Imogenia and her parents, escorted by two crossover collectors, arrived at the terminal right on time. Since the king had voiced his concerns, Imogenia had not uttered a word to him or the queen. As they waited in the lobby for the attendant who would escort them to the meeting, the king fidgeted in his chair and cleared his throat several times. Imogenia adjusted the pleats in her gown and stared at the floor. The queen kept glancing between the two.
After several minutes, Mr. Brutish appeared. “Well, hello. It’s good to see you all again, although I wish it were under different circumstances. If you’ll follow me.” The spirit started toward a bank of elevators.
“Hold on to the railing,” a uniformed operator pointed to a glowing bar that circled the car’s perimeter at waist height, “or the elevator will go right through you when we start up. Doesn’t hurt, it’s just a nuisance to have to wait for the next one.” The spirit pushed a button near the bottom of the twenty or so options, the doors closed with a moan, and the car jolted upward.
They ascended to the second floor. When the doors creaked open, Imogenia spotted a jungle of silvery plants. A short, wiry spirit held a translucent sword, battling back an overly aggressive tree that waved tentacles about.
The elevator operator yelled encouragement. “You show it who’s boss, Eli!”
The weapon-wielding spirit lifted an acknowledging hand but kept his focus on the foe.
The doors slid shut and the attendant explained, “Environmental Agency.”
Imogenia raised an eyebrow.
The car rose and a bell dinged.
“This is our floor,” Mr. Brutish informed as the doors opened.
Upon exiting, their escort ushered them down a long, dark hallway. Imogenia lost count of the doors they passed, but Mr. Brutish finally directed them into a large alcove and instructed, “Wait here while I inform the committee you have arrived.”
Agent Puddington joined them and engaged in small talk with Imogenia’s parents.
The princess ignored them, focusing instead on a multitude of plaques hanging from the rich, wood-paneled walls. Each enumerated the committee members for a given period. She located the list of current members and read: