Projector Operation

In order for a projector to dispatch
a conveyor, the conveyor must be
positioned on the projector’s stage
and “ready”: programmed, powered-
up, etc.
To retrieve a conveyor, the projector
must be focused on a specific universe
within two quanta. If a “ready” con-
veyor in the target universe occupies a
point congruent with the stage, the
projector snatches it back. Since “real
time” interdimensional communica-
tion is impossible, retrieval operations
rely on setting pickup times and alter-
nates. For example, a cautious pene-
tration expedition might arrange to
have a projector turned on once every
24 hours. If they don’t want pickup,
they won’t power up their conveyor.
It is relatively straightforward to
use a projector to dispatch or retrieve
a quantum or two-quantum conveyor
over a one-quantum distance (e.g.,
from Q5 to Q4 or Q6, or vice versa),
provided the conveyor has an operat-
ing, calibrated field generator.
To dispatch or retrieve a two-quan-
tum conveyor over a two-quantum
distance (e.g., from Q5 to Q3 or Q7, or
vice versa) is trickier. A conveyor with
an operating, calibrated field genera-
tor isn’t enough – transit is only possi-
ble under special conditions, and
these can only be predicted about four
hours in advance. (Every hour, roll 3d.
On a result of 7 or less, an hour-long
window will open in four hours.) Only
the computers and instruments on the
projector can make this prediction;
those in the conveyor have no option
but to prepare for pickup and wait . . .
and wait . . . and wait.