FOR THE COMMON GOOD

I had my own reservations and hesitations when I was asked to go on another mission that was clearly beyond the normal scope of my job.  It was a dog-gone mission to say the very least. But still, it is a mission assignment which I could not refuse. 

I would gladly go on a mission that involves the intricacy of cloak-and-dagger which I prefer. This game of intelligence is something that I believe keeps us sharp in mind and focused in spirit.

When you are asked to be a negotiator for the collective good of people, the mission parameters are often unreasonable.  The daunting task of bridging heaven and earth falls upon your shoulders. I must confess, I am certainly no saint, not even close to the whispers of angels and yet I am tasked to carry out this mission.

In preparation for this mission, I have dedicated at least 4 hours a day for one week reading through various materials involving negotiations of this nature.  I have interviewed people who have actually gone through the same exercise. Their feedback is always common, you are negotiating about money yet you are dealing with human emotions as well.  The two combined, makes for a volatile mixture.  I was frequently warned of tempers flaring up during the negotiations because of the economic provisions that will affect the lives of many people.  I shall bring my experiences as a soldier, spy, and human being, as resources when I sit at the negotiating table.  I do not expect the outcome to be just a  show of one man upmanship.   I expect  the parties in the negotiations are able to set aside their differences and put forth concessions for the common good. For my personal expectation, I am looking forward to becoming a better person after this mission is over.