Kalax led them down the ramp until they were walking along the side of the frenetic dancefloor, and then up a short gravity lift to a cluster of private booths overlooking the action from a raised platform. Most of the booths were full, but the Ambassador led them to one in particular that was guarded by two very large Human males in smart dress. Sat inside the booth were what Freyr imagined could be a ‘who’s who’ of Threria’s Human enclave. She even vaguely recognised a couple of them, despite the constant shifts in lighting from bright to dark.

As they approached, a tall, white haired woman with the same build as Kalax and the most extravagant purple gown Freyr had ever seen rose from the booth and came to greet them. The Ambassador and this woman kissed on the lips, before Kalax turned to introduce them all. “Everyone, this is Plenipotentiary Wallace, my superior! She’s only on Rothia for a few weeks. My dear, these are my new friends from that thing we were talking about!” The Plenipotentiary beamed a radiant smile. “You are just how i imagined! Welcome, my valiant adventurers! Will you take a Touch of Sthrirad?”

The woman named Wallace clicked her elegant fingers and one of the guards went into the booth and emerged with a small glass amphora. Even in the changing light, Freyr could see some kind of reddish vapour cloud packed into the vessel. The Plenipotentiary offered it first to Vreta, then Masgard, then 595, then lastly Freyr. “What does it do?” Freyr asked. “I can’t really explain, but It’s perfectly safe.” Wallace assured, shaking the amphora enticingly. “Don’t be a baby!” 595 cooed, massaging her shoulders. Freyr sighed, smiled and nodded. Wallace placed the amphora under Freyr’s nose and she took a deep breath in. The Plenipotentiary beamed. “Good. Now go, dance! I need to have a word with Kalax but promise to send him down shortly.”

Freyr scarcely had time to thank the woman, feeling no different as yet from the inhalation, when 595 grabbed her hand and began pulling her back toward the gravity lift. “You heard the lady; I don't want to miss the drop, lets go!” Freyr let the agent drag her away, but looked back at the booths before dropping back down to the dancefloor.

The Ambassador and Plenipotentiary had locked into a strange embrace. Their right hands extended, each grasped the inside of the other's forearm. Their off-hand held onto the other person's shoulder for balance. Their foreheads rested together. Freyr could see a thin, glowing blue line emanating from under their skin. It ran from their right wrist up their arm, across their shoulder, and up their necks to the back of each person's head. Just before 595 maneuvered her into the grav lift, Freyr saw Wallace lift her head up slightly and look straight at her. Then they all stepped into the lift, and the two figures disappeared.