82

You walk in and linger for a moment near the doorway.

Eugenie brushes your shoulder lightly as she walks by you. "You're here. Good. Go ahead and mingle," she says. "I'll let you know when we're ready for you." Then she walks away to greet a tall lady clad in silk and an air of importance.

You survey the space. You can recognize several politicians, most of them on Eugenie's side, at least officially, but also a few of the opposition, some dressed-up reporters, a foreign ambassador, a couple of tastemakers, some holo personas, a celebrity judge.

Then you notice a familiar figure in the room. It's Doug.

He's standing near the bar, holding a glass of wine, chatting with some guy in a suit.

As if sensing your eyes on him, he turns and spots you. He smiles, excuses himself, and approaches you, holding a glass of wine.

"André Timoteo," he says. "Fancy seeing you here."

"Doug, right?"

"That's right."

"What are you doing here?" you ask.

"I work for one of these very important people," he replies. He sounds amused. "And you?"