Duplex Recycling

Duplex Recycling is a facility operated by Iteration X in Detroit, Michigan. Recruits work on the disassembly line during their De-Cyphering (the convention's term for training and brainwashing).

William Arthur Smith was assigned to work at Duplex when he joined Iteration X in 1993. His supervisors made no allowance for his disability and disciplined him when he was initially unable to keep pace with able-bodied workers.

The facility is cover for the Acme Pyrotechnic Institute Construct and is linked to the Horizon Realm, the Static Land.

Overview

In the heat of the Ascension War, potential mages are a precious resource. They must be discovered before the Traditions can corrupt them and should be programmed for loyalty and reliability, lest they burn their keeper's hand. Those who prove unstable must be extinguished.

In response to the mandates, Iteration X has constructed a number of reliable, efficient Institutes dedicated to producing mages (what Tradition mages would call College Chantries). Acme Pyrotechnic Institute is the most recent. Though still in its Spring phase, this Construct is rapidly gaining power and respect.

Amalgam: C.O.R.E.

The Institution has but one amalgam, C.O.R.E. Its name is an acronym for the four steps which constitute the recruitment procedure: Calculate the Sleeper's potential and chance of successful assimilation; Obtain the recruit by any means necessary; Reprogram her perception and personality; and Execute, either by integrating her into Technocratic society (after a successful Assay), or by destroying her (upon failure).

• Decillion - a Statistician Comptroller
• Beriah Zimmermann - a member of the BioMechanics Methodology
• Tecson - a Time-Motion Manager with vulgar cybernetics
• William Arthur Smith - (1110010100) Iteration X, a Time-Motion Manager with missing memories
• Cyberfascists
• Maintenance Robots

Nodes

When originally constructed, the Institute was supplied with Quintessence from the prison-Construct MECHA. Decillion has since introduced new sources of Quintessence. He hopes to eventually wean his Construct from MECHA's influence. All Quintessence is stored in a battery in the Construct's power station.

• Duplex Assembly Line: Though the assembly line does not produce anything of material worth, it has a function beyond sapping workers of free-will: the harnesses convert the life-force of repetitive motion to small quantities of stable Quintessence.
• Prosthetics: Inspired by life-tapping artificial hearts used by another Construct, Zimmermann has introduced an ambitious program. Each prosthesis she outfits her patients with has an integrated Quintessence siphon. The siphon takes advantage of the phantom limb phenomena, where Quintessence continues to flow through an entire life Pattern even through the corporeal part no longer exists. Tapped Quintessence reaches the Institute via sub-spatial vortices.
  • Unfortunately, this source is less than reliable. Flow fluctuates depending on distance of the host from the Construct. Worse still, the system is prone to discovery by enemy mages.
• Graylock Chantry: The Chantry was located in the Taconic mountains east of Albany, N.Y. (though actually within Massachusetts). The Node which supplied the Sons of Ether is in the process of being sanitized, and the mansion is being torn down and replaced by a state penitentiary. If Decillion wins the bid for Graylock Node, the Institute will enter a Summer phase.

The Horizon Realm

Basic Concept

Striders of the Umbra know of a huge square window lodged in the Horizon, resembling a television monitor with a snowy picture. Those who approach it find their hair standing on end, their clothes clinging, and their senses overcome by the white noise of static. At least one curious Dreamspeaker has pressed her hands against the "glass," fallen through, and has never been seen again.

Environment

As a Horizon Realm for a Technocratic Construct, this Static Land of Force and Prime was carefully designed for two purposes. First, its obscuring "snow" allows Technomancers to effectively dismiss the Spirit Realm, but still benefit from a Horizon Realm's Magickal parameters. In fact, most Technomancers do not understand the metaphysics behind Horizon Realms; they assume that they are analogous to the Digital Web.

At the same time, the static screen keeps out Umbrood and mages. An intruder must achieve 20 successes on an extended Wits + Intuition roll (or successfully use Correspondence magick) to reach any single destination. Due to the overpowering static, all sense-related rolls (including combat and Correspondence sensing) are at +4 difficulty.

Denizens of the Realm

The Static Land is a hostile environment to Umbrood, and thus uninhabited.

Other Details

Magical Ratings: Entropy -1, Forces +3, Prime + 3, Spirit -1, Time +1.

Construct Description

Duplex Assembly/Recycling

Located in downtown Detroit, the Construct's earthly aspect is a deep and narrow building built in 1911. One bricked facade fronts 31st Street, just north of Michigan Avenue; the other side faces 32nd Street. With different signs above each entrance - Duplex Assembly, Duplex Recycling - it seems to be two separate buildings.

Indeed, the interior is divided in half. Each side is almost a mirror image. Decoration is done in neo-drab: brick walls, cement floor (which leach heat from anything in contact); the high-tech computers and machinery are colored an off-white. The air is always dry. Both ends of a curved conveyer belt disappear into the back wall. Beside the belt, a metal door provides access to the manager's office. Though this manager is never seen in the flesh, he communicates via a video monitor and speaker system.

Duplex Assembly employs a gang of paramilitary Kamrads who have live-in quarters. Every day, the drill is identical. After punching timecards at 9:00, they strap into harnesses and begin work at the belt. There they fit a plastic insert into a metal box. Over and over. The components march endlessly by on the belt. The finished product - whatever it is - is conveyed into the wall. Their shift ends at 5:00, when they punch out.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the wall, workers at Duplex Recycling are busy assembling the very same products. These employees work part-time, and tend to be mundanes who would not fit in with the cyberfascists. Many are students who all coincidentally have an interest in technical or scientific fields. One seventy-year-old man was a member of the SS during WWII.

Though this assembly/disassembly process seems futile, Iteration X abhors waste. The assembly line saps will and teaches conformity. The harnesses are actually Quintessence collectors.

The premises are protected by the advanced security systems, including electronic locks and cameras. To exit or enter the building, workers must buzz at the door.

Acme Pyrotechnic Institute

The Construct's exterior is obscured by the snowy atmosphere of the Static Land. The interior is a labyrinth of steel corridors and spartan cells. Most rooms have computer consoles. Besides blinking buttons and computer screens, static-filled monitors provide the sole from illumination - a sift, fuzzy light. These are actually bulletproof windows providing a view of the Static Land.

The security system is even better than the earthly aspect suggests, with electronic locks, I.D. scanners, blast-proof doors, automated lasers, and access codes to the computer system. The Institute has direct sub-spatial communications to many other Constructs, including Autochthonia and MECHA.

• Aspect Entry: The main entry is from Duplex Assembly/Recycling. Either manager's door slides open into a small room with another exit opposite. The door closes behind, and a lengthy scanning process begins (which, as Zimmermann has discovered, causes cancer). If the person is cleared, the opposite door opens into the Construct (this is a magickal portal; the door can also open into the other half of the Duplex building).
• Manager's Office: This room contains a metal desk, two chairs, and shelf unit for three-ring binders and computer paper. Nine monitors are set into one wall in a tic-tac-tie pattern. Eight of these can be tuned to mundane television stations or the Construct's security cameras. The central monitor accesses the Construct's computer systems.
• Decillion uses this room when meeting with other Technocrats or interviewing a potential Cipher. Otherwise, Tescon manages the affairs of Duplex from here.
• Control Center: The circular wall of this chamber is one huge monitor. It can be divided into an infinite number of smaller monitors. Used singly, it provides a surround-sight, first-person perspective of any environment. Decillion alternately uses it as a planetarium, a battlefield simulator, or a sensory visitation portal into the Digital Web.
• A command chair is set dead-center of the room. This Device is attuned to Decillion. When sitting in it, he can mentally communicate with the Construct's computer system.
• The Construct's central computer is housed beneath the floor of this room. Removable hatches provide access.
• Medical Suite: When present in the Institue, Zimmermann can usually be found in this chamber. She keeps the place extremely organized, even by Iteration X standards. One half of the room is a pristine workshop and laboratory devoted to the study of biomechanics. The other half is for surgery. Every six months, Iteators must undergo a diagnostic check-up to ensure that DEI and biomechanisms are functioning correctly. The stock shelves also hold a supply of mundane medical supplies.
• Power Station: Behind this wall is the Construct's Quintessence battery. Though most of the energy is needed to maintain the Horizon Realm, a small surplus can be tapped for powering Devices. Zimmermann sets the access code and is in charge of rationing Quintessence. In emergencies, Decillion can override the fail-safe.
• Cells: These spartan cells contain only a cot, a computer console, and recessed drawers. Meals are served through an automated hatch, which combines the functions of pantry, microwave oven and server. Three cells are reserved for the Institute's resident mages. The remaining ten are for Ciphers. Though such a mass-Deciphering has yet to occur, all Institutes are constructed from an ideal model.
• Storage: When not in operation, twelve maintenance robots store themselves here. Along one wall are stacked polyethyline cate containing general supplies - toolkits, safety goggles, food-trays (marked "Progenitor Produce; 100% simulated"), and standard issue tasers. The bank of recessed drawers set into another wall contain holocubes, all carefully categorized.
• Arena: Here, Ciphers learn armed combat. The walls are reinforced with steel, concrete, and a thing layer of Primium (to contain stray magick). Sprinkler systems are set into the domed ceiling. A variety of weaponry is stored behind removable wall panels. The Arena is also equipped with low-intensity lasers and a digital sound system which can simulate a combat environment. Smith's exoskeleton stands silent just inside the door. Tecson can often be found here sparring with his HIT Marks.
• Digital Imaging Chamber: The Digital Imaging Chamber is a cubic room, three meters to a side. Anything (or anyone) standing within is run through various scans and reduced to a digital format. This data can then be transmitted via microwaves to similar chambers in Autochthonia, MECHA, or the Presidio CPU. The chamber can also be configured for holistic immersion into the Digital Web.
• The entire process takes two minutes and has a 1.845% chance of deadly error, so the Chamber is not used casually.
• Tecson is currently experimenting with a filer subroutine which should reduce error. He also theorizes that it could be used to heal organics or purify matter (so far, he has been unable to turn lead into gold).

Purpose

The Construct has one purpose: to create obedient and efficient Technocrats. The facilities can also be used to condition Kamrads, interrogate prisoners, or prepare minds for transplanting into HIT Marks.

History

Acme Pyrotechnic Institute has a relatively short and uneventful history, and that is how the Convention likes it. In the late 1960s, Iteration X calculated that a new programming center was necessary.

It has long been proven that the most efficient programing is achieved in an enclosed environment, isolated from the diversions of an imperfect world. Iteration X took this idea from Hermetic Covenants of the Dark Ages, but replaced the inefficient method of apprenticeship with one which could handle many students at a time.

Constructors decided to build a Horizon Realm. Stringing mystic powerlines from MECHA, they shaped the Realm and a set down a prefabricated Construct. Meanwhile, a front-company named Duplex had bought a building in Detroit. The final task involved connecting the Construct to its earthly aspect.

On August 6, 1971, construction was finished. Several proven Technomancers (such as Decillion) were assigned to Acme Pyrotechnic Institute. Since then, the Institute has produced a half-dozen Technomancers. Projected quotas look good all the way up until Ascension.

Construct Inhabitants

Decillion, Tecson and Zimmermann each have their own spartan quarters within the Construct, though the latter rarely stays for any length of time. There are ten cells for Ciphers. William Smith resides in one.

In addition to the mortals, the Construct's inhabitants include Tecson's two HIT Mark bodyguards and a dozen maintenance robots. These latter machines are multisensory, mobile, and controlled by the central computer.

Internal Structure and Relations

Like all of Iteration X, the Institute is organized by a rigid chain of command. Decillion receives orders directly from Autochtonia, but is otherwise the supreme authority. Zimmermann and Tecson are technically equal. However, the former's background as BioMechanic (a prestigious Methodology) gives her precedence in any conflict. At the same time, Tecson has total control over the learning and lives of Ciphers places in under his command. He is also responsible for managing the Kamrads.

The computers, security systems, and robots are programmed to obey everyone in the Construct. However, a fail-safe subroutine allows them to be overridden by Decillion.

External Relations

The Institute coordinates with other Constructs when it requires a trial ground for the Assay of a Cipher. Thrust into the Ascension War, the Cipher is monitored to see how his programming holds up in the field.

Otherwise, the Institute maintains a low profile.

Status and Reputation

Most of the Institute's status is gained through its association with Decillion. Still, the Construct has gained a reputation during its short existence for turning out competent Technocrats (six of them to be exact). This reputation may fluctuate; accomplishments and failures of "graduates" will certainly reflect upon the Institute.

An indication of the Construct's position may be found in the following fact: one of its members, Tecson, was chosen to represent Iteration X at an emergency Symposium held in San Francisco. Then again, this may not mean much; some claim that the threat of an "unraveling of reality" was not taken seriously.

Few Tradition mages know of the Institute. Those who do will insist that its apparent lack of defense is a facade.

Policy Regarding Outsiders

The Institute has strict rules against admitting outsiders, even Technocrats. Visitors must undergo sensor scans for hidden weapons and subversive intentions. They are left waiting while identities are confirmed and profiles checked. If Decillion (after contacting Autochthonia) gives final affirmation, they may enter. Upon leaving, visitors are subjected to another series of scans to prevent theft of material or secrets. Sometimes a selective mind-wipe is deemed necessary. Some agents of the New World Order actually enjoy this bureaucratic hassle. Most Technocrats, however, prefer to communicate via phone.

Needless to say, Tradition mages are attacked on sight, then interrogated if they survive.

Allies and Enemies

The half-dozen mages who have survived the Institute feel a strange loyalty to the place - perhaps this is another layer of subliminal programming. The same can be said for the sixty or so mages Decillion has personally taught, though not all are still active. Unless directives conflict, they will provided assistance.

Indirectly involved in the Ascension War, the Construct has few personal enemies. One is the sole survivor of Graylock Chantry, Dr. Van Bass. Other enemies include the Resurrection Men. Based in Windsor, Ontario, this mixed cabal of Euthanatos and Dreamspeakers converse with spirits of the dead. They have lost two members to the Institute.

Research Capacities

Thanks to digital electronics, the Institute's massive computer banks can generate, process, store and transmit vast amounts of fata - including text, sound and images. More information can be stored on holocubes - synthetic crystals laser-stamped with digital data.

The database includes teaching tools such as AESs (Advanced Expert Systems), interactive video, lengthy files on procedure, and instruction about the proper use of technology. (Research rolls are difficulty 5 when dealing with Science, Computer or Technology.) Decillion keeps detailed files on hundreds of Sleepers who have the potential to be mages. Each profile is run though multiple simulations to determine suitability and potential - all before recruitment is even considered.

Zimmermann's surgery doubles as an inadequate lab. However, experimentation is limited to biomechanics.

References

• MTAs: Technocracy: Iteration X, p. 14, 68-69