Eclipsing the Dunes

[Tearen Wover]

Nealaphh nodded its avian head slowly, taking in every single one of Tom's words. Honestly these were all things that the God-Mind had thought about before. What it had really been after were concrete methods to replace the technological approach. In addition, it didn't address the primary problem that Nealaphh needed to solve, which was how to extract the osmium from the nickel and copper ore in the first place. The rest of the Gigaton Hammer's construction had already been rather well planned. Still, it would never hurt to have a second option to fall back on, and, perhaps, a fusion of both Magic and Technology could be achieved for maximum efficacy. The shadow would have to talk more with Tom on that idea, however. It didn't want to offend the wizard's pride by suggesting that he wasn't capable of doing what was needed via arcane methods. At the same time, there was too much riding on this particular part of the plan to risk costly mistakes. Besides, a lot of what Tom was talking about hinged on the assumption that the magic he was familiar with was fully functional within the Omniverse.

The God-Mind determined that it would proceed with its designs as planned, but if necessary, it could call Tom in to provide a differing perspective. This meant that getting the specialized refinement technology from the Empire was still the top priority at the moment. Perhaps if Victor could be persuaded into joining in on the conversation, the four of them could discuss the best plan of attack.

I will take your words into consideration, Mr. Riddle. I am certain we will discuss things more at length in due time, when plans and schematics can be drawn with more precision.

A rudimentary deflection, but it would have to do for now. As the pair of Primes crested the last hill, they were met with the sight of Nippur, the capital of New Babylon, sitting on the sandy horizon. Its bulbous parapets and domed towers glimmered in the long-rayed sunlight that remained in the day, and its dusty, sandstone wall was decorated with blue swatches of lazuli filigree. It was an admirable sight to be sure, and the God-Mind hoped that, when the time came, the Institute's Arcology would be at least half as magnificent. It certainly spoke volumes about King Gilgamesh's propensity to put a great deal of stock in outwards appearance. Only time would tell what the city looked like from the inside, however.

Bidden onwards by the promise of progress and adventure, the Primes prepared to sojourn the last few, dusty miles. Even though neither of their bodies required sustenance in a mortal sense, both would be more than happy to get a drink of water, outside of the scrutiny of mysterious, blue-eyed nomads...