The normally verbose Alexius only harrumphs, but Cyril nods. "I'm not the most pious fellow, I know, but I respect that sort of conviction. Isn't that right, girl?"

That last to the woman in the red jacket. She stares at Cyril for a moment, blinks, then flatly states, "People should believe the doctor."

"My offer is simple," Dr. Sabbatine says over the hubbub. "Those assembled here step onto the Specular, watch for about five minutes, and then we get to work understanding what my device can do for Byzantium. Are we agreed?"

"I have one question," says one of the journalists as the others frantically and unconditionally agree. "Why do you have a small army? Are you expecting to pass through the last Malian War on your way to the dawn of time?"

A ripple of laughter spreads through the crowd.

"That's Xander Metochites," Alexius tells you—unnecessarily. Even you know "Meto" is one of the most famous journalists and novelists in Byzantium, and a famous wit.

"Everyone needs to see," the mystic Stralchus tells Meto, emphasizing the word "need."

Dr. Sabbatine nods and says, "They need to know what they'll be guarding from people who might object to my latest discovery, and they need to know how important it is."

The doctor seems tired of ceremony and limelight; she turns to Stralchus, who begins the mundane task of getting everyone onto the Specular. The woman in the red jacket helps him.

Wait, no, she's standing between you and Alexius. But how…

Except, actually, she appears to be helping the researchers move some equipment. In fact, there appear to be quite a few of these young women. Over a dozen.

Next