From the Near End

"Yes. Mercer's handling it."

"Beatrix will want to speak before the formal notification. To the council specifically."

"I know. I've already spoken to her. She's calling an informal session tomorrow at seven AM before the notification goes at nine."

He looked at me.

"You called Beatrix," he said.

"Last night," I said. "After you were asleep. I knew she'd want the council to hear it from her first.