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“What is it dear?”
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“Why are you still in your lab? Nero’s pledging ceremony is in 20 minutes.”
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“I’m sorry Vera, I’m not going to make it. Before you get mad, just listen. Something’s going on with the data from the essence collectors. I just can’t figure out what it is. I received the data from the arch-mage which allowed me to re-calibrate the plotting, but I’m still missing something. I just can’t get it out of my head.”
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“You just focus on your work. I’ll handle this. Is there anything I can do to help?”
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“No dear. Thank you for understanding. Tell Nero I wish him the best. Try not to let him cause another noble war.”
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“Hello Nick. What can I do for you, I don’t see you in attendance for Nero’s big day,” said Jennings.
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“Yesterday, when we were looking over the data for our essence flow tracking, do you remember the question you asked me? You asked if we were able to calculate density thresholds with our local hub. I want to know why you asked that.”
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“Oh? Did something occur to you?” he asked.
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“I’m not in the mood for games. I’ve been staring at these data sets for hours, and I’m terrified that I’m right. I want to hear it from someone else,” Nick said with terror coloring his psyche through the link.
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“You’re probably not wrong. Even before the Populators'' little kerfuffle, the essence flow rates in the area had been showing signs indicative of a threshold event. You’ve probably got more than a beast wave to worry about. It looks like Dorchester is going to start having dungeons again. I think you’re in for a few exciting years. Before you over-react, I’ve already dropped a few hints to the people who’ll need to know. Now, after we finish talking, you should ping General Branson. Be sure to send him the overlay on your left. I''m confident you two will figure out what needs to be done.”
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“I’ll do that. Thank you for your time arch-mage. Please enjoy the rest of your day. Sorry to bother you,” Nick said as politely as possible, then closed the connection.
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“I’m in the middle of watching your friend become a noble. What can I do for you?” he asked.
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“Arch-mage Jennings said I should touch base with you about the events outside our walls.”
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“Be at my office in central command in an hour. We have a lot to discuss. The arch-mage made me promise to let Center-Research do its job, but he offered enough hints for me to get a head start. You should start thinking about a replacement for your position as the director of research for your gate. If things work out the way I think they will, you''ll be too busy to run Center-Research. I’ll see you in an hour,” he said, then closed the connection.
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