It was funny to see Haven as a potential ally when, not long ago in the grand scheme of things, their pretty boy figurehead was making public statements decrying SUPER and everything they stood for. Things had come far, though there was still further to go. SUPER had to take steps of improvement, and Haven had to get their hands dirty enough to meet her halfway. This was a start.

Despite being the most stubborn, bullish woman Sabine had to deal with in recent memory, she was making progress with Svetlana. It was not perfect; Sabine was going to need to work with numbers people and Svetlana's expression made it clear that was not her.

That was what delegation was for, and if Svetlana was going to be someone of merit with Haven, she would surely learn the technique. Maybe Sabine had a few pointers for her on that front. "People who can read through records, find misplaced or misreported funds, and find holdings and properties that are inconsistently reported. I'm willing to bet if you spoke with whoever handles accounting for Haven, they could direct you to a partner company who could look into these records without being directly tied to your group."

Sabine took a bite of her meal and savored it, because sometimes you got what you paid for, and she was certainly paying for this duck. "Of course, that's just a humble outside observation from one supervisor to another. You've got plenty of people at your disposal; can't be too afraid to use them, Svetlana."

Sveta was not sure what Sabine was going for here. Getting a spy into SUPER was one thing... accounting was another.

>>"People who can read through records, find misplaced or misreported funds, and find holdings and properties that are inconsistently reported. I'm willing to bet if you spoke with whoever handles accounting for Haven, they could direct you to a partner company who could look into these records without being directly tied to your group."

"I bet." Devon had connections, and connections came with other connections; Sveta had been in this world just long enough to know how those things worked. People knew people who knew other people. It made her head hurt and made her wish she could just punch things.

>>"Of course, that's just a humble outside observation from one supervisor to another. You've got plenty of people at your disposal; can't be too afraid to use them, Svetlana."

"Thanks." Sabine was just full of nuggets of wisdom tonight. And delicious smelling food. Sveta sighed a small sigh of relief as her dinner made an appearance too. "I never asked for this, you know." she noted "The supervisor part. I'm not Devon. God knows I don't want to be."

They finally both had plates in front of them to soak up the wine, which should ease the mood of the table. It was not going to make it any easier for Sveta to accept that she was sharing a moment of relatability with her nemesis. Still, it had been at least ten or fifteen minutes since the last direct insult, which was progress.

Sveta’s doubts made Sabine question if she overestimated the Russian’s place in the Haven organization, but she had faith in her research. More realistically, this was just a role Sveta was still learning, which was surprisingly understandable.

”I remember when the rift closed and I was suddenly thrust into a leadership role. I nearly punched Kristoph in the face when he told me I’d be heading a television press conference.” She did it and did it well, but Sabine did not like that much of a spotlight. ”I’m sure it gets easier. Probably better you didn’t want it anyway; the people who want these things are always pragmatic ladder climbers.”

Sabine took a savory bite of her duck and chewed it, covering her mouth when she could finally speak. ”If you’re in charge, clearly you’re there for the right reasons in spite of yourself.” That was what Sabine kept telling herself, at least.

Sabine was not sure what she expected from Pippa Swan. Maybe someone mousy who stayed in the background to pipe lines into the ear of whoever was on stage? If that was what she assumed, she was wrong; Pippa did not strike her as timid or plain. Instead, she was well put-together, with lustrous blonde hair tied into a neat bun and an eye-catching powder blue ensemble that took confidence to pull off. It was the kind of color Sabine found too flamboyant for herself, but it suited Pippa.

Taking their seats, Pippa made an observation about the intentionally obscure location for the base. She was not entirely wrong; even with some of the shadier aspects of SUPER toned down, there were still government secrets and confidential research being held within the SUPER compound. ”It’s mostly so tourists don’t scare our aliens. They’re skittish,” she answered off-handedly. Then again, if they did have aliens, would anyone even notice amongst the mutants of New York?

Pippa wasted no time reiterating an agreement they were already both aware of. ”Miss Sergeyeva and I certainly came to that agreement, yes. I’ve taken on a more… public role since the relocation of SUPER.” And Kristoph could drown in a river for doing that to her. ”It’s not my comfort zone, though I’m doing what I can with it, but it was time we had an actual professional around. Someone befitting of a new direction.” The government hated the phrase “rebranding,” but that was what it was.

”As such, I’ll be trusting your expertise and looking forward to your feedback.” And she fully anticipated someone from Haven having feedback.

>>”I remember when the rift closed and I was suddenly thrust into a leadership role. I nearly punched Kristoph in the face when he told me I’d be heading a television press conference.”

"You should have." Sveta nodded emphatically. She had no love lost for Kristoph, and he deserved his face punched in for various reasons. Also, she knew what that felt like. Sooner or later, she'd have to stand up for a Haven press conference, and it was already stressing her out.

>>”I’m sure it gets easier. Probably better you didn’t want it anyway; the people who want these things are always pragmatic ladder climbers. If you’re in charge, clearly you’re there for the right reasons in spite of yourself.

"How very Zen of you" Sveta grinned. She did feel like she should be the last person for the job. And yet, she was doing it, and doing the best she could. She was sure it'd implode eventually unless Hadden came back. Case in point: she was having dinner with the head of SUPER.

"But hey, at least I have help? Lots of competent people at Haven. We have a killer PR department. Maybe I could lend you someone..."