The hall fell instantly silent. All assenting murmurs came to an abrupt halt.
The expressions of reverence, understanding, and humility on the faces of the eight Cardinals all froze.
"What is the Church Court pursuing with its new policies? Efficiency! Speed! Precision!" Murphy's voice resounded in the quiet council hall, every word sharp and clear. "I was wrong. I was late! I wasted a full hour of your time! That is an established fact! As Cardinals who run the various departments of the Church Court, you of all people should understand the importance of time! You should be keenly aware of how a pointless delay drains the efficiency of the entire system!"
