Editing TheStarsAreRight:CarlNote3

* [[TheStarsAreRight:RedlandJack|Return to Redland Jack's page]]

* [[TheStarsAreRight:RedlandJack|Return to Redland Jack's page]]

Redland approaches Carl looking pale and frail.

Redland approaches Carl looking pale and frail.

"Hey, Carl, while hurling my breakfast into the endless expanse of water, I got to thinking about our problem with the 'many gods' plan. Namely, what are we going to do about the oceans? I understand how they would have been taken care of under the 'one god' plan, but I'm a little hazy as to how we're going to put together a large group of likeminded people to protect the seas... and if we can't protect the oceans, the rest of the plan will crumble, right? If we get some blasted octopus-monster sitting out in the Atlantic, it will spread it's corruption onto the land from there. Even if it doesn't, we need the oceans to survive."

"Hey, Carl, while hurling my breakfast into the endless expanse of water, I got to thinking about our problem with the 'many gods' plan. Namely, what are we going to do about the oceans? I understand how they would have been taken care of under the 'one god' plan, but I'm a little hazy as to how we're going to put together a large group of likeminded people to protect the seas... and if we can't protect the oceans, the rest of the plan will crumble, right? If we get some blasted octopus-monster sitting out in the Atlantic, it will spread it's corruption onto the land from there. Even if it doesn't, we need the oceans to survive."

Carl blinks once, then grins.  “Well, that’ll give everyone something to do, won’t it?

Carl blinks once, then grins.  “Well, that’ll give everyone something to do, won’t it?

“Which is not a bad thing, really. … even if we do not have an easy ‘win’.”

“Which is not a bad thing, really. … even if we do not have an easy ‘win’.”

"While I certainly don't want to rehash the Pentheus side of things again, it's my understanding that the oceans wouldn't be a problem under this sort of strategy. That is, the 'one god' and 'many god' plans are, for lack of a better term, war strategies. With this type of strategy. we'll need to defend every scrap of our planet. A Pentheus-styled plan is a trade based strategy. We don't need to worry about the oceans under this type of strategy, since we've agreed with the Outsiders (or one or more groups of Outsiders) to only deal with each other in certain land-based zones. The ones we're dealing with, presumably, have an incentive (either negotiated or just in general) to keep other Outsiders out of our world... hmmm, maybe we could look at the former strategies as 'total war' and the latter as 'limited war'?

"While I certainly don't want to rehash the Pentheus side of things again, it's my understanding that the oceans wouldn't be a problem under this sort of strategy. That is, the 'one god' and 'many god' plans are, for lack of a better term, war strategies. With this type of strategy. we'll need to defend every scrap of our planet. A Pentheus-styled plan is a trade based strategy. We don't need to worry about the oceans under this type of strategy, since we've agreed with the Outsiders (or one or more groups of Outsiders) to only deal with each other in certain land-based zones. The ones we're dealing with, presumably, have an incentive (either negotiated or just in general) to keep other Outsiders out of our world... hmmm, maybe we could look at the former strategies as 'total war' and the latter as 'limited war'?

"As to these ocean-dwelling creatures... well, you know what I'm going to say next. Can I talk to them? Perhaps they don't need to be our enemies. Perhaps we can come to some under...."Redland laughs, "blah, blah, blah, right? You know how the rest of this spiel goes."

"As to these ocean-dwelling creatures... well, you know what I'm going to say next. Can I talk to them? Perhaps they don't need to be our enemies. Perhaps we can come to some under...."Redland laughs, "blah, blah, blah, right? You know how the rest of this spiel goes."

“Of course you can talk to them,” Carl says mildly. ”Assuming they’d be willing to talk to *you*.  Historically that’s rarely the case.  Though there’s at least one group off the coast of New England that has done more than talk – they’ve even been interbreeding with the locals.”  

“Of course you can talk to them,” Carl says mildly. ”Assuming they’d be willing to talk to *you*.  Historically that’s rarely the case.  Though there’s at least one group off the coast of New England that has done more than talk – they’ve even been interbreeding with the locals.”  

“The Circles of interaction within the oceans and on land connect so sparsely that there is a significant amount of, ah, insulation between the two.  Much more than in a river or lake.  Which makes us less affected by them, and vice versa.  But less doesn’t mean none.  Even if a crafty Outsider sought to lurk unseen somewhere, land or water, the very creep of corruption you speak of would give it away long before it could smoke *us* out .. and then we would be alerted, and hopefully be able to attack.  That sort of stratagem works best if we’re not paying attention – which I hope we will be – or have no resources to attack with – which I hope we will.  In fact, the current version of the Many Gods plan is intended not only to create new active fighters in the Fight, but to free up existing fighters so they can respond more readily where they are needed.    Places like Africa, or South America, where we haven’t yet established defenses.  Or the deep seas.”

“The Circles of interaction within the oceans and on land connect so sparsely that there is a significant amount of, ah, insulation between the two.  Much more than in a river or lake.  Which makes us less affected by them, and vice versa.  But less doesn’t mean none.  Even if a crafty Outsider sought to lurk unseen somewhere, land or water, the very creep of corruption you speak of would give it away long before it could smoke *us* out .. and then we would be alerted, and hopefully be able to attack.  That sort of stratagem works best if we’re not paying attention – which I hope we will be – or have no resources to attack with – which I hope we will.  In fact, the current version of the Many Gods plan is intended not only to create new active fighters in the Fight, but to free up existing fighters so they can respond more readily where they are needed.    Places like Africa, or South America, where we haven’t yet established defenses.  Or the deep seas.”

Jack looks like he's about to say something, when he halts for a moment. He then abruptly states, "Ah. Sorry. I have to go. I have an urgent appointment at the side of the boat."

Jack looks like he's about to say something, when he halts for a moment. He then abruptly states, "Ah. Sorry. I have to go. I have an urgent appointment at the side of the boat."

Carl looks contrite.  “Go,” he waves.  “Poor fellow!”   

Carl looks contrite.  “Go,” he waves.  “Poor fellow!”   

He’ll wait around, in case Jack comes back; but knowing how he’d feel if it were him, won’t go along to witness poor Jack’s misery.

He’ll wait around, in case Jack comes back; but knowing how he’d feel if it were him, won’t go along to witness poor Jack’s misery.

Redland comes back, looking like $10.

Redland comes back, looking like $10.

"I was thinking about our itinerary once we get back on land. I assume our first step is to try to talk to Mr. Becker. I believe your plan is then to return to Wisphers and then push on to talk to Ms. Hamilton in Switzerland. Although I wouldn't mind looking in on Laura to see how she's doing, I could probably push straight through from London to Vienna after (if?) we've talked to Mr. Becker. Given circumstances, I'd probably rather not see Ms. Hamilton, and I would like to get this bond-breaking show on the road. Perhaps I'll have more success than Henrik and Rebecca. Er... does that sound reasonable?"

"I was thinking about our itinerary once we get back on land. I assume our first step is to try to talk to Mr. Becker. I believe your plan is then to return to Wisphers and then push on to talk to Ms. Hamilton in Switzerland. Although I wouldn't mind looking in on Laura to see how she's doing, I could probably push straight through from London to Vienna after (if?) we've talked to Mr. Becker. Given circumstances, I'd probably rather not see Ms. Hamilton, and I would like to get this bond-breaking show on the road. Perhaps I'll have more success than Henrik and Rebecca. Er... does that sound reasonable?"

Carl hesitates, watching Jack for a moment.

Carl hesitates, watching Jack for a moment.

He trails off and then looks at Carl intently.

He trails off and then looks at Carl intently.

“Yes, Jack?”  Mildly, watching.

“Yes, Jack?”  Mildly, watching.

Jack seems to be sweating more than one might anticipate on a crisp, autumn day. He focuses on Carl.

Jack seems to be sweating more than one might anticipate on a crisp, autumn day. He focuses on Carl.

Redland staggers back and collapses on the deck.

Redland staggers back and collapses on the deck.

Okay, that’s it.  I’m not sure where we are exactly (I assumed on deck somewhere, but it could be anywhere really – let’s say for now it isn’t in one of our cabins.)

Okay, that’s it.  I’m not sure where we are exactly (I assumed on deck somewhere, but it could be anywhere really – let’s say for now it isn’t in one of our cabins.)

Carl springs forward, trying to catch Jack or cushion his fall, with a quick pulse of alarm to Julian (**Jack collapsing, sickly; no one nearby**) and even if I can’t, straighten him on the deck, make him comfortable, and give him a quick once-over, kneeling by his side.  Is he feverish?  Cold?  Clammy?  How’s his pulse?  His Power level?  Anything weird, from taint to scars or wounds?  Scenarios flash through Carl’s mind like a Rolodex – ‘flu? Malaria? Drugs? Blood loss? Ponic overdraft? Exhaustion? Stroke?    Most importantly, is he getting worse?

Carl springs forward, trying to catch Jack or cushion his fall, with a quick pulse of alarm to Julian (**Jack collapsing, sickly; no one nearby**) and even if I can’t, straighten him on the deck, make him comfortable, and give him a quick once-over, kneeling by his side.  Is he feverish?  Cold?  Clammy?  How’s his pulse?  His Power level?  Anything weird, from taint to scars or wounds?  Scenarios flash through Carl’s mind like a Rolodex – ‘flu? Malaria? Drugs? Blood loss? Ponic overdraft? Exhaustion? Stroke?    Most importantly, is he getting worse?

As Redland crumples to the ground, Carl manages to grab him and keep his head from smashing into the deck. As he lowers him carefully to the ground, Jack continues to ramble.

As Redland crumples to the ground, Carl manages to grab him and keep his head from smashing into the deck. As he lowers him carefully to the ground, Jack continues to ramble.

Redland spits out a little blood. Carl is worried for a second, but it appears that Jack just bit himself when he fell. Carl continues his other scans.

Redland spits out a little blood. Carl is worried for a second, but it appears that Jack just bit himself when he fell. Carl continues his other scans.

Hmm, not good.  **Julian, can you bring some water and some aspirin?  And a damp cloth?  I’m on Deck Three, aft of the smokers’ lounge..**

Hmm, not good.  **Julian, can you bring some water and some aspirin?  And a damp cloth?  I’m on Deck Three, aft of the smokers’ lounge..**

   

   

   

   

Hand him a kerchief, if he can take it; and open up to Sofia, to draw in some of the world’s energy, ready to strengthen and give him comfort if it is needed.

Hand him a kerchief, if he can take it; and open up to Sofia, to draw in some of the world’s energy, ready to strengthen and give him comfort if it is needed.

Jack takes the handkerchief, shakily, and wipes at his face. Carl notices that his other hand slips into his pocket. He seems to look a little more lucid for a moment.

Jack takes the handkerchief, shakily, and wipes at his face. Carl notices that his other hand slips into his pocket. He seems to look a little more lucid for a moment.

He lies down and closes his eyes, one hand in his pocket and the other clutching the handkerchief. He's still shivering and he appears to be trying to say something, though it could just be aimless mumbling.

He lies down and closes his eyes, one hand in his pocket and the other clutching the handkerchief. He's still shivering and he appears to be trying to say something, though it could just be aimless mumbling.

[ Well, I need Jan’s input if there’s anything odd happening on the magical front, or if Carl’s antennae twitch for any other reason.  Failing word from her, I assume there isn’t, and continue…. ]

[ Well, I need Jan’s input if there’s anything odd happening on the magical front, or if Carl’s antennae twitch for any other reason.  Failing word from her, I assume there isn’t, and continue…. ]

   

   

[I figure changing the subject heading makes it more of a 'page turner'. Also harder to track what's going on, but what're you going to do?! :)  ]

[I figure changing the subject heading makes it more of a 'page turner'. Also harder to track what's going on, but what're you going to do?! :)  ]

Carl has alerted several people on the ship to the problem and they are moving in to help.

Carl has alerted several people on the ship to the problem and they are moving in to help.

[ LOL! I trust you’ll keep things in order.  BTW, why do you keep dropping Jan off the list?  Did you hear back from her? ]

[ LOL! I trust you’ll keep things in order.  BTW, why do you keep dropping Jan off the list?  Did you hear back from her? ]

[and if you’re talking to Jan about this stuff, I can give her details, rolls, etc.  Otherwise we can play it out in drama form.]

[and if you’re talking to Jan about this stuff, I can give her details, rolls, etc.  Otherwise we can play it out in drama form.]

It's unclear if Jack hears Carl's words, but if he does, his response is something of a non sequitur.

It's unclear if Jack hears Carl's words, but if he does, his response is something of a non sequitur.

After adding some life to Jack, Carl's assessment is that Jack's belief that he is dying is probably overstated... at least in the very short term. Whether he will continue to get worse is hard to say without knowing the underlying cause of his condition.

After adding some life to Jack, Carl's assessment is that Jack's belief that he is dying is probably overstated... at least in the very short term. Whether he will continue to get worse is hard to say without knowing the underlying cause of his condition.

[ You’re back!  I was wondering if we were waiting for something. ]

[ You’re back!  I was wondering if we were waiting for something. ]

Obviously, no more meaningful conversation between Jack and Carl takes place while this is going on … however if any of Jack’s ramblings are illuminating, I’m all ears.

Obviously, no more meaningful conversation between Jack and Carl takes place while this is going on … however if any of Jack’s ramblings are illuminating, I’m all ears.

[Howdy! I've had some late nights finishing up reports (Sept. 30 is the deadline for most clients' quarterly reports). How strong are Carl's healing abilities, in general? Do his powers have differing effects on 'mystical' issues as opposed to 'natural' illnesses?]

[Howdy! I've had some late nights finishing up reports (Sept. 30 is the deadline for most clients' quarterly reports). How strong are Carl's healing abilities, in general? Do his powers have differing effects on 'mystical' issues as opposed to 'natural' illnesses?]

Jack's cabin is kept fairly tidy. At first glance, an open book and a closed satchel are all that catch Carl's eye. Jack clearly can't stay upright on his own, and Carl and Julian lower him as gently as possible onto whatever passes for a bed. Jack's speech has gone from strange ramblings to pure incoherence. He snatches at blankets and curls up into a ball.

Jack's cabin is kept fairly tidy. At first glance, an open book and a closed satchel are all that catch Carl's eye. Jack clearly can't stay upright on his own, and Carl and Julian lower him as gently as possible onto whatever passes for a bed. Jack's speech has gone from strange ramblings to pure incoherence. He snatches at blankets and curls up into a ball.

[Carl’s healing abilities … good question.  He and I are still learning just what they can do.  He can’t “heal wounds” of the physical sort aside from using that spell, but he has, as King, a number of broad skills related to the life force and patterns in living things.  He can strengthen weak systems, encourage growth and regeneration (sometimes astoundingly – I grew a tree sapling from a twig in less than a minute once), vitalize and ”tune” things to be more optimal and true to their natural state, and also a number of tougher processes that actively guide, change or enhance the potential of the system in various ways.  These he is not attempting to do here – only to make Jack strong and help his system to repair itself and fight off whatever disease or malaise affects him.  

[Carl’s healing abilities … good question.  He and I are still learning just what they can do.  He can’t “heal wounds” of the physical sort aside from using that spell, but he has, as King, a number of broad skills related to the life force and patterns in living things.  He can strengthen weak systems, encourage growth and regeneration (sometimes astoundingly – I grew a tree sapling from a twig in less than a minute once), vitalize and ”tune” things to be more optimal and true to their natural state, and also a number of tougher processes that actively guide, change or enhance the potential of the system in various ways.  These he is not attempting to do here – only to make Jack strong and help his system to repair itself and fight off whatever disease or malaise affects him.  

I do want to get off his coat and shoes, get him under blankets … and detach him from whatever he was trying to hide from me in his pocket. :)

I do want to get off his coat and shoes, get him under blankets … and detach him from whatever he was trying to hide from me in his pocket. :)

Julian hands Jack a couple of aspirin and he sits up and holds them in his hand confused. She mimes putting them in her mouth and he blankly follows her lead. Carl hands him a glass of water and he takes a couple of sips with a strange expression on his face, before collapsing back no the bed.

Julian hands Jack a couple of aspirin and he sits up and holds them in his hand confused. She mimes putting them in her mouth and he blankly follows her lead. Carl hands him a glass of water and he takes a couple of sips with a strange expression on his face, before collapsing back no the bed.

[On the 'mystical' front, I'd guess that Carl can detect in Jack some mark from the Dark Pharaoh, a mark from the King of Life (hey, that's you!), and possibly something from the Fae, though that might not be around anymore. That's probably everything. As to what is causing him to be ill, it appears to be something natural.]

[On the 'mystical' front, I'd guess that Carl can detect in Jack some mark from the Dark Pharaoh, a mark from the King of Life (hey, that's you!), and possibly something from the Fae, though that might not be around anymore. That's probably everything. As to what is causing him to be ill, it appears to be something natural.]

Wow – it’s been too long.  

Wow – it’s been too long.  

So he’ll remove it, and look at it, and dislike it, learn what he can of it from careful observation without “poking”, and then wrap it up in a handkerchief and put it in a drawer or something.  Likewise, he’ll glance at Jack’s open journal book enough to see what’s on the open page – hey, he’s human – but is scrupulous enough not to flip around or read anything else.  At least that’s his intent. :)

So he’ll remove it, and look at it, and dislike it, learn what he can of it from careful observation without “poking”, and then wrap it up in a handkerchief and put it in a drawer or something.  Likewise, he’ll glance at Jack’s open journal book enough to see what’s on the open page – hey, he’s human – but is scrupulous enough not to flip around or read anything else.  At least that’s his intent. :)

[Since I'm going to be without email from Thursday to Sunday (and I'm also going to miss the game on Sunday), I'll try to put this into a place that doesn't leave you hanging before the next session.]

[Since I'm going to be without email from Thursday to Sunday (and I'm also going to miss the game on Sunday), I'll try to put this into a place that doesn't leave you hanging before the next session.]

While he's speaking, Jack seems to be searching something, patting around with his hands.

While he's speaking, Jack seems to be searching something, patting around with his hands.

So sorry, Rob!  My office was closed yesterday – so despite your best intentions, I didn’t get to read the post until Thursday anyhow.  Do have fun on your trip!

So sorry, Rob!  My office was closed yesterday – so despite your best intentions, I didn’t get to read the post until Thursday anyhow.  Do have fun on your trip!

“Yes Jack, you’ll be fine.  There’s a doctor on the ship – we’ll get you to a hospital if necessary.  I need you all at Bailey; but we’ll adapt, if we must.  We always do.”

“Yes Jack, you’ll be fine.  There’s a doctor on the ship – we’ll get you to a hospital if necessary.  I need you all at Bailey; but we’ll adapt, if we must.  We always do.”

About a day outside of port, Jack wakes up, his mind feeling more focused than it has for some days. He tries to sit up but then slumps back. His entire body aches, and he has a terrible pounding in his head. His fever seems to have subsided and he no longer feels cold. He struggles to get up again, but he gives it up for a lost cause. Closing his eyes, he tries to recall where he is and what exactly is going on.

About a day outside of port, Jack wakes up, his mind feeling more focused than it has for some days. He tries to sit up but then slumps back. His entire body aches, and he has a terrible pounding in his head. His fever seems to have subsided and he no longer feels cold. He struggles to get up again, but he gives it up for a lost cause. Closing his eyes, he tries to recall where he is and what exactly is going on.

(rolling dice….)

(rolling dice….)

“Welcome back,” in a friendly tone to you. “How do you feel?”

“Welcome back,” in a friendly tone to you. “How do you feel?”

Redland replies in a low voice, "Terrible... but, on the other hand, I don't think it's an 'I'm dying' sort of terrible, so it's not totally bleak."

Redland replies in a low voice, "Terrible... but, on the other hand, I don't think it's an 'I'm dying' sort of terrible, so it's not totally bleak."

He looks around briefly and looks like he's about to say something, but instead falls silent.

He looks around briefly and looks like he's about to say something, but instead falls silent.

“No, Jack.  All is well.  We’re just concerned for you, that’s all.”  Carl helps him with the glass.  “So is the ship’s doctor; he’s been here a few times.  Your fever broke last night.  We’ve been taking turns looking after you. We're on our way to London.

“No, Jack.  All is well.  We’re just concerned for you, that’s all.”  Carl helps him with the glass.  “So is the ship’s doctor; he’s been here a few times.  Your fever broke last night.  We’ve been taking turns looking after you. We're on our way to London.

“Would you like something to eat?  All I have here is toast – but I can get something else if you’re hungry.”

“Would you like something to eat?  All I have here is toast – but I can get something else if you’re hungry.”

"Well, I am starving ... on the other hand, I think if I throw up again, I may just die. Hmmm. How close are we to solid ground? Maybe I can just ride it out until I'm back on good ol' British soil."

"Well, I am starving ... on the other hand, I think if I throw up again, I may just die. Hmmm. How close are we to solid ground? Maybe I can just ride it out until I'm back on good ol' British soil."

“We dock tomorrow, sometime after one o’clock.  Hmm… maybe a bowl of oatmeal or porridge or something?  You really oughtn’t to wait – and I imagine they can whip that up.”

“We dock tomorrow, sometime after one o’clock.  Hmm… maybe a bowl of oatmeal or porridge or something?  You really oughtn’t to wait – and I imagine they can whip that up.”

He stays silent for a few moments, waiting to help you take another drink.

He stays silent for a few moments, waiting to help you take another drink.

"Alright. If you think I'd be best served by eating something, let's go with the toast. Nice, dry, solid toast."

"Alright. If you think I'd be best served by eating something, let's go with the toast. Nice, dry, solid toast."

"My mind is still a little foggy, and I'm a bit hazy on almost everything after we went to Greece, but I get the pervading sense that I've been ... more rationalizing than rational."

"My mind is still a little foggy, and I'm a bit hazy on almost everything after we went to Greece, but I get the pervading sense that I've been ... more rationalizing than rational."

“Toast it is then.  And you’re in luck; this is an English vessel so you get nice dry English toast.”  Carl grins, and passes the plate.

“Toast it is then.  And you’re in luck; this is an English vessel so you get nice dry English toast.”  Carl grins, and passes the plate.

“Greece was quite a while ago, Jack; is that really the last you recall?  What about our discussions with the Fae?  Pentheus?  And .. what’s a Bayesian?”

“Greece was quite a while ago, Jack; is that really the last you recall?  What about our discussions with the Fae?  Pentheus?  And .. what’s a Bayesian?”

"Let's see, I recall that the Dark Pharaoh is one weird character, Milo loves his mule, Pentheus is of vital importance, and Alanna is very pretty."

"Let's see, I recall that the Dark Pharaoh is one weird character, Milo loves his mule, Pentheus is of vital importance, and Alanna is very pretty."

"Put that way, I guess it probably doesn't sound too profound, but I think it is the only proper way to think. Unfortunately, although I strive to be, I'm often not a good Bayesian (just like I'm not always a good Utilitarian), and I overweight the value of my prior beliefs. It's often easier to trivialize new information than it is to admit you were mistaken and be forced to 'rearrange your mental furniture'."

"Put that way, I guess it probably doesn't sound too profound, but I think it is the only proper way to think. Unfortunately, although I strive to be, I'm often not a good Bayesian (just like I'm not always a good Utilitarian), and I overweight the value of my prior beliefs. It's often easier to trivialize new information than it is to admit you were mistaken and be forced to 'rearrange your mental furniture'."

“That’s very clever.”  Carl seems impressed.  “I’ve never heard of Mister Bayes.  Not surprising, inasmuch as I have an engineer’s background, but still.  Clever.  And you also – for seeing how to adapt the paradigm to our rather different situation.”  He smiles again.  “Bravo, my friend.”

“That’s very clever.”  Carl seems impressed.  “I’ve never heard of Mister Bayes.  Not surprising, inasmuch as I have an engineer’s background, but still.  Clever.  And you also – for seeing how to adapt the paradigm to our rather different situation.”  He smiles again.  “Bravo, my friend.”

He nods, obviously pleased.  “Thank you!”

He nods, obviously pleased.  “Thank you!”

Jack thinks for a moment.

Jack thinks for a moment.

Carl laughs, delighted.  “That was impressive!  Did you ever lecture, Jack?”

Carl laughs, delighted.  “That was impressive!  Did you ever lecture, Jack?”

Jack smiles sadly. "That is, or was, my job. I'm hoping when all of this is over, if my reputation isn't completely in tatters, to get back to it. I suppose if I can't find a position in Britain, I might be able to secure a position at Auburn or NYU. I know some sympathetic people there.

Jack smiles sadly. "That is, or was, my job. I'm hoping when all of this is over, if my reputation isn't completely in tatters, to get back to it. I suppose if I can't find a position in Britain, I might be able to secure a position at Auburn or NYU. I know some sympathetic people there.

"Say, since it doesn't look like I'll be able to walk anytime soon, is there anything you need me to contemplate before we reach port? I'm a bit hazy on what we were doing traveling to England, but I have to imagine it involves some combination of meeting with Henrik's patron, Cecil Becker, trying to figure out what's going on with the Principle of Compassion, or possibly attempting to discover what Detective Hanson was doing in Sandoy and whether or not it was connected to findings there of the Kansas City Flu. I suppose we could also be there to administer a beating to Keynes for his pernicious efforts to destroy the economy of England and restore me to my rightful position at the university ... but that seems less likely."

"Say, since it doesn't look like I'll be able to walk anytime soon, is there anything you need me to contemplate before we reach port? I'm a bit hazy on what we were doing traveling to England, but I have to imagine it involves some combination of meeting with Henrik's patron, Cecil Becker, trying to figure out what's going on with the Principle of Compassion, or possibly attempting to discover what Detective Hanson was doing in Sandoy and whether or not it was connected to findings there of the Kansas City Flu. I suppose we could also be there to administer a beating to Keynes for his pernicious efforts to destroy the economy of England and restore me to my rightful position at the university ... but that seems less likely."

Before Carl can reply, Redland interjects, "Sorry, er, you said that 'Greece was quite awhile ago.' What's the date today ... tonight ... whatever?"

Before Carl can reply, Redland interjects, "Sorry, er, you said that 'Greece was quite awhile ago.' What's the date today ... tonight ... whatever?"

(::chuckle:: thanks – this one slipped through the cracks – it’s been busy at work.)

(::chuckle:: thanks – this one slipped through the cracks – it’s been busy at work.)

“It’s the second of May, Jack.  A little bit after eleven o’clock.”  He glances at the curtained porthole.  “In the morning,” smiling.

“It’s the second of May, Jack.  A little bit after eleven o’clock.”  He glances at the curtained porthole.  “In the morning,” smiling.

Redland is silent a moment, as if thinking.

Redland is silent a moment, as if thinking.

"Well, that's unfortunate. So that means I'm fuzzy on about six weeks from last year, including Christmas, and I'm missing another eight weeks or so from this year, including my birthday. Perhaps I'm justing getting senile, but it strikes me that maybe I need to start being a little more careful. I'm probably just confused from this illness here, but maybe I suffered a concussion or somesuch ... or maybe all of this ... magic stuff ... isn't good for me. Hard to say."

"Well, that's unfortunate. So that means I'm fuzzy on about six weeks from last year, including Christmas, and I'm missing another eight weeks or so from this year, including my birthday. Perhaps I'm justing getting senile, but it strikes me that maybe I need to start being a little more careful. I'm probably just confused from this illness here, but maybe I suffered a concussion or somesuch ... or maybe all of this ... magic stuff ... isn't good for me. Hard to say."

Carl sighs.

Carl sighs.

“What do you last recall, Jack?”

“What do you last recall, Jack?”

"Let's see. I sort of remember bits and pieces of things, but the last thing I remember clearly (or at least the last long, 'uninterrupted' time) would be the last day I spent with the Fae community in Los Angeles and most of the train ride from Los Angeles to New York."   

"Let's see. I sort of remember bits and pieces of things, but the last thing I remember clearly (or at least the last long, 'uninterrupted' time) would be the last day I spent with the Fae community in Los Angeles and most of the train ride from Los Angeles to New York."   

“Ah.”  Relieved look.  “That’s just last week.  You’ve lost this current trip across the Atlantic, and the few days in New York and New Jersey before that.  Let me try to help.  Do you recall your dinner with Miss Kane?  Our trip to the forest in New Jersey?  The interview with Roderick Usher?”

“Ah.”  Relieved look.  “That’s just last week.  You’ve lost this current trip across the Atlantic, and the few days in New York and New Jersey before that.  Let me try to help.  Do you recall your dinner with Miss Kane?  Our trip to the forest in New Jersey?  The interview with Roderick Usher?”

Redland is continually slow to respond as he attempts to recollect.

Redland is continually slow to respond as he attempts to recollect.

“There’s a lot to go over, then.”  Carl is uneasy.  “Some of those missing events were pretty important to you I believe.  And why would your memories be missing?”  He starts to say something else, then stops, glancing away from the porthole.

“There’s a lot to go over, then.”  Carl is uneasy.  “Some of those missing events were pretty important to you I believe.  And why would your memories be missing?”  He starts to say something else, then stops, glancing away from the porthole.

“Who is Alanna?” he asks, looking back at Jack.

“Who is Alanna?” he asks, looking back at Jack.

Jack performs his customary pause while he orders his thoughts.

Jack performs his customary pause while he orders his thoughts.

"Er, sorry, I got a bit off-track, there. More to the point, I feel that she is a really outstanding person. Superlative in every attribute. As noted, though, my objectivity may be lacking here, for several reasons."

"Er, sorry, I got a bit off-track, there. More to the point, I feel that she is a really outstanding person. Superlative in every attribute. As noted, though, my objectivity may be lacking here, for several reasons."

Carl smiles.  “I’m going to assume for the moment that you’re not lying, Jack.  You may hide things sometimes, but I’ve never known you to baldly lie.

Carl smiles.  “I’m going to assume for the moment that you’re not lying, Jack.  You may hide things sometimes, but I’ve never known you to baldly lie.

“Some sort of mental surgery?  Possible.  If so, they’re on the ship.”  He pauses.  “I did want to ask you about the watch you carry.  What do you feel, when you hold it?  While you were delirious, you kept searching for it with your hands, as if it gave you comfort.  Does it affect you in some way?”

“Some sort of mental surgery?  Possible.  If so, they’re on the ship.”  He pauses.  “I did want to ask you about the watch you carry.  What do you feel, when you hold it?  While you were delirious, you kept searching for it with your hands, as if it gave you comfort.  Does it affect you in some way?”

"Yeah, when I lie, it is always with a luscious head of hair ..." Jack pauses for a second and frowns, "... sorry, they can't all be gems...

"Yeah, when I lie, it is always with a luscious head of hair ..." Jack pauses for a second and frowns, "... sorry, they can't all be gems...

“Your structure and that of the watch have intertwined,” Carl says quietly.  “I expect there is a certain dependence.”

“Your structure and that of the watch have intertwined,” Carl says quietly.  “I expect there is a certain dependence.”

He holds it out to Jack without speaking.

He holds it out to Jack without speaking.

Redland takes the watch and checks to see if it is showing the correct time. He then lets his hand fall back to the bed, still holding the watch.

Redland takes the watch and checks to see if it is showing the correct time. He then lets his hand fall back to the bed, still holding the watch.

“In general?  It’s a connection between you and the Pharaoh.  Allows contact, communication, presumably facilitates whatever deals you made with It.  It’s also almost certainly a means for the Pharaoh to spy on us through you.   

“In general?  It’s a connection between you and the Pharaoh.  Allows contact, communication, presumably facilitates whatever deals you made with It.  It’s also almost certainly a means for the Pharaoh to spy on us through you.   

"Maybe I'll have a chance to do some research on the Pharaoh's gem. There's so much I don't understand ..."

"Maybe I'll have a chance to do some research on the Pharaoh's gem. There's so much I don't understand ..."

"I believe the Dark Pharaoh recommended that I talk to her. I don't recall why that would be, though. I don't think I mentioned this earlier, but, when I was on the train, I associated Ms. Caine with Mr. Usher. I wondered whether she would be at the meeting or not."

"I believe the Dark Pharaoh recommended that I talk to her. I don't recall why that would be, though. I don't think I mentioned this earlier, but, when I was on the train, I associated Ms. Caine with Mr. Usher. I wondered whether she would be at the meeting or not."

“She was not, but you spent quite a bit of time with her both before and after, I believe.  You seemed quite taken with her.”  Carl smiles.  “In fact you asked my advice on how best to entertain the lady.  I believe you went to the opera.”  He raises his eyebrows.

“She was not, but you spent quite a bit of time with her both before and after, I believe.  You seemed quite taken with her.”  Carl smiles.  “In fact you asked my advice on how best to entertain the lady.  I believe you went to the opera.”  He raises his eyebrows.

"Heh. These American ladies must be really appealing! Though my memory is clearly no good, I can't remember the last time I went out on the town with a lady prior to my trip to the 'States'. Maybe we should turn this boat around!"  

"Heh. These American ladies must be really appealing! Though my memory is clearly no good, I can't remember the last time I went out on the town with a lady prior to my trip to the 'States'. Maybe we should turn this boat around!"  

Carl nods agreeably, but Jack can tell his heart isn’t in it.

Carl nods agreeably, but Jack can tell his heart isn’t in it.

“Perhaps you should wire her, or even telephone, when we arrive.  She may be able to help you remember.  You’ve lost a lot – I don’t even know how much.  After Greece you went your own way for a while, and I have no idea what you did before joining us in California.  Do you recall Nevada?  Or the Pentheus test site in South Dakota?  Or our meeting with Roderic Usher?  Very important events, all of them.”

“Perhaps you should wire her, or even telephone, when we arrive.  She may be able to help you remember.  You’ve lost a lot – I don’t even know how much.  After Greece you went your own way for a while, and I have no idea what you did before joining us in California.  Do you recall Nevada?  Or the Pentheus test site in South Dakota?  Or our meeting with Roderic Usher?  Very important events, all of them.”

[You definitely don't need to recap this stuff if you don't want, but Jack isn't going to remember much of anything that took place after that train trip from L.A. to N.Y. I'm actually not recalling Nevada at the moment. What happened there?]

[You definitely don't need to recap this stuff if you don't want, but Jack isn't going to remember much of anything that took place after that train trip from L.A. to N.Y. I'm actually not recalling Nevada at the moment. What happened there?]

[ Nevada was where we ended up when we went into the desert with the old man and his mule.  Lizard men, an ancient scroll, and a site where apparently some folks (Pentheus?) had been murdered by Brotherhood men in order to seal their spirits into the land and make a working of some kind.  Need more details? ]

[ Nevada was where we ended up when we went into the desert with the old man and his mule.  Lizard men, an ancient scroll, and a site where apparently some folks (Pentheus?) had been murdered by Brotherhood men in order to seal their spirits into the land and make a working of some kind.  Need more details? ]

[Ah, I'd forgotten that we went into Nevada for that. I was just treating that as an extension of the California trip.]

[Ah, I'd forgotten that we went into Nevada for that. I was just treating that as an extension of the California trip.]

"Well, it sounds like things went pretty well with Pentheus, so that's good. I don't really like the prospect of having Rebecca and Henrik going behind the Pentheus people's back, but I'm lacking the full context, so I'm guessing you did the right thing. Are the Pentheus people going to be upset with us? Do we even care? Do our plans, going forward, involve them? With anything, let me know what you need me to do. Given that, for the foreseeable future, I'm going to be lacking context (even more than normal), I'm inclined to accede to your judgment in these matters."

"Well, it sounds like things went pretty well with Pentheus, so that's good. I don't really like the prospect of having Rebecca and Henrik going behind the Pentheus people's back, but I'm lacking the full context, so I'm guessing you did the right thing. Are the Pentheus people going to be upset with us? Do we even care? Do our plans, going forward, involve them? With anything, let me know what you need me to do. Given that, for the foreseeable future, I'm going to be lacking context (even more than normal), I'm inclined to accede to your judgment in these matters."

This time, Carl pauses, very Jack-like, before replying.

This time, Carl pauses, very Jack-like, before replying.

“One thing, though:  Jack, we made a deal with Usher.  He has agreed to use his influence with the Elders to help break Auda’s bond with Rebecca, if we can line up the other candidate and introduce her as the Third King’s potential consort.  That was important to you, before.  I thought you’d better know.”

“One thing, though:  Jack, we made a deal with Usher.  He has agreed to use his influence with the Elders to help break Auda’s bond with Rebecca, if we can line up the other candidate and introduce her as the Third King’s potential consort.  That was important to you, before.  I thought you’d better know.”

[Anytime you don't want to go into detail about something I know, but Jack has forgotten, feel free to give it the ol' "Carl tells Jack about x", if you like. I'm hoping I didn't send this multiple times, I'm, apparently, having connectivity problems.]

[Anytime you don't want to go into detail about something I know, but Jack has forgotten, feel free to give it the ol' "Carl tells Jack about x", if you like. I'm hoping I didn't send this multiple times, I'm, apparently, having connectivity problems.]

[Got that.  We can skip the bigger data dumps, tho in general, I prefer to spin the tale out; I find that so often, *how* something is told is as important as *what* was communicated.  And I only got this email once, for what it’s worth.]

[Got that.  We can skip the bigger data dumps, tho in general, I prefer to spin the tale out; I find that so often, *how* something is told is as important as *what* was communicated.  And I only got this email once, for what it’s worth.]

“I made my own deal with Usher,” he says, slowly.  “Your deal was … to convince me to perform my task in secret, and not tell those who are affected by it until after it is done.  Which feels dishonest to me.  I don’t like it, and frankly, I’m rather relieved that you don’t recall all that right now.  But I promised, and I will follow through.  You will have met your end of the bargain.”  He frowns.

“I made my own deal with Usher,” he says, slowly.  “Your deal was … to convince me to perform my task in secret, and not tell those who are affected by it until after it is done.  Which feels dishonest to me.  I don’t like it, and frankly, I’m rather relieved that you don’t recall all that right now.  But I promised, and I will follow through.  You will have met your end of the bargain.”  He frowns.

[I agree. I don't mind yakking about stuff endlessly (as you know from the incessant Pentheus stuff!) Also, since Carl will often have a different viewpoint on what has happened than Redland would have had, hearing about his past from Carl will have a large effect on how Redland perceives his own past, which could, conceivably, be interesting.]

[I agree. I don't mind yakking about stuff endlessly (as you know from the incessant Pentheus stuff!) Also, since Carl will often have a different viewpoint on what has happened than Redland would have had, hearing about his past from Carl will have a large effect on how Redland perceives his own past, which could, conceivably, be interesting.]

"So, the lining up the 'third candidate' is something we need to do on top of our agreement with Mr. Usher. Hmmm. What's our status on that? Do we have a timeline and a plan of action? Any way I can help facilitate this, or is this something Rebecca and Auda will have to accomplish on their own?"  

"So, the lining up the 'third candidate' is something we need to do on top of our agreement with Mr. Usher. Hmmm. What's our status on that? Do we have a timeline and a plan of action? Any way I can help facilitate this, or is this something Rebecca and Auda will have to accomplish on their own?"  

Carl looks relieved that you didn’t probe further.

Carl looks relieved that you didn’t probe further.

Redland seems mildly surprised by something Carl has said, but is apparently not concerned enough to interrupt.

Redland seems mildly surprised by something Carl has said, but is apparently not concerned enough to interrupt.

Carl looks amused.

Carl looks amused.

“From what I’ve heard, I doubt she’s either particularly good or particularly British.”  He blinks, “Or were you thinking of the lady in Cornwall?”

“From what I’ve heard, I doubt she’s either particularly good or particularly British.”  He blinks, “Or were you thinking of the lady in Cornwall?”

"Ah, Ms., er, Answell(?), Strickley(?) ... um, let's just say, the Principle of Aspiration. I liked her. She was a nice young lady. Like all people with memory problems, not to be trusted, but you know how it goes.

"Ah, Ms., er, Answell(?), Strickley(?) ... um, let's just say, the Principle of Aspiration. I liked her. She was a nice young lady. Like all people with memory problems, not to be trusted, but you know how it goes.

“I don’t know her at all, really.  If I recall correctly, however, she’s running a casino in Vienna, or some such thing.  From the report I got, she’s a sharp tack and a shrewd operator – but I know little more.”

“I don’t know her at all, really.  If I recall correctly, however, she’s running a casino in Vienna, or some such thing.  From the report I got, she’s a sharp tack and a shrewd operator – but I know little more.”

"Hmmm. Well, Vienna isn't too far away. If we need to go to the mainland for any reason, it wouldn't detour us for too long ... though we may have to skirt Germany. I'm not sure what's going on there. The downside, is that we'd need to take a blasted boat to get to the Continent. Ugh."  

"Hmmm. Well, Vienna isn't too far away. If we need to go to the mainland for any reason, it wouldn't detour us for too long ... though we may have to skirt Germany. I'm not sure what's going on there. The downside, is that we'd need to take a blasted boat to get to the Continent. Ugh."  

“We’ll take the boat train.  Get on in London, off in Paris.  It’s no less of a crossing, but at least you don’t have to move your luggage three times.”

“We’ll take the boat train.  Get on in London, off in Paris.  It’s no less of a crossing, but at least you don’t have to move your luggage three times.”

He sighs.  “I wish Auda *were* here.  It’d make all this that much more straightforward.”

He sighs.  “I wish Auda *were* here.  It’d make all this that much more straightforward.”

"Well, let's not get carried away. Wishing Auda was here is like wishing we had the plague onboard. I'm just joking, of course ... I'd much rather have the plague ...

"Well, let's not get carried away. Wishing Auda was here is like wishing we had the plague onboard. I'm just joking, of course ... I'd much rather have the plague ...

"So, do we have a bunch of stuff to do in England? If nothing else, it'll be nice to be back on home soil."

"So, do we have a bunch of stuff to do in England? If nothing else, it'll be nice to be back on home soil."

“Seems to me,” Carl says, chuckling, “as if you just *did* have the plague!

“Seems to me,” Carl says, chuckling, “as if you just *did* have the plague!

“In England?  Let’s see.  I have three or four meetings to set up, which can probably be done within a day or two.  Then I have to go out into the countryside and germinate a couple of Fae sites, just like we did in New Jersey and New York …” he falters, “… which of course you don’t recall now. Well.  We can talk about that later.  There’s another three or four days.  Then I’m done with King business.  I’m happy to help with anything else on your list, like the search for Donal for example, but I should be done in England within the week, and then it’s on to Switzerland and, I suppose, Vienna.”

“In England?  Let’s see.  I have three or four meetings to set up, which can probably be done within a day or two.  Then I have to go out into the countryside and germinate a couple of Fae sites, just like we did in New Jersey and New York …” he falters, “… which of course you don’t recall now. Well.  We can talk about that later.  There’s another three or four days.  Then I’m done with King business.  I’m happy to help with anything else on your list, like the search for Donal for example, but I should be done in England within the week, and then it’s on to Switzerland and, I suppose, Vienna.”

Carl finishes speaking and waits for Jack's reply ... nothing is forthcoming. Taking a closer look, it appears that Jack is worn out and has fallen asleep in mid-conversation.

Carl finishes speaking and waits for Jack's reply ... nothing is forthcoming. Taking a closer look, it appears that Jack is worn out and has fallen asleep in mid-conversation.

Carl laughs softly to himself, and sets about cleaning up a bit before setting the journal by the bed and letting himself out.  One of us will be back to check in an hour or two.

Carl laughs softly to himself, and sets about cleaning up a bit before setting the journal by the bed and letting himself out.  One of us will be back to check in an hour or two.