S6.198 - Fractal Designs

SERIES 6 INDEX

The Story So Far: The personified math-tans have been cast out of mathematics. Seeking probability in order to return, Logan and his crew made it to Fractal City - but not without cost. As his group try to understand the fractal inhabitants, the other mathematical relations struggle to come to terms with the repercussions of losing a primary function.

Weier turned to Mandelbrot. "Right then. At this point, they're as ready as they're going to get. Time to meet the council."

Howie nodded back. "You and Can-Tor lead the way, I'll follow behind."

QT held up the Quadcorder. "Can I continue to take readings?"

"As you like," Weierstrass said. She gestured to all of them, then followed Candice Torrent out of the room. The group trailed after, Logan taking point as they went down a hall, piling into an elevator. After going down an unknown number of floors, they all emerged and headed towards a set of double doors, situated at the T-section of a hall. Julia Childset stood outside, smiling as she spotted them.

Can you see the changes?

Except not Julia. She was subtly different. Which Howie had implied earlier, by saying that one of her other, infinite incarnations was currently in the position. Even as they approached, she slipped through the doors into the room beyond.

"So," Hevvi asked as they approached the doorway. "How many of you fractals are in there, exactly?"

Weierstrass turned. "There are five of us on the Advisory Council. Six others are currently present from their respective divisions."

ParaB lifted an eyebrow. "So many? Is there some reason we're meeting all of you, and not merely that characteristic function of a set? After all, they're the one who has that statistics password, right?"

"We have yet to decide whether you're ready," Howie broke in. "That said, Council foresees three outcomes from this encounter." Everyone turned to look at him then, though he didn't continue until after receiving a nod from Weier.

"First, you may not even be able to resolve half of the images of those present. In such an event, we will send you on your way - you can return when and if you have achieved enlightenment." He held out a hand to prevent immediate commentary. "Second, you may be able to perceive everyone, but decide yourselves that you are not ready, or require more training, and thus depart in your gazebo of your own volition. And third..."

"Third, we ARE ready, and thus talk to the characteristic function," Cosecant concluded, when Howie paused.

"Close," he countered. "It's more that we would book you an appointment. CF isn't in town at the moment."

"Oh good, so more waiting," Radik groused. ParaB winced.

"Now, now. Don't make us regret helping you out," Weier cautioned. "Our Council was not unanimous in the decision to bring you on board. Some were against. Many abstained. Not all the fractals will be pleased to see you." She looked to the double doors and then back. "That said, are you ready to proceed?"

The high school relations exchanged glances both among themselves, and with the step functions. "Let's get to it then," Logan concluded, speaking for everyone.

With that, Weierstrass opened the doors and marched inside.

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