It was interesting, Callisto thought, that it was a Bulgarian man that had been named the head of the proceedings. Despite her distaste for the man's appearance, at least the first speaker had been of the country. He, at least, likely understood some of the finer points of the Ministry's workings. "I think you'll find, sir," she murmured aloud, voice tuned appropriately, "that those of us who would be affected by this silly law have already found the appropriate means of bypassing it."
If he would make them strain to hear his voice, she would make him strain to hear hers. "It is difficult for a good servant to disobey orders--those who would risk incurring wrath by informing the Ministry would not be worthy of service in the first place, wouldn't you say?"
- - -
Next to his sister, Pierson was mentally turning his eyes to the ceiling. Tell him not to say anything out of place, and there she went, talking back to the guy running the whole thing!
Sometimes he didn't understand Callie, that was for certain. But he wouldn't try to say anything to it--he'd just grin to himself and watch what transpired.