>>: Aspen Harlow

[AuruemSaber]

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To: __Aspen Harlow

Sender ID:__. Rebecca Harper

Message Origin:_ ERROR.

Subject:___ Kingpin Visual Confirmation

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Here's the image I promised.

This is Harbinger when he isn't moving. When moving he turns into this sort of... cloud when he is moving.

You see either of those pop up again, you get Levan and the civ's moving.

[Proselyte]

-{Achieving signal linkup... done}-
-{Incoming transmission: verifying... done}-
-{Transmission source: Satellite Relay RH07-02-HRS}-
-{Transmission type: audiovisual. Rendering... done

DR. ASPEN HARLOW

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Hey Becky.

Thanks for the viscon. Don't quite recall seeing it in any documents before... Well, I'll add it to my little research corpus on the matter. It matches the description I was given.

I hope things are well in 59. You're a touch isolated from help, but if any of us can handle themselves in a tough spot, it'd be you. Simply holler if you need a hand. I'll have to contact some old names too for help collating the data I'm gathering.

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-{Transmission complete...}-
-{...Terminating stream}-

[AuruemSaber]

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To: __Aspen Harlow

Sender ID:__. Rebecca Harper

Message Origin:_ Freeport Eight.

Subject:___ Don't worry.

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I was already on my way back when I ran into Rev and a few other familiar faces at Eight. I'll be fine, gonna' see what's going on here then I'm back to Heisenberg anyway.

But cheers for the offer anyway.

Oh, and by the way, no luck on that anomaly.

[AuruemSaber]

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To: __Aspen Harlow

Sender ID:__. Rebecca Harper

Message Origin:_ Heisenberg.

Subject:___ Inverness

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Hey, figured I'd just let you know I'm getting ready to head back to Inverness.

Cheers for the other night though.

[AuruemSaber]

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To: __Aspen Harlow

Sender ID:__. Rebecca Harper

Message Origin:_ Heisenberg.

Subject:___ Not even a goodbye?

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For all I know I'm talking on a dead line.

But Levan told me he went looking for you on Heisenberg and everything was gone, that you left him the codes for the Dandelion.

Look, I don't blame you if you decided to go and sit things out planetside,.. but I thought after everything we've been through, you might have had the common fucking decency to say goodbye or just... something.

Or maybe I'm just a god damn fool who needs to finally wake up and realise that friends are always going to fuck you over.

But, for the moment I'm still holding out hope that Levan was wrong. I suppose only time will tell, but if you didn't do something stupid and get yourself killed. It would be nice to know one of the few friends I got didn't just decide to step out on me without even saying a bloody word to me. Again.

[Proselyte]

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User ID:

Target ID:

Subject:

Aspen Harlow
Rebecca Harper

On The Way Back

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Becky,

Our host should've left a message. As it turns out, Levan was visiting Canaria. He'd gotten into a scrape, and it was the best source of spare parts as he told it. Needed some medical attention as well, but he was well by the time I saw him in the hospital. Well... rocky meeting, in truth, but we're reacquainted.

I garnered a lift from him to return to Liberty to retrieve my freighter. Didn't draw too much attention thankfully, though I was worried by Liberty's finest for a moment. I should be returning shortly. Orrin has likely set up some accommodations, but if not, it's spacious enough here on the Dromedary. I'm not burdening anyone else unnecessarily.

Also --- do you like the badge on the header? You may recognize it, but it's been a while.

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Z-NET ACCESS 4.0 | S E C U R E | BETHLEHEM version 0548.7139442A Copyright Alex Maccabelli, 832 A.S., Confederacy of Freeports - You are using PRO edition.

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[AuruemSaber]

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To: __Aspen Harlow

Sender ID:__. Rebecca Harper

Message Origin:_ Tasarte City, Gran Canaria.

Subject:___ I like it.

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Hm, carrying a piece of home 'round with you. It's nice.

[Rebecca fell silent for a moment, then sighed.]

Suppose some things don't change, do they? I'm sorry things were rocky. Things were similar on my end. It got awkward with Cal when Kris stumbled into us.

Was... well, I'll spare you the details. But yeah, he, uh, well, he knows you're alive anyway, so I figured you deserve a warning there. I didn't tell him you were staying on Canaria, though. I figured that was a choice you shouldn't have made for you.

Anyway, I'm still on our gracious hosts' couch for the minute, so the Dandy sounds good. If you're fine with me crashing on the floor, that is. We can discuss things over a cuppa' when you get back if you'd like. Just you know, try to actually make it back in one piece first, yeah?

[Proselyte]

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User ID:

Target ID:

Subject:

Aspen Harlow
Rebecca Harper

Re: I like it.

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Howdy,

For as vast as the void is, we find each other at very particular times, don't we? Let me worry about Kristoff.

Now, do not worry about having to rough it. No ma'am, this Dandelion is not the one you remember. Levan's had it modernized top-to-bottom at Baltimore, down to the very rivets, and it has become a completely different ship. There are two more beds on-board than before: one folding bunk behind the cockpit and an extra foldout in the berthing compartment, up to three. That's only the beginning. I didn't know a YX could run so... well, efficiently. No longer held together on frantic patch jobs, ritual and prayer.

You'll see. Mom would probably have me over a fire if she saw what's been done to it, but it has treated me well so far.

Well! I did return safely, no shortcuts taken. So, come on over, let's relax and have a look at it. It'll be a busy day tomorrow.

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Z-NET ACCESS 4.0 | S E C U R E | BETHLEHEM version 0548.7139442A Copyright Alex Maccabelli, 832 A.S., Confederacy of Freeports - You are using PRO edition.

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[Proselyte]

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User ID:

Target ID:

Subject:

Aspen Harlow
Rebecca Harper

Living Situation

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Hey Becky,

Hart and I squared away my new apartment, down in the lower city. It's not exactly as luxurious as theirs, but it's my own, and it's a short stroll to get an elevator ride to the bazaar on the upper terrace. All sorts of equipment flows down from Nichols to the shops there. You should take a look, you might find something you like. I picked up some of this rebindable nanotube weave rope you can cut and mend with a multitool without it losing tensile strength, as well as some med-stasis bands. Supremely useful stuff!

You're welcome to stay there and even decorate if you like, though it's not exactly the most comfortable environment. To be honest, a hotel would probably be cozier. I know I would personally rather live outside the city limits, but, it's not a priority until I'm finished with these errands for Orrin. Though, we should really experience the Canarian countryside while there's still some green to it in this cycle. Make it up to you for not landing in a field and making you spacewalk instead. I would bet a freighter makes a wonderful camping aide, don't you think?

I might be flying out for a little while to meet with Levan. While I'm out, maybe you could try to work on getting settled into the area, learning the lay of the land and the culture? I would wager the local authority, too, could use some brief pointers on security when it comes to Corsairs, considering recent events. They took your name down, after all, maybe there's an opportunity to help there.

If there's anything you want me to pick up for you that isn't available on Canaria, it'd be my pleasure. Let me know. The Dandy has a lot of storage space.

[A slight tilt of the head betrays a glint of careful consideration behind her eyes, which fades into the same calm certainty of before as she makes her judgement.]

Ah. One more thing. Best to tell you sooner, than later.

Your buddy Lynch and I shared words in space. Nothing bad, trust me. We spoke about my plans for the future and how I felt about having you with me here. To be honest, I think he was just driven to make sure I wasn't going to be another of your non-regiment friends to leave you in the lurch, after all that elbow grease you put into keeping me kicking. I figure he was satisfied, and it was my preference that you're informed of it. Sweet of him to care. Don't be too hard on him for bringing it up with me. Or, at least, not after any good impressions I made. It at least went better than with... what was her name, May?

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Z-NET ACCESS 4.0 | S E C U R E | BETHLEHEM version 0548.7139442A Copyright Alex Maccabelli, 832 A.S., Confederacy of Freeports - You are using PRO edition.

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[AuruemSaber]

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To: __Aspen Harlow

Sender ID:__. Rebecca Harper

Message Origin:_ Tasarte City, Gran Canaria.

Subject:___ Alex???

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[Rebecca clearly had a look of panic on her face as the recording started. The last part of Aspen's message barely audible and still playing in the background.]

Oh god, I'm so sorry if he tried to-

[The panicked look faded after Aspen's message finished, an almost embarrassed flush came across her face.]

Oh. I- uh, I see that... uh, wow, I didn't really-. Are you sure it was Alex you talked to and not like... Kev, Ant or Jace?

[Rebecca fell silent as her pale face was still unusually red, and remained so as she took a moment to process everything.]

Alright, well, anyway, uh, I'm happy that Alex wasn't too harsh on you and that you made a good impression, but don't beat yourself up over Mayeda. Sometimes I think she just hates everyone other than Charlie. Oh, and Richie I guess...

[She winced as she mentioned that last name, falling silent, likely recalling a fallen comrade, before shaking her head and trying to force a more positive cheer into her voice. To perhaps limited success.]

I can totally swing by the apartment and uh, well, I mean, I don't want to be a bother or leave you feeling like you have no space of your own... but even the comfiest hotel's don't come with fun roommates. I'd be totally down for splitting the rent if you're up for it. But you know asking the soldier who has spent more of her life crashing in places for like five minutes before moving means I've got absolutely no decorating experience but I might be able to go and find a nice potted plant or something of the like. Y'know might give me something to like... go looking for in the shops I guess.

[A burst of energy kicks in as a look of realisation kicks in on her face.]

Oh, that reminds me, since I assume that means you're headed down towards Liberty. My stockpile on the Skyline is running dangerously low and since so far recce has turned up a blank on a source to replenish it. So, you'd be a total lifesaver if you could bring back some Morning Star, Lemon Bolt and Cloudburst. Oh, and if you happen to swing by Bretonia, well, I could use a sleeve or two of Royal Crown Golds. And yes, I know it's a bad habit but I swear it's the only thing that's been keeping me sane the last few months.

Hell, actually, go wild on stocking up on all of those, and I'll pay you back for it!

Oh! And let me know if there is any camping gear you want me to look for here! I don't think you'll find the military recommendations for a campsite to be pleasing. Actually, does it still count as camping if we bring the Dandy?

[She seems to turn to look at something before wincing, this time seemingly out of embarrassment.]

Oh, oh, I did not realise how long I've been rambling here for, sorry! See you when you get back!