Before they even finished descending, Sawyer could her the rancor that was the Common Council.  Grown women and men screamed at each other like children, their faces turning shades of reds and purples that ancient kings would wear on their cloaks.  AA Bianca took Sawyer by the shoulder and led him down to a chair in the middle of the auditorium.  When they stepped on it, it started to raise, but not in the way the descending platform had moved.  This was less smooth, less elegant and less graceful.  There was no enchantment involved, only pneumatic pistons and steel.

    "Attention!  I present to you, the Decider!" shouted AA Bianca, her mechanically and magically enhanced voice overpowered all other, shushing the entire room.  "You are to answer any and all questions he has through your Comrade-Superior.  All responses must be respectful, any violations of this rule shall result in swift punishment."  With these words a few Council members unconsciously reached their hands to lightly brush their necks, as if they were fearful that they wouldn't be attached much longer.  AA Bianca leaned in and whispered to Sawyer, "That's your cue, these people will inform you about our society.  Ask any questions, no matter how trivial they might seem."

    Sawyer took a deep breath and began his inquisition.