Laszlo steps out in his formal Postmaster's uniform, black trousers with a forest green jacket, the polished gold buttons showing the emblem of the Postmasters. A large quantity of gold braid is knotted on his shoulders. As usual of late, he is wearing the sabre the king presented him, and the golden spurs of the Order of Ganelon, which jangle on his mirror-finish high black boots.
"For your consideration Your Majesty, I am pleased to propose the Amber Light Railway project. We are interested in reducing the time it takes to make deliveries to key points in the Amber hinterland. Despite improvements in the network, it has become clear this cannot be accomplished by existing methods.
The proposal utilises early industrial revolution methods to allow for mass transit without creating technological blight or unnecessary pollution. It will require:
Even lengths of wooden rail lain on flat beds of packed earth
and sand. Way stations equipped with fresh horses along the route. Quality robust rolling stock able to carry a variety of cargoes. Trained personnel and a patrolled route. If approved, it is proposed the pilot scheme will be a direct non-stop service from the Postmaster's Office in Viallevale to the City of Amber. If successful, the scheme will be extended to other rural areas across the hinterlands.
The benefits of this system are, in brief:
Reduced wear-and-tear on the high maintenance road system Reduced need for security and patrols Fast and efficient low-maintenance service Publicly owned transports that are routinely checked by the
Postmasters, removing the need for random searches of
private vehicles. To this we received the following reply:
The department of the Postmaster is invited to work up bids and submit them, as well as others that may be able to deliver. Bids need to be submitted for each phase, and if the Postmaster's office is low bidder, they shall be awarded the portions of the full contract. If not, then lowest bidders will be subcontractors under the Postmaster's Office. Guilds are to be given the same opportunity as non Guild, and if they win contract, they shall be awarded.
The Office of Public Works requests that a representative from the Postmaster's Office be sent to a meeting to discuss the finer details of the system so bids for the first stage can be let. As well as fee structures... the Office of the Lord Mayor of Amber City is also invited to send a representative.
Our response:
Fee structures are provisional and are subject to review once passenger numbers and needs have been quantified. This project was first conceived as a free service, but if Public Works and the Mayor wish to levy a charge, the PMO will implement this.
In summary, there appears to be a reluctance to proceed with this urgently needed project without going through a bidding process which will only serve to delay. Therefore I present it to you, Your Majesty, in the earnest hope you will provide immediate approval."
In summary, there appears to be a reluctance to proceed with this urgently needed project without going through a bidding process which will only serve to delay. Therefore I present it to you, Your Majesty, in the earnest hope you will provide immediate approval."
The Postmaster General bows, and withdraws.
Oberon nods,"You have Our Permit to begin this project but cost overruns will not be tolerated. You will need to work with all local governments and obtain their permission in their lands. Moreover, We are appointing Breyd as your assistant to aid you in this project and she is to ensure that all due probity with cost and that all laws and customs are observed."
Breyd lifts her chin from her hand and abandons staring out the windows to regard the Postmaster General for a moment. Her mouth tightens fractionally as she gazes at Oberon, but she remains silent and makes no other sign that she has heard.
Oberon listens and his face is expressionless for a moment.
"Good luck the both of you. And don't let Rory be your main supplier. I may delight in some of my red headed grandson's activities but I'd sooner trust another red critter, the red fox, in a hen house." Oberon says with a slight smirk to Rory.
"Your Majesty!" Rory exclaims in mock shock. "I almost think that you're suggesting that I might stoop to unscrupulous business activities." He grins at Laszlo. "For a fine, upstanding fellow like our Postmaster-General, I can always arrange for a *very* special deal."
Laszlo merely raises his eyes to the heavens.
"Rory, you would never stoop to unscrupulous business activities or practices,"Oberon says smirking,"You stand up and sprint towards it."
"Grandfather," Breyd drawls with a poker-face and penetrating eyes, "I'm sure Rory would rather chance his personal vision of truth striking home here and there in the chaos of public opinion than attempt to filter it through a few sets of official, honourably public-spirited scruples. After all, kites rise highest against the wind, not with it."
"Good." Oberon says to her, "Filter away, girl."
Julian says to Gerard,"Didn't Oberon do that before to have Fiona check Bleys and Brand."
Gerard yups then adds,"Takes a redhead to beat a redhead."
This text is copyright © Craig Lucas, Beth Major, Paul Schaefer, and Alan Wake; "Amber" is copyright © Roger Zelazny; "Amber" the diceless RPG is copyright © Phage Press. No copyright infringement is intended.
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