“What we need is something that can read frequencies, and for that, we don’t necessarily need advanced futuristic materials. The first radiofrequency detector, for instance, was invented back in the late 19th century using relatively simple technology.”continued Jana.She turned to Lydia, the communications specialist. “Lydia, this is more your area of expertise. I think you might be able to guide us here.”
Lydia nodded, her mind already racing through possibilities. “If we’re talking about detecting and analyzing frequencies, we can definitely work with more accessible materials. We’ll some time, but nothing on the level of the stabilizer.”
Sergey nodded in agreement. “Yeah, the materials for a basic frequency reader are definitely more within reach. We might be able to salvage or even build something from what we have around here like our bracelets.”
The timekeeper, now more intrigued, leaned forward. “So once we have this frequency reader up and running, what then?”
Jana smiled, her confidence growing. “Once we have it, we can try to lock onto the UOTC’s unique frequency. If we succeed, we’ll have a way to connect back, even if it’s just a temporary link. It’s not ideal, but it’s a start.”
The group exchanged determined looks, the air around them buzzing with renewed purpose as they prepared to tackle this next challenge.
Here’s the revised scene with a more subtle interaction:
Jana prepared to leave after her chat, knowing she had neglected her duties as the "Foreseer" for too long. Today, she promised herself to check on how the business was doing. It wasn’t just about the money; it was also a way to keep a pulse on what was happening in the underground world. The nobility not only bought information from her but also, indirectly, fed her valuable intelligence.
She put on her characteristic veil and began her shift. The clientele today was dull—most inquiries were trivial, delivered by messengers from high-ranking nobles. Jana answered them with practiced ease until one particular client walked in.
A man, hooded and cautious, approached her table. His eyes darted around the room before he spoke. “I need information,” he murmured, his voice low.
Jana studied him for a moment. “What kind of information are you looking for?”
The man hesitated, then leaned in closer. “It’s about a certain item—a jewel that belonged to the former queen of Drakoria.”
Jana’s interest piqued, but she kept her tone neutral. “That’s a rather specific request. What exactly do you want to know?”
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He looked uncomfortable, clearly reluctant to divulge more than necessary. “Word is that it’s supposed to be in the royal treasury, but… I’ve heard whispers that it’s being auctioned off—illegally. I need to know when.
Jana’s eyes narrowed slightly behind her veil. “An illegal auction, you say? And you need the date?”
The man nodded, his expression tense. “Yes. It’s important.”
Jana took a breath, her mind racing. “I’m afraid I can’t help you with that. My sources don’t have that information.”
His frustration was immediate. “You must know something! A date, a location—anything!
Jana kept her composure. “If you grant me a little time, I might be able to obtain it.”
“I have no time,” he cut in, urgency sharp in his voice. To him, the bidding seemed less a pastime than a matter of life and death.
Jana lowered her gaze slightly, as if all paths had already closed. “In that case, I am most sorry, but I cannot satisfy your curiosity.”
The man’s patience snapped, his voice taking on a threatening edge. “I will not leave without that information.”
Jana felt the tension rise, and she quickly assessed her options. “I can’t give you what I don’t have,” she said, her tone calm but resolute.
The man’s anger flared, and before she could react, he lashed out, sending the table between them flying. A fierce struggle ensued, with Jana trying to fend him off. It had been a long time since she had to fight, and the man’s strength caught her off guard. He knocked her to the floor as she scrambled for a weapon, but he was faster, fleeing the scene and leaving her bruised and breathless on the cold wooden floor.
Jana realized how much she had neglected her physical strength and combat readiness. It had been almost a year without proper training or fighting. The most physical exertion she had done recently was climbing the palace stairs to bring whatever the princess requested. The shop where she had been working had no other staff, so she closed it up and left, limping through the narrow alleys of the bustling capital, crowded with beggars and merchants. She finally made her way back to the palace. It was already late when she collapsed onto her bed, nearly fainting in her clothes, worn from her nocturnal escapades. She feared someone might enter her room, but she was too exhausted to do anything about it.
On a desolate shore, where the sun's last light cast long shadows over the sand, a lone figure struggled to crawl, his body battered and bloodied. Each movement was labored, his breath ragged, as though every inch forward was a battle against the inevitable. His clothes hung in tatters, and his injuries told a grim story of suffering, with life hanging by the thinnest of threads.
As the man inched along the beach, people began to notice him. Slowly, a crowd formed, drawn by the sight of his pitiable state. Whispers spread among them, a mix of pity and scorn. "Poor soul," someone murmured, while another speculated, "He must’ve been in a shipwreck." A few in the crowd, less compassionate, laughed cruelly at his misfortune.
The mood shifted as the realization spread that the man was a slave. The crowd’s curiosity turned darker, with some onlookers watching with cold indifference, while others averted their eyes as if his suffering was contagious.
Amidst the throng, two slender men emerged. One had a scar on his face, while the other was rather disheveled, but both shared a knowing smile as they watched the man breathe. Without hesitation, they grabbed him and disappeared into the curious crowd, leaving behind only the fading echoes of the gossiping onlookers.
