The version suitable for polite circulation.

This is how Miles would like you to view the Socotra House Daily meeting: studied, dressed, composed. Ready to deliver informed commentary to help navigate the tumult of the day with calm sophistication.

As you know, that is largely a charade designed to conceal what the 4th Floor Conference Room actually resembles. With abbreviated commentary, of course.

Actual conditions may vary.

We were fortunate this morning that The General stopped by on his way to the Pentagon.

“All right, you guys,” he began — glancing at Melissa. “Bullets only. I’ve got important things to manage now that the Iranian negotiations are on pause. Not today — that would look eager. There’s new trouble elsewhere.”

He produced an impressive tablet device glowing with short phrases:

Pakistan–Afghanistan war. WTF?

U.S. forces in Mid-East shifting to launch posture

Former President Clinton testifies today

“Never met him.” Seventeen White House visits

Chelsea wedding guest = “casual association”

Iran threatens chem-bio strike on U.S./Israeli bases

Midterms turmoil shadows Olympic gold

China dumps Treasuries — $1.5T → $600B

Taiwan next?

Cuba = regime change rehearsal?

Ninety miles from Key West — instability?

Iran pause… or transition chaos?

“Any questions? Keep them short. I’ve got things to do at the five-sided playground where I work.”

Miles grinned. “Thank you, Sir. There’s a lot to cover. We’ll run a couple pictures with the bullets. Looks like we intend to raise some Caine in the next week or two. March will show up eventually.”

The General smiled, rose, and headed for the door.

“Later, guys.”

The elevator doors closed.

The table went quiet.

Miles lifted his white mug.

“I guess we can start getting ready for lunch.”

AI-assisted visual satire for Socotra House Daily, © 2026 Vic Socotra.

Copyright 2026 Vic Socotra

Vic Socotra – Purveyor of glib words to the world