Though Nobody had stood before the Curators many times before, they didn't think that they would ever fully adjust to being in the presence of such powerful beings.
Before them sat the three Curators, The Explorer, The Scribe, and The Librarian. It was the latter who first spoke after a slightly uncomfortable silence, "Thank you for coming on such short notice, Wanderer. This problem has only just presented itself, and a response is needed immediately".
Though Nobody typically served their own curiosity, the Curators were able to provide them with further anomalous protection than their nature already provided. It was for this reason that Nobody allowed themselves to serve the Curators on occasion.
"What have you called me for, exactly, Curators?"
As The Librarian opened its mouth to speak, The Scribe interrupted, "An issue has recently come to our attention and we were hoping that you might be able to do some more in-depth digging".
"Yes…" said the Librarian with a slight edge to its voice, "documents have begun disappearing from my-".
The Librarian was yet again interrupted, this time by The Explorer, "The Library."
"Yes, yes, as I was saying, documents have started to disappear from the Library. We have ruled out the possibility of increased thievery following the entropy epidemic, so the cause of this remains to be seen." The Librarian turns toward The Scribe:
"It's rather disheartening to see all of my hard work to organize The Vessel's mind disappearing with seemingly nothing to be done about it; but, that is where you come in." The Scribe turns to face The Explorer:
"We have reason to believe that all of the disappearing documents are being translocated to the prime dimension, as you can see in this letter from the head archivist that we received just within the last hour."
Regarding: The Houdini Dilemma.
Following: Disappearing Documents.
From: The Head Archivist.
To: The Curators.
Apologies for the delay, Curators, our previous communication seems to have been subjected to the very event in question. In response to your inquiry, by our best estimates, documents began disappearing only this rotation. We are therefore surprised that the Curators were not informed of these incidents and offer our sincerest apologies.
Reports from the Vindemiat hoards suggest that documents affected by this "Houdini Dilemma," as it has been voted to be called by The Archivist Delegation, re-appear within the prime dimension. Unfortunately, the Jailors of this plane have noticed the phenomenon. It doesn't appear, however, that there is a current jailing effort and, as far as we know, this is ideal.
The relocation of documents appears to be focused solely on the Stabilis plane. In the event that the Jailors prevent documents from appearing in their plane, the process might simply drift to affect others (perhaps multiple), leading to further displacement. Additionally, the speed and quantity of documents disappearing are growing with each passing tilt. As it would seem, at least for the instant, the Jailors have yet to identify the Library as the source of the Dilemma and, as stated before, have yet to begin the Jailing process (once again according to Vindemiat hoards tasked with observation).
Everyone is familiar with the abstinent position which the Library holds on most outside issues but this, Curators, is preposterous. Many of our Archivists have spoken to us about the pain they feel with each disappearance. We speak not of emotional or even metaphysical pain, dear Curators, no, this pain is purely physical. A burning feeling deep within an Archavist's shell. We are in no place to make decisions on behalf of the Library and yet are compelled as to ask the Curators for their consideration to act upon this Houdini Dilemma.
We again offer our deepest apologies in regards to the delayed communication,
- The Head Archivist.
"I see. What exactly do you need me to do, Curators? Does this not extend beyond the Library? Would someone else not be more equipped for this?"
The Scribe leaned forward in its chair, "You ask a lot of questions, boy. We have made out our decision. You are a talented mage and tracker, if anyone could figure this out, it'd be you".
The Explorer spoke up, "Yes, we need you to find out what is causing this issue and whether or not it can be stopped or slowed, all the while staying undercover and unseen. Nobody can help you".
"Well, that's rather disheartening…"
"You misunderstand me, Wanderer; Nobody, show yourself".
A person in a black suit appeared next to Japhid.
"Wanderer, this is Nobody. Nobody, this is… Japhid". The Explorer then looked at the Wanderer, " I'm sorry for speaking your name aloud child but certain things must be done to please the narrative".
Nobody turned to face Japhid and extended their hand in greeting, "I'm Nobody, it's a pleasure to meet you, Wanderer. I'll be helping you stay out of the spotlight during the next few months-". Nobody held up their hands and faced the Curators, "Apologies, Curators, rotations".
"An issue it is not, we allow plaintime in our offices", says The Librarian.
Nobody returned their hands to a greeting position and Japhid shook them. Nobody's skin was black, like a tear in space and Japhid was unable to discern any of their features, "how peculiar" he thought to himself.
Nobody and Japhid lay crouched on top of a hill looking over a Jailor site. Before they left the Curator's office, The Librarian mentioned how it was not looking forward to shelving this narrative, as it believed that the patrons would not take kindly to those where Jailors were present; they never did. Nevertheless, the Curators insisted this be Japhid and Nobody's first location of interest. All of the missing documents were being jailed here and the staff was constantly talking about the new developments in the Jailing process. Site 77