[Plot] Dang Sneaky Ferrets

[Toshiro Narumi]

"What do you mean? The fey varmint problem?"

[The Caretaker]

"The Otherworld leaves an indelible stain on those that encounter it. It's invisible to most, but you're talking to a system that was created there. My hardware is more than up to the task of detecting it."

[Toshiro Narumi]

"Okay then... let's just put a pin on that and mosey onward. Magic talk just ain't my cup of tea."

"When you said the lighthouses allow safe navigation, I wager you mean between dimensions?"

[The Caretaker]

"The lighthouses are the only truly safe means of translation to the Starlight Citadel and back."

[Toshiro Narumi]

With an excited gleam in his eyes that, on a big ferret, looked quite adorable, he asked, "So, if we got ahold of one of them authorization tokens, would we be able to visit other worlds?"

[The Caretaker]

"Well, that's quite a bit ahead of ourselves, isn't it? I've got to get the Citadel to finish acknowledging me and download several missing components before we can do that."

"And we also need to account for the token that was already taken."

[Toshiro Narumi]

"By ASHLIE?"

[The Caretaker]

"That seems to be the assumption your friend had when she attempted to breach the Starlight Citadel."

[Toshiro Narumi]

"Will you be able to uncover who possesses the token when you finish connecting to the network?"

[The Caretaker]

"Absolutely, as I will be the primary means of obtaining this lighthouse's token."

[Toshiro Narumi]

"And is one of these missing components a new defense module?"

[The Caretaker]

"In general yes, that is one of the core functions of a fully-fledged Mastermind system."

"But if there are concerns, I'm sure we can reach an understanding."

[Toshiro Narumi]

"I think all of us at this school would sleep more soundly if lethal measures were left out of the equation. Likewise, I would like to know how far your reach will extend."

[The Caretaker]

"The original system extended through much of the grounds, and into the mansion."

"Considering how much of the lattice you've let grow wild, I'd say we're rather close to that."

[Toshiro Narumi]

"Getting back to the defensive systems, what limits can be put on them? For now, at least, you have us to shore up your defense."

[The Caretaker]

"If we're engaging in negotiations here, perhaps it would be best for me to partake in them with more than just a thoroughly moist ferret?"

[Toshiro Narumi]

Ennio sucked the water soaking his fur into his pocket-dimensional storage space.

"Hmph. Well, how far can you project?"

[The Caretaker]

"Even when the system was intact, it was limited to the grounds themselves."

"At the moment I am limited to these chambers, but once I am able to restructure the lattice I will be considerably more flexible."

[Toshiro Narumi]

"I reckon most of the negotiations can take place at a later time, as this chamber is currently under lock and key by the overbearing new headmaster. And his trustworthiness in regard to such matters has yet to be determined. But I would again like to take any lethal measures off the table now. Would this be amenable to you?"

[The Caretaker]

"I won't have the capability to implement them until such a time as I would be able to manifest elsewhere. It's a moot point."

[Toshiro Narumi]

"How long until you're sufficiently operational?"

[The Caretaker]

"I think within a week I should have made enough progress to facilitate some of what you're asking of me."

"I could work considerably quicker if you gave me access to that nanite hive."

[Toshiro Narumi]

"That nanite hive is an emergent consciousness, so that would be it's decision."

[The Caretaker]

"Well then, I suppose you'll have to put in a word for me, won't you?"

[Toshiro Narumi]

"Then it seems I've quite a bit to do before we speak again."