After breakfast, Kendrick is visited by a small, gnomish man clutching a dusty ledger. He smiles, peering over small round glasses and he tugs a lock of silver hair.
"Begging your pardon, M'Lord. I've been asked to bring
you through to the Ministry. Would you care to accompany me?"
Kendrick gives the man a once-over and nods his
agreement. "I am afraid you have
me at a disadvantage. You seem to know
me, but by what name may I call you?"
"I am Number 6." He says. "Now please, the
Facilitator is waiting..."
Kendrick nods. "Very well then. I'll just give this note to a servant." He walks into the hall and hands a note to a waiting servant. "Give this to Lord Sarael."
Lord Sarael:
I did not have an opportunity to ask you at breakfast, but could you please forward me a copy of your report regarding the Pentagram that you encountered in the Cathedral? I am curious to learn more of it.
Lord Kendrick
"At once, my lord." The servant says, and makes
off.
He returns to his room, and says, "Let's be off then."
"Follow me, please." Number Six instructs, and
sets off at a brisk pace along the corridor. They make their way toward the
Royal apartments, but instead of going up, they go down. Just as the great
gateway to the dungeons looms into view, he pauses. "I should ask you if you are certain of the path you are
about to take. The Ministry takes a dim view of directors who have trouble
keeping the King's business private."
Kendrick contemplates this for a moment before he
replies, “I gave my word to King Bleys, and I intend to keep it. Let us continue.”
Number Six nods.
"Follow me closely, please."
At that, he turns sharply and walks through the wall!
Within is a huge domed chamber, illuminated by bright white
light from an octopus-like structure at its heart. There seems no physical way
a chamber of this size could fit within the confines of the stairwell. "This is the Ghostwheel," Number
Six explains. "A modified prototype based on the design of Lord Merlin.
The king spent many years on it, though I don't think he was ever completely
satisfied with its performance. As well for us, since it would make our work
redundant."
Kendrick nods.
“I see. Perhaps we should start
a little further back. What is
Ghostwheel exactly? What does it
do? And, I thought that it resided with
Merlin. His majesty did put Merlin in
charge of it just last evening”
Kendrick pauses a moment and continues, “and while I am asking
questions, just where are we? We can’t
be in the staircase...”
"Ghostwheel is essentially a trump library. Somewhere
within its mainframe there exists a trump of every possible place and person.
That allows us to transport people over great distance, and produce hard copies
of trumps in a few moments. Merlin's involvement with the project ended after
the fall of Thelbane. He has not been directly involved in it since. His
Majesty was likely referring to the Ghostwheel Project, rather than the
prototype you see before you." Number Six explains. "The Facilitator
will tell you more."
A tall thin dark-haired fellow strides towards them,
emerging suddenly from the glare of white light. "Welcome to the Ministry. I am the Facilitator." He
bows formally to Kendrick. Number Six
bows to the Facilitator, then to Kendrick, before he withdraws backwards. "First, you must understand the
Ghostwheel prototype does not officially exist. Giving it the same name as
Merlin's Ghostwheel Project allows us to disguise our activities without
stretching credulity. The frailties and eccentricities of Merlin's device are
well known, giving us scope to experiment." The Facilitator explains.
"This (He gestures expansively) is a shadow-pocket created to house the
prototype within the castle without arousing suspicion."
Kendrick absorbs this all as fast as he can. “So, the prototype falls under our jurisdiction and the Ghostwheel project under Merlin’s. What exactly is ‘Merlin’s Ghostwheel Project’, if this is not it? If this is a prototype, what plans do we currently have for the future of it?”
"Merlin's project was the inspiration, but it went
horribly wrong. The machine got ideas of it’s own, and was uncontrollable. Ours
has happily remained an obedient slave, as machines should be." The
Facilitator explains. "As to the future, I hope you will help us determine
where best to go from here."
Kendrick nods.
“I see. Can you show me how
Ghostwheel works? I want to be able to
understand it’s workings before we set a direction for the future...” Kendrick pauses a moment, “for example, how
would I get a Trump created for a person or place? How about transportation, does it transport one as well, or just
create Trumps capable of transport?”
"I alone do not have the knowledge to show you how the
Ghostwheel operates. As a security
precaution no-one is shown the full extent of its workings, only part. I
specialize in the image recognition nerve center, which processes incoming
visual data." The Facilitator explains, "at least, that was my
function before I became Facilitator. Now, I have nothing to do with the workings
of the prototype at all, but arrange meetings between the director and the
project managers."
"To create a trump of a person requires an image, or
the deployment of a probe, which will then seek out the person and acquire the
image on behalf of the mainframe. Transportation is not the main function of
the prototype, though if trumps exist in the databank of the desired location,
it can be effected by issuing the correct command from the
interface." He then points to a
seat, which Kendrick can just about make out within the brightness, surrounded
by a ring of monitors and other paraphernalia.
Kendrick purses his lips in thought, and continues, "Is it possible to feed in existing Trumps, and have them added to the database?" Kendrick begins walking towards the interface. "
"Oh, absolutely," the Facilitator replies.
"That is a key function. Data is all."
"And how would someone get a Trump from it?”
"Once the image is obtained, and the correct
authorization granted, the image can be produced in a few minutes, depending on
the required medium. Pasteboard is
common due to its simplicity, but we can use most materials." The Facilitator explains.
Kendrick continues, “Finally, are the Trumps fully capable of all normal Trump abilities and how long do they last?" Kendrick smiles. "I am afraid that I am rather inquisitive. I find this machine fascinating. My apologies though, I just realized I didn't get your name, only a title."
"It serves as both," the Facilitator replies. "Durability depends on medium used. As a rules of thumb, the more durable the material, the better lasting the image. A good pasteboard image kept in its proper case should last forever."
Kendrick nods. “I see.” He completes his walk to the terminal. He looks to the Facilitator. “I would like a lesson, if you don’t mind.” Kendrick sits down.
The Facilitator looks dubious. "What would you like to know?"
As Kendrick settles into the seat, a wire helm descends to
cover his cranium, and anchors itself there. Leather straps snake around his
wrists.
Kendrick looks askance at the straps, but says nothing. "I would like it to produce a Trump of me."
The Facilitator nods and says: "Ghostwheel. Facial, Operator, Pasteboard. Standard
size."
There is a whirring noise from behind Kendrick and he is
momentarily blinded by a white light.
The Facilitator walks over to his left, where a sheet of
material is being produced from a white box connected with cable. He tears
strips away from the sides, peels the sheet apart and hands Kendrick what appears
to be a perfect trump image, though it only shows his shoulders upward.
Kendrick smiles. “Ghostwheel. Facial, The Facilitator, Pasteboard, Standard size.”
The Facilitator splutters his protests, but white light
bathes him. He raises his hands protectively, but the light switches off
moments later.
There is a hum of activity and a sheet of material spews out
of the white box, as before.
"That was highly irregular." The Facilitator
complains. "The Ghostwheel is not a toy."
Kendrick nods. “You are right. I was simply testing the system. It amazes me that there is no control on who can request Trumps from Ghostwheel. Why don’t we have any controls on this?” Kendrick tries to stand up, and realizes he is still bound by leather straps. “Ghostwheel. Release straps.”
After a short pause Ghostwheel releases the straps. They
take a layer of skin with them, removing the hairs from his wrists. "Of course there are controls. Only the
Ministry may enter this room, and only select personnel can operate the
machine. Your details were coded in only a few hours ago." The Facilitator
says defensively.
“My apologies Facilitator. I had no idea.” Kendrick looks at his wrists.
“Why are the straps necessary?”
"Some people have bad reactions to Ghostwheel's probes
and panic. I daresay someone of royal blood could break them easily, they are
more for our staff and prisoners." The Facilitator explains.
A young man runs up, hands the Facilitator a note and nods.
The courier waits expectantly. "It
seems General Aelric is looking for you, my lord. Do you wish to see him?"
He asks.
Kendrick looks to the
courier, and addresses him directly.
"Tell General Aelric that I can meet him in my sitting room in 2
hours."
He
turns back toward the Facilitator.
"Could you please have a listing of those with access to Ghostwheel
and their access levels, as well as whatever would pass for an operations
manual brought to my rooms."
Kendrick smiles at the Facilitator.
"It was an interesting experience.
Thank you." He says, nodding towards Ghostwheel.
"Operations manual?" The Facilitator says.
"Why would you need one? No such manual has been written, my lord. I will
send over a list of operators for your inspection."
"That will be fine." Kendrick replies.
[OOC:
Alan, are Trump decks produced by the Ministry of Communications? If so, would I have one from them, or my
own? Finally, does the Ministry have a
list of all known Trumps, and their holders?]
[Yes, they are. Kendrick is furnished with an auto-update
trump deck, the latest spec. What this means is that any amendments to the
database e.g. if Eric were suddenly reincarnated, are automatically reflected
in his deck. Kendrick is informed it is
*the trump case* that facilitates this, and to carry his cards in this at all
times.]
[Again yes, the Ministry has a list of all known trumps.
<Produced by Jade or registered at the founding of Jade. If trumps were
produced elsewhere, they would not be known, obviously> The list of holders
is similarly available. Anticipating your next question, the following are the
known
trumps: <Note this does not include location trumps,
which are thought of as being of limited
value.>
The Elder Deck (Rare, Proscribed)
Benedict
Bleys
Brand
Corwin
Dara
Deirdre
Fiona
Flora
Gerard
Julian
Llewella
(Unknown Male)
(Unknown Female)
The Chaos Deck (Very Rare, Proscribed)
Delwin
Sand
Mandor
(Unknown female)
(Unknown female)
(Unknown Male)
Coral
Merlin
Mirelle
The Matrix Deck (Registered)
Caitriona
Morvana
Harold
Hector
Paris
Sarael
Lucien
Aelric
Isabella
Artemis
Beatrix
Alexander
Siobhan
Peredur
Judhael
Malcolm
Althea
[OOC: If I give away a Trump from my deck, would it automatically replace itself? What do you mean by Proscribed and Registered below?]
Even the Director is expressly forbidden from giving away
personal trumps. In this country we
have "The Official Secrets Act", which is one of the few laws if you
break you are committing treason. The Director is bound by a similar code. The
Ministry is a closed office, and its assets (including information) are
expected to be kept within the organization for use by the king or regent
alone, plus a few select deputies {The Royal Steward, for example}.
Even if detached from the deck, the card remains part of the
set and thus will not be replaced. If somehow destroyed, it will be replaced.
[Yes, trump can be destroyed.]
Oxford English say: Proscribed - outlawed, condemned or
forbidden as harmful, prohibited.
[That is, possession or use is a capital crime.]
Registered - Possession is logged at the Ministry and use is
allowed for official purposes. [Meaning it is a privilege that can be withdrawn
for almost any reason.]
The only reason he has become aware of these rules is
because of his recent promotion. Sorcery is regarded as less of a threat, and
therefore not so strictly regulated. Kendrick is aware that wholesale spying
takes place, so any use of trump or major magic use will be noted.
Obviously, tinkering with any of these devices (should he
find them) is discouraged. Being of the royal family does grant a certain
measure of protection. [Bear in mind more than just royal family use trump and
sorcery.]
The secretive nature of the regime means that often the
rules are not elucidated until there is a risk of them being broken.
Trumps are only proscribed because it they are Dworkin
originals. You could easily ask for a copy from Ghost, which would not be. That
said, as Director no-one is likely to complain.
Trumps can given to people, but you'd be expected to let the
ministry administrators know right away so they could arrange the correct
paperwork.
So only Dworkin Trumps are Proscribed? Does that mean anyone can have a copy of any Ghostwheel Trump?
If signed off by the Director, yes.
{Though issues are regulated by the King/Regent and his
deputies. They are not expected to be issued without purpose.}
{Note that Chaos trumps are also proscribed.}
Kendrick returns to his rooms.
Kendrick receives a note in reply to his note to Lord
Sarael.
Lord Kendrick,
I would be glad to
meet with you to discuss the Pentagram.
Lord Sarael
The Solar of the Jade Citadel is a solid stone structure of
six floors, with the great stair of the Hydra forming its spine. The upper
floors are reserved for family, and over the years many have occupied the
private velvet-lined lobbies to discuss the issues of the day away from prying
eyes
and ears. They are more often empty than not, but today
Sarael waits for Kendrick in one such place, surrounded by a collection of rare
literature from the String of Pearls shadows and beyond.
Sarael stands looking at the collection of rare literature
upon the walls, on occasion he looks more closely at the spine of the book and
takes it down. As Kendrick enters, he notices that Sarael wears the same
ensemble he wore this morning at breakfast. Sarael turns, book in hand and bows
slightly to Kendrick as he enters.
Kendrick walks in, bows slightly in return, and settles into a comfortable chair in the corner, and motions for Sarael to please sit as well. "Thank you for agreeing to meet with me. I am most interested in what you can tell me of this Pentagram in the Cathedral."
Sarael sits and places the book he still holds on a table next to him. "The Pentagram in the Cathedral is trump powered, I suppose one could call it a trump gate of sorts. You use it by thinking of where you wish to go and then stepping into it."
“How did you discover it and it’s workings?”
Kendrick queries. Kendrick looks at the
book on the table and reads the title.
The title reads Arcesilaus' Eulogon. Sarael notices him look at the book, but does not react. "The former Castellan discovered the pentagram inscribed on the ground in the Temple. He came to me seeking aid during an investigation. As for discovering how it works, Malcolm and I used it to in the manner in which I have described to you.
Kendrick considers this for a moment, "And
you say it will send you anywhere?"
he pauses, "And it is still active?"
Sarael nods. "It may have limits, but we haven't
explored it that fully yet and as far as I know
it is still active."
Kendrick nods.
"I see...Thank you for the information. I will have this investigated." He pauses a moment and seems to consider something then asks,
"Has you father left for old Amber yet?"
Sarael looks thoughtful for a moment. "He has."
Kendrick nods again. “Thank you for your time Sarael. I would stay and talk more, but my new position is keeping me fairly busy during these first few days. Perhaps we can make arrangements to dine in the city sometime soon?”
Sarael nods in return. "If I can be of service again,
you have but to seek me out. If you
wish to dine in the city sometime, I can make some time available."
“Thank you Sarael.” Kendrick smiles and offers his hand. “I appreciate your help and we must have dinner sometime soon.”
Sarael accepts his hand and offers a slight smile in return.
Kendrick stands and walks out.
A while later...
Aelric is invited to Kendrick's sitting room a couple of
hours after he passed the request to the herald.
"The Director will see you now," the herald says
formally.
"Thank you."
Aelric is wearing a dark suit coat, pants, with a white
collared shirt -- which is quite different from the normal military-like
uniform he tends to wear. The chain of a pocket watch dangles from his
left-side pocket.
He bows as he enters. "Your Highness. Thank you for
seeing me at such a late hour."
He looks a bit tired, dark circles starting to form under
his eyes.
Kendrick nods. “Think nothing of it. What can I do for you Aelric?”
Aelric replies, "I need to track down a known fugitive
of Jade. I figured a trump might be helpful. Seeing as you've been appointed
the minister of communication, I figured you might be able to assist me."
Kendrick smiles. "I might at that. Whom would you like a Trump of?"
"Her name is Dara. She's a known Chaosian agent, and
was responsible for a recent attack on the Jade Citadel. She's able to use a
Logrus-based grenade that she can contain within her body until delivered. Upon
delivery, it releases quite a nasty explosion." Aelric is clearly in
lecture mode.
"I figure tracking her down might lead to the remnant
of the Chaosian resistance and hopefully, the location of the material they're
using to create the weapon."
"Can you assist?"
Kendrick nods.
“Of course.” He opens his Trump deck and rummages for a moment. “Here it
is.” He hands the card to Aelric. “Best of luck with the hunt.”
He accepts the card and then rises. "Thank you, your Highness. I do apologize again for disturbing you so late. I'll show myself out." He bows, and then leaves.
Kendrick waits until Aelric has left, and pulls
out his card of the facilitator, and begins concentrating.
He answers,
"Yes Director, how can I help?"
“General Aelric was just here and borrowed my
Trump of Dara Helgram. Please log
it. Thank you.”
"Certainly Director. What shall I log as the reason for issue?" The Facilitator asks.
“General Aelric is tracking her down as a rogue
enemy of Jade.”
The Facilitator scratches a note in his ledger. "Very good, my lord."
Unless Kendrick indicates he has more to say, the contact is
cut.