"A member of our cohort who works here was gracious enough to give me access to the VIP area." He points upwards at the jellyfish-like structure descending from the ceiling and strains his head backwards for a moment, watching the glimmering lights.

"I'm trying to find some funding for a project. Strangely enough, this place is rather egalitarian, so long as you have the cash for the door fee. Otherwise everyone is welcome, which means it's a good way to inter-mix and, ah, make friends in high places." He turns his full attention back to Vanessza. "If you'll forgive the pun."