From: bshsiung@quip.eecs.umich.edu (Bernard Hsiung)
Subject: [MI][KQ] Meanwhile, at the Mage's Guild...
Organization: University of Michigan EECS Dept., Ann Arbor, MI
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1992 22:25:20 GMT

     The first sign of trouble was when the doorway leading from Urcohea's
private quarters and workspace snapped shut, automagically isolating them
from the rest of the Guild building.  The second was when his call-screen
started to make the loud sounds that indicated it wanted immediate attention.

     Rivy woke first.  She nudged the somnolent form next to her.

     "Urco?"

     "...mmm?" he mumbled, blinking sleep from his eyes.  His gaze fell on
the beeping call-screen.  "Archmage Urcohea," he said, touching the screen.

     It cleared, revealing the image of a young man dressed in Guild robes.
"Sir?  This is the Duty Mage at Central Admin.  We have a situation."

     "I'll be down immediately," Urcohea yawned.

     "Umm... it's big, sir.  If you happen to know where Archmage Rivy is--"

     "Yes, yes, I'll tell her.  Urcohea out."

     Rivy had finished dressing while they were speaking.  Urcohea muttered
to himself as he fumbled with his robe.  "I hate this part of the job."

     "Ready?" Rivy asked.  He nodded.  She snapped her fingers and they
disappeared in a sparkle of light.

                         *          *          *

                         Telepathic announcement:
  "Attention, please.  This is Central Administration.  We are experiencing
   temporary difficulties with the stability of the Guild Building.  For
   your personal safety, you will find a life support/locator bracelet
   around your primary appendage.  Instructions for use are available by
   asking the bracelet.  In addition, all non-essential personnel and the
   guests of the Guild are asked to report to the nearest stabilized area
   marked by the safety lights for further instructions."

                         *          *          *

     Urcohea and Rivy appeared together in the Central Administration room of
the Mage's Guild.  Despite the bureaucratic-sounding name, it was in every
sense the central nerve cluster of the Guild.  At the moment, Central Admin
was caught up in a flurry of activity.  The walls of the Guild vibrated with
a high-pitched tone.  Some mages were organizing the possible evacuation of
the Guild; some were still trying to contact the remaining Archmagi.

     Archmage Leonaco was already there, examining what had happened to the
Guild and attempting to find a solution.  Archmage Nescie, the newest member
of the Council, was standing around looking confused.  Rivy got him involved
in the room-stabilization process--if the guild fell apart, the stable areas
would be easily retrievable.  As Urcohea looked for the Duty Mage, Archmage
Dasham appeared.  She joined Leonaco in searching for an answer.  That left
Fauteuil, Delalle, and Thorn.  Fauteuil was probably away on business,
Delalle was still in self-imposed isolation, and Thorn...

     To his displeasure, he found Archmage Thorn browbeating the Duty Mage.
When Thorn noticed his approach, he started badgering him instead.

     "Where's our great leader, the Supreme Archmage Delalle, Urcohea?"

     "Save it, Thorn."

     "Isn't the Guild literally shaking itself apart sufficient reason for
him to leave his meditation bubble?  Or is it true that we are only children
compared to his immense knowledge, far beneath his notice?"

     Urcohea ignored him, facing the Duty Mage instead.  "As Archmage of
Internal Security, I assume the Duty of the Mage's Guild."

     "I'm sorry, sir.  Archmage Thorn has claimed it from me already."

     "Thorn..." Urcohea growled.

     "Someone has to hold Duty.  Until your arrival, I was the best
qualified.  I relinquish it to you," Thorn said ingratiatingly.

     "Thank you, Thorn," he said sarcastically.  He addressed the former
Duty Mage, who looked very much relieved.  "Report."

     "I don't know what happened, sir.  Everything was normal up to 0317.
At that time, we registered an immense power drain on the fold maintainers."

     "Where's it going?"

     "Old City, sir.  We tried to clairvoy it, but it's a complete blank.
The precog we had on-line snapped; she's catatonic."

     "Old City," Urcohea repeated, feeling distinctly unhappy.

     "Teams Beta and Delta are active.  Shall we send them in?"

     "No.  Have Beta deploy for Guild defense and Delta for stabilized zone
protection.  I don't want to take offensive action until we're sure that
we're under attack."

     The building ceased to vibrate as Leonaco's voice echoed in the room.
"I've locked down the drain.  We're stable now."

     "Alright," Urcohea said.  "Cancel emergency status.  Return Delta team
to stand-by, but leave Beta in place."  He looked around the room again.
Old City.  Blast it.  He wanted to know what was going on.  They needed a
specialist on the subject.  Where in the Thirteen Hells was ...sage when
you really needed him?
--
[ADMIN:  Yup.  It's the dawn of the start of the beginning of the resolution
         to the [MI] Mage's Guild investigation!  More or less.  Please
         contact Aaron Humphrey or me before using any of the Archmagi.
         They have personalities now.  *grin*]

Comments, compliments, and complaints can be conveyed to:
Bernie Hsiung (bshsiung@eecs.umich.edu)