A1-MI, #03

Adrian leads Sima back to the vista. Soon enough, the two enter the study. Adrian produces a leather bound tome from one of the many drawers fitted into his antique desk.

"The design is complete. The runic theory is complete. All that is left, Sima-- is the mechanisms. The mechanics behind the device. That is where you come in."

The scholar flips open the tome. He flips through the pages, reaching the appropriate section. A slip of decorated parchment fitted into the side of the margin for easy access to said section of the notebook read:

A1-MI Shell

"So, let's review for a moment. First, take a look at the notes I gathered in regards to the meeting I had with Dirk. I showed him the proposed runic theory."

Adrian slides the tome across the table.

"Once you've finished reading that, tell me your thoughts. Once you have expressed your thoughts, tell me what you think would require mechanization."
(Adrian Montbell)

He looks over the details in... Well. Detail. Actually putting a thumb to the diagram. Muttering near-silently to himself.

"...Energy rune on an un-cappable point stickin' out the top, set on a time-delay by makin' the circuit between long n' winding. Should allow general mana t'be channelled through it, then give a few seconds t'throw it."

He nods firmly. Yep, that's covered, far as he's concerned.

"'Less you want it for non-magi too. Iunno about that. Need a little more time t'think."
(Sima Kang)

Adrian leans back in his chair. A finger is raised to his chin as he stares at the wall behind Sima, nodding every now and then.

He flips the pages of the notebook, going back to his original design. The scholar gestures for Sima to review the data collected from their first meeting.

"If you recall, the original intention was to have the two half-circle pieces connected over the center piece be attached to the inlet located around the circumference."

He makes a twisting motion with both hands in opposite directions.

"The idea was this: a simple twist, and it would be ready to go. If you look at the measurements, you can see that the dimensions of the half-circle pieces fit perfectly into the ridge that would be carved into the center piece."

He pauses, looking towards the Senior Engineer.

"What I'd suggest? We lace the ridge cut into the circumference with a runic array that does exactly as you suggested, Sima. Jumpstarts the process. An energy rune that activates as the twisting motion is performed, imbued with an additional set of functions to set up the time delay."
(Adrian Montbell)

"Well!"

He leans back in his seat. Seems open and shut, honestly. Nodding in agreement.

"That just... Sounds correct t'me. Twist's a good mechanism. Can't do it by accident."
(Sima Kang)

"Good, good. Everything appears to be in order, then. All that's left, my friend, is the review of the estimated resource cost of such a device. Bear with me a moment longer"

Adrian flips a page.

"Here is what I propose: ten pieces of iron and five pieces of adamantite. These will be melded together into the iron-adamantite alloy you suggested for the center piece and the additional half-circle coverings, and then molded in a way that is exactly adherent to the designs."

"Three pieces of adamantite for the interior lacquer. Five pieces of durable parchment to be placed between the adamantite lacquer and the iron-adamantite shell."

He pauses, looking up at Sima, then back down towards the paper in front of him.

"Four lightning elemental shards. Two ether shards combined into a large, central catalyst."

"This is the final acquisition estimate. Speak now or forever hold your silence, Sima. If you notice anything out of place, you must tell me."
(Adrian Montbell)

Nod nod nod! All very approving.

"Sounds like appropriate amounts. At worst, overshootin' it-- Better'n too little."

He grins broadly. It fully sets in that he's bringing more explosives into the world.

"All good."
(Sima Kang)