The empty Council Chamber was furnished in dark oaks and thick carpet. Rich paintings in gold frames adorned the walls.

"This way." Roberta walked to an inconspicuous opening beside a heavy tapestry. It opened at her touch and they walked through.

The Council met in a room painted hospital green. Medical equipment hissed and beeped. Old men and women sat in special chairs around the table. At the end sat a monitor with Councilor Molloy's face. Another monitor with a ...