Space Oddity

[Brian]

Seven squints at the engine, which to him is just a shiny lump of steel anyway.  "Why won't it work?"

[Bjorn]

Bjorn shrugs.  "It'll work, technically speaking, I'm sure," he responds.  "But actually getting using it to sail past the shroud... the void spirits didn't like the last one, and I can't see them responding any better to this one.  The Starflare got tucked away until they dumped it on me, and I had to give them my sight to get them to let us bring it back.  And I'm not sure that's a bargain they'll be willing to make twice."

[Brian]

Quincy shivers, moving to put Phil between himself and Bjorn.

[Rezantis]

"What exactly was the problem last time?" Nathan asks, having been silent for a while, "Now you've got me curious."

[Bjorn]

"The void spirits seem to mostly be interested in contemplating the heavens," Bjorn replies.  "The Starflare wasn't of the heavens and it got in their way."

[Rezantis]

"Are you sure they can't deal?" is the next query, "Or are these things that are particularly averse to such questions?"

[Bjorn]

"Oh, they might be able to cut a deal.  If they can talk to them."

[Dracos]

"So even with this invention, the only true way between the lands remains the gates," Philip summarized.

[Carthrat]

"The only lasting way, by the sounds of it," replies Tom, shrugging. "Otherwise I'd suppose someone like Bjorn would need to be on every flight. Still, might it not be possible for you to bargain with them as an intermediary, and come to some kind of long-term arrangement?"

[Bjorn]

"Possible."  Bjorn shrugs, and then looks around the room thoughtfully.  "But why give up my leverage that way?  Besides, what we need to do is figure out how the Gates work and tell everyone.  That's how we win this part of the Contest."

[Dracos]

"So the next thing to do would be to head to gates and see them from this side.  Though we probably shouldn't go into the details unless they really need to know them.

[Rezantis]

"I might be able to see them," Nathan notes, "I can see ghosts, in any case . . ."

He pauses.

"Molly, are you still here?"

[Brian]

"Oh, yes, sir!" she replies cheerily.  Now that Nathan's paying attention, she's pale, but sitting on one of the tables, swinging her feet idly.  "Can I help you, Master Shuker?"

[Rezantis]

"Nothing in - how did I miss you there?" he says, shaking his head, "But I was mostly wondering if Bjorn was able to see you."

[Bjorn]

"I can indeed," Bjorn replies, bowing courteously.  "Greetings to you, Mistress Molly."