The bird-shaped construct wheeled quietly over the plaza and the building with the fish creatures on its eaves. As the voice came through the radio, people were gathering to listen curiously, in kitchens and clinics and libraries and eating places.

< This is Cynn Numair d'Escala speaking. I am presently at the Assembly Hall on Russi's Plaza. >

Someone in the crowd at the fountain shouted something at the spirit who had been sitting perched next to the radio; they responded in kind, already leaned over on their elbows drawing a shimmering circle around the radio.

< Here, the Assembly was once again to review my proposal for R.I.T. This proposal has been fine-tuned over nearly a decade, and I have presented it many, many times to the Assembly. >

A general disquiet rose in places--there was a proposal? It had been ready for that long?

< Today, I want you to hear this proposal. It is for you, after all.

< You are here because you have lost someone to an unspeakable and unknowable fate. You live with the knowledge that it could be you next, or another loved one. For us to allow this spectre of traffickers and death to hang over our lives is, to me, unacceptable.

< But the Assembly has rejected R.I.T. outright, time and time again, despite it being backed by studies done by our own University at Escalus, victim testimonials, countless letters from the public, and expert historical and economic analysis. Furthermore, the Assembly has chosen to walk out rather than allow this hearing to be broadcast to you. >