High in the Grand Tower, soaring above every other building in the City, sat the Sovereign Marshall. The young ruler could sit in his jewel-studded chair and view the vistas of his glorious City from his penthouse.

Today, the Marshall’s normally perfectly smooth face wore a crease. “Judge Dench.”

An obviously affluent man drew up behind him. “What is it, Your Sovereignty?”

“What news is there of the Endless Corridor?”

“The Corridor is going along as planned, Your Sovereignty. Builder 405 has recently died, but we have found a certified male named Dali to take his place.”

“Excellent. Has the normal procedure been performed?”

“Of course, Your Sovereignty. The family remains ignorant. Our gifts were too much.

“However, files have leaked through to us; it seems Dali’s previous actions go against him. I suggest we keep a close eye on him. We cannot afford any disturbances of the Corridor; we could lose control of the City.”

“Dismissed.” He must keep an eye on this Dali. . . .