Fate - First Reply Surveying[Anirians]

[Alistair Krixus]

Alistair was rendered speechless as his eyes swept over the large contraption before him. He slowly moved forward, still silent but looking to inspect every corner of this locomotive.

A soft whisper escaped his lips, "Impressive.", more to himself than anyone else.

Realizing that he wasn't really listening, he looked back up to Amos before urging his men to follow along. He was already starting to put together how the machine should work, with and without the gems that Amos had crafted. The tracks that were set down would handle the direction, so the gems only needed to provide the forward push.

Amos was right, it was simple, but it took a clear vision to put it into effect on such a large scale.

"Out of curiosity, how long have you been working on this?"

Amos

 

[Amos]

”The Locomotive?” Amos asked, thinking back for a few moments. ”Four or five months.”

Though he'd had many ideas for how to use his true invention, the crystals which would power the mechanisms in front of them, this one had only come to him in the last year. It had been a spark of genius, if he didn't toot his own horn, but he was rather pleased with it. ”If I'm truthful, it is the engine I am far more proud of.”

He did not have an example here, if he had, Alistair would still be hearing his constant and incessant explanations.

”This machine was built by Dromir&Sons.” Alistair would likely recognize the name. One of the few popular businesses owned by a non-human in Vel Anir. The Dwarven metalworks shop was known for its excellent craftsmenship and quality. Amos had employed them many times, thanks to House Luana’s coin and Dromir’s own fascination with Amos’ work. ”But it was a Dreadlord who really allowed all of this to exist.”

He explained as Alistairs men began to take position and ‘move’ the train along the short length of track. Demonstrating how the locomotive would work. ”Her name is Noel, perhaps you know her, but without her wonderful magical abilities the tolerances of the engine would have been utterly impossible to create.”

Even Dromir had been unable to do it, but Noel had managed.

Amos still considered himself in her debt.

 

[Alistair Krixus]

It was easy to see just how ingenious the contraption was, but the mention of Dromir & Sons made him appreciate the device even more. That meant it could also take a bit of a beating, which was necessary for any vehicle. If that wasn't enough to make him impressed, then Amos mentioned Noel and his smile was back on his face.

"Yes, I'm familiar...Noel doesn't put her name to something unless she has confidence in it. That's high praise."

Alistair grew silent as he watched his men move the locomotive down the tracks. It was impressive, but without this so-called engine, it would be nothing more than an expensive wagon stuck on some tracks.

"It's impressive, it makes me look forward to when I can first see your gems in action."

And of course, there was an unspoken potential in the device, if it could work on land then surely he could perhaps work at sea or even in the air. Alistair had never traveled on the rare sky ships, but such devices would be a great boon to Vel Anir.

Amos

 

[Amos]

”I hope to have everything ready soon.” Amos said eagerly. There was still quite a bit of work to be done of course. Even transporting the engine here would be a tremendously difficult task, the device weighed almost as much as the locomotive itself.

That wasn't even to mention dozens of other logistical nightmares that had to be overcome. ”Though laying the track will take several months still.”

Which, as it was turning out, was even more difficult than building the whole thing!

Negotiating land rights, purchasing and surveying all of where the track would lay had proven to be extensively difficult. Even with the backing of two Great Houses, it was not so easy to simply do as you pleased when it came to people's property. It didn't help that the Republic’s legislature itself was still bickering on whether or not the project should even be allowed.

Though Amos had been assured all that talk was nonsense.

”If you stop by my laboratory in Vel Zaphris, however, I'd be happy to give you a demonstration.” Amos told Alistair. ”It will likely be there that our…uhh, display will have to happen.”

He doubted that he could transport many of the gems elsewhere safely, and it would be best if their ‘tradeshow’ was held at the university. Or at least nearby.

 

[Alistair Krixus]

"That makes sense, I'll surely stop by for a visit."

What Amos was saying made sense, even if it was a bit depressing. Even if Science could sometimes be advanced through sudden and powerful inspiration, there was not much that moved slower than bureaucracy. Some things just had to be done at a steady pace.

Even if they managed to gain the government's backing, the process would not exactly speed up. It would just become...more forceful.

With the government backing them, they could simply take the land that they needed, but that would surely bring up animosity. No, the only way to do this would be with money...Alistair paused as he started making some calculations in his head.

"At your earliest convenience send me an exact route for your first line of tracks when you can. If possible list what areas you or sponsors already own or have a right to pass through."

It might nearly bankrupt him, but Alistair could get his hands on as much of the land as possible through acquisitions. Then he could hand over the property without any fuss...That would also give him a larger interest in the operations of the device.

Maybe there were other areas where could assist. Alistair moved closer to inspect the tracks the locomotive was laid upon. Simple in design, likely simple to make. The laying would take months even with magic, but...magic would certainly help. Maybe, a few mages or adepts could be hired to assist with the process.

"I will do all I can to assist with moving such approvals through. Have your sponsors contact me with any assistance they may need. I'm happy to help."

Amos

 

[Amos]

Amos smiled wide. There was something about having someone else on his side that made his heart sing. It wasn't that he didn't already have his supporters. Jiya backed him to an almost comical degree, but the more voices in favor of him the better it seemed. Especially given the push back he usually received at the University. Half the time he was lucky if the professors didn't call him an idealistic fool.

Yet Everytime he made a new friend, every time someone supported his ideas, it created a spark of energy within his chest.

The young scientist knew he did not have long to live. Knew that the disease which ravaged him would eventually claim his life, but people like Alistair were utterly invigorating. The support made him want to keep going, made him want to get up in the morning and complete every new project that he could think of. The backing was liberating, as though he were being held up simply by words. "The route is not yet entirely decided, but when it is I will send word."

Amos assured his new friend with a smile.

"Your enthusiasm means a great deal to me Lord Krixus." The young man said as he took a long breath, leaning on his cane somewhat more. "This work is difficult, and friends are few."

He explained. "I am glad to meet those who see the value in my work."

 

[Alistair Krixus]

"I've always seen the value in innovation, but recent events have made me realize that ideas require actions...Otherwise, they are just hopes and dreams."

A soft smile crossed his face, masking a much deeper regret, before breaking into a far more playful grin and moving to look at the locomotive. He carefully felt along the machine to get a better understanding of the insides.

"Of course, I also had to learn that there are people smarter than me out here whose dreams probably deserve to be made real more than mine."

Alistair's dreams had changed drastically in the last months. Grandiose spells and unbeatable armies would only get Alistair so far. He needed money and status, so much that no one could imagine obstructing him. Amos' invention would be one of the first pillars in that much larger temple.

"But you are right, the scholarly pursuits can be lonely, especially in Vel Anir. It's nice to find compatriots where we can."

Amos

 

[Amos]

Amos tilted his head in a nod, though he didn't respond to the complement offered by his new companion.

Instead, he turned to gave the locomotive. Pride flickering over his features as he looked up at the massive hunk of steel. His head craning as he looked towards the main housing and took a deep breath. ”I am glad to have met you, Lord Krixus.”

The young scientist said honestly.

”Our conversation has been illuminating.” He admitted quite freely. ”I will not forget the lessons I have learned, and in the coming months I suspect they will become all the more important.”

There was much work still yet to be done. Not the least of which was actually completing the device which now stood in front of them. So far it was the only one in the world, and it wasn't even finished! Yet this talk with Alistair had been eye opening, and he knew that the point of progress needed to be pushed even faster.

He just had to make sure to have enough momentum to burst through every obstacle that would stand in the way. ”Thank you.”

Amos said again, though did not elaborate for what.