Who else has a 'Key of Schuler' or something like it?

Theemile wrote: Or what about a hibernation capsule or 2? is there any in-universe limitation on use of the Hibernation capsules (I don't remember - I do know at least 1 of David's universes has a 6 month rotation rule). Instead of leaving once the war was over and the church restored, the remaining command crew could have taken to their capsules and planned to rotate awakenings periodically to guide the church, with the ability to bring more of the archangels back if needed.

From "How Firm a Foundation" (HFaF) pg 185, Merlin musing about what may be in the Temple.

So far as he knew, no one had ever used the cryo suspension systems for a period greater than thirty or forty years. Theoretically, they were supposed to be good for up to a century and a half. But nine centuries?

Hildum wrote:It has been made quite clear there were no other PICAs brought from Earth. Nor is it likely that any would have been constructed later.

And in any case, you don't need a full blown PICA to house a copied human personality. Any computing system of sufficient power will do the job just fine.

As for lacking a physical avatar, that's in some ways a plus. With a holographic avatar, the Angel only appears as a "spirit" (albeit a spirit in complete control of the Temple or whatever system is he's in) which is even more mystical than having an oh so obviously human body with all the disappointing human frailties that come with it.

Also, any doubting would-be Clyntahns would have a hard time imprisoning and torturing such an angel/demon when they can't get a physical hold of them to begin with.

Ah! But the return is _not_ "Much Anticipated".

In fact, until Paityr dropped that on the inner circle along with the Key, it's very, very likely that he was the only living person who knew anything about it. His stepmother might have been told, although I'm inclined to doubt it, but his siblings were too young to be initiated into the family secrets, even the original ones.

There is zero evidence that anybody of any influence whatsoever in the COGA, other than the Wylsynns, was ever aware that any such thing is scheduled.

martin wrote:

Hildum wrote:It has been made quite clear there were no other PICAs brought from Earth. Nor is it likely that any would have been constructed later.

Clearly there are other TF devices about, such as the wands. However, RFC has not been using them much, even for the devices he has already exposed, such as the verifier, even when their use could have been helpful. Duchairn is not likely to have any, as there is nothing in his history exposed so far which would indicate he would have something.

There is the much anticipated 1000 year return of the Archangels. I'm not sure if there is any mechanism they could use other than by a PICA. Maybe there is, although in HFQ it is revealed that in the TF there were people living permanently within them. Possibly they could return in a form similar Nahmann. If so they would probably be restricted to the temple, but no doubt with control of the bombardment platforms. That could make the 'Real Schueler' an important player.

A Hari Seldon recording would be the easiest and most understandable but our host wouldn't let us down that way.

Expert snuggler wrote:A Hari Seldon recording would be the easiest and most understandable but our host wouldn't let us down that way.

That would be a real double take, wouldn't it...I think it would be funny...

Don

-