The factorium atrium was rapidly filling with people and personifates. The kitchen personifates were walking around with trays of drinks and canapes, and there was a merry atmosphere of expectation. Spirit lights hung from the iron rails, and soft music was being played by a string quartet with a fox, two cats and Phineas on the cello.

Agapantha was waiting for the right time to sneak away.

Governor Watson-Wentworth stood close by in an emerald velvet suit with waistcoat and large gold buttons, along with with some fine-looking members of the Sovereign Chancellery.

“Ah, good to see you, Apprentice Young,” said Master White, appearing from behind her. “Sorry – I would’ve been here earlier, but I was looking for Craftsman Primrose. You haven’t seen him, have you?”

“Yes, he was talking with Apprentice Haywood. I saw him over there not so long ago,” said Agapantha in a rush, crossing her fingers behind her back.

“Oh, I can’t see him. Never mind. It’s ever so busy in here. I’ll be glad to get started, to tell you the truth. It’s certainly been a frantic introduction to the Guild for you. I hope you’re not regretting being here!”

“Not at all,” said Agapantha. She glanced at the clock: Nine twenty-five. Almost time.

“Right, I’d better mingle. See you at ten in the labs,” said Master White, disappearing into the crowd.

Agapantha was about to move, when a bell rang out and silence fell. She tried to edge back through the crowd, but she was penned in on all sides.

Governor Watson-Wentworth addressed the room. “Masters, craftsman and esteemed members of the Sovereign Chancellery. We all come together to celebrate this landmark day in the production of personifates. When I set Master Woolstenbury the task, I wasn’t sure it could be done, but as always, when Master Woolstenbury sets her mind to things, she finds a way.”

Master Woolstenbury smiled politely beside him, but she was clearly unimpressed with the whole spectacle the Governor had insisted on.

“Now, we have a no-expenses-spared blood moon firework display to enjoy, just to start the evening off with a bang. And don’t you worry – we’ve printed a story in the Medlock News that today is the Medlock & Co Chaos Production’s big anniversary celebration.” He winked theatrically. “Come along. I’d like everyone to gather outside.”

Agapantha’s heart began racing; everyone was going to be looking out the front in the direction of the messenger tower, where she needed to be. But there was no time to worry; she’d have to cross that bridge when she came to it. She slipped quietly up the stairs at the side of the atrium as everyone made their way to the front steps, then ran along the corridor to the memory lab and gathered the equipment.