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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Rolzup" data-source="post: 2860310" data-attributes="member: 10105">Interlude: A Few Words from the Inestimable BurneA few days after the group's return to CITY, Burne vanishes.  He'd seemed distracted for several days, more than usually irritable, and kept muttering to himself, so his disappearance doubtless came as something of a relief to the others. Sadly, he *re*appears a day later.  With news, important news!  Or so he claims…. "Gentlem…ah, I mean frien…no, that's not right…comrades!  Yes, comrades!  Comrades, I have come to the realization that my present situation is simple intolerable.   My alchemical laboratory no longer suffices for anything but the most basic of preparations, and I can no longer bear to have my genius stifled in such a fashion."So.  I spent the morning seeking a solution, and behold!  A solution I have found." Burne pauses dramatically.  Abraxis makes a noise that sounds remarkably like a groan of despair."I have been accepted into the Naval Academy, where I will be undergoing...ah...special training."He laughs, a little nervously."Purely a formality in my case, I'm sure.  There certainly won't be any marching or exercising involved.   Even a casual glance will reveal that I am, after all, in perfect physical condition, and should not be induced to embark upon a forced march in the! Driving!  Rain!" One eyelid twitches convulsively."In any case, this should lead into my induction into the Fulminant and Acquisitive Research Division of the naval authority, where my unique talents will most certainly be recognized, celebrated, and  -- dare I say it? -- rewarded." Burne smiles, his gaze becoming suddenly distant."Unrestricted access to elemental phlogiston," he murmurs rapturously.  "The possibilities, the potential!"  He pauses, shakes his head, and his eyes snap back into focus. "Alas," he continues in a more normal tone, "This opportunity is not without its tragedies.  For the month of so of my 'training', I shall be incommunicado.  Not by choice, you understand, but I'm sure that the Navy has their reasons. "So, I shall have my lab but you -- sadly -- will be without Burne.  Only for a time, though, only for a time!  I will have an opportunity to undertake certain...projects," he glances sidelong at Abraxis, "As well as conduct some research into Xian's difficulties.  In fact, I feel reasonably certain that I can find an answer that does not in any way involve adultery, incest, or blasphemous violations of the laws of gods and man." Burne considers for a moment.  "I make no promises as to the latter, actually.""Once my obligations have been discharged, and my work somewhat resolved, I will be free to rejoin you in your quest to bring fiery justice to the waterfront.   Until then, I am sure that you can contact me in case of an emergency…although I would prefer it if no such emergency were to arise."Well!" he claps his together.  "I have preparations to make, explosives to pack.   I'm supposed to report precisely at noon, and being late simply isn't an option.  I shall make my presence known upon my return, by which time I am sure that you will have the present situation well in hand."</blockquote>

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