Brockton's Celestial Forge

by Lord Roustabout

The Celestial Forge is the greatest combination of crafting powers in Jumpchain, meaning it is the greatest combination of crafting abilities in all of fiction. In Brockton Bay a forgotten side character's trigger event ends with him linked to the Celestial Forge rather than his intended shard. His expanding collection of tinker abilities drag him into the city's cape conflicts.

34. 28 Preamble - Addendum Sophia

28 Preamble

I woke up refreshed and unusually optimistic after what may have been the best night's sleep of my life. It wasn't until I checked my watch that I realized what had brought on this turn of events. The time stood there, plain as day.

3:27am

I hadn't been doing anything else while sleeping. I would never be doing anything else while sleeping. As such my Do One Thing At A Time power would always activate, meaning I would always have the quality of my sleep doubled and the time halved. I had just gotten about nine hours of excellent sleep in half the time.

I set aside all the considerations of saved time, improved health, better mental state, and everything else that would carry from having consistent better quality sleep. There was something else I had to deal with. Something much more serious.

I was still adjusting to how the Celestial Forge was affecting me. The mental powers that directly altered my mind, the persistent powers that made themselves an intrusive presence in my life, the constant management of new connections. It made me contend with the perspective of an inorganic existence and dropped a full set of military reflexes into my brain with no context. It was a drastic and frightening force, but I never anticipated this. In all the possibilities I never anticipated it would cause such a fundamental shift in my character to the point where I would be unrecognizable to my previous self, but this one power had done it. It had done the impossible.

I was now a morning person.

There was no way around it. This was my life from now on and there was nothing I could do about it. Even staying up until three in the morning would see me awake and refreshed by seven. High quality sleep in less time meant I would always be ready to face the day. It was such a drastic shift in character that it chilled me to the bone.

A warm shower helped with that, but it was weird not having to push away clouds of sleep in order to stumble through my morning routine. It just didn't feel like a proper start to the day without having to drag yourself through the basic steps of hygiene necessary to be ready to join society. Seriously, what kind of person was actually mentally functional within half an hour of leaving bed? It was supposed to be Dawn of the Dead until at least the second cup of coffee. This just wasn't natural.

Setting aside my grousing about what was a broad if discordant benefit I started to plan out what to do with the extra time granted by this turn of events. I had expected to spend most of the morning trying to pull myself together, prepping for Garment's meeting/press conference/party at the gym, and then figuring out how to smuggle Garment into the area without tipping anyone off. Not that difficult a prospect with access to my workshop, but still something I'd need to handle carefully.

Now I actually had time for projects. I made myself some breakfast as I sorted what I needed to take care of. I had a pile of analysis from the Laboratorium that needed to be sorted. Likewise I needed to direct some of that research personally, potentially with destructive testing from duplicates' equipment.

Most of those bombs were horrible, but they were still incredibly powerful. More so than any similar munitions I could create. Even the higher level technology from Master Builder or Class: Engineer didn't exceed Bakuda's better work. It was kind of incredible how differently I functioned from other tinkers. What's more, Bakuda was almost certainly a chaos tinker, and that just complicated things further. Still, I had the power to turn her technology against her and I was damn well going to use it.

I had to wonder what was happening to her. She had practically staked a leadership claim on the ABB, but between that thinker and Lung's escape I couldn't see that lasting even if she wasn't mutilated. Most likely the tinker nightmare of being locked in your lab making equipment for other people, but I couldn't see that holding either. There were too many variables and too little information. I needed to personally dig into Tattletale's data and see what my next move should be.

The breakfast I made was really, really good. Eggs and coffee are pretty much as basic as things can get, but all of my crafting and quality powers came together to produce a work of art. I meant that literally as the plated food was worthy of appearing in a museum. I had thought yesterday's breakfast was a high point, but this was twice the quality, if that can even be believed.

And oh God, the coffee. I had a reliance on early morning caffeine that would have me drinking burnt black tar if it would banish the dregs of sleep, but this was something else. Dark and rich, but complex. It actually had all those hints of subtle flavors that coffee snobs go on about but nobody else seems to be able to pick up. The entire experience was incredible, particularly since I only needed to make a tiny volume with Workaholic handling the rest. It meant I had an entire pot of coffee made with the dedicated care of a tiny artisan batch.

With how well I had slept I didn't even need the caffeine, but I still powered through the coffee like it was the water of life. It was exhilarating being able to do mundane tasks at such a stellar level, and frustrating that I would have to be so careful about concealing my actions. It was the kind of thing that I wanted to show off, but couldn't. I mean, at the moment I couldn't, not even in my hero identity.

That thought brought back all the memories about the mess online. Well, online was the worst, but the mess spilled over everywhere. I needed to do something about that, but until I spoke to Taylor I didn't want to take any major steps. I had probably only narrowly avoided questions about the Apeiron/Khepri quagmire during my call with Director Armstrong. Any public communication would open the door to that mess and while a public denial seemed the way to go Taylor deserved to have input on exactly how that was framed.

That was something I was putting aside for the moment. Given that it was the middle of the night I actually had good reason for that rather than just my usual unhealthy desire to ignore these kinds of things.

I got dressed and headed out into the workshop. As usual there were too many things to do. I needed help, which meant it was time for more duplicates. Moving through I could see the division between the areas that had been worked on, upgraded, or just altered. The major projects and essential upgrades were mixed in with aesthetic improvements and small alterations for the sake of convenience. It gave the workshop something of a patchwork feel and I could only wonder what Aisha had made of it.

I wasn't totally comfortable with having that many details of how I operated exposed, but at least Aisha had seemed to take my warnings seriously. And to be honest, if someone was going to find out about this place having it be a near perfect stranger was probably the best possibility. That power was probably strong enough to even cover her level of recklessness.

I still can't believe I had actually been able to talk about the Simurgh. As I walked I passed by a portion of the privacy curtain where it extended into 3-space. Because of the multidimensional nature of the material it looked like a window treatment randomly attached to the wall before it slipped back between dimensions. That single structure finally freed me to be able to think about the Simurgh without constant fear that I was sending out a locator signal.

No one really knew how the Simurgh's power worked. Well, my passenger did, but that wasn't the clearest channel of communication. The best I was able to glean from my interactions was that it wasn't exactly telepathy. Every other aspect of it was huge and terrifying, but it wasn't actually mind-reading type telepathy. But there was definitely something like that, something close enough that extreme caution was necessary.

And right now in this space I didn't need to worry about it. I could think and plan anything I wanted and as long as it stayed here it would be safe. It was an incredible feeling. Fuck, for once I could really think about the Endbringers, how to counter them and maybe even stop them for good, without worrying about the actions bringing them down on my head. As long as I didn't let any of the plans inform actions outside the workshop it would finally be safe.

On my way to the Alchemist's Lab I made a detour to swing by the textiles area. I found Garment working on some combination of new hyperfibers into a customized weave that created a kind of shimmering effect without looking artificial. It was incredible work and I was glad she had found something that seemed to be an actual challenge. Garment worked at the limit of mortal skill, but she clearly enjoyed pushing that as far as it would go. In this case that meant space age blended fabrics.

She greeted me as I entered the collection of polymer fabricators, textile assembly machines, and advanced monitoring systems all with that towering mural of my procession of costumes hanging over it. Unlike the piecemeal arrangement of the rest of the workshop, this area had been thoroughly and comprehensively upgraded to the peak of what my current technology could bear. Given this wasn't a high priority area for any of the pressing projects that meant either Garment had been able to persuade duplicates to help in their spare time or they had been generous in assisting her.

There were racks and racks of clothes. Both the products of Garment's frenzied experimentation with new technology and more conventional but still beautifully made offerings. There was an entire row of dresses sized for Aisha, either made during her forced fitting or in preparation for their next meeting. I was about to ask Garment about that when I felt the Celestial Forge connect to a smaller mote from the Knowledge constellation.

Then I screamed.

The sensation of it was severe enough to actually bring me to my knees. This wasn't like anything I had dealt with before. I wouldn't say I was used to the way the Celestial Forge messed with my memories, instincts, skills, and knowledge, but it was at least something I had come to expect.

I didn't expect a chunk of metal to suddenly appear in my brain.

I blinked frantically trying to clear the display that was being projected into my optic nerve before finally managing the correct mental commands to clear the startup documentation. It was more than just the intrusive feeling of having a piece of cranial cyberware suddenly shoved into your head. This was an implanted Neural Interface with its own set of interface protocols that I had to rapidly familiarize myself with as I felt the intrusive item connecting to my brain.

It was made so much worse by the fact that I understood exactly what was happening. My new power was called Space Command Engineer. It gave me the basis to understand a host of new technologies, including the implant that was buried in the back of my skull. I knew exactly how it was connected, what would have to be done to install it, and how deeply it intruded into my brain. In an instant I had received the effect of a major intrusive surgery and healing period and was now living with the aftereffects.

I noticed Garment's gloves resting on my shoulders and looked up at her concerned body language. I took a breath, then reached to feel the back of my head. There, just under the surface of my skin, I could feel the base of the implant. The sensation made me shudder, but I pushed through.

"It's… okay. I'm fine." Her posture suggested she didn't totally believe me. I took a breath before continuing. "Look, you know what powers I get, right?" She made an affirmative gesture. "Right, then you know what just happened?"

Garment slowly ran a glove finger over the base of the implant. The sensation was even more unnerving coming from someone else and at my reaction she pulled back and rested the hand on my shoulder.

"It will be okay." I was more adamant as I spoke. "It was just a surprise." A horrible intrusive surprise that made me seriously concerned for what else I could end up dealing with from the Forge. Mental intrusions were one thing, but random implants were more concerning. I had no idea how far that could go. Given the fact that there were higher levels of the Forge I hadn't even touched I was more than a little concerned about what could be waiting for me.

I took a moment to adjust to the new sensation of the neural implant while reviewing the rest of what came with the power. Most of the technology wasn't terribly advanced and the understanding wasn't totally comprehensive. It was operational engineering, not design level. Still, there were some principles that could be useful.

The real meat of the power was the ability to make small improvements to any technology if I spent enough time working on it. It provided a small but universal boost to the quality of every technological item I could produce. A small increase, but an incredibly broad one.

Outside of the implant there was a scattering of petty equipment. A suit of armor, a magnum pistol, grenades, and an ATV. None of it was cutting edge or that useful given my other resources, but considering it was all fiat backed there was some potential for use after a run of upgrades.

And then there was the neural interface. This was a standard level military interface. Leagues above what was intended for civilian use, but not the kind of thing that coordinated armies or ran entire starships. I was actually lucky on that front since any of those would require an external port and I'd end up walking around with a chunk of metal sticking out of the back of my skull.

In comparison to my command throne it was incredibly basic, but that said it was still both advanced and useful. I just wish I could have had some say in the decision before it was shoved into my head. Even a bit of warning was appreciated. Still, better to happen here than in the field. God, if I had gone through this at Garment's debut I don't know how I would have played it off.

The hardware of the implant was interesting. It was fiat backed and integrated into my body in an unusual way, almost like it was an expected part of this form. I didn't have to worry about healing alchemy or nanites tearing it out or the system wearing out, breaking down, or running out of power. It was closer to a part of my body than anything I could have installed myself.

That same relationship with fiat backed items of the Forge applied to the implant. It would restore itself if someone damaged it and I could upgrade or modify it to add new technology. Still, that would require self-inflicted brain surgery, something I was very uncomfortable with. Actually, if this hadn't been crammed into my brain uninvited I probably would have held off on any kind of similar implant indefinitely.

The device didn't totally need upgrading. It was hundreds of years ahead of modern technology, though still had a definite human element to its design. There was some limited capacity for direct information exchange between the implant and the mind of the person it was inflicted on, but mostly seemed to be intended for a greater deal of user convenience.

The optical nerve HUD was a good example of that. Technically all that information could be directly accessed from the broader connections between the brain and the implant, but my guess was, as this was military tech, it was designed to be implanted in soldiers pretty much universally. Since not everyone who signed up needed advanced applications of the device or had the time to learn cognitive integration it mostly served as an IFF device and discrete display screen.

At least I didn't have that problem. Between the comprehensive understanding of this technology provided by my power and my previous knowledge in both computer software and memory interface I could grasp the higher-level features of the implant almost immediately. Used at that level it could bypass any needs for conventional interfaces, allow direct control of vehicles and tools, and improve the communication and processing of information.

In fact, there was a disturbingly comforting sensation connected to the implant. The constant discordant thought patterns that came with Master Builder and its related powers were incredibly comfortable with the idea of having a portion of my brain suddenly become mechanical and computerized. It made the implant a lot easier to deal with, but also made me a little concerned about how much those alien robot memories were affecting me.

As I adjusted to the protocols and interface settings I could feel the systems of the workshop open up to me. The place wasn't fully networked, but with my implant I could mentally access most of the connected systems. That included the computer core and command throne where the primary copies of Fleet and Survey had finally transferred themselves.

There was a spike of interest through the network from both of the developing A.I.s and I made a note to check in on them properly as soon as I could. In the meantime I had managed to deal with the sudden shock of brain cybernetics well enough to climb to my feet.

"I'm okay now. Seriously." Garment was still being overly gentle with me in a way that was both endearing and patronizing. To stop her doting I shifted focus back to my original question.

"That is really nice work. All that's for Aisha?"

Garment clearly knew what I was doing, but her pride in her work was enough to somewhat mitigate her concern at the current situation, causing her to lead me through the various outfits she had assembled, both for Aisha and in general.

Seeing what was on display I got where Aisha's concerns were coming from. Considering what the girl normally wore being presented with an outfit whose components included the term 'second petticoat' it was a wonder she only stormed off rather than running screaming.

Between that collection and all the other projects there was one question I had to raise.

"Garment, how is your material budget doing?"

She made a dismissive gesture and indicated towards the abundance of both finished outfits and component materials.

"I'm serious. I know some of this can be provided with my power or synthesized by the workshop, but if you need more funds for conventional supplies please let me know."

She made a negative gesture and led me towards a chest at the edge of her work area. I probably should have figured something was up by the fact that the thing was designed like someone took one of those overdone novelty Halloween decorations and decided to do it dead seriously. It looked like a pirate treasure chest that would have been the cornerstone of a movie franchise. When she opened it I realized that wasn't too far from the truth.

"So…" I drew out the word. "I'm guessing that one of my duplicates helped you with this?"

Garment gestured excitedly and lifted one of the items from the chest with a clink. This was apparently another one of those weird power interactions. Garment could turn money into clothing. I didn't know how that worked or if there were any implications to destroying legal tender and summoning bolts of cloth into the world. It appeared I also didn't know how far that definition of currency could be stretched.

I guess it made sense. There were countries that did or had used the gold standard, and they still minted bullion coins. I guess I just assumed you had to be connected to a government to make your own currency, rather than churning out gold coins with a material duplication power.

"Yes, uh, very nice." I replied as Garment showed me one of the coins that filled the chest. "Please never show it to anyone."

Garment almost looked offended at the idea, and held up the one ounce coin for a closer look.

"Yes, it's a very nice likeness. My point stands." I mean, it was a nice profile of me, including the visor from my cape costume, and an image of Garment's gloves very tastefully adorned the opposite side. Still, not something I ever wanted anyone to see.

Garment made a placating gesture and the coin vanished from her hand. Shortly after a bolt of silk started spinning itself out of nowhere, assembling the basis for another outfit.

"Well, I guess you're set then." I didn't know what the exchange rate was, but it probably wouldn't make a dent in that chest unless she was trying to clothe the entire nation in formal wear.

Come to think of it, I wouldn't exactly put something like that past her.

I shook off the thought and turned towards Alchemist's Lab. "I've got a lot to do. Are you alright until then?"

She made an affirmative gesture and shooed me off. I sighed and started towards the lab.

My implant was still a decidedly unsettling sensation in my head. There was this contrasting feeling of it both having suddenly arrived and having been in my head for years. The dichotomy was inexplicable, but I was willing to bet that a detailed medical examination would find evidence of the device being part of my brain for a long time. All part of the insanity that was my power's 'fiat'.

I missed a connection to the Toolkits constellation as I entered my Alchemy workshop. I had taken a sizable chunk out of my reserves of duplication potion during the search for Weld and would have to spend some time replenishing them. I still had enough reserves for the moment, so I headed for the rack of vials and quickly downed one.

I watched each gulp trigger a duplicate that stepped out of my body and turned around. The interesting thing was that this time we all had neural implants. Looking from one to the other I could sense their wireless signal and extend basic communication. There was some discordance at first as perfectly identical systems tried to communicate with each other, but within a couple of seconds we had that sorted out.

"Okay." I spoke even as I split focus to parse data being broadcast from the brains of my duplicates. "There is once again a lot of work to do."

The second smirked at me. "Always is." He looked at the first while transmitting a rather comprehensive list of potential projects to both of us. There seemed to be some interesting symmetry with my perfect blueprint memory and the available functions of the implant. "What should we start with?"

Before anyone could respond there was a discordant screech of broadcast data requests, diagnostic code, and sensor sweeps. It took less than a second to figure out the source.

"A.I. updates." The first pointed at me. "You start with A.I. updates before Survey gets caught in a loop or something worse. We'll get groundwork set up out here."

I was about to agree when I was hit with another stream of error codes, coding queries, and incompatibility issues. I decided pleasantries could be set on hold and hurried to the computer core. On the way I did my best to link to the system with my implant, but it was a far cry from what I was capable of on the throne. The best I managed was for Survey to put queries on hold until I could try to sort things out.

When I sank into the throne I unsurprisingly needed a new set of calibrations before I could connect. A system that scanned down to the individual neuron would obviously have a bit of difficulty applying the same cognitive map to a brain that had newly installed hardware. I did my best to speed up the process because the sense I was getting from Survey was shifting from frantic information requests to something like real panic.

I understood why once I was finally able to fully immerse in the system. The optical core was a completely different environment from the previous system that had been handling A.I. development. Not only did it allow faster progression but it could handle more complicated development paths that would previously have been abandoned as too resource intensive.

Both A.I. had transferred on schedule while I was asleep. They were still working under hard limits, but with the new system they could reach those boundaries much faster and begin optimization routines. Part of that was my fault.

I wouldn't be surprised if I was the best software tinker currently operating. If not there wasn't that much of a gap. Master Builder alone had a staggering wealth of knowledge on artificial intelligences, and provided it in the form of lived experiences. Additionally Grease Monkey, Nanite Sciences, Machinist, Class: Engineer, and even Engineering all provided insights on the development and optimization of autonomous programs. Combined with the increase in skill from Do One Thing At A Time and my final set of supportive corrections had set both programs on a greatly accelerated development curve.

I was also seeing more divergence in their development due to the tasks they had been using to inform their development. It was probably why, of the two A.I.s, it was Survey who was having more problems.

Fleet had been developing along the same curve as Survey, but in a much more focused area. It was a driving A.I. first and foremost. While the role had expanded to coordination of more complicated vehicles it never varied from that initial purpose. Add to it the fact that Fleet's seed had been written when my knowledge of A.I. development was considerably more basic and you ended up with a competent if perhaps overly focused artificial intelligence.

Survey was another matter entirely. I had laid down the initial code shortly after I received Master Builder, and as such it carried a level of intricate design right from the start, rather than having those aspects patched in later. Additionally, Survey's purpose was data acquisition and analysis, a considerably more complicated prospect than vehicle operation.

In the process of development, Survey had taken the task of gathering as much information about my workshop and abilities as possible. I had already run into some problems in that area concerning the more complicated aspects of the Celestial Forge and its unpredictable nature, but it seemed like there were some critical gaps of information that Survey had been struggling with over a key topic.

Survey was trying to understand me. It was a perfectly understandable part of the program's work, but the constant shifts due to the Celestial Forge were creating errors in modeling that, since transferring to the new computer core, had been growing larger and larger. The A.I. had been relying more and more on information exchanges with Fleet for support, almost leaning into the older A.I.'s ability to ignore conflicting or irrelevant information in order to remain functional.

When the neural implant had linked me to the Workshop's systems a series of floating unknowns had apparently fallen into place, stabilizing Survey's models and leading to a period of stable development. That was until I drank that potion and Survey had to contend with two exact copies of my mind with all of my abilities also appearing on the network.

I didn't waste any time in diving in to address the programming errors that had developed, even taking cognitive acceleration above strictly safe levels for a period. There were some key takeaways from this. For instance, keeping details of what was actually happening from an information gathering A.I. was a recipe for disaster. Additionally I really shouldn't be surprised that a program designed to gather and analyze data was trying to gather and analyze as much data as possible.

It also told me that I would need to step up my monitoring of these programs. The previous tactic of assigning tasks and trusting the optimization to handle things with regular monitoring might have worked under the limitations of my previous system, but the new computer core took what was a responsible level of attentiveness to full on negligence.

Oh, and lucky me. I had just gotten the hardware necessary to facilitate constant contact and monitoring. At least that should let me avoid any repeats of this mess.

In addition to code corrections I had to spend a substantial amount of time addressing the holes in Survey's database of the Workshop and my abilities. By that I meant everything. Power interactions, acquisitions, breakdown of different classifications of effects, even mundane things like sources of workshop changes. It was more than I liked sharing, but I couldn't trust the program to do its job without access to that information.

I was about to impress on the A.I. the importance of keeping this information contained, but it seemed I was beaten to it. It did make sense that a system designed around information would be able to understand how significant a certain set of data was. Containment countermeasures were being put in place before I could suggest anything. Significant countermeasures.

I did step in to assist with coding the contingencies in a manner that would only delete the data in question rather than function as a digital suicide bomb for the entire A.I., degrading it beyond recovery. Still, the strength of the response made it clear the importance was understood. Though that was probably because it also filled in a lot of computational holes that Survey was struggling with. Really, having that kind of failsafe for data management was a good idea in general, even more so if you had an A.I. managing the trigger.

Checking on Fleet for any similar problems all I found was a desire for advanced notice of any planned upgrades to the motoroid to facilitate modeling the systems pre-launch and a sense of disappointment on not being involved in the repair or deployment of the Pinto.

Also something that could be considered concern for Survey. I mean, that was an artifact of the collaborative nature of the two A.I.s, but as they became more complex that kind of thing created the basis for actual emotions.

And the A.I.s were definitely becoming complex. In Survey's case complex enough to have expressed opinions on the previous situation in a way that made me want to more closely monitor Garment's twitter usage. Honestly, I'm not sure if accurate use of reaction images counts as a step forward in language skills.

With things finally calmed down I turned my attention towards the optimization space. I was able to focus on each A.I. in turn, assisting with development and correcting errors. By focusing individually my power activated to speed and improve my work, letting me dive further into the code than would have otherwise been possible. I also took some time for scheduling capacity improvements based on the powers I'd received to this point.

With everything resolved I could interact with the A.I. properly. With the neural interface throne making me part of the system I could sense their functions, but it was still good to engage them verbally to examine the limits of language development.

"Thank you for assistance with development and execution of primary functions." Survey's statement came as a text string with different synthesized voices overlaid as the merits of each of them was considered. Fleet's response was more direct.

"Thanks. What next?" Standard text with a basic speech program running in the background. Upon understanding that the meaning of the statement had been conveyed Fleet held back, waiting for a response.

I responded both in spoken English, with text, and a precise set of data instructions. "Update interface protocols to ensure adequate information sharing. Begin workshop and equipment upgrade projects. Prepare Garment for meeting with local authorities."

The message was well received, though with more enthusiasm from Survey than Fleet, at least once it was confirmed that the construction or operation of a vehicle wouldn't be necessary for any of these tasks. That brought us to the first item. Fortunately, my latest power had a considerable amount of information on how to interface with, manage, and utilize A.I. safely and effectively.

"Is an identity profile necessary with upgraded direct processing connections available to your body?"

Survey's question had the same cluster of data and shifting voices as it was asked. I checked on Fleet who seemed to be happy to let Survey take the lead here.

"It creates a focal point for interaction with other people, which encourages more detailed communication that can provide data for ongoing development."

It would also help the programs develop a sense of identity, though it was too early to float that concept. Interacting with them at this stage was weird. They were basic enough that, at least with my level of understanding, I could follow every step of their program operation that led to their questions, decisions, and 'emotions'. Being able to see the detailed breakdown of the cause behind the responses made it hard to really consider them emotions, but I could see the direction they were headed. There was a strange, almost transient quality to the situation.

Ultimately I was just asking for an image to be connected to their communication. Fleet responded almost immediately with a helmeted figure that I quickly confirmed was just the result of an image search for 'Racecar Driver'. Survey took a good deal longer, including requests for the processing not to be monitored. The end result was a facial composite that, upon examination, had been drawn from various fashion models. I guess handing off duties as Garment's assistant should have been expected to have some ongoing effects.

Just as I had unnecessarily reviewed the profile images they had chosen and set up the new communications profiles I received a notification from my duplicates. It seemed that even with the cognitive acceleration I had burned through most of their duration. Given that things were stable enough for me to disconnect I headed back to the Alchemist's Lab before the duplicates could vanish.

One of the duplicates greeted me as I entered the lab and missed a connection to the Crafting constellation. "Thanks for taking care of that."

I tried to brush it off. "It was nothing."

The second duplicate stepped forward. "It was important and needed to be done, so thanks."

The gratitude was a bit weird, especially when it was basically me thanking myself. Still, I got where it was coming from. The cascading errors had been concerning for the integrity of the coding project, but more so for what it could mean for Survey's developing intelligence. My duplicates had the same level of concern for the A.I.'s wellbeing as I did, seeming enough that they were ignoring their 20% time allowance to follow up on things.

Survey had been maintaining a continuous link with my neural implant since I disconnected from the computer core. The link seemed to be a grounding presence for the A.I. in a way I hadn't totally realized was necessary. It provided reassurance of the nature of the Workshop environment and projects in a way that could be called comforting. This was the difference between approaching this like a coding project and approaching it like you were dealing with real people. It was still a transition period, but that just made it more important.

"Good news here." The first indicated to an assembled ritual space. "I think we're finally ready to try some transmutation."

"Do you think the reason we put this off for so long was because the power was literally called 'Deranged Alchemist'?"

I shook my head. "Pretty sure the deranged part only applies to the homunculi stuff."

"Yeah, definitely not touching that."

"Likewise."

I nodded along with my duplicates. "So, what are we working on here?"

They grinned and did that obnoxious 'answer at the same time' thing. "Mithril."

The stunt would have been more impressive if not for the fact that I could tell they were using their neural implants to coordinate the timing. Actually, technically none of us needed to speak at all. The data transfer capacity of the implant and our understanding of its principles was more than enough to allow mind to mind communication. Still, I think my duplicates understood that human interaction was important, even if it was as weird as speaking with copies of yourself.

I turned my attention to the ritual space. There was a small puck of silvery metal in the center of a runic array with reagents aligned around it. As I was trying to piece together what had been done one of the duplicates leaned forward.

"Here." There was the ping of data transfer from his implant and I could instantly review the preparations. The ingot was a blend of 86% silver, 12% nickel, and small but incredibly precise amounts of vanadium, niobium, molybdenum, osmium, neodymium, gallium, titanium, chromium, and magnesium. It was basically a dog's breakfast of metals with no real value, especially compared to my hyperalloys. However, taken together with alchemical principles it made the perfect transmutation base for mithril.

They had even planned out the ritual and it looked seriously promising. I had been building to this for a while, but the boost from Dwarven Craft had taken me over the top. It had also slightly expanded the metallurgy section of the Alchemist's Laboratory, since the place scaled with my alchemical knowledge. I was still a ways from being able to make cybertonium, but this was an important first step.

The transmutation was a proper ritual, and as such additional participants were immensely helpful. It was pretty much the only reason I had a hope of pulling this off. I looked at the pair of duplicates. "We're not going to have time for this before your counter is up, are we?"

The first shook his head. "Needs to be done with the next set. But, on a positive note…" He gestured to the second who was standing next to a brewing potion.

"You're restocking?"

"And upgrading." He smiled. "Do One Thing At A Time will double the quality of the potion."

I started running the numbers in my head. "So, wait, nonlinear relation for potion duration, and beyond conventional limits. New duration should be…"

"Probably around fifteen minutes. Here." Another data transfer confirmed the analysis. It wasn't a titanic upgrade, but with halving the time to make the potions and the duplicates lasting for a quarter of an hour it could open up some longer projects.

It would also increase that 20% time period to three minutes. Three minutes where they would be able to build super science housewares and coordinate through mental implants. From the gleam in their eyes they knew what I was thinking. Even as the duration ticked down, an internal timer being a mundane benefit of the implant, I could see the look of satisfaction on their faces.

"Well, give our best to the next guys." And then they vanished. It was a totally unnecessary request, given the next guys would be updated copies of me. I took a second to quickly confirm Survey's query regarding the vanished duplicates, then moved to renew the potion.

With two gulps fresh copies stepped out and looked over the lab.

"So…" The first said, looking at the brewing potion. "We'll be what, the last? Second to last copies to have the ten minute duration?"

I nodded "Something like that."

It was still strange how readily the copies accepted their temporary existence. At least the hints of enthusiasm for a longer lasting potion indicated that they weren't completely fatalistic. I wondered how far I would be able to push the potion's quality. I was already taking things beyond the initial theoretical maximum. I doubted any level of research or training could take things further, but there was the possibility other Forge abilities might make the difference.

"Right." The second exclaimed. "Let's get started. We robing up for this?"

I reviewed the plans laid out by the last copies. "I think we'll be alright with just mantles." Ceremonial vestments were an unfortunate part of this process. Fortunately the speed at which I could produce clothing and the quality of the end products had allowed everything to be prepared.

Instead of the full alchemist robes that would normally be called for they had prepared a set of shoulder cloaks sewn with alchemy symbols. It was a fascinating and surprising application of a new power.

Gadget Master was a power mostly centered on spy gadgets, but the way that power had been granted was unique. It was experience with the principles behind the work, not a rote database of instructions or some uncontrolled effect that took care of the technicalities automatically. The power gave me the skill to miniaturize almost anything, not just technology. In this application it had taken the effect that would normally require a full set of robes, hoods, stoles, and accoutrements and condensed it into a simple cape. One mantle providing the benefit of an entire set of vestments.

Even the ritual space was more efficiently laid out. The runic arrays were taking up a small portion of the lab instead of spilling out into all surrounding areas. It was a godsend really. The creation of mithril was not a petty project. This was a major mystical metal, and the apparatus and ritual requirements would have been cripplingly difficult without the help of that power.

It had huge implications for everything from my transmutation arrays to my runes, as well as presenting another situation where all my technology was now out of date and needed to be upgraded. That was something to worry about later, as right now I was burning duplicate duration. It would be hard enough to fit the ritual into the time limit as it stood.

Without another word we donned the mantles and dove into the ritual. There was the considerable benefit of everyone being on the same page and able to communicate nonverbally. One duplicate arranged lit candles to channel fundamental forces while another aligned reagents to convey the energies of transmutation. I worked to heat the ingot to be more receptive to the essences being transferred to it and provided a siphon for the material aspects being removed.

The chant started with the second duplicate and was picked up by the first and myself in turn. It was a heavily arcane procedure, reinforcing the aspects of the material world being encouraged within the sample of material. Finally, the aspects were fully saturated in the metal and only had to be bound.

The first duplicate moved the glowing ingot to an engraved anvil while the second handed me a hammer of cold iron while he picked up his own leaden hammer. We took turns striking the silvery metal, adding or extracting aspects of weight, durability, hardness, and luster. Heavy strikes with cold iron followed by lighter taps from the softer lead tool. With each blow flecks of the ingot split and flecked off, but the debris vanished into the air rather than settling on the ground.

I could feel the ritual building, but the duration of the duplicates was running down. With an unspoken agreement we accelerated our pace, the first turning the metal while I alternated blows with the second. Without the benefit of Do One Thing At A Time it would have been hopeless, but we were all focused on our singular task of completing the ritual.

Every chant and strike corresponded to another second of potion duration spent. As the clock counted down it occurred to me that the scope of this project might not have been fully appreciated upon entry. Even with a beyond perfectly prepared ritual space, the perfect reagents, a masterful alignment of forces, the ideal target material, and three master alchemists doing the work of ten people at twice the speed and double their best skill level it was still an immensely challenging prospect.

There was a union of purpose between me and my duplicates I hadn't seen before, not even in the construction of the computer throne. In the back of our minds we knew the stakes weren't that severe. We could try again, but that attempt would be with new duplicates. The copies who were here and now had a task before them, a cause that they wanted to spend their limited existence fulfilling, and were determined to bring it to fruition.

Every power I had was being used to facilitate this. Tools were being wielded with mechanical precision by people synchronized through digital mental contact. Material knowledge from a half dozen powers was being incorporated into the process of guiding the transmutation. Smithing knowledge, from my first middling power to the titanic breadth of Dwarven Craft was being drawn upon to guide the formation. Movements were being conducted with ever increasing efficiency of technique to squeeze out the slightest improvement in efficiency. Strike after strike bound or vanquished unseen forces from the ingot, fundamentally changing its material existence.

This wasn't the rote speedy construction of my rushed preparations from the past few days. This was pure artistry. Artistry on an entirely different level from the intricate designs and crafting I could do in my sleep. With each strike of a hammer we were bringing a myth into existence. An impossible metal dreamed of only in the minds of fantasy writers was being forged before our very eyes. Every strike cast off more and more of the ingot, but what was left was more pure than anything I had seen in my life. Beauty bound to shimmering metal. I was watching true-silver come into existence.

Second by second the potion counted down. I cursed myself for wasting any time at the start of the ritual, for assuming that my powers would be enough to turn this into a cakewalk. As the clock got lower the prospect of a ruined procedure, of knowing that the task my duplicates had devoted themselves could be all for naught weighed heavily on me.

With one last push before vanishing the second duplicate made a final strike and first duplicate made his ultimate turn of the ingot. Tools clattered to the workshop floor from vanished hands and mantles dropped like empty plastic bags. I grit my teeth and brought the hammer down in a finishing strike.

Light bloomed through the laboratory as the last of the material essence split from the ingot. The glow faded to the point where I could see, but seemed to retract into the metal rather than vanish. I let out a breath wreathed in tension as I looked down at the fruit of our labor.

Through the process the large puck of metal had been eroded by thalamic forces down to the barest slip. If not for my Workaholic power multiplying its volume there would barely be anything remaining. As it stood barely a coin's worth of metal remained, but that tiny piece seemed to contain a world of wonder.

I leaned down and picked up the scrap of mithril. It felt light as air and impossibly smooth. Light reflected in it seemed enhanced in some way, like it was showing a truer version of the world than what your eyes could normally detect. It was unmistakably beautiful, not in its craftsmanship but in its very essence.

A flicker of motion in the corner of my eye drew my attention and I turned to see Garment at the edge of the lab. I didn't know how long she had been watching, but she was clearly as enthralled by the result as I was. Slowly she approached and tentatively reached out towards the finished metal.

I smiled and handed it to her. The way she ran the fingers of her gloves over it was unbelievably reverentially. She made a questioning gesture towards me.

"Yes, I can make a lot more of it now." I considered things. "I'll need to examine it, figure out the best way to use it, but yes, we'll have plenty to work with."

I took in Garment's exclamation of joy as I felt the Celestial Forge miss a connection to the Size constellation. I also took a moment to check in with Fleet and Survey. Fleet was, as usual, completely content.

When prodded there was only a simple response. "Desire for information on new material impact for vehicle operation." Beyond the statement in a basic synthesized voice there was nothing else of note.

I found Survey had been documenting every step of the process with an almost obsessive level of detail. "Greetings. Presenting list of questions regarding transmutation to be addressed at a later point." The layered set of synthesized voices was still being used, though it seemed to be drifting towards a particular set of vocal types instead of the constant shifting that had been used before.

The transferred file contained a very comprehensive list that would take some time, or a quick trip to the computer core, to answer in full. Still, the understanding that the information would come was holding off any more frustrated reaction images. Said reaction images were still being prepared, and were being edited to incorporate Survey's composite supermodel profile picture, I suppose for better personalization.

I took the mithril sample and left Garment fussing over the trio of mantles in a matter that suggested I would probably regret exposing her to the concept. I looped back through the workshop on my way to analyze the new material.

My workshop upgrades could manage that to some extent, but the best scanners available to me were still the ones in the Laboratorium. I had to deal with the research results anyway, so I took the long route, retrieving the small case of Dust that came with my Tinkerer power before retrieving the ragnite sample from my 'hidden' laboratory.

The Dust samples were four vials of brightly colored and energetic powder in red, blue, green, and yellow. There were tiny amounts, but I could still feel the power contained in the material. I needed proper analysis before I could move forward with any projects, but the potential was immense.

Ragnite was still a mystery. I made a point to scan the lab's notes for later analysis, but it would probably take a lot more work to get useful results, at least compared to the immediate usefulness of the dust.

I paused at the door between my secret lab and the Laboratorium. The cyber skulls had been working adamantly since I dropped off the last batch of tinker tech, but I still wasn't sure how they'd react to new items. I was coming in with unseen metals and new cybernetics. The last thing I wanted was another freak-out when they were handling Bakuda's explosives.

Well, no getting around it. I'd just have to deal with whatever happened. I pushed into the room, bracing myself for the worst.

The reception I received was not 'the worst'. It had a decidedly different feel, starting with the abrupt cutoff of the looping hymn and every skull in the immense space turning to face me. Every skull. Even those attached to the library. Even those who currently were moving bombs between scanning beds.

There was a decidedly awkward moment as I figured out what was going on and if I should try to make a run for it. Then the cry went up. It was still in that digital trilling sound that skulls used to communicate, but had a decidedly different tone. This was unmistakably a celebration.

When I had brought the last batch of technology it had been like Christmas morning. This time it was more like a birthday. Specifically, my birthday, and every skull in the place was determined to celebrate it.

Initially I had some trouble telling what they were so excited about until I was coaxed towards one of the larger scanning bays. Immediately a full analysis of my cranial implant was plastered across every display in the lab accompanied by a sound of exaltation from the skulls. The mood shifted from anticipation to pure celebration.

A new song started playing with a much heavier tone than the hymn. I couldn't pick out most of the lyrics over the heavy instrumentals, but the refrain had something to do with flesh being fallible and weak, the strength of metal, and something or other about directed motion.

The skulls were also lighting a portion of the mural of armored figures, highlighting the man in black and brass gear patterned armor who was carrying a large hammer. Small pieces of machinery and vials of oil were being placed in front of the painting like offerings. Additionally, across the room small icons of mechanical skulls inside gears were lighting up and receiving the same treatment.

Given their reaction to cybernetics all I could say is they didn't do things by half. I had to wonder if this was just some kind of pent up stress from lack of interaction, or if I was actually hitting on things that were this important to them. It was frustrating not fully understanding this system, but I could at least muddle along.

That's what I did as the skulls guided me to the lab's command throne. Given that I now had three items that were classified as thrones in my Workshop I wondered if I was leaning towards something of an uncomfortable theme. It was a bit concerning, but not something the skulls gave me time to ruminate on.

Upon sitting down I immediately received a wireless connection protocol. The skulls were waiting around anxiously as I processed the information from the control throne. I had the sense it would have preferred a direct wired connection, but was at least willing to entertain the idea of working around the connection issues.

The port behind my head shifted through a series of configurations before settling on an induction based link designed to work through the skin. It was more than a little surprising that it would have that capacity, but apparently this place had been built to accommodate a massive range of technologies. With a little trepidation I leaned back and felt the connection take hold.

My first thought was that I did in fact need to upgrade my neural implant. While I had been mostly satisfied with its performance there was a clear and drastic gulf in technology level between the Laboratorium and the technology of Space Command Engineer. I watched as disappointment rippled across the room as more and more protocols had to be scaled back to the capacity of my implant.

The mood definitely rallied as the calibration finished and the connection stabilized. Suddenly I had direct access to the systems around me. Not the innate intuitive access a 'proper' implant would have given me, but enough to at least immerse myself in the information. Without being fully connected my access had to be partially facilitated by the machine spirit of the throne, but it seemed happy with the interaction, particularly whenever I delved into more mechanical thought patterns from my Master Builder power.

The advantages of the connection were clear. I could feel the information of the analysis pouring into my head, blueprints being perfectly retained thanks to my Engineer power. That said, only about half of the bombs had effects that could be analyzed clearly enough to provide a complete breakdown. The rest would need destructive testing before anything meaningful could be gleaned. Normally a horrible option, but if my duplication potion worked the way I hoped I could manage that without issue.

Even for the bombs where I had a clear picture the mechanics of the effects was another matter. Only about ten percent were conventional enough that I had a full breakdown. The rest would require personal analysis of the properties in being used. I was confident I could do it, but there was the question of prioritization.

All of these bombs were powerful, especially for their size, but that didn't translate directly to being useful. The highly valuable bomb effects, spatial alteration, material transmutation, time manipulation, were all locked behind further layers of analysis and study. Being able to create an overpowered airburst bomb, or a grenade with hypersonic shrapnel was nice. Well, no. It was horrible, but the information was useful. It just wasn't that much more useful than my other technology. I wasn't sure if it was worth the effort to extract principles that would boost weapons I wasn't planning on using.

The report on Leet's technology was more encouraging. The force field was a type of plasma sheeting that was both a close range deterrent and provided excellent protection against energy weapons, particularly for something that compact. The principles would take some time to break down, but would be decidedly useful.

The sword, which network research told me was the 'Dragon Sword' from Ninja Gaiden, was even more interesting. It operated on a form of technology based telekinesis. The sword was able to pilot itself through various offensive and defensive motions, likely to make up for Leet's complete lack of physicality and combat skill. The glow around it had been what could only be described as a telekinetic chainsaw. It was a field that grabbed small portions of the material being sliced ahead of the blade and tore at them. The force exerted was small, but when compared to the tiny area it was being applied to it caused massive stress, basically ripping it apart before the blade even touched it.

This would have definitely messed me up if I caught a hit from it. Like with the force field it had serious potential, at least enough to move it up the list past the more mundane explosives.

The Vehicles constellation missed a connection while I turned my attention towards the material analysis. Four samples were being prioritized as they moved through the lab as easily as if by my own hands. If my hands were a set of unusually enthusiastic skulls moving to the sound of a hymn that would sound more at home backing a symphonic metal band than being played in a church.

At least the worst of this song's lyrics were about the superiority of metal and the weaknesses of all flesh based desires rather than the horrific burning of heretics. More of a lateral step than a direct improvement, but definitely less distracting.

The tissue sample from Weld was still a point of contention in the Laboratorium with even the machine spirits weighing in on the matter. I decided to head things off by beginning the analysis. There were a lot of interesting aspects to the material, but the most noteworthy was that as time went on it was becoming less 'Weld' and more exotic chunk of metal. Whatever animating force was provided by his power started to fade after a portion separated.

It was the kind of effect I'd need a better understanding of Magitech to crack. Unfortunately it wouldn't last nearly that long. I entered a command to get it back in stasis as soon as the scans were complete, where it would probably have to stay until I finally got another connection to that constellation.

The dust analysis was more productive. The automatic scans didn't have that much to say on the matter, but with my material knowledge I was able to put the pieces together. There was a huge opportunity for direct application, enhancement of other metals, or integrating it as a power source or means of improvement for other technology. Interestingly the four kinds of dust were something like primary colors that could be mixed to create new varieties of the substance. It would take some experimentation, but I could hand that off to duplicates fairly easily.

Ragnite was… Well ragnite was a mess. It was a crystalline energy source with biological applications that could also be processed into a combustible fuel. There were hints at direct weapon applications in the lab's notes, but that was more than I could manage with my level of understanding. What I could tell is the substance needed refinement to be usable, and several levels of refinement to bring out its full potential. I just wasn't desperate enough for a new energy source to commit the amount of resources I'd need to leverage that material.

Then there was mithril. The interesting thing was that it wasn't magic. None of the witchcraft alarms triggered in response to the sample. It was mythical, operating beyond what a material like it should be capable of, but the source of that effect was tied to its intrinsic nature, not some enchantment effect. It was also incredibly strong, light, resilient, and possessed qualities that would allow nearly impossible types of protection. A chain shirt that blocked blunt impacts was easily within its capabilities.

It was absolutely fantastic, a metal beyond what was physically possible. Dozens of potential applications, experiments, alloying options, and other uses were flooding my mind. But before I could fully dive into that line of thinking something grabbed my attention.

The spool of life fibers hung floating in its stasis field. I remembered my revelation from last night. With what I'd had to do to manage Fleet and Survey I felt even more accountable for the life fiber's development. I knew they were naturally predatory, but they were also highly adaptive. Based on what I'd seen that adaptively had been used to take the fiber's mental development in a new direction. I needed to follow up on that, and needed to handle it personally. The rest of my work could be handed off, but not that.

So I disconnected from the Laboratorium's systems after setting some directions for the analysis still being carried out. After retrieving the dust and mithril samples I made my way back to the Alchemist's Laboratory, cutting past the forcefield sheathed main entrance.

I needed to scale down the emitters using what I'd learned from Gadget Master. It would also be a good idea to get that holographic screen installed. Space Command Engineer had access to some holographic technology, with the serious advantage of not requiring any exotic or magical materials. It wasn't top level, but combined with the rest of my knowledge it should be able to create a convincing impression of a blank wall, empty closet, or whatever else would be useful for throwing off intruders.

Another project to farm out to my duplicates, and hopefully they wouldn't include any crazy surprises. It was a distant, unlikely hope, but the hope was still there.

I got to the laboratory just as the next duplication potion had finished brewing. I set down the mithril and dust samples, then quickly decanted the potion into individual vials. I picked up one of them and downed it in two gulps, causing another pair of duplicates to step out into the lab and turn to face me.

"Everyone up on the plan?"

Then nodded back and the first spoke. "We'll get started, coordinate through the computer core if you need anything. Good luck with the fibers."

The second nodded and I left them to their work. At this point it was mainly planning and material duplication. Mithril in its raw state could be worked like copper and Dust would crystalize under carefully controlled pressure conditions. Between those factors the duplicates would be able to assemble a stockpile of both materials in short order.

I found Garment in the textile facility working with another complex fiber blend. When I entered she set it down and came to check on me.

"It's fine. The duplicates are working to make more mithril." She made an excited gesture. "But the reason I'm here is I need to work with the life fibers again."

Garment quickly gestured behind her and the barbarian costume leapt from the rack to float next to her.

"No Garment." She pouted. "Not like that. This isn't training. I think I can communicate with them through the computer, but I need your help to manage it. I don't want to leave them like that, in the Laboratorium, if there's another option. This might be the first step. Can you help?"

She considered, then made an affirmative gesture as she picked up some design sketches. I looked over the half dozen dresses depicted and the noted compositions. "You want help with these first?"

From her response I got the sense that this was less a price for helping and more something she wanted to get out of the way beforehand. I didn't know if she was reconsidering what she'd be wearing to the Gym event, but if she wants a few more outfits made with the benefit of my power I wasn't going to turn her down.

I still needed some level of reduced clothing to manage life fiber exposure, but managed to talk her down from the full Conan set to just a pair of shorts with armor plates still attached. As hopful as I was about the prospects of dealing with the life fibers there was no reason to be stupid about things.

Working with Garment was a familiar situation at this point. The gloves folded inside out as they slipped over my hands and my senses and understanding expanded to match Garment's. The dresses she planned were a highly varied collection. Some were conventional and just required expanded levels of crafting that she could match without my abilities. Some were classic designs incorporating new materials. One particularly unusual one was a wrap dress with a highly complex cut made of some of the most resilient hyper fabrics the upgraded workshop could produce.

After the work was done and the completed dresses were hanging on display I checked in on the situation in the rest of the lab.

"Hey, taking that 20% time. Home renovations. FYI, mithril is not transmutable with arrays, at least not without a lot more research."

"Likewise for me and the Dust. That might have a hope with some more tinkering. Uploaded the arrays that seemed to have promising results. Do not try them on the burn Dust. Seriously, way too volatile. Got enough dust and crystals for the next set to try combinations. Also taking 20% time. Uh, don't worry about where."

"Confirming the completion of material production and logging inventory. I have a query about your integration with Garment in regards to split control and brain activity. Can you clarify?"

As I walked, I took the time to convey what happened while I was wearing Garment's gloves. There was a sense of disappointment that my neural implant didn't give Survey a direct line of communication to Garment. I had a feeling the difficulty in communicating while working as Garment's assistant was something the A.I. saw as a personal failing. That might also explain why so many elements of fashion had been adopted in how Survey expressed itself.

I kept an eye on the signals from my duplicates as I moved to the lab. With the precision timing of the implant I was able to time it down to the millisecond. Total duration was 15 minutes and 17.35 seconds, sitting comfortably above our estimates. I slipped back into the lab, passing a pile of mithril ingots that looked like it belonged in Fort Knox as well as an entire table of crystals and dust containers. I moved past the products of my duplicates work and downed another duplication potion.

They stepped out, took one look at their abbreviated outfits, then turned to the giant pile of Dust and mithril. They gave a slight nod before the first one spoke.

"Right. Design an upgrade while you deal with the life fibers?"

"If you don't mind?" I asked uncertainty.

"Go." The second cut in. "We can handle this."

With a grateful smile I slipped out of the lab and headed towards the fibers. When I entered the Laboratorium I was greeted nearly as enthusiastically as before and found the new hymn still playing. It was kind of like having a brain implant had upgraded me somehow in the eyes of the cyber skulls. There were clearly some ordered principles to how this stuff works, but I couldn't figure it out. To my eye it seemed like a crap shoot if something brought into the room would trigger panic or a celebration.

With the advantages of my implant and previous exposure to the communications protocols used by the local system I was able to wirelessly drop the stasis field, allowing Garment to take the fibers and wrap them around my body. The level of contact was such that there was no drain exerted on me but, from what I had seen in my computer core, still allowed basic neural connections to form.

That was another one of the many overly complicated aspects of this organism. Life fibers were borderline impossible from a physics standpoint, much less a biological one. Life fiber energy was an incredible force that was as difficult to combat as it was to explain. The fact that it could provide physical boosts while also affecting the bio-genetics of its host all without direct physical intrusion into the systems impacted, well it was nearly unbelievable.

That was something I would have to get a handle on if I was going to keep relying on the life fibers. With everything secured I left the Laboratorium and headed for the computer core.

I was on my way when I felt the Celestial Forge move once more. The Magic constellation was swinging towards me. It was a constellation with mostly oversized motes, nearly as bad as Magitech. The one coming towards me was not the largest mote in the constellation but it was bigger than any mote I had secured so far. I had gotten so used to these kinds of motes passing me by that I barely paid attention to it and was understandably shocked when all the reach I had built up was spent in a single burst to secure the power.

Just like that I had the most powerful mote I'd ever encountered. Elven Enchantment. Interestingly it was connected to Dwarven Craft in the same way many powers shared aspects, like some kind of fantasy cluster with dwarves and elves. And magic. Serious magic, and magic that I now understood how to use.

This power, it let me enchant objects by pouring power into them as they were created. Only upon creation, and only through a specific set of mechanisms. Still, by following them I could do full on proper magic.

Magic. It was weird to think about it, but I could now make magic items, any magic item. Magic, or this kind of magic, was a complex multifaceted field. There were three main ways to make an item magical and I knew them all.

The first way was magic that could barely be described as such. It was just making something so perfectly that it seemed magical as a result. Items that never failed or faltered or performed above the level of even their best possible expectations fell into this category. Not exactly wonders, but solid and dependable.

The second form of magic involved words. Well, specific words. Words could define what something was, how it was regarded in relation to people, other objects, and the world around it. With the right words or phrases delivered properly fundamental aspects of an object could be changed, either drastically improving them or broadening their applications.

That led directly to the third form of magic. This was extremely high level. It involved manipulation of the Unseen. It was a complicated concept, but there was this kind of world beyond the physical, a spiritual existence that belonged purely to magic. Working in this realm was incredibly difficult, but though this application great wonders were possible.

Potential wonders. I was not at that level, not yet. The power gave me understanding of the principles and the slightest peek into the nature of the unseen. There was a vision in my head, of the purest light coming from a pair of trees upon a hill. It was an image of breathtaking beauty that actually warmed me physically when I recalled it. The memory of having seen that light acted like a key to the nature of the world, Opening the unseen to my hand.

If I could actually accomplish it. The first kind of magic was dead easy, just focusing when I made something would be enough. The second would be more difficult. English was not a language of power for this kind of thing. I knew the words to empower items, but being able to convey them properly, to change nature with speech and will was a daunting prospect.

That had nothing on the third kind of magic. Drawing on the Unseen was a terrifying prospect, the scale of the difficulty matched only by the scope of works that would be possible with its mastery. It was beyond energy or single words. Entire spells would need to be sung during construction in order to drive the working of the craft.

Boy, it was a good thing I wasn't massively self-conscious about that kind of thing. It would be terrible if my own insecurity got in the way of being able to use my most powerful ability to its fullest.

It's also a good thing I'm not the least bit sarcastic by nature. That would be terrible.

I continued walking, but felt a slight agitation from my gloves, almost like they were troubled by something. It wasn't hard to figure out what it might be.

"Garment?" The gloves twitched. "Are you upset that I got a magical crafting power for making beyond perfect items right after we finished your wardrobe?" The gloves twitched again, this time in a decidedly irritated manner. Well, I guess it was good to know that I wasn't the only one irritated by the sequence in which I receive my powers.

I sank into the throne and connected with the system. My mind extended to Fleet and Survey. As this task had nothing to do with vehicles, Fleet was splitting development focus to continuously incorporate the motoroid upgrade plans my duplicates were working on. Survey was more focused on the current situation, with only a slight indication towards the table of questions and clarifications waiting to be addressed.

"I will get to those later. For now we need to focus on the life fiber's neural connection."

"I will assist in mapping of connections." There was a particular thrill with that statement. Mapping was basically Survey's original function and one the A.I. was heavily focused on.

I could actually do this task better than either A.I. at the moment. Because of my powers and the neural connection of the command throne I was actually better at a lot of computer tasks, at least at the A.I.'s current level of development. However, this was something I would need an external perspective for. It wasn't that I was compromised, it was more that I was trying to observe the part of me that was doing the observing. As such I sat back and managed basic data tasks until I heard the satisfied ping from Survey.

"Task successful. Tetra's neural path located."

I paused for a second within the digital landscape. Reviewing the data I could see the fully mapped connection, through my mind to the peripheral nervous system and finally to the life fibers. The fibers were struggling to make sense of the digital environment, a process that was causing a high amount of stress and desperate adaptation. The adaptation was fascinating to watch first hand, but it didn't answer the question that had given me pause.

"Tetra?"

Survey responded quickly. "Designation Tetra, from classification of items of note, interface and expanded upon Laboratorium categorization."

I looked over the proffered data. Tetra. Four. As in the fourth. Specifically, the fourth S-class threat I had access to. The progression went Mono, Dy, Tri, and Tetra. Fleet and Survey held the Mono designation as S-class threat: strong A.I capable of independently developing. The Dy designation belonged to Nanite Science with S-class threat: global mutagenic nanite event. Tri was thanks to Machinist's S-class threat: Gray goo. Which left the life fibers with the Tetra designation.

The list continued a good length after that, with the latest entry being the Imulsion pump added just the previous night. It was kind of harrowing really. I don't think it's a good sign for a tinker to have to take a step back and say 'Huh, I forgot I had this many ways to destroy the world.'.

As I was considering that the life fibers, or Tetra to go with Survey's designation, were responding to the impact of our observation. This was an incredibly complicated interconnected system of hybridized computers, neural sensors, and a feedback loop from using my nervous system as a communication medium. There was no chance of being subtle about this.

The already agitated life fibers were entering full panic. The fact that they didn't have a host connection feeding them and were in a mental construct they had no basis for left them desperately grasping for any support. I was legitimately surprised by the form it took.

"Tetra demonstrates high levels of ineffective analysis. Observed development is contrary to the optimal method for addressing the situation."

I examined Survey's report, with noted similarities to the A.I.'s own issues. In a surprising act of agency, Survey contacted Fleet requesting assistance. Through the exercise I sat there like a glorified computer bus while my A.I.s used my nervous system to communicate with my alien parasite.

Watching everything play out was kind of fascinating. In a digital environment most of the instincts and drives that consumed life fibers were irrelevant. Without that desire for consumption, due to having nothing to consume, they were left without any direction. That uncertainty, coupled with an incredible adaptive ability, drove rapid cognitive development in a desperate attempt to make sense of the environment.

That must have been happening constantly the previous day. Every check in with the computer core was another point where the life fibers went from an alpha lifeform to a state of complete helplessness and panic. It would have been terrible to put an intelligent lifeform through that, but the life fibers were adapting to it by trying to become an intelligent lifeform, basically making things worse with every repetition. Awareness expanding enough to realize how terrifying everything was.

Fortunately, Survey was good at pattern recognition and could identify similar issues to what was encountered in its own development. I'm not sure if at this point Survey recognized that life fibers were a distinct creature from A.I.s, but we were all existing as digital consciousnesses at the moment, so that might not be that significant a point.

The effect was actually quite helpful. It seemed life fibers could absorb and process information at an incredible rate. Between Survey being able to recognize unhelpful loops of development and Fleet's still somewhat novel approach of ignoring things deemed irrelevant the fibers became progressively less agitated and more focused. Looking at them I started seeing evidence of more complicated mental processes.

Finally Survey disconnected from the process and turned its attention towards me. "Tetra has abandoned destructive adaptation loops and resumed meaningful adaptation."

"It's fine." Fleet made a simple statement before returning attention to my duplicates' design and construction process.

It was difficult to check on the life fibers myself. The interface couldn't connect to them, so everything was going through my own mind. I had to basically set up a delayed processing loop that took a picture of what was happening in my own head and gave me a delayed image, like a mirror that was a fraction of a second out of sync.

It was enough to give me a vague picture of the fibers' mental state. They weren't exactly ready to communicate, but there was a lot more focus in their cognitive processes. It also contained a sense of almost contentment, though that was probably just in comparison to the previous blind panic.

I got a notice from my duplicates and realized their durations were almost up. With some care I disconnected from the system and returned to the Alchemist's Laboratory.

"Went okay?" Before I could answer the duplicate cut me off. "Actually, save it for the next guys. Sending data, but cliff notes? Mithril works really well with both Dust and the Skyforge. Skyforged mithril is off the chart in pretty much every level. Dust infuses for different properties. Combine that with mithril and things get crazy. Case in point."

He pointed to the second duplicate who held a shimmering green piece of metal, then dropped his hand away. The solid plate hung in the air like a feather before slowly drooping to the ground.

"Other infusions are just as crazy. Oh, not an immediate problem, but Dust's power mechanism is tied to planetary effects. It won't work in space, so don't make anything critical out of it after we deal with the winged bitch." Everyone in the room grinned slightly at the freedom to say that.

"Wait," I asked. "Did you cut into your twenty percent time on this?"

They just shrugged. "New tech? Worth it, especially after what we had to do for the mithril. Uh, hope things went well with the life fibers."

And with that they were gone. I let out a breath, sorted the data I received, and downed another potion. The duplicates that appeared were a lot less elated that the ones that just vanished.

"Look," the first spoke. "A.I. and life fiber stuff is kind of critical right now. We can manage things out here, you go stay on top of that."

"Hey," The second interjected. "Are we seriously naming the life fibers after their doomsday number?"

I shrugged. "Survey is adamant about it." Though that A.I. has a particular obsession with ensuring everything was properly labeled. "Tetra doesn't sound that bad, and the fibers can pick whatever they want once they have the mental capacity to do so."

And that was how I spent the rest of the morning. I alternated between acting as a telephone line for my A.I.s to interact with the life fibers, monitoring the A.I.s' own development, and departing at regular intervals to refresh the duplicates. Once again I was sitting stationary while my duplicates played around with new technology and powers.

It turned out Elven Enchantment, at least the basic level, could be used on potions. A duplication potion infused with energy during creation and made with the quality of single focus almost reached the 20-minute mark. It was less precise and more variable than the improvement from Do One Thing At A Time, but had the potential to go further as proficiency with that power improved. Nobody wanted to mess around with the Unseen or words of power at this point, but just the 'beyond perfect' aspect of basic magic was significant.

So I stayed and watched the A.I.s and alien while my duplicates ran around messing with the biggest advancements in magic and technology I'd received since I got the Celestial Forge. Not that I actually resented it. I just took jabs at the duplicates in response to them rubbing in the fact that I was tied up monitoring the programs, or missed yet another connection to the Magitech constellation.

Monitored development was leagues more helpful than autonomous optimization. With my focus I was able to address issues in real time before they could cause any significant problems. The A.I.s were reaching their processing and memory limits quickly, but with the quality doubling of my focused attention that just presented an opportunity for actual efficiency improvements.

The main reason I was so focused on the A.I.s was they were my only way of interacting with the life fibers at the moment. There was a real sense of effort from both the A.I.s and the fibers, or Tetra as Survey insisted on calling them. Interestingly, this was a goal tangential to the operational directives of either program, but they were still engaged in it with complete focus.

I started getting indications of wants and needs from the fibers. At Survey's suggestions I started fully activating them when I left to refresh the potions, even if it meant I ended up going through three breakfasts. It would have been more, but it seems Elven Enchanting can be applied to food items. I can only imagine what would be possible if I sang to the Unseen while cooking. Probably something like one bite of food filling your stomach for days.

The fact that the life fibers could connect expression of desire in a cognitive space to results in a physical one massively increased cognitive development, leading to a shocking statement just as I had to disconnect to get ready for Garment's presentation.

"Thank you."

The statement had to be parsed through my A.I.s, into my system, then back to me, and I don't think I was initially properly structured, but the sentiment behind it along with the level of development it represented was immensely meaningful. Though, considering what I could have built in this time it was more a testament to how quickly things seemed to advance in my workshop.

Possibly too quickly, based on the latest device being presented by my duplicates.

"Okay, seriously, what the hell?"

"Trust me, it makes perfect sense."

"How does this make sense? I thought we weren't going to touch these things?"

"Look, mithril is perfect for magitek. With our powers that's beyond perfect, like completely ideal. Combine miniaturization and there's no risk to a project like this."

"No risk?" The sarcasm was strong with me on that statement.

"Okay, minimal risk. Almost none compared to if we used conventional materials."

"Right." I looked over the construction. I was kind of impressed they planned and built it in less that twenty minutes. "What the hell do you need this much power for anyway?"

"Upgrade plans. Magitek laser is a basic combat application, and with Gadget Master's laser specialization we can really boost the output."

"Yeah, I can see that." I checked the math. "So how many Hookwolfs do you need to take down with a single shot?"

"It's not just that. It's also why we hybridized the core."

I took another look at the composite technology. "Ah." It was impressive enough to honestly leave me at a loss for words. "Is there any reason why the motoroid would need a mass effect core suitable for a small starship? Any reason a motorcycle needs to go faster than light?" I paused and considered my question. "Was Fleet involved in this design?"

"He may have floated some ideas."

"Seriously?"

"Okay, look past the FTL stuff, which won't work on this scale anyway. This is high level mass control. The kinds of maneuvers it would open up are incredible."

"And energy hungry?"

"That's what the reactor is for."

I shook my head. On one hand it was incredible that a magitek core capable of harnessing a call gem had been scaled down to full portability. Incredible that they had actually found a use for the tangerine sized call bead that almost triggered emergency measures when I first created it. On the other hand, I was the one who would be riding around on top of it.

I let out a sigh. "Look, just finish the prep and I'll deal with this later." More specifically copies of me would deal with this. The time had rolled around to the point where I needed to get to the gym. I had to make a decent effort to help set things up while also scouting for a way to sneak in Garment. After that I had to make sure nothing disastrous happened, including Protectorate press ganging. I didn't think anyone could pull that on Garment, but I wasn't taking chances.

A serious amount of work had been accomplished in the morning. I kind of resented that fact. It was validating the viewpoint of every crazy person who had insisted that the day should start at 5am if you wanted to accomplish anything. I didn't think that actually held true if you weren't working with crafting superpowers, but the results kind of spoke for themselves.

Case in point, a non-controversial and incredibly useful project from my duplicates. Using the power of Gadget Master they had managed to shrink down an omni-tool into a wrist watch. It was incredible, scan resistant, blended perfectly, and with my neural implant I could even use the scanning and computation functions without needing to activate the interface. Considering the other functions and combined with a mithril shin guard, it meant I was more dangerous in civilian gear than most tinkers were when fully kitted out.

Reviewing final items, the life fibers had been tucked away, with Garment indicating they were much more accommodating than they'd previously been. I'd showered and gotten changed into my 'conceal new build' clothing though I'm not going to talk about what over the top project an unknown duplicate had done to the shower right now. The rest of the projects had been packed away, including a motorcycle engine sized magitek drive that could easily power an aircraft carrier. And Garment, upon being returned to her work area, was still trying to decide on a dress for the occasion.

After a few minutes it was clear there was nothing I could do to meaningfully contribute to that decision, so I decided to give up.

"I'm sure you'll figure it out." She didn't seem as convinced. "I've got to go get things ready. I'll open the entryway once I figure out the best way for you to get in. Make sure to keep your cell phone on you, okay?" She gestured to the advanced phone with an updated if still scaled down copy of Survey running on it.

I had a substantially more advanced version on my omni-tool watch, but neither came close to the main program with the strength of my optical computer core behind it. The remote copies were really for the purposes of acquiring more information to help development rather than matching the core A.I.'s full power.

With a final check around the workshop I downed one final duplication potion. They had been brewing constantly during the morning and mostly restored my reserves. When the two duplicates stepped out it was a more cordial affair than usual.

"Good luck. We'll take care of things here. Help Garment out and wrap up the projects we can."

The second nodded, then looked at the magitek core. "Still can't believe they built that thing. I mean, probably will be useful, but my God is that overkill."

I sighed. "Yeah, I know. Thanks for the encouragement." As weird as it is getting it from yourself. "I've got to run."

They waved me off as I headed back to the entrance, through the somewhat rough hologram and past the force fields. Two more layers of redundancy had been added by duplicates, including a detection system tied into our cranial implants for remote access. That would normally be a point of vulnerability, but with all my time in the computer throne I had rewritten the operating system of my implant three times over. The efficiency increase allowed an encryption density that would stump anyone less than a very determined Dragon.

Once outside I sealed my workshop and headed for the gym. It was approaching half past eight in the morning. I figured an hour and a half lead time would be plenty for this event.

I was wrong.

The gym was packed. Absolutely packed to the point they were clearly trying to figure out how to turn people away or get them to clear out. It took me nearly fifteen minutes and three calls to Doug's cell phone before I made it through the busy signal and got inside.

"Thank God." Doug ploughed a route through the crowd, which was the only reason I was able to make it inside the building. "I swear, no idea how news of this got out so fast." He muttered, as if he hadn't been telling everyone who would listen the previous night. I decided not to bring that up. "Here." He shoved a lanyard with a gym card inexpertly attached to it. "That's the closest thing we've got for a staff badge. I've got to figure out how to sort out this mess. You just help out wherever you can."

With the sum of my orientation concluded Doug stormed off to yell at some people who decided the perfect way to avoid the crowded gym floor would be to climb into the ring. I had a feeling if they didn't vacate it soon they would find themselves signed up for an emergency boxing lesson.

I considered my orders, such as they were, and the state of the gym. A quick scan showed things weren't quite as bad as they seemed. Most of the crowding was around the front door. Inside the place was at high occupancy, but not the mosh pit that had been clustered around the entrance. The main problem was if things were this packed this early it would be chaos when ten o'clock rolled around.

After some frantic searching and a missed connection to the Crafting constellation I was able to locate Vince. He was with a pair of regulars I had seen around the place but never got a chance to know. The bulky men had at least cleared a small area around them, but seemed at a loss for how to manage anything else. From the look they gave me it seemed they were open to any suggestions.

Yeah, it was a disaster. This was a complete failure of planning and would take something that was supposed to be a high point for everyone involved and turn it into an embarrassment. The gym would look incompetent, the Protectorate would blow any chance of good PR and I doubted I could even get Garment into the area like this.

I sighed as I approached Vince. "Please tell me there is some kind of plan here?" I looked at the group. "I mean, besides throwing gym members at the crowd and hoping they disperse."

There was a weak smile from Vince, but it came across fairly strained. "A lot of this is the result of something being stirred up online. Cape appearance, major Protectorate showing, new cape." He huffed as he looked across the crowd. "Lot of tourists are still in the city. With the regular cape spots shut down, well, we're the best place."

The man on Vince's right spoke up. "Doug's trying to get some crowd control down here, yelling at the cops and PRT. Apparently that's supposed to be set up way ahead of time."

"Oh, Joe, this is Blane and Jackson." Vince indicated to his friends. "Guys, this is Joe."

"Hey." I offered. "Wish it could have been under better circumstances."

Jackson let out a dry laugh. "Think the entire city is hoping for that."

"So…" I drew out the word. "Any idea to get a handle on things so we don't need the riot cops?"

"Think we can get rid of the tourists?" Blane scanned across the crowd. Tourist money didn't really make it into the Docks, so his attitude wasn't exactly uncommon.

"Hey, they aren't members. What would be the normal protocol?""

Vince frowned. "Gym's supposed to be open for the event."

"But not like two hours before it, right?" There was some mumbled agreement that transitioned into a full strategy meeting.

So I had gone from pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence to trying to figure out how to get overeager idiots out of a building. It took some planning, screaming, and Blane's flexible relationship with the truth before we made any progress. I'm pretty sure he was convincing anyone from out of town that they were here on the wrong day, at the wrong gym, or were in fact waiting to see the junior-mid-heavy-featherweight title fight.

Also, I was now fucking strong. I didn't pick up on it until some of the less pleasant visitors tried to strongarm me and ended up on their asses. Fortunately the scene played out in such a way that the focus was more on the pratfall than the relation of forces, but it was clear I needed more than just a baggy jacket to hide the effects of life fiber training. This is what happens when your only benchmarks are taken against combat robots.

Once things started moving the rest of the gym staff was able to keep the momentum. Pretty much anyone who wasn't a member, directly connected with the previous night's events, or a proven member of the press was cycled outside. It went mostly smoothly, but there were some problems with the stragglers.

"Are you seriously telling me they are a member of this gym? Seriously?"

"Sir, I can assure you they are one of the fiercest individuals this building has ever seen. Nobody here would stand a chance against them."

The man took another hard look at the elderly Jewish woman carefully arranging pastries on a now cleared table and standing watch over them with the intensity of a hawk. He gave me a confused look, but didn't comment again as I helped him out of the building.

Once outside people were sorted into the roughest queue that we could manage to outline with the supplies from the gym's storage closets. That alone was enough to convince a chunk of the crowd to disperse, some leaving the area and some wandering off to find a place where they could actually find some refreshments without having to cross Mrs. Gartenberg.

Doug practically sagged in relief when the intensity of the crowd dropped to a manageable level. With multiple reporters present and a newly arrived TV crew setting up I could tell he was reigning in his temper a good deal more than he normally would. A conversation with a news producer from a local network affiliate was clearly getting heated. Spotting me he decided he had the perfect person to throw to the wolves.

"Ah Joe. He'll take care of you." The woman gave me a questioning look. "Great with technology, star of the college. He can sort you out." The desperate look Doug was giving me was enough to quell any clarification I could offer.

"If you say so." She murmured. "I'll have them start bringing in the equipment."

Doug sagged further as she departed. "Okay, news crew, cabling and power stuff I don't understand. I really need you to take this otherwise they're going to try punching through walls or something."

"Uh, sure. I'll take care of it."

He nodded slowly. "Thanks a lot. Goddamn but I wish Laborn was here."

"How's he doing?"

The big man sighed. "Released tomorrow, all goes well. Probably be some time before he can get you back in the ring." He grinned. "Make sure you don't slack off."

I remembered the feel of a pushy visitor bouncing off me, and the baggy jacket currently concealing my build. "Don't worry on that front."

He nodded. "Wouldn't expect it." Then he sighed again. "If you excuse me, I think there are three more fires that I need to put out since the start of this conversation."

He pushed up and hurried towards the opposite side of the room leaving me to face down a sour faced producer and world-weary technician.

The producer leaned back and crossed her arms. "So, do you actually know anything about electronics?"

I did my best to keep a very straight face.

Working with the technician, at least once the producer actually accepted that I knew what I was talking about, was a godsend. I had a blanket excuse for access to every part of the gym and freedom from the more onerous busywork that got assigned to anyone who looked like they weren't working hard enough. More often that came from Mrs. Gartenberg than from Doug, and primarily because she had an infinite amount of tasks that seemed necessary for proper preparation of the gym.

The producer actually had good reason to be concerned about the gym's power systems. That is, she would have if there wasn't someone going around discretely and rapidly rewiring the entire building to stop it from becoming a firetrap the moment anything with significant load was attached to it. We were back on the grid with stable power, but that didn't mean anything in a building that had pennies in its fuse box.

To be honest, I wasn't even that concerned about someone discovering this work. From all appearances this system hadn't been seriously looked at since the Carter administration. I seriously doubted anyone would be looking at it anytime soon, and if they did the only question would probably be 'when did we have this replacement done?'.

I may also have been drawing on my Decadence power a little bit to subtly nudge things around in the room. Access to an electrical line, or improvement of lighting was a perfectly good excuse for shifting around tables or arrangements of chairs. With the combination of my powers I was able to create an alignment that would allow a memorable entrance for Garment while still allowing me to move around unobserved. And provide easier flow to visitors and guests. And let staff keep a better eye on things. And subtly help the Protectorate come across as a little more dynamic than they otherwise would.

Actually, it may have been a bit more than my Decadence power at work.

With the new arrangement, which was also miraculously attributed to flashes of insight from Doug, the producer, Blane, and an offhand comment by the technician that I decided to run with, things were stable enough that a trickle of visitors could start to be admitted without overwhelming the place.

It was actually nice. There was a kind of flow as they moved through the gym, taking in the trophies and getting a selfie with Garment's tapestry hanging above the ring, before being shuttered off to either side for maximum occupancy without impacting the flow of people or aesthetics of the event.

At quarter to ten there was a commotion at the front doors that stemmed the flow of visitors. The cause was quickly revealed as they opened to admit the full assembly of protectorate capes. Flashes sprang up from the reporters as Dauntless and Miss Militia strode into the gym in full costume with Flechette and Shadow Stalker trailing behind them.

My passenger still didn't like Shadow Stalker and still had a serious sense of importance attached to Flechette. My passenger was providing a lot of information on that subject, along with some indications regarding Dauntless. I was not paying attention to my passenger at that moment. That was because, as she walked into the room, Miss Militia decided to flourish her power by shifting the weapon in her hands.

This was the first actual time I had seen a magic weapon in person. Well, cape weapon, but the concepts were the same. As the rifle broke into a green and black blur of energy only to reform in the shape of a desert eagle on her hip a million details flooded my senses. Nuances of the effect, aspects of its integration, the way it was linked to her, the way it reformed, its production of ammunition, the range of its forms. Every single aspect was screaming at me from the incredibly powerful magic item right in front of me.

I suddenly shifted as an elbow caught me in the ribs. It didn't hurt, but was enough to break my focus. I turned to find Vince standing next to me.

"Hey." He whispered. "You might want to pick your jaw off the floor."

I got his implication and felt blood rush to my face. That just made him grin.

"Don't worry. You're in company with about half the guys in the city on that one." He smiled a bit wider. "She showed up at Casey's gun club once, think it was four or five years back. The guy still has the picture in his locker like a teen crush."

I dropped my head as he continued, ignoring the very nice greeting being exchanged between Doug and the gym staff with the Protectorate heroes and their caped Wards. I turned my face away from Vince and started to move towards the back.

"I've got to see if the technician needs any help with the power supply."

"Right. You do that. She'll still be here when you get back."

I hurried away and ignored the flush on my face. God damn but I wanted to get my hands on that weapon. Barring that I at least wanted to observe it as much as possible. Magic: Enchanting would actually let me copy its effects into a runic pattern. Full recreation of the power that had made Miss Militia a heavy hitter in the local protectorate.

There were at least three distinct effects being linked in that weapon and I couldn't even decide which one would be most valuable. Was it the infinite variation of form? The instant reformation from damage? The way it bonded and recalled to a specific person?

I had to get a closer look at that weapon. If the effect of that was the gym assuming I was head over heels for Miss Militia, well I could deal with that. Like Vince said, good company. Plus, they didn't seem the type to tease a guy over a cape crush. This wasn't highschool, thank God.

The real reason I was retreating was for the purpose of accessing an unused utility closet with no sight lines to anyone else in the building. With a mental link to my omni-tool scanners I could verify that things were secure before I opened the door with my workshop key revealing… a rather plain empty closet.

With one last check I dropped the hologram, revealing Garment standing in my entryway in an immaculate evening dress of custom fiber composition. It was one that could shift color based on the stress on the fabric, meaning it was a shifting rainbow for anyone without the ability to control clothing and a dress of any color or pattern you could imagine as long as Garment was wearing it.

She stepped forward and swished the dress dramatically, shifting through a half dozen colors as she went.

"Yes, you look fantastic." With one last check I pulled up my omni-tool display. "Everything's set up for you. Just follow this route. I'll circle around to throw off any association. They'll assume you came in through this side door."

She indicated her understanding and stepped out into the hallway. I quickly dropped the display and re-sealed the workshop. With one last breath before heading deeper into the back rooms I gave Garment a reassuring look.

"Good luck out there. I know you'll do great."

Addendum Sophia

Sophia sat in the back of the PRT van staring at her phone. She had been ignoring attempts at small talk from Flechette since they departed for this farce, instead spending her time sorting through messages while she waited for a reply.

The other girl looked like she was going to make another attempt at insipid conversation, but fortunately saw the futility of it. Sophia bit back an insult that wasn't really relevant to the current situation, just her general frustration at how everything was going to shit.

She really thought she had finally found a kindred spirit. The way Lily had ditched Dennis's 'orders' to hit the city with her was inspiring. It was the most fun she'd had in weeks, definitely more fun than she thought she'd ever have once that Youth Guard bitch showed up. Ruined her fucking life thanks to everyone else's stupidity.

Only as soon as they were back to base Flechette was back to being little miss rulebook and report. She hadn't dumped the blame on her, but she didn't exactly back Sophia up either. No, just protocols and procedures.

She sighed and leaned back. It would have been better if Clockblocker wasn't being hailed as the hero of the night. They had run half way across the city while he had cowered like a wounded animal. Then, just because some ABB cape stumbled across them he was everyone's favorite Ward. Even had his own press conference, not this joke they were headed to.

Her phone buzzed and she looked down at the newly arrived text.

'Sorry, substitute for English was being a hard ass about phones. Couldn't get back to you.'

She smiled under her mask and typed back.

'NP. Stuck in transit for the shit show. How are things at school.'

The reply came in quickly.

'Taylor's a no show. Sick, not cutting. Something with the bombs.'

Sophia snorted, earning a glance from Flechette before the other girl diverted her eyes again.

'She's faking. Can't see her surviving anything serious.'

'Probably. Odds are she'll show up fine in a couple of days looking for sympathy.'

Sopha smiled again, but a buzz came over the van's intercom followed by the gruff voice of the trooper driving them.

"Five minutes to arrive."

Well, that killed her mood. She quickly typed a response before putting away her phone.

'gtg. Almost there.'

'later.'

She slipped the phone into a belt pouch and found herself with nothing to do but look at the girl across from her. Unfortunately Flechette took that as another excuse to make small talk.

"You think Garment's going to sign up?"

With the van almost at the destination there wasn't much point in brushing this off. "Probably not." The girl gave her a questioning glance. "No fighting instinct. It was all ribbons and gentle takedowns."

Flechette shifted uncomfortably, the same way she had when Sophia had broken a gang member's arm the other night. She hadn't said anything, but the fun started to drain out of their partnership after that point.

The older girl shrugged with clearly forced casualness. "That's an asset for a lot of capes. Plus she got results, and seemed pretty interested in the Protectorate."

Sophia scoffed. "You mean interested in you."

Flechette froze. "What do you mean?"

Sophia could practically smell the blood in the water. If the girl was this uncomfortable with the concept she couldn't NOT pursue it.

"Well…" She began. "She is a fashion type, if you know what I mean. Plus, she was really friendly the other night."

Sophia's eyes dropped to the girl's new cape and Flechette lifted a hand to the material almost subconsciously. She was definitely teasing like this so the older girl would toughen up, not because she was apparently the only person who hadn't walked away with a custom item of clothing. That particular fact had nothing to do with it.

And no, she didn't count that monogrammed handkerchief as clothing, even if the material was really nice. Not compared to a cape like that. Just because Garment couldn't take a joke, and got touchy about stray crossbow bolts, and the treatment of prisoners… Damn it, that was a really nice cape.

"I don't know if that really means anything." Flechette began. It was almost insulting to watch. The strong defiant cape from Saturday night cowering in the seat of the van like a scared rabbit.

Sophia smirked. "You're right. And besides, how would it even work, right?"

"Heh, right." Sophia's smile widened as blood rushed to Flechette's face. If she was really lucky maybe the girl would end up beet red for the entire spectacle.

"I mean," Sophia continued. "I guess if you got a form fitting outfit made from the right material, maybe something like l…"

"When do you think Weld's going to get out of medical?" Flechette's desperate attempt to change the subject immediately soured Sophia's mood.

"Don't know, don't care." It wasn't with regards to the Wards leader himself. He was decent enough and seemed willing to take crap from the top so she didn't have to. It wasn't because Dennis had been declared interim leader while Weld was out of commission. No, it was because of the cape who pulled him out of the bay.

Apeiron.

No cape in the city pissed her off as much as he did. It was probably a good thing she didn't stay and gawk at the broadcast with the rest of the team. She probably would have broken something. No, she watched it by herself where she could vent properly.

It was fine when it looked like the Undersiders had roped in some bumbling spineless tinker to let them pretend to be dangerous. That was fine, that was how things were supposed to work. Then she saw the video and everything fell apart.

Someone like that had no business chasing after the Undersiders. That was clear from the moment he burst through the wall and stared down Bakuda. It was beautiful, like two wolves fighting over a kill. Only one of the wolves thought it was a sheepdog.

Then the broadcast went on and it got worse. It wasn't a wolf, it was a tyrannosaurus. There was a cape in this city who had the power to obliterate anything that got in his way and used it to chase after the Undersiders, after Khepri of all people. It was an insult to every natural order, to the very concept of being a cape.

Sophia grit her teeth as the van pulled to a stop. She took a slow breath to calm herself, and it was just as useless a technique as when that quack they made her see suggested. It was time to get this farce over with. She glanced at Flechette and decided to throw her half a piece offering. "He'll get out when he gets out."

The girl nodded in response. "I guess so." Then she tried to smile. "That's Brockton, right?" Even though it was said in levity, whatever joke she was going for fell completely flat.

"Right." She replied through gritted teeth. This was Brockton all right. Sophia stepped out onto the street, adjusted her body language to be slightly less confrontational, and fell in behind Miss Militia and Dauntless.

Once again immensely glad that her mask let her scowl freely in public.

Jumpchain abilities this chapter:

Engineer (Halo UNSC) 200:

Yet by understanding the nature of computer systems, wouldn't it be prudent to understand the technology those systems command? After all, what if you found yourself needing to recalibrate a Magnetic Accelerator Cannon or repair one of the dangerous Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engines that makes faster-than-light travel possible? What if you found a cache of human weaponry that could be used if someone managed to repair it? While you don't have the skill to create something as complex as a Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine, you'll know your way around it just like much of Humanity's 26th century technology. You might even figure out how to make small improvements to the technology if you had the time to sit down and look it over. Hopefully the Covenant give you that time.

Standard Neural Interface (Halo UNSC) Free:

As the requirements of war and militarized technology moved forward, the requirements it puts upon its soldiers was likewise changed. This is one such example, being a brain implant that all members of the UNSC obtain upon entering service. It carries a multitude of functions, integrating with armor worn to provide a heads-up display directly into one's optic nerve instead of on the helmet screen while providing an IFF tag for allied soldiers. Such implants are small enough that there is no visible signs outside the body, and sometimes people have forgotten they even had it until its functions come up.

M274 Mongoose (Halo UNSC) Free:

Some vehicles just weren't designed for combat in mind… at least that's what one would think upon seeing an all-terrain vehicle like this. Being designed to go over nearly any terrain without much difficulty and able to carry an additional passenger on the back in a pinch, the Mongoose is one of the fastest land vehicles in the UNSC. It's highly effective in regards to rapid transportation, reconnaissance and swift tactical versatility. The downsides? Its light mass and lack of armor means it can be unwieldy at times and can be taken out rather easily.

M6C Magnum (Halo UNSC) Free:

Something of a standard issue to the UNSC Marine forces, the M6C is a semiautomatic, recoil-operated, magazine-fed handgun that fires 12.7×40mm (.50 caliber) Semi-ArmorPiercing, High-Penetration rounds. While it does considerable amounts of damage towards flesh-based infantry, Covenant energy shielding might pose a problem and so this weapon is often relegated to a defensive role.

M9 Fragmentation Grenade (Halo UNSC) Free:

When you can't shoot them, blow them up. Coming with a hard metal casing that's meant to break apart upon the explosion, this grenade has a safety feature in that it must hit a hard surface after it has been primed before it can detonate, ensuring that it does not explode in the user's hand. It can also come with a 'spoon' so that it must leave the user's hand before it explodes as well. Either way, a small button on the 'handle' is the method of priming these grenades.

UNSC Marine Corp Battle Dress Uniform (Halo UNSC) Free:

The kind of armor you will generally see on the rank-and file troopers, this model has seen a great deal of use and has been spotted since the early days of the Insurrection. It comes with a CH252 Helmet that has a basic heads-up display to keep track of ammunition and your targeting reticle along with a flashlight and radio system, strong boots and fatigues to keep one protected from the elements while having quite a few pockets to keep things in, and ballistics armor over the torso, shoulder and shin. Ballistic armor may optionally include thighs, groin, and forearms as well for the cautious types. This armor provides good resistance against ballistic ammunition but does little against Covenant plasma rounds. Perhaps you could become skilled at dodging oncoming fire. This armor comes in any camouflage color scheme of your choice.

Elven Enchantment (Lord of the Rings) 500:

You can enchant objects, if you pour energy into them as they are created. Some of your enchantments are useful in battle, such as swords that never dull and bows that always strike true, but most are simply to ease the life of the wearer, such as cloaks that weigh nothing and aid in hiding and water-flasks that never leak. You may also perform great workings, such as the creation of hidden doorways, given time.