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WHO: Stephen and Ambrose.
WHAT: A discussion about the Singularity and its potential.
WHERE: Castle Thorne
WHEN: Appox. mid-Feb or so!
WARNINGS: None.

Need to discuss the Singularity again. Sure that’s something you’ve never heard before.

[The quip comes naturally, though seemingly wrung free of any real humor. Stephen’s mind has been firing on all cylinders well before this arranged meeting, and he has the look of a man sorting a thousand thoughts at once and tamping down the impatience that pairs with them. His arms cross and his eyes cast briefly around Ambrose’s office, his fingers playing a little at the crook of a sleeve.

Straight to business. He’s never been one to linger in extended, idle murmurings before getting to the point — he can think of very few things more painful.]

It’s related to what I’d felt from it — the connection it has to the worlds and realities outside of this one. The Multiverse.

[And he wants to sort out which theories are reasonable, feasible, and which are worth worrying about. No need, of course, to mention the conversation that truly spurned this line of questioning on; the pretense of having aided with the casket situation is segue enough, and will hopefully remain unquestioned.

His look returns to the High Mage.]

There are too many implications to count.

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[ Ambrose's room remains in the state of organized chaos it ever is, tomes and scrolls stacked and tucked in order only he understands. He sits at his desk as he always does to receive visitors, fingers interlocked and his chin perched on top.

The High Mage is a busy man but will make time for those that have proven their worth. The Summoned are an invaluable resource when it comes to researching the Singularity and Stephen has made himself useful in that regard.

When Stephen finally settles his gaze, Ambrose raises one bushy brow. ]

Many that remain untested as of now. And as much as I would enjoy entertaining each and every one of them, I do not have all evening at my disposal.

[ He straightens and allows his hands to rest on the desk. ]

Why don't we start with the most pressing.

[The organized chaos of texts, the ever-busy schedule, the no-nonsense demeanor that barely has room for superfluous information… Ambrose reminds Stephen of himself, sometimes. It’s not exactly a comparison he knows what to do with, and so it goes where all haphazard thoughts go — far away from present conversation.]

The nature of the monolith’s connection to various worlds— Just how much do we know about it? Is it possible that instead of its magic sustaining only outward, it’s more like a two-way street?

[Connections, in his experience, are often more complex than a simple flow from A to B. Nature works as a system of interlocking pieces, and oftentimes magic, too. It may be short-sighted to believe the Singularity can only be affected by what happens in this world, or that it might not open its connective pathways a little too wide, one day. But maybe Ambrose has already thought of that — it’s why he’s here.]

Back on my world, the order I was a part of liked to make sure everything was sealed up tight. There are a lot of nasty things out there that enjoy hopping through open doorways.

[ Ambrose lowers his brow as he listens, his contemplative expressions just as stern as nearly every other face he makes. ]

Such theories have not been explicitly tested, but we've seen no such evidence to the contrary.

[ While Ambrose sees himself as an authority on the Singularity and not just for the betterment of Thorne, it is likewise his duty to understand it to its fullest potential. ]

Summoning is no easy feat, you see. To cross the bridge into this world takes a great deal of finesse.

[ He will not let anyone forget soon how he pioneered this new phase, no matter how the other factions have ran with it. ]

I must ask that if this concern comes from your previous experiences or from your recent trip to the Singularity itself.

[Stephen’s brow arches. It’s a fair question, but difficult to parse down to a single answer; any practitioner of the Mystic Arts could list a myriad of dangers from the far reaches of the Multiverse, ones that would be more than eager to slip through a weakened veil between worlds. It was simply part of the job description, knowing what existed for the sake of preparing for the worst case scenario.

And there’s also the fact that a large portion of these worries cropped up after his conversation with Geralt, based upon the man’s experiences. Stephen cannot say that much, of course, but he can generalize. Easy to do, when their concerns run parallel.]

My trip to the Singularity verified its connection to the Multiverse, or at least a part of it. To the concept of an infinite number of worlds, and an infinite number of timelines, always branching outward.

[And thus the ever exponential problems, assumed or otherwise.]

But if you’re asking if I’ve had experiences with entities worming their way through weakened connections, or even ill-conceived summoning sessions, then yeah. I have. My Earth was almost subsumed by one.

[Dormammu, ushered towards Earth once certain seals were broken. Not one of his top ten pleasant experiences he’s ever undergone.]

We have enough to deal with as is. I just want to make sure that if the Singularity grows too weak, or if it reacts negatively to outside intervention, that we won’t have an unwelcome visitor problem on our hands. Multiversal connections are fickle.

[ Now that piques his interest. Ambrose straightens further, his lips forming a thin line. ]

An infinite number of worlds and timelines?

[ There is only a moment's pause as Ambrose unlinks his fingers and gestures at Stephen with his right hand. ]

And how does one measure infinity? What makes our world unique and the gravity of our work so great is that it exists outside the usual cogs of time. Or so we have always believed.

[ He lays his hand on the desk. ]

I wouldn't go as so far as to say our position is a coveted one, but the sanctity of our world begets that of others... But tell me of what happened on your Earth and your uninvited guest.

[Stephen is not equipped to go into the science of multiverse theory on the spot (where’s Stark when you need him?), but he doubts that’s exactly what Ambrose means. The short version, then.]

Think of every action you make throughout the day, and then think of the action you didn’t make — there is a reality that exists where you did. And those small changes grow larger as they compound, branching out like a tree that keeps growing. That’s the Multiverse as I’ve been taught it.

[And thus, infinity.]

Beyond that? Everything else is theorizing. Maybe this world acts as a nexus point. Maybe the rules don’t apply here. Besides the Singularity being a likely factor, your guess would be as good as mine.

[Stephen’s expression, already severe, darkens a little further at the request to explain the whole Dormammu debacle. He’ll have to parse that down, too.]

A group of very problematic [oh the sarcasm] sorcerers got it into their heads that Earth was better off without time. That the actual concept of time only brought suffering. So they broke the magical seals that protected my world and ushered in an entity from a dimension beyond time itself and, unsurprisingly, that same entity attempted to overtake Earth to make it a part of his Dark Dimension.

We barely managed to stop it. I wouldn’t be here talking to you if we had failed.

[That is, admittedly, the worst-case scenario. But Stephen has a habit of finding those plopped into his lap; who is to say that a bit of caution wouldn’t go awry here, too?]

[ Ambrose's frown deepens, but it is a thoughtful frown rather than one of anger. His face really does look like this most of the time. ]

I do not see how that would be possible.

[ It may sound dismissive, but he continues. ]

It is by following the continuous thread of your existence that myself and my mages were able to pull you into our world. Though it may be that the unique vantage point we have here is where this all cumulates, the...proverbial converge of roots, to borrow your metaphor. We are irrefutably the nexus.

[ Ambrose strokes his beard for a moment. ]

A curious line of inquiry all the same.

[ The tale that Stephen spins is quite concerning, sarcasm noted but notwithstanding. ]

An entity from a dimension beyond time...

[ He makes a low 'humph'. ]

As you have experienced yourself, there is a consistent flow of time in this realm. However, what makes all that has risen up around the Singularity particularly unique is that we exist outside the flow of time as you know it.

I’ve seen it. [The Multiverse. He still remembers when he had been flung through it, disoriented, brushing by an impossible number of dimensions.] You and your mages have summoned me by tracing my continuous thread, yes. But I’d bet good coin that there are other Stephen Stranges you could have easily have pulled out of the pool that day, if you had gone looking.

[If he were a betting man. From what he’s heard, some version of him existed here once before. But he shakes his head.]

Either way, that’s not the main concern here. We may exist outside of time, but the Singularity is connected to worlds very much rooted in it. Are you certain nothing could slip in? In every conceivable scenario?

[ Other Stephen Stranges...that this man above all else had been summoned before is something of note. That he raise these questions above all else is another. ]

Every conceivable scenario?

[ Ambrose all but scoffs. ]

We are a great many things here in Thorne with a great many accomplishments to boast, but gods are not one of them. Such a feat would be impossible!

[Anything short of one-hundred percent certain is worthy of concern for Stephen. At the very least, it’s reason to remain cautious, to take steps to avoid the worst-case scenario. Maybe some would call him catastrophizing, but considering he’s brushed shoulders with oblivion more than once, and the current stakes are not insignificant, he’d have to disagree.]

If there’s even a small chance, then I think preventative measures are warranted. And I don’t even mean anything big. Being able to reliably monitor any changes in the Singularity, both large and small, would be enough.

[It wouldn’t really be enough; it would be like peering through a thick fog and hoping any shadow of movement wasn’t about to jump out and maim you. But “enough” in this case is better than nothing at all.]

[ Would that be enough? Ambrose pulls back into his seat and clears his throat. ]

My mages are always monitoring the Singularity for fluctuations and changes. How do you think we became aware of the Dimming? But it is not without it's limitations...namely that we are unable to monitor it directly.

[ Ambrose laces his fingers together, once again resting them on the table. ]

But you are not subject to those same limitations. You can approach the Singularity without fear of annihilation. And based on you candor this evening I suspect that you're up for the challenge. Am I correct?

You are.

[If a Summoned is to be tasked with monitoring the Singularity, it needn’t be said that Stephen would prefer it to be him. The immediacy is preferable — that is, knowing immediately if and when there is ever anything to be worried about.]

I’m more than up to the task if that’s what you’re suggesting. Did it have something specific in mind?

[ Ambrose takes a moments pause as he regards the other man, then he nods curtly. ]

Quite specific.

[ Ambrose unlocks his fingers and pushes himself from his seat. Rounding the corner of his desk, he motions for Stephen to follow him as he moves towards the door out of his office. ]

Take a walk with me. You are curious about the restricted areas of the Castle, aren't you? Of course you are, an inquisitive man such as yourself.

[ The doors open of their own accord as Ambrose passes through the doorway and leads Stephen down the western side of the corridor. ]

[His interest wasn’t lacking prior, given the nature of their conversation, but when Ambrose invites Stephen to waltz down to the restricted part of the the castle, that innate curiosity notches up to eleven. His brows raise, and he follows to keep pace.]

Of course. [No point in denying it.] A locked door would make anyone wonder what’s behind it.

[For good or ill, the imagination goes wild. For example:]

So what are we talking about? Forbidden texts? Sensitive artifacts?

[He’s only partly joking.]

[ Ambrose makes a short grumble, acknowledging the sentiment. The corridor comes to an end with a plain-looking door, but it only remains so for a moment. He mumbles a short incantation and places his hand on the doorframe. A glowing handprint remains as the doorway itself expands, stretching to nearly twice its own size in either direction.

It opens without bidding, revealing a new dimly lit stonework hall of the castle. ]

In time, in time. For you, Stephen Strange, I have something particular in mind.

[ He clasps his fingers together as he steps through the doorway. When Stephen follows, it will shut behind them and shrink once again.

The hallway is lined with evenly spaced doors, some ajar but most closed. Discussions can be heard through the open doors and occasional flashes of magic. They past an errant apprentice mage or two as they walk. ]

The services and information you provided us during the Dimming hasn't been forgotten. Wouldn't you like to see the fruits of your own labor?

[ They stop in front of one door that looks no different than the rest. Ambrose waits for dramatic effect, knowing the response. ]

[He follows as he's guided to new parts of the castle previously unseen, though there admittedly isn't much to see here, anyway. Not among closed doors and muffled voices behind them, though Stephen thinks if he had to hazard a guess, he'd assume there's more than one experimental, magical endeavor happening in the stretch of this hallway.

Even so, his eyes drift from doorway to doorway, linger on a mage that wanders by, takes in what he can. When they stop in front of one door in particular, the High Mage asks him a question that he's sure is only uttered to heighten his expectation.

Why do you do this to him, Ambrose? Of course he wants to see what's become of his own information, shuffled back and reported to the castle.]

I didn't know it was culminating into anything at all. [Which could indeed be worrisome, or utterly intriguing, but the verdict is still out on that.] That is to say, yes, I'd like to see it.

[ It's a satisfying response, not that he expected anything less. ]

Good.

[ Without further adieu, the door opens with a gentle push from Ambrose, moving mostly of its own accord after. Inside is what appears to be a laboratory of sorts, almost chemical in nature. A series of magical test tubes and arrays connected by beams of magical energy in various patterns are all about, attended to by apprentice mages. Ambrose is greeted instantly and Stephen is afforded a nod by one or two. ]

Now now, we're not her to impede progress. Continue as if we were never here.

[ The High Mage moves to a table in the center of the room. Several experiments are taking place, but he stops in front of one particular device. It appears like an hour glass, but inside are condensed particles of magic. It glows a faint purple as it slowly shifts from one side to the next as a rotating ball of light swirls around it.

Ambrose is pleased. He nods twice then turns his attention to his guest. ]

Now, before I go into details, would you like to take a stab at what this is?

[It doesn’t look like his guess was wrong — greeted by what’s basically a magical laboratory, Stephen scrunches up his brow in mild surprise all the same. His eyes trace the lines of energy connecting various test tubes, noting the contents within, even if it does little to reveal what any of this is for.

There really is more going on behind the scenes here in Castle Thorne; and though this should be obvious, given Ambrose’s priorities of finding a solution to the Singularity’s waning nature, to see it in person is striking. Stephen wouldn’t know where to look if the High Mage hadn’t pulled his attention to the contraption at the center of a table, the flow of magic in this place latticed all around him, utterly distracting.

But thankfully, he focuses on the matter at hand. Stephen steps forward to peer closer, arms crossing at his chest, resisting the temptation to reach out with his own magic to sense what could be stirring in this odd-looking relic.

Another blind best guess, then.]

Maybe it’s too on the nose, but— something to do with time manipulation? [The hour glass shape is highly misleading if that isn’t the case; or maybe Stephen’s own biases have come into play, ex-guardian of the Time Stone itself.] Are you attempting to… undo something?

[ Ambrose's lips form a thin line as he shakes his head, though despite his propensity to talk down to others, he does not overtly appear disappointed. ]

A decent guess, but no.

[ He reaches out and stops the sphere from rotating around the device, which in turn stops its motion from tilting back and forth. ]

This is attuned to the same swell of energy that you experienced at the Singularity. What you see in this sphere is the same magicks that were in those caskets.

[ As he holds the sphere in place, the tiny grands of condensed magical "sand" start to trickle up to the container closest to it, slowly tipping the balance of the hourglass. ]

It looks small, but looks can be deceiving. This may be our most sensitive and accurate method of measuring fluctuations in the Singularity.

[ The glass finally tips over and Ambrose releases the sphere, allowing it to rotate again. ]

What we have now are broad strokes of patterns of activity, the large dips in magical output. But with these we can trace even the most minute changes.

[ He levels his gaze on Stephen. ]

Our best method in monitoring activity in some of your scenarios.

[So, not time related, but certainly tracking related, at least in terms of the Singularity's magical output. His eyes meet Ambrose's at that last statement, his expression considering. If they were to ever gauge if something unwelcome decided to pass through the multiversal veil, an instrument that can survey bursts of energy in incremental amounts makes sense.]

So it's a measuring tool. [That isn't to deride its significance. Stephen is impressed by the design, the energy trickling upwards and downwards in the device.] Though I can't imagine it's doing its job too well in here.

[Something like this needs strategic placement, he assumes. Not nestled amid a magical lab with experiments thrumming all around it.]

You catch on quickly.

[ Ambrose's tone is pleased. It is not often pleased these days. ]

Good, I don't like having to repeat myself. No, in these halls and within the walls of Thorne it would be a poor measure of the Singularity's output. Too much interference, you know. But further away from civilization and frequent magic users...there we will find our answers.

[ He moves to a different end of the table, picking up a rolled and bound piece of leather. ]

Scouts have already pin-pointed several ideal locations within our borders. This would be a substantial commitment on your part, of course.

[ He holds out bound leather. A map of the area. ]

I take it you are up to the task?

[Stephen receives the map, and takes it upon himself to unbind and unroll it. His eyes sweep over the pinpointed locations of where each device should be placed, based on research conducted in the castle.

His brow lifts. His gaze raises to meet Ambrose’s again.]

A commitment is right.

[It isn’t just a place here, a place there; it’s all over, all along the kingdom, far from a simple Sunday stroll. Regardless, Stephen rolls the map back up.]

But I’m up to it. With supplies and maybe some company on the road, it should be feasible. I’ll just need time to prepare. [And—] I hope I’d be privy to some of the data that comes in, too? Once this is all said and done.

Good.

[ That's the response he was expecting given all that's been said and done. ]

You will need assistance and I will be putting trust in your judgment who you deem worthy to join you.

[ Ambrose waves to one of the mages nearby. The mage quickly marches over as they exchange a few words and immediately leaves the room. ]

Stadius there will provide you with the requisite papers and funds for the venture. Make your choices and he will make sure all necessary provisions are made in advance for you and your party.

[ Turning back to Stephen, he folds his arms. ]

The results of your work will be shared, but I assume I do not need to explain that the data will need to be gathered over time to be worth analyzing. That being said...we may come to some sort of arrangement upon your success.

[We may come to some sort of arrangement upon your success. It isn't a hard yes, but it isn't a hard no, either. He has the feeling that actually returning in the wake of success would up his chances at being privy to this data-over-time, and so Stephen just nods.]

An arrangement? Good enough for me.

[He rolls the map back up, then tucks it gently beneath an arm.]

In that case, I'll report back once the thaumametors are set up. [Keeping a connection with Ambrose, who is often busy with his own endeavors, is the equivalent of keeping a finger on the pulse of the progress of research revolving around the Singularity. He intends to keep it alive, if all goes well, after his trip.]

[ Ambrose nods curtly. It may not show on his usually downturned mouth, but to see this project move forward does put a good note on the end of a long day.

The High Mage waves over another one of his apprentices. ]

Caecia will show you the way out. I look forward to your success.

[ As he expects it will be.

Caecia will give a humble bow to both Ambrose and Stephen before she guides the Summoned man back down the long corridor. The magical door they had entered through responds to her touch, opening the way for Stephen to return to the rest of the castle. ]

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