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SIS calls the executive team - again, what is left of it to the bridge. “I need to remind you to read the files I have flagged on your data slates” she says. “There are a few guidelines to keep on mind on your first mission.” Is that concern in her voice? “The mission first is always the most dangerous one.” She displays dozen of technical files, but two are flashing with red flags. They are indexed as, http://www.tequilastarrise.net/~savoylen/time_concepts.htm and http://www.tequilastarrise.net/~savoylen/temporal_travel_rules.htm . Yovas returns to the group. “Anaylsis, Curly (one of SIS’s sub-processors) has been monitoring the superdrive with a link to our Al Karam contact. It seems he has detected the first ripples of the null event. Temporal-Tangential Harmonic analysis indicates that the event centers on a system here in the Verge. He pauses as he melds directly with the panel nearest him. Even though you’ve seen the Mechalus do this dozens of times, you and even King, can’t help but whence at the sight. His eyes are closed as he must be working in the virtual world now, but he addresses you in an almost dream-like voice. “Commentary, I know this must be new to you but you have to realize that there isn’t a ‘radar’ that actually tracks these null events. It is more like standing on a bank of a large lake. Then suddenly, a large wave hits the shore at your feet where before the water was as smooth as a looking glass.” He opens his eyes and looks at your directly. “The trick is to listen and watch carefully, and then based on your experience, you estimate the direction and size of the boat that caused the ripple in the first place.” He smiles, “Don’t worry. The Al Karam have had a lot of experience in this area… and the closer we get to the event, the better we are at the estimate. For now, it looks like we are headed for the Algemron System. Once there, we should be able to locate the nexus that should take us to where you need to go. And if we don’t locate and repair the Jimbar Event in 35 days or less… well, we won’t have to worry about it any more.” Yovas looks around at the team for comments. “Rhetorical Query, Well then, what do you say?” Turning toward Tassadar, “Query, Orders?” |