Spicy pum pum juice dripped from Cobalt’s smiling face. Carefully he stepped back from Senator Prussian’s desk. Fists clenched, the yeoman bowed his head in deference.

“Sir, Elder Slowle, the Veil’s chief of science, made a compelling case for lockdown. According their preliminary research, this vegetal parasite spreads rapidly. Our food supply could be in danger, sir.”

With a flourish, the senator swept the contents of his desktop to the floor. Cobalt focused on the circles of blood red juice dripping from his nose. He’d seen his share of senatorial tantrums before. This one was more than halfway done.

“You were supposed to observe not agree to some drastic ecological venture. If you think for one second I’m gonna go to Prime Minister Royal with a half baked isolation plan from those weirdo dirt people you are out of your goddamned mind. Where’s the proof!” Prussian shouted.

“Well the Avianna representatives were equally concerned. Prince Swenn promised to back the Veil’s plan with their finest scientists. Our shared great forests are the lungs of our world, sir,” Cobalt said straightening. “Time is of the essence.”

“Those birdbrains, prancing around in their silks, couldn’t find their asses with both hands. Those connivers want to tank our economy while the muddys cry over a toadstool. I don’t care about your theory, or your feelings, only facts. Get out of my sight,” Prussian said.

The senator punctuated his dismissal by flopping into his office chair and turning his back on his aide. Cobalt made an obscene gesture and hurried from the office. Mrs. Pale, Prussian’s secretary, was waiting with a broom and a bottle of aged liquor. She mopped his face with her handkerchief.

“Somebody’s a little bit moody. I’ll handle big baby. You make yourself scarce until that one chills out,” Mrs. Pale said. “And don’t forget your special guest.”

Cobalt confused turned to the waiting area. He’d forgotten the Veil woman had accompanied him to give her eyewitness account of the parasitic threat. Curled like a sleeping cat, she was upside down reading his planner. Free to be angry, he snatched it from her. Nonplussed Whisper unfurled and yawned. She studied him, unblinking. Prussian was right the Veil were weird.

“I see that didn’t go well. All your peace of mind is shattered. Where are we going next? Protest on the capitol steps? Ladies’ luncheon? Filibuster, I always wanted to bust some fillies?” Whisper said, still upside down on the waiting area sofa.

“No there’s nothing we can do. Prussian is going to bury my report. Head home Whisper. Wait! Ladies’ luncheon, I’ve got an idea. My roommate is an event planner for Senator Prussian’s mother. They will be at a charity luncheon together today. Forget the capitol steps. I’m going over the senator’s head.”

Heading for the door, Cobalt grabbed his coat.

“Will there be finger sandwiches and big hats? Wait for me,” Whisper said leaping off the sofa.