“Thank you for coming, all.” In lieu of a gavel, Castel Natekari thumped her podium with the heavy, enameled pen which has passed from Rumormonger to Rumormonger through Hobbestown’s colorful decades. It was in her office as Tribune that she summoned her colleague here this day, but her seat as hostess derives from her older office as the living encyclopedia of this black city and its (I cannot say citizens) inhabitants. Custom requires asking the Rumormonger’s opinion before a Hobbestonian embarks on any feud, and her advice keeps many a youth from acting rashly on a rival’s poison lies. Custom requires updating the Rumormonger on all gossip, and her patient perspicacity has recognized many a hidden mastermind when one name was involved by ‘chance’ in too many ‘accidents.’ Temperance she is, Prudence, Justice, and Force as well, ready to call her people to arms when a rotten branch needs pruning. I have shown you lynch mobs, reader, or their bloody wakes at least. How many fewer—set-set and Servicer alike—might have died in Odessa if the Hives had shared the Blacklaw custom that one may not lynch anyone without first asking the best-informed person in town whether we’re being idiots?

“At Tribune Mason’s request, Blacklaw Euphrates Chagatai will conduct today’s interview, since I understand the Tribune is still recovering their full faculties of speech, and Chagatai has experience handling that.”

Chagatai shed her sweeping outer coat and took the podium with a swish of her nearly-as-sweeping inner one. “Thank you, Tribune Natekari. I have a list of submitted questions, but I’d like to ask my own first. Any objections?” She scratched her silvered stubble as she waited for consenting nods. “Good. First off, TM, do you believe you can still adequately fulfill your Tribunary duty to represent the needs of the Hiveless against the Hives when you’re so caught up in upper-level Hive affairs?”

How like a trial it would have seemed, the spectators’ eyes locked hungrily on the defendant, had He been one who trembled. “Is that the most important question?” He asked.

“No, but it’s what brought us to this room.” Nods supported Chagatai.

“Clarify ‘represent,’ ” He requested.

“Clarify ‘clarify,’ ” Chagatai reposted.

“Represent as agent or represent as symbol? Vous… you-tachi chose Me Tribune largely ut as symbol, to remind Earth that One Who enjoys such trust and honor from the Emperor, Chief Director, and other powers is nonetheless still a Graylaw. I have served as your Proof that Hiveless matter to the Hives. If it is as symbol that I represent the Hiveless, I am fit for office while I am still perceived thus, yet unfit should I come to be perceived otherwise. Since I do not know how I am perceived, I cannot answer more completely. Is that clear?”