Just Say It Plainly

Jenkins sank back into his chair, as if he had decided that haste was inappropriate. There was a vague interest in his gaze, but that was all. Marie wondered whether he was really so unmoved by her offer, or whether he was just putting on a proverbial poker face to improve his chances of winning.

She sat up straight again and folded her hands in her lap. There was no reason why she should offer her most valuable bargaining chip lightly.

“I want the contract to state explicitly and unequivocally that I am a full member of the EU delegation.” She refrained from adding “with equal rights.”

Her negotiating partner did not respond directly to her demand. Instead, he tapped on the screen embedded in his desk and looked at the data displayed there.

“You are an interesting variable, Miss Lehnert,” he said. “Not provided for in our formula, but... really interesting.”

Marie narrowed her eyes and waited for him to explain what he was getting at.

“These negotiations are ostensibly about access to markets, resources, and technology. Behind the scenes, invisible but always implicitly negotiated, is the EU’s recognition of our socio-political system.”

She raised her head defiantly. “Just say it plainly: you want to continue oppressing your women undisturbed.”

“What I mean is: our stable political and social order must not be jeopardized.”

“You know that I do not approve of this order.”

Jenkins smiled weakly. “That is irrelevant. What is important is whether you would be willing to accept it.”

Marie looked him straight in the eye. “Accepting means submitting to this order as long as I am in the US. Am I understanding you correctly?”

He paused briefly. His smile broadened. “Only as a symbol. Europe must recognize that even you, as an educated, self-confident woman who grew up in your political system, can abide by our order.”

Her breathing became shallower. She felt her heart beating in her throat. “What exactly are you suggesting? That I let every man grope, ****, and **** me?”

“Not at all. Those are harsh words,” he corrected her. “I'm just discussing a possibility. An option that would greatly benefit the negotiations.”

She laughed briefly. “You seriously believe that the US and Europe can agree on better trade terms if I give up my rights?”

Silence.

Marie looked at her hands. She thought about her beliefs, her education, everything she had taken for granted in her life so far.

“And if I refuse?” she finally asked.

Jenkins' voice remained calm. “Then you'll leave. Immediately. The talks will continue. They'll be tougher, cooler, but Mr. Moreau and I agree that failure is not an option.” And with a threatening undertone, he added, “You would then be nothing more than a footnote in the minutes, soon forgotten, if anyone even notices you at all.”

He stood up. For him, the conversation had obviously ended.

Marie had to act. Now. There was no time to weigh up the chances and risks. She had to find a way to stay in the country and be part of the delegation without surrendering herself.

“Wait. Maybe there's a middle ground? A compromise that allows me to stay here and offers you... significant advantages. On a personal level.” She smiled meaningfully.

Jenkins raised an eyebrow.

“Oh? What are you suggesting?”