We pulled into the lot and it was packed. There were cars circling, constantly looking for an opening, for someone to leave and open a chance to join in.

She finally said to turn left, to go to the gates parked lot.

I followed her instructions and stopped. The electrical pad wasn’t completely foriegn, but it was different. Meanwhile, she reached into her purse.

From her wallet, she pulled out an ornated slip. Then from that, she pulled out the black card.

It was exactly as described, exactly what you think when you seen those words. But even with your mental interpretation, it was still even blacker.

Despite it’s similar size, it held more weight than a standard plastic card. Maybe that was implied; maybe it was inferred; maybe it wasn’t really any of that at all and only the circumstances enhanced its appearance.

Nevertheless, it was Black on Both Sides.

”Hold this up against that scanner for three seconds.”

I followed her instructions and just as I thought to ask if something was wrong, the screen flashed and a symbol appeared for a moment then vanished.

The gate rose quietly and we entered.