The unblemished soles stepped one by one onto the green-gray carpet. In a fluid motion they pivoted, then glided past the more modest leather gathered around the long translucent table. As they were about to reach their destination, they halted, prompting a quad of silver wheels to obediently roll aside. Taking advantage of the vacuum, the shoes quickly adjusted their position until they were framed by the clear table legs. With a commanding stillness, their jet-black gloss silenced the room.

Then the meeting began.