In an attempt to talk to the voice that greeted him he asked: "Greetings. I am looking for a man who recently came through here. He claims himself a religious preacher and i must have words with him."

Armanthor

(repeat)

Armanthor appeared in a lush woodland area, with chirping birds and startled deer about. Calbrey steps through behind him, completely at ease. As the God rose into the air, he saw that the woods sprawled out for several kilometers, finally thinning towards the north until it hit a large steel fence, behind which a large city of gold-and-red rose. It's buildings were sleek and a size that Armanthor had never seen before, easily doubling the immense height of the Towers in the Valley. Strange pictograms - with many translations in English - lived and swirled, giving information to the God. He could see the words 'Huang Kong City' in the distance, a banner claiming the nature of the place.

Tall (but smaller compared to the sky-scrapers) guard-spires glinted within the walls, black steel hanging from their heights and automatic weapons raising themselves slightly to meet Armanthor's presence.

"Safer to walk on foot, sir!" cried Calbrey.

--

Aesin

The voice did not respond adequately. Instead, it blurted:

PLEASE GIVE NAME, SPECIES, AND CLEARANCE CODE. NON-EARTHBORN CREATURES WILL BE PERSECUTED.

Aesin replied, "Aesin Rein, human, recently ascended to Divinity. I am here on official Divine matters and would like to gain permission to pursue in your realm.

   Armanthor took in the sights, all that he could with his analytic and strategic mind, storing information for later use.  Then he returned to the ground and landed next to Calbrey.  He said, trying to get the word right for teh strange city, "Hwang Kong? Is that how it's pronounced, is up ahead? What's there. "

   He started on his way forward with his sword drawn and shield out.  Waiting for Calbrey to follow.

Armanthor

"It's 'Hong Kong', sir," said Calbrey. "Where I was born. It's a great city, holding billions and billions of people, reaching many kilometers down into the earth. The population of a nation is held within a tiny island. Huang Kong City is where the telepathic technology was first designed, and it remains a stronghold for cutting-edge sciences."

Calbrey smiled, and followed.

"You may want to put your weapons away, sir. They're not fond of, uh, aggression."

Aesin

There was no answer. People still dashed about him, some carrying firearms while others carried staves. The metallic voicing seemed to stop for the moment. Vaguely, Aesin could see the sun rise above the towers of Luan Dun.

Aesin noticed two figures garbed in white cloth - one carrying a long wand made of iron, the other some advanced form of musket made of diamond and steel - walking determinedly towards him. They were obviously guards, or soldiers of some sort.

Aesin awaits for them to arrive. He sought no combat here, he was determined to solve this peacefully. =

   Armanthor nodded, HONG Kong, then? I see.  So this is where you're from, then, that is very interesting.  Hmmm, I'm surprised the conclave even allows its existence.  I would very much like to see what technology they wield.  Were you unable to take any of it to my realm with you when you entered? "

  Armanthor slid his weapons back into their sheaths as they walked, taking Calbrey's word for it.

"I'm allowed to take certain light, Conclave-approved weaponry out with me, sir," said Calbrey, "Including a plastic handgun and a handful of shock grenades, but bringing anything else of the Territories requires either a merchandise license or a special permit - for specialist merchants, soldiers, and Lords of the Conclave. As I am only a mercenary, if I wish to stay in line with the law I can only bring out certain approved objects. I'm also wearing a rig," he showed Armanthor a light, opaque-blue skin-suit underneath his Iowenian clothes, "Which monitors my exoteric and esoteric signs as well as working as an almost-intelligence system."

They approached a small, golden platform - big enough for two.

"Care to step onto this, sir? It will take us to the City."

--

The men reach Aesin, raise their weapons as if to intimidate him.

"Aesin Rein?" the one with the firearm asks.

"Aye" he replies. He decides not to continue talking, letting them control the conversation.

   "Conclave approved? I wasn't aware of any conclave regulation on weaponry.  I could understand if it were of some kind of prohibited psionic design.  Intereresting.  I would very much like to see what these do, perhaps a demonstration by one of your fellows.  ", he said, looking at the platform.  "Ah Of course.  "

  He stepped onto it, "Is the suit there for the COnclave to monitor you or is it a part of your arms that you brought back from this world? "

Calbrey follows Armanthor onto the platform and it rises slowly. Armanthor feels himself locked into place by some invisible force - not unable to move, per se, but unable to lose balance. It filled him with a sense of artificial confidence.

"No, the suit is my own. It's so that I can fully regulate my own chemical and neurological processes. It also allows me to 'read' certain objects, though the art is not as precise as, say, psychic reading an artifact. It's mostly useful for responding to danger, monitoring adrenaline levels and my own standard of health.. things like that. As for the approval of weapons, under the Hands of Odin Table III (Earthborn), many of our weapons cannot be taken out of the Territories, as it may very easily disrupt the equilibrium of balance that keeps the government running."

He nods; the platform starts to heat up; soon they are speeding across the woods.

"Would you believe this area used to be sea? We converted it back in - well, a long time ago - because we needed the fresh oxygen. Engineered flora. Intriguing, isn't it?"

He smiles.

"Of course, some weapons just don't work in other parts of the Realm Supernatural. Theomagnetics, they say.. nanotechnology being the big one. Others, too. Our portal technology works, but it's broken. Um. Other things, such as 'wave technology, works too well - that's the most heavily regulated by the Conclave. They don't like having psychics running around, prying into their secrets."

--

"Is it true that you are neither Earthborn nor human, but instead a Divine without a three-tier permission to enter the Territories?"

The men looked grim. It was a serious crime.

"Unfortunately it seems as such. Forgive my intrusion, but i was in pursuit of a man and ended up here." Aesin shook his head. "I suppose now that it has come to the Earthborn Territories, I'll need to follow certain formalities to continue my pursuit."

Armanthor

(repeat)

Calbrey follows Armanthor onto the platform and it rises slowly. Armanthor feels himself locked into place by some invisible force - not unable to move, per se, but unable to lose balance. It filled him with a sense of artificial confidence.

"No, the suit is my own. It's so that I can fully regulate my own chemical and neurological processes. It also allows me to 'read' certain objects, though the art is not as precise as, say, psychic reading an artifact. It's mostly useful for responding to danger, monitoring adrenaline levels and my own standard of health.. things like that. As for the approval of weapons, under the Hands of Odin Table III (Earthborn), many of our weapons cannot be taken out of the Territories, as it may very easily disrupt the equilibrium of balance that keeps the government running."

He nods; the platform starts to heat up; soon they are speeding across the woods.

"Would you believe this area used to be sea? We converted it back in - well, a long time ago - because we needed the fresh oxygen. Engineered flora. Intriguing, isn't it?"

He smiles.

"Of course, some weapons just don't work in other parts of the Realm Supernatural. Theomagnetics, they say.. nanotechnology being the big one. Others, too. Our portal technology works, but it's broken. Um. Other things, such as 'wave technology, works too well - that's the most heavily regulated by the Conclave. They don't like having psychics running around, prying into their secrets."

--

Aesin

"Yes," said the stave-handed man bruskly, "You will. Unless you have been given executive permission to be here, I'm afraid you'll have to leave and seek three-permission like every one else. This isn't a zoo, you know. These aren't pleasure gardens. You can't just portal in when it pleases you. We have a kingdom to keep."

The other man raised his diamond firearm.

"Unless you either leave or show your permission, I'm afraid we'll have to shoot."

Aesin bows with respect. "Very well, i understand. I will be leaving now."

Aesin turns around and leaves.

Armanthor

(repeat)

Calbrey follows Armanthor onto the platform and it rises slowly. Armanthor feels himself locked into place by some invisible force - not unable to move, per se, but unable to lose balance. It filled him with a sense of artificial confidence.

"No, the suit is my own. It's so that I can fully regulate my own chemical and neurological processes. It also allows me to 'read' certain objects, though the art is not as precise as, say, psychic reading an artifact. It's mostly useful for responding to danger, monitoring adrenaline levels and my own standard of health.. things like that. As for the approval of weapons, under the Hands of Odin Table III (Earthborn), many of our weapons cannot be taken out of the Territories, as it may very easily disrupt the equilibrium of balance that keeps the government running."

He nods; the platform starts to heat up; soon they are speeding across the woods.

"Would you believe this area used to be sea? We converted it back in - well, a long time ago - because we needed the fresh oxygen. Engineered flora. Intriguing, isn't it?"

He smiles.

"Of course, some weapons just don't work in other parts of the Realm Supernatural. Theomagnetics, they say.. nanotechnology being the big one. Others, too. Our portal technology works, but it's broken. Um. Other things, such as 'wave technology, works too well - that's the most heavily regulated by the Conclave. They don't like having psychics running around, prying into their secrets."

--

Aesin

"Fair enough. I bid you well, friend," said one of the guards, and Aesin was gone - back to his Realm.

(Post in your Realm)

   Armanthor was strangely at ease for being on such a moving contraption.  Normally he would probably feel like moving closer to the center, he kept that little detail in his mind to ask about later, and listened to Calbrey's explanation of his weapons.

   "I see.  That must be the perfect battle suit, then.  I supposed I could understand why such regulations are in practice.  I don't quite understand how certain technologies don't work in another realm, but I guess that can be saved for another time.  "

   "Where could I acquire armor such as yours? It seems the perfect armor for a warrior.  "

   Of course, there were many questions that Armanthor had to ask, but right now wasn't the best time.  He would save them for later on at a later date when the time allowed for it.  Perhaps while he aws in the valley.

"Well, provided you're at least an Associate of the Conclave, you're given an automatic permit, sir, to use legal Earthborn technology on yourself - this includes the SUITs and legal 'wave chips. You can get harder technology, such as Google's TechSuits, but I'm not sure as to whether or not God's can use them. Not sure if they'd adapt, sir."

He smiled. The wind felt good on his face. They were getting much closer to Huang Kong.

"Now, there are some things you should know about Huang Kong," continued Calbrey. "It's a logocracy, for one thing."

   "I'm not yet an associate.  I'm trying to attain the title right now.  But yes, such armaments would suit me well.  I'm more interested in the link between your home world and mine.  I'm curious as to the implications of such things.  "

   Armanthor looked inquiringly at Calbrey, "A logocracy? "

"Yes, sir, I know it sounds strange.. logocracy - a government of words. See, Huang Kong is the only nation to have ever cracked the almost-intelligence barrier - and then Earth fell and we lost the information. But it gave us the single most powerful computer in the world: BUDAJECON - Buddha-Jesus-Confucius.. BUDAJECON acts as our supreme ruler, our judges, our executioners.. it rules every aspect of city life. One of the reasons I needed to get away, see.. real artificial-intelligence - and being ruled by it - creeps me out, to put it mildly. It's not a dictatorship, per se.. we do the best of all the Earthborn cities, and we recovered from the Fall in weeks instead of years.. but still, it's - disconcerting."

"That does sound rather disturbing, but I guess if it works... I guess I'll have to be a judge for myself once we get into Huang Kong.  TO me it sounds too strange, I wouldn't want to subject my people to something like that, no offense.  I couldn't imagine that an artificial intelligence is as caring a ruler as would be a sentient being with the ability to feel empathy and emotion.  I don't blame you for leaving it.  "

   "This is a truly fascinating place...I'm already intrigued and I haevn't even stepped foot within.  "

Calbrey smiled. "No offense taken. It's the reason that when I stay in the Territories I keep to Melboon or Nuyaark. Not enough freedom here. Even as a public servant at home - in your own fine realm, Lord - I am much, much happier. It is truly a beautiful place."

The platform slowed down, started to lower; they were at the turreted gates of Huang Kong city, dressed in gold and red and patterned with arcane Chinese symbols.

   He smiled, "You may call me Armanthor, if you would.  I dont' demand it, but I also want you to know that you don't have to call me lord, either.  And I'm glad you're happy in my realm, Calbrey.  I don't think I could live in a place governed by something as strange as what you say is here, it seems very unsettling to me by the way you speak of it.  "

   Armanthor pondered over the symbols as he passed, stepping off of the platform as he came to the gates.  He looked at the turrets as well, but couldn't help but look at the place in wonder as he passed.  Though he didnt' stop, he kept going.

"Thank you, Armanthor." Calbrey smiled. "I made a mental resolution to call you only 'sir', but then - well - in your presence it soon became Lord. Well. It is a very unsettling place. We could head back, if you'd like.. the place raises nasty memories within me."

   Armanthor continued on as they spoke, "It's fine, Calbrey.  But if you don't wish to continue on I won't force you.  If you want to turn back you may.  Do you wish to go back or continue? "

"I.. Armanthor, I won't deny my uncomfort at returning to this place. But you are my employer, and you cannot be found in the Territories without a guide. I can't return, not if you wish to continue. I'm made of stern stuff."

He smiled a little.