Patchwork Universe

liason · Posted: 27 Feb 2004 02:36 pm Post subject: Two Visitors Arrive

Liason turned to the Doctor and the Lieutenant, "The large building in the distance is the Imperial Foundry. We do not have far to walk."

As they picked their way across the wilderness, it became gradually apparent that something unusual was happening outside the Foundry. A large machine was holding a complicated vehicle several feet in the air. Two other vehicles were waiting nearby and a man in a grey suit was standing a short distance away, watching.

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 101 Location: HMS Justice

Although rather taken aback by the strange mechanical device, Lieutenant Stafford was clearly intrigued by the vehicle, which appeared to be some odd combination of a boat and a cart. He edged carefully forward, keeping well out of the way of the machine, but angling to get a better view of the contraption that it held aloft.

The Doctor, on the other hand, appeared entirely delighted, and hurried forward to greet the stranger in the gray suit. Setting down her parcel with care, she executed a half bow. “Doctor Maria Domeova, sir - my compliments on your wonderful device. Mr. L’Iason, will you introduce me to your good colleague?”

liason · Posted: 28 Feb 2004 11:49 am Post subject:

"I regret I cannot. This gentleman must be a visitor such as yourself - I have not had the pleasure of his company before."

Liason bowed to the man, "I am Liason, Ambassador to the Imperial Foundry in the wider world. I trust our staff here have been seeing to your needs satisfactorily ?"

At about this point, a servant arrived carrying the new propeller. As the assembled group watched, the Reprocessor gripped it, then swung it into place. A metal collar was swiftly welded into place around it - leaving the visitors with spots on their vision as they had neglected to look away - and the entire mechanism secured with a long bolt.

The Lifter lowered the flying machine gently to the ground and the three Foundry machines rumbled away, followed by the servant.

The Janitor · Posted: 28 Feb 2004 12:53 pm Post subject:

The man looked somewhat surprised as if he had not noticed the approach of the group.

"Oh, ah, yes. Hello. Er. Don't mind me. I was just making sure that She hadn't left anything dangerous in the wreckage. This sort of thing can cause all kinds of problems."

The man paused briefly, peering intently at the people before him.

"Ah, so you are the Liason for this facility. I had been wondering when you would return. I must say I'm most impressed by the efficiency of these reclamation mechanisms. And you two must be members of Isobel's crew. I really must speak with her one of these days."

"Oh yes, that reminds me. I suggest you don't stay too long. I fear there may be a rearrangement coming, and I wouldn't want to see you stranded."

"Anyway, don't let me keep you, I'm sure you have important business to discuss."

The man turned back to the craft and began examining the join on the propeller.

liason · Posted: 28 Feb 2004 02:38 pm Post subject:

Liason turned to the Doctor and the Lieutenant.

"Let us not disrupt this good gentleman's work further. Perhaps you would care to come inside for some refreshments ?"

Liason gestured towards the large Southwestern tower.

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 101 Location: HMS Justice

“Yes, thank you.” With a last glance at the gray man, the Doctor turned to follow Liason. It was evident that there were more questions that she wished to ask, but it seemed polite to be guided by their host. “I wonder what the gentleman meant about a rearrangement? He suggested that we might become stranded if we tarried too long… I wonder if we are to become further unmoored? That would indeed be terrible.”

“If I may suggest, Doctor, perhaps we should therefore limit our visit to the afternoon?” Lieutenant Stafford checked his pocket watch, and then started. “Dear me, it seems to have stopped. Sir, might I prevail on you to let us know when, say, three hours have passed, that we might return to the boat, and our ship?” Taking a step towards Liason, he continued in a lower voice, somewhat flustered. “And if I am not mistaken, I must beg your pardon. Here the entire crew has been addressing you as Mr. L’Iason, while if I understand the other gentleman aright, that is not your name, but your title – like that of First Lieutenant or Ship’s Surgeon. I do apologize for the misunderstanding. Might I be so forward as to ask your Christian – that is your personal name, if you are inclined to give it?”

liason · Posted: 28 Feb 2004 07:37 pm Post subject:

"I would certainly take no offence," Liason smiled at the Lieutenant as they approached the stairway leading into the Foundry.

A smartly dressed servant stood at one side of the gate and bowed to the approaching party before escorting them into the cloakroom. He did not address them, presuming that Liason had matters in hand.

"There is a difficulty, however," Liason continued, "although Liason is indeed my function, it is also my name. Most citizens of the Illuminated Empire do have names as you do. However, here at the Foundry things are a little different. You will find many of us who prefer to do without."

Liason wondered to himself then whether he perhaps ought to have a name. But then that would raise the question of which name to choose and what its purpose would be.

He led his visitors through the halls to one of the central customer lounges. He chose this in part to give them a good view of the interior of the building. Their route took them along wide, carpetted corridors, past sweeping staircases and alcoves containing paintings and sculptures from the corners of the Empire. They saw chandeliers and candelabras, urns and fountains. Finally they arrived at their destination.

"Make yourselves comfortable," Liason gestured to a group of large, richly upholstered chairs.

An attendant stood close by and handed a small roll of paper to Liason, who read it swiftly.

"Thankyou, I shall attend to it soon," he turned to the visitors, "Doctor, Lieutenant, what form of refreshment would you prefer ? I am going to place an order."

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 101 Location: HMS Justice

“It is most kind of you to offer, but I should decline, being on duty.” Lieutenant Stafford gave a small half-bow. This was not *entirely* true, as one could hardly fault him for having a small dram or glass of wine, but he was rather overwhelmed by the evident wealth and grandeur of the Foundry, and wanted to keep his senses alert. The size and richness of the buildings, the well-trained deference of the staff – Liason must be a man of considerable wealth, in addition to the power that the office of Ambassador implied.

“And I, “ the Doctor said distractedly, as she was busy examining several of the pieces of artwork, noting any depictions of peoples or landscapes, “would like to try whatever is the customary afternoon beverage for the people of your land, if I may.” She peered curiously at one of the paintings on the lounge wall. Already, the notebook and pencil were out, and she was scribbling the odd note as she spoke. “Tell me, is that a contemporary piece, or does it feature a scene from times past?” Before Liason could answer her query, however, she plowed ahead. “Although, what with time being so short, I suppose I should get about the business of investigation. Do you think I might speak to some of your servants or agents, in order to determine what they observed of the unmooring phenomenon, and most importantly, when? Perhaps I could arrange a few brief interviews….”

liason · Posted: 29 Feb 2004 11:03 am Post subject:

Liason turned to Attendant, "A pitcher of good water and two jars of jasmine tonic for the assembled."

Attendant bowed and left.

"It is a mythological scene," Liason walked closer to the painting, "depicting the rise of Virtue from chaos. This figure here is the anthropomorphised representation of Virtue. This figure here is the Mezzodaemon, who canonically embodies evil. And this knight here is actually a portrait of the nobleman who commissioned the painting - something of a conceit. Art historians assume that the figure is intended to represent the armies of man who rallied behind Virtue."

"As to interviews," he turned back to the Doctor, "you would be very welcome to interview any of the staff here. However I doubt you will find any who were conscious during the 'unmooring'. Indeed, there may be some who are still not really aware it has occurred."

At length, Attendant returned bearing a large tray. Stoneware tankards with engraved metal lids and elaborate scenes embossed around the outside were set before Liason and Domenova. The jug of water and a tall pewter mug were placed in front of Stafford.

The tankards were hot rather than chilled and when the lids were lifted a strong smell of herbs and a faint whiff of alcohol permeated the clouds of steam.

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 101 Location: HMS Justice

Doctor Domenova took a cautious sip of the from the large tankard. "Why this is quite lovely - something of the character of a rum punch, I think. Made with tea and wine, or some spirit perhaps?" She sniffed the rising steam appreciatively. "And such a lovely green scent. But, as to the matter at hand, I suppose I had best start with you - when did you first notice the unusual phenomenon? I believe you mentioned earlier that you were concerned about the lack of customers - how many hours or days had passed before the change registered as uncharacteristic, and more importantly, who was the first to notice? Was the change marked by any particular occurrence or was it any way a special date?"

Lieutenant Stafford, meanwhile, had poured himself a glass of water, and was taking the occasional draft at intervals. Wandering around the customer lounge, he began to take an assessment of the surroundings. Aside from the fact that all was richly and carefully made, he had no real sense of the value of the furnishings. From a defensive standpoint, however, it was clear that the Foundry was either unprepared for an attack, or more likely, it possessed such fortifications that it was secure in its strength. He would be interested in seeing more of the building. Perhaps when the Doctor had finished her questioning, he would suggest it.

liason · Posted: 02 Mar 2004 10:26 am Post subject:

"It has become gradually clear to me, Doctor, that the circumstances here were different from those you experienced. What you call the unmooring was not a subtle change here. There are some aspects I regret I cannot speak of freely, but suffice to say that the ravaged wilderness outside was not always so."

"Indeed, I can find no other way to describe the event that to say the unmooring was an act of war."

"As to how long ago, it is hard to say. Certainly no longer than two years."

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 101 Location: HMS Justice

"This is indeed a surprise! Great violence, and a considerable length of time." The Doctor hurriedly scribbed down a few more notes. "For the changes in our area occured no more than a week ago, and manifested only in the form of the mysterious fog that you yourself experienced. But I wonder if there is not a connection of a sort - in our world, the nation that the Captain and I serve is on the brink of a war, and indeed our mission at the time had some relevance to preparations." Here she paused and took another sip of the tonic. "Like you, I cannot go into detail, but I believe there may be an analogy in the situation. You are obviously able to supply armaments, and we are for the most part a military organization. Could it be that these Gods plan a war of some kind, and wish to use us in this purpose?" Domenova seemed intrigued by the idea. "But then, what would that make that young vagabond, Quickgrip? A spy of some kind, perhaps?"

liason · Posted: 02 Mar 2004 03:02 pm Post subject:

Liason thought for some time, sipping his drink, before replying.

"It seems to me that you may be on to something, Doctor. The philosophy of aspect teaches us that where there is a similarity of pattern there is like as not further similarity to come."

"The war we were involved in was a complex matter, but its origin lay in the rebellion of one of the primary Provinces of the Illuminated Empire. This in itself started a change of events which inevitably..."

Liason stopped. A curious parallel had just occurred to him which he had never noticed before. A small part of the whole, suddenly claiming independence...

"But I am no philosopher," he shrugged, "do similar circumstances prevail in your land, Doctor ?"

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 101 Location: HMS Justice

"Not as such, sir, not as such." While Liason spoke, the Doctor has made a few further notes, including a few regarding her insight. "Although, now that you mention it, our principal enemy, so to speak, had but recently experienced a revolt, which precipitated the further conflict. So there may indeed be a parallel here. I must think further on it. " Another sip of the tonic soon followed. "Really, this is very good! Well, I shall suggest to the Captain that further investigaton is in order to see if our hypothesis proves correct. Observing further bits of this place, as it were. " Another note, another sip. "Oh, and on the matter of Gods - I wondered if your religion in the Empire might provide insight into the motivations of these mysterious powers, or if you had any indication of what they might want with us? Mythology and legend may provide us with clues here - I am afraid that the main religions of Europe have in our time become rather prosaic, though I shall certainly be consulting my journals back on the ship."

liason · Posted: 03 Mar 2004 10:24 am Post subject:

Attendant walked briefly to Liason's side and appeared to converse with him, though he spoke so quietly that the visitors heard not even a whisper.

"Ah. We may be able to do rather better than ancient mythology Doctor. Apparently one of the gods was here at the Foundry only half an hour ago. Indeed, the machine we saw earlier was - I am told - her mode of transport."

Another servant entered the room and moved swiftly to Liason.

"It seems quite a number of customers have begun arriving here. If you have no objection, Doctor, I might under the circumtances suggest that all gather here. If it is further information that we seek, they may be the ones to provide it."