"Well," she said."That did happen, but the odds of that being related are astronomically low.We don't use clostridium pathogen in any of our serums."
"As I understand it," I said, having Googled this on the way here, "Clostridium could be an accidental by-product of an improper storage situation.It happens to develop in oxygenless environments, being anaerobic."
"It's feasible that whatever was stolen could be linked," Nagi said."We're not here to point blame.Just trying to find the facts.If we can move on this quickly enough, we can prevent any potential future deaths."
"I'll let you look at the log, but I can tell you right now, the only thing that was stolen was a Dragon's Eye."
"Are dragons a thing?"I asked.
Dr.Kaz looked at me like I was an idiot.
"It's not an ingredient," she said."It's a dimensional dilation device.It's called a Dragon's Eye because of its shape."
"That sounds completely unrelated to me," Eddie said.
"I have to say, it doesn't sound like it turns up any new avenues," Nagi said.
"What do you mean by dimensional dilation?"I asked.
"Dragon Eyes can pierce through the veil between planes," Dr.Kaz said."We have one on hand because it's a useful tool to grab ingredients.Some of our trickier concoctions don't exactly grow on Earth."
"Where do they grow?"I asked.
"Topside, among other places," she said, her voice quiet.
Nagi and Eddie crossed themselves, almost immediately.
"What?"I asked.
"Topside is not a pleasant place," Nagi said.
"It's undead hell," Eddie said."Basically."
"We tend to disagree on that point," Dr.Kaz said."It's not exactly the most friendly of places for a person to go—especially someone filled with Shadow Matter as a component of their ethereal makeup—but it has its benefits."
"Theologically, however, it is the exact opposite of a pleasure cruise," Nagi said.
"Well.That just depends on who—or what—you worship."
"Wouldn't it be a possibility that whoever stole the Dragon Eye was intent on making illegal and restricted serums?"Clemenza asked.
Dr.Kaz looked scandalized.
"I don't know who would," she said."That sounds egregious, if I'm being honest.The CWC pays its employees well, and most Witches that would know about such an item are gainfully employed in other careers."
"What if it was someone from the Imperium?"Clemenza asked.
"Sister Clemenza.I admire your deductory facilities, but you are directly contradicting your superior," Dr.Kaz said."This is not a Civil Wyrd Corps issue, other than a simple case of stolen property, and we have neither the time nor resources to chase after ghost stories."
"I've heard of The Imperium," Eddie said."You're saying it exists?"
"Baseless rumors," Dr.Kaz said."Conspiratorial nonsense, and ancient myths that come from people with more fancy and time on their hands than others.We're in the modern world now—this is a new future we're in, an entirely new time and place, and the Imperium is a relic of ancient history better forgotten about."
"I'm lost," I said.
"As you should be," Dr.Kaz said."There's naught to talk about with the Imperium.Now.I have some important decoctions to decoct.So I would please ask that the three of you leave, immediately."
"I'll walk you out," Clemenza said.
