelieving laughter, shaking his head; the words dripping with cynicism. As he speaks, there's the sound effect of the front door opening.

NATHAN

Yeah. But the Chinese have been itching to tap into that sweet Saudi oil. You really think he’s not gonna bolt in a microsecond after this?

Panel 6: The aide stands in the doorway, flashing every bit the level of urgency and surprise that befits the news.

AIDE

Sir, there's been a development from the head of the Chinese delegation.