In a private lounge of the Dream Labyrinth Tower, Vice Admiral Iceberg Edwina Edwards had once again arrived through a ritual. With her Spirituality nearly exhausted, she rose and bowed to Abner, ready to leave.
But Abner stopped her and handed her a silver card the size of a playing card. "The next time you want to come here, try falling asleep while holding this."
Edwina examined the card. It was beautifully made: the patterns around its edges were artistic, and even the portrait of Doctor Strange on the front seemed three-dimensional. No matter which angle she viewed it from, the figure in the portrait seemed to be looking at her.
The back bore a star chart that gave it an air of mystery.
To an expert in mysticism like Edwina, though, the chart looked as if it might have been drawn at random...
"Is this your attempt to simplify the ritual?" Edwina asked thoughtfully.
"That's right." Abner nodded, but recalling what it had taken to make the card, he unconsciously pressed a hand to his side.
Edwina thought for a moment. Before her body in the dream began to dissolve, she asked quickly:
"Could you give me another?
"I can recommend someone reliable. He can test how well your simplified ritual works right away, and he can help with your Acting."
Abner blinked. He had a good idea whom Vice Admiral Iceberg meant, so he brought up the list and exchanged for another card.
A moment later, Edwina's figure dissolved into motes of light, the two cards in her hands.
Aboard the Golden Dream, Vice Admiral Iceberg Edwina woke from her dream and turned the two cards over in her hands. They seemed to exist somewhere between illusion and reality. She tucked one close to her body, then