Robert enters a side-door into the Many-Worlds pub and sits down at a table in the shadows where nobody can see him. He then pushes a special button under the table that only he knows about. At that moment the bartender sees a message light up on his display that says ...
Urgent! Bring Robert a Beer at his Secret Table!
Robert places his head on the table as he smiles in satisfaction and recalls the day he had his secret button installed, and the many times he has entered the pub unnoticed to enjoy his beer and watch the craziness in the pub. Today the community is making demands of him. "They have certainly coordinated their attacks", Robert thinks. "And I don't even know what Alchemy means", he mumbles. Robert's mumbling into the table continues, "Isn't Alchemy the changing of a metal, like lead, into Gold? Why in the mad world do they want to do that? Could there possibly be more to Alchemy?". Roberts thoughts race from one possibility to another but soon his thoughts disappear as he relaxes his mind. His breathing becomes more relaxed and rhythmic and he thinks he can feel a special, almost magical calm overtake him. "I am so calm and relaxed." are Robert's only thoughts as he slowly raises his head and ....
SCREAMS LIKE A GIRL!
The pub is momentarily filled with a very high pitched screaming noise, much like that of a very young girl. The patrons are suddenly quite and look around for the source, but seeing nothing, soon resume their conversations.
Carly is sitting across the table from Robert, staring him intently in his eyes. "Was she here when I sat down, or did she arrive while my head was on the table?" Robert wondered. Robert is very startled because he does not often see Carly in human form, especially here in the pub. Robert can not think of what to say, but then asks Carly, "What is Alchemy?". "I've been waiting here for you", Carly replies...