Edward McKenna, usually called Ed, works for Special Situations, a security group hired by Homonoid Labs to recover its stolen conversational model Hammett. He offers personnel and physical backup to Ben Etxina, whose partnership with Lin Jiao instead becomes a competing investigation.
Ed is taller than Ben, muscular, red-haired and bearded, with crusader tattoos. He first approaches Ben outside his apartment as Ben is leaving for Las Vegas. He initially says he works for Homonoid, then clarifies the Special Situations relationship when asked for a badge. Ben refuses his offer and conceals his destination. Ed subsequently complains to Dante Amōgos that the pair have rejected collaboration.
Special Situations
The group operates with several investigators and a Cadillac SUV. At the Greater Good summit, Ed tries unsuccessfully to seize Jordan Damour when the employee runs from an introduction. His team reaches Damour’s hotel after Ben and Lin have found him dead. Ed demands the bag containing Damour’s equipment, then lets them leave while telling them to remain available for police statements.
He later arrives at Ben’s sister’s trailer in an Escalade, invoking the twins’ authority and Homonoid’s ownership of the laptop. Lin hands over the computer and drives after secretly copying them. Ed checks the contents and login screen before taking the equipment away and arranging contact with company counsel.
Lin considers Special Situations too expensive to provide Ben’s later support in Macau. The two investigations never become a shared partnership. After the recovery operation, Ben meets Ed smoking outside Social Proof. They shake hands and exchange civil remarks before the company gathering.