A large, rather antique looking room appears. Behind a wooden, highly polished desk sits a man in his late sixties with receding grey hair.
"Gottfried Bauer speaking. You may have recognised me as I've been leading the New Berlin Museum for the past 18 years. The reason why I'm talking to you now...well, there was a time when I wouldn't have to steal your time. You see the thing is..."
In the background faint voices can be heard.
"This is insanity, a whole warehouse you say? He arranged it all"?
"It seems so! They, they certainly know."
"This is insanity, I tell you."
Bauer quickly starts to meddle with a device that apparently controls a sound filter. The background noise fades into a buzzing sound. With a pained expression, he continues.
"On 20/6/ a public request was made for certain material. Here is a transcript."
' Wrote:
Everything in this universe is marked by the relentless flow of time. From the beginning, to the end. Nothing withstands time's tides for too long. All that we can do is raise a seawall, thus slowing the erosion. Artefacts whether of human or other origin are no exemption. That is why the New Berlin Museum calls to all private owners of artefacts of any form and shape to let our institution protect their priceless artefacts from the effects of time. Only in highly controlled environment will these jewels of unmatched beauty stay for the posterity.
We do not seek to buy artefacts or to transfer ownership. All objects will remain in possession of their owners. Only the physical location is to change. Names of the owners may, if required, be publicly displayed next to their artefact. All of the objects received will be on display on Planet New Berlin as a part of a permanent exhibition. Secure transport and all associated costs are to be arranged by the Museum.
Any questions that may arise should be directed to this channel.
Gottfried Bauer,
New Berlin Museum's director
"Lets just say that the response of the public was of greater magnitude than expected. The vast majority of the objects "donated" has been given anonymously. Now we have a seizable stockpile of various objects in a warehouse 17-52/13 on Rheinhardt Platz."
He pauses, takes a deep breath, nods slightly then starts to speak again.
"The material needs to be properly registered and examined. So they claim. It may represent a threat. Paranoia, hah. Those things are harmless, inactive! How could rock or a chunk of metal possibly be harmful?! And yet, this is above me. This is way above my power. Now you are informed."
Bauer looks through a window into the gloom of New Berlin's winter night and whispers: "I have told you what I honestly thing," and turns the recording device off.
PRIORITY: [color=#FFCC66]Moderate ENCRYPTION:Planetary IDENTIFICATION:Obt. Renate Bommel SOURCE:Nibelung Polizei Plaza, Planet New Berlin SUBJECT:Inspection
Guten Tag Herr Bauer,
for your own safety we've already increased ze presence of our officers near ze Rheinhardt Platz.
You might have seen some, but ze most of zem observated as civilians. Zis was ze result of ze kind of persons such a request would normally attract.
::Renate checks the planetary scanner logs::
::The Scanner logs did not gave enough informations about the artifacts::
It would be of course advisable to register zese ... how did you say?! ... "exhibits" just for ze case of hus...
::Renate takes a break::
Erm, I mean to relieve a possible public fear. Well, I don't know why they were not already checked and registered, but zat shouldn't be your problem.
::Renate knows from their arrival, but she's not responsible for initiating docking checks::
::"Before nobody feels responsible...", she thought::
Where is that damn request sheet?!
::Renate said, but realised fast, that's a video transmission::
Vell, where we were?! Ahh ja, registration. Because you said ze public response was greater zan expected, I'd say we stick to ze official guidelines.
Zat would mean zese commodities will be confis... erm ... lend and you get zem in a week or two back, if everyzing wents well.
Can you wait so long?! Because I'm sure you've to prepare also other zings for ze museum.
::She said and gave an invisible hand gesture to an officer next to her::
::The request sheet was an official confiscation order and arrest permission for the case of resistance::
::The officer read the sheet and arranged a mid-sized task force::
::Renate waits in the meantime for the response::
The same wooden desk can be seen only this time scattered with various papers. In the far right corner of the view sits a blurry object that resembles a bottle usually associated with alcohol containing beverages. A half empty glass is near by. Rustling sounds cease and Bauer walks into view holding the edge of the table at all times, his eyes somewhat glassy.
"The transmission recorder is causing me some difficulties today, as you can see. Now then. The warehouse, yes. You are quick to respond. The warehouse turned green from the uniforms already. I just hope that they won't brake something. Two weeks you say? That's faster than expected. And yes, we have been waiting for two decades to get something new to study, so that two weeks aren't exactly a problem."
He reaches for the glass, then changes his mind. Instead he grabs a document lying near by and skims through, only raising his look after a few moments.
"May I ask what kind of people you deem a threat to us? I hope that no Cambridge Research Institute sponsored individuals are hiding in the shadows around our museum. Is that it? Are those Bretonians trying to steal our work?"
::Bauer may see a fixed-video-loop while Renate is talking to the officer::
::"Didn't I showed the no-hit-sign?!", she asked, but doesn't let the officer time to response, "Zis had to be an emergency force, not a regular, visible one!"
..::Incomming video transmission::..
PRIORITY: [color=#FFCC66]Moderate ENCRYPTION:Planetary IDENTIFICATION:Obt. Renate Bommel SOURCE:Nibelung Polizei Plaza, Planet New Berlin SUBJECT:Inspection
Herr Bauer,
it is so fast because we take our job serious. And it was done with a higher priority,
because I don't want to bore you with problems based on missed bureaucracy. I couldn't estimate the amount of objects you have.
So I don't have to steal your time, at least not more zan needed, I've asked for some hands. Only a few. And ja, they got order to don't brake something.
::Renate tried to assuage his sorrows::
::She got the question from Bauer::
Stealing your work? Uhm, no. I doubt Bretonians would even get a Rheinland citizenship. As you maybe know, in Bretonia are Rheinland terrorist are treated like friends.
Vell, but we were more concerned about corsairs, who might land on New-Berlin. As you know corsairs are not welcome in Rheinland.
But zis is ze source, where typically <strike>active</strike> artifacts come from.
::Renate doesn't say active.::
Zat said, before zey eat ... erm ... kidnap you, we had increased our presence.
Just ensure, in case of you planing somezing again, to use a better encryption.
If zat would be all, I'd response here, when we've finished ze registration process.
PRIORITY: [color=#FFCC66]Moderate ENCRYPTION:Planetary IDENTIFICATION:Obt. Renate Bommel SOURCE:Nibelung Polizei Plaza, Planet New Berlin SUBJECT:Inspection finished
Sehr geehrter Herr Bauer,
i'm sorry for the delay, but I've to inform you, zat ze inspection of your last cargo is finished. Ze Polizei officers were ordered to bring said registered, not dangerouse items to your warehouse on ze Rheinhardt Platz.
::Renate admitted::
As said, zere was a delay, and zis was a result of our quality management. Ze higher ups decided it won't be good for ze Bundespolizei, if you get your artifacts dirty back. Furzermore I'm sure you understand we had to remove the dirt and waste for our inspection. However I can assure zat no artifact is/was harmed.
::Renate said::
Zis was ze good news for you. Ze bad side would be, our force mentioned, zat your warehouse was full of artifacts again. Zese artifacts are now again confiscated for anozer inspection.
But mein Herr, we still mentioned zat your outgoing transmission from planet New-Berlin got more responses. Mein Herr, do we really have to close ze Museum because you still fish more artifacts?
Zis would be combined with an <strike>heavy</strike> fine. I'm not sure, wheter ze museum can offer zat sum. So I'd request you close ze transmission with a copy to ze Rheinland Bundespolizei.
Once more the now well known desk appears. Bauer is evidently worried this time. With a hint of urgency and anger in his tone he starts to speak:
"Artefacts have been found in our warehouse on Rheinhardt Platz you say? And you think that our institution is to be blamed for an entire warehouse of artifacts? Not this time. This is clearly a politicaly oriented ploy desgined to ensnare the Museum! I deny any involvement of the Museum in illegal activities."
He pauses for a moment, then continues.
"As for the transmission..no replies have reached New Berlin since communication burst 6. The Museum didn't reply to that one. Perhaps you should ask yourselves, I'm saying this with all due respect, how or from whom have you gotten such lurid information. I am eagerly awaiting your reply."
PRIORITY: [color=#FFCC66]Moderate ENCRYPTION:Planetary IDENTIFICATION:Obt. Renate Bommel SOURCE:Nibelung Polizei Plaza, Planet New Berlin SUBJECT:complain
Herr Bauer,
as you said, it's your warehouse.
And it's also your open transmission, which get responses and attracts criminals.
This is no ploy, this is fact.
We're not really interested to close the New-Berlin museum, not after the effort we had to do.
But we're forced to do it, if you won't stop the transmission.
A female junker cane plodding in a postal office. Indeed it was an uncommon sight, for such people were usually seen in the gloom of dishevelled bars. She left a small package labelled: "For Obt. Renate Bommel, Nibelung Polizei Plaza, Planet New Berlin", paid and then disappeared in the general direction of the landing pad, never to be seen again.
The package underwent series of tests and checks and re-checks for any harmful substance. It was clean. Early in the morning, if such expression even applies to the New Berlin's odd day and night pattern, the package appeared on a certain desk. Inside, sheltered by layers of protective wrappings a necklace of value known only to people at the peak of Rheinland's society. Or at lest near the top. Its links made of precious metals embellished with decorative patterns reflected light in many wavelengths, thus shimmering in shades of green and blue. Around it was a barely visible aura caused by interferences with magnetic fields. A fine work of art, definitely made by a skilled craftsman.
Shortly after a transmission came.
Audio only transmission
Bauer speaking. I am dreadfully sorry that probably the first thing in your working day has something to do with the Museum. However some things require swift actions, especially when most momentous and ponderous wheels are set in motion.
A short pause with noises that resemble rustling of paper follows.
Per your explicit request our transmission from New Berlin was terminated today. I hope and believe that the events that unfolded in previous weeks did not affect the relations between our institution and the glorious Rheinland Federal Polizei. Perhaps this is an opportunity to develop better relations based on understanding. For you see, our quest for artefacts is of purely scientific nature and we would never turn to the abomination that is the black market. And yet the laws are strict and restraining in their rigidity. That makes our research difficult indeed. I'm certain that you, as a person, understand our struggle.
It seems that my enthusiasm may be getting the better of me and I differ. I won't waste your time with gibbering any-more.
I hope we have an understanding on certain matters now. Thank you for your time.
PRIORITY: [color=#FFCC66]Moderate ENCRYPTION:Planetary IDENTIFICATION:Obt. Renate Bommel SOURCE:Nibelung Polizei Plaza, Planet New Berlin SUBJECT:Re: complain
Herr Bauer,
as I said, it was a warning. A warning without a fine. A copy of your closing transmission is noted.
I'm sorry for ze late response, but I didn't want to answer before ze papers of ze confiscated artifacts are approved.
I'm sure you understand Rheinland´s paperway isn't ze easiest one. Unregistered arifacts are not harmful for ze Rheinland citizien. You could quote me here:
"Ze Rheinland Bundespolizei is not aware of any threat, which would harm the citizen of Rheinland"
However, I'm enforced to inform you, zat ze Rheinland Bundespolizei is not forced to levy/put any fine on your institution after we got your agree to follow our orders.
We look forward to a next conversation to the New-Berlin Museum.
by ze way: I'm entirely detached to visit ze exhibition personally.
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