I've been thinking on our last conversation. Sorry for leaving so abruptly, by the way—I hope it didn't come off as rude. I guess I was a little overwhelmed by the magnitude of it all. Complex social situations like this aren't something I have a lot of experience with, I've always done my best to be straightforward but as I go through life I've started to realize that isn't always the best approach. There's so many ins and outs and what-have-yous to be counterbalanced, I... I'm glad I have your help, here. And, heh, funny thing, you remember our conversation about names? I realized as I was forwarding this message that I don't actually know your full one, just "Aspen" and the nickname.
Anyway, I hope you're doing well, and I also wanted to know if you or Dr. Genda had gotten that geological data about Pygar for me. I don't know how your S&R op's faring, but I do think it would be good for me to have a side project so that this whole esoteric business doesn't eat up all my capacities—and it does seem like a fun project regardless. I know you'd expressed an interest in such a rover, too.
By the way, I'm working on collating some internal documentation for the mirror project—which I intend for you to have access to, as well—and I realized it needs a codename. What do you think of "SNOWBLIND"?
You've got nothing to apologize for. The weight of all those considerations we have to make, about our task and each other, it's a lot to shoulder all at once. I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed myself. Trust me though, taking time to process it is necessary if we're going to meddle with something of this scope. If I can help alleviate the pressure in even a small way, I'm glad to. Step one of that should probably be telling you my family name's Harlow. Oops.
I'll offer my own sorry, as well, for the delayed response. I've been sheltering for a few days. I'd had a... sobering experience. I'll share it with you soon.
For now, something to ground us would be welcome, wouldn't it? Feeling very much the same right now. The team hasn't set off for Pygar yet, but I'm more than happy to travel there early myself to take scans of the upper caves and general composition for you. It'd make a good test of my terrain negotiation skills and the equipment we've gathered up.
I'm thinking to suggest "SOMNAMBULIST", though your idea's got merit. Which one speaks to you more? And has she asked for any more details, or is she waiting for you to assemble the doc?
She lets out a bit of a forced laugh, amused by the formality but clearly not able to clear her mind from the circumstances.
I like "SOMNAMBULIST", but assuming we get the results we want from this, I'd like to use that for a follow-up.
I'm glad you're alright. It's some dangerous stuff we've gotten ourselves wrapped up in, here. I wouldn't mind coming to Pygar with you, unless you think I'd be a liability—I don't have any experience with caves—but I don't want to impose. Whatever happened recently, it brings me great joy that you're in one piece after it. You know I'm here for you the same as you've been for me, for all of us really, but there's no rush to share the tale.
Raven hasn't brought up the project at all. If you can believe it, her episodes have been getting more frequent, and at this point I'm starting to wonder if maybe Wolf's impulses aren't so disproportionate. But so long as there's any chance that we can help keep her and the rest of us safe, I'm going to work under a "forgiveness over permission" model. No great venture was ever without its perils.
I should have held my tongue, but their response was extremely disproportionate. Lessons were learned on both sides, I suppose—I learned that I need to spend time in the simulator, and hopefully those two learned that they can't push us around like some random traders. I don't know why Raven insists on working with these scum. These absolute idiots are jeopardizing everyone's safety with this shite. Have they brought us anything besides trouble?
Speaking of trouble, did you manage to retrieve the equipment? It was disguised as mining machinery, fifty crates. Please tell me you managed to get out of there safely.
I'm sorry. I messed it all up, bigtime. I'm sure you don't want to hear from me after what happened, but... I need to talk to someone about certain things, and I don't know who else to go to after, well, this. Somehow I think things might just be getting even worse.
I wouldn't bother you if it wasn't important. Please let me know where and when we can meet.
It must be a real something special if you're coming to me and not someone in your society.
I'm lingering at your neighboring Freeport. A lot's weighing on me too, but I can spare some time for you if you need it. Today, or otherwise.
And don't presume. Expectations are fickle things. I've been meaning to speak with you again, in fact.
By the way - you may want to brace for a talking to if you haven't received one already. I had to fill in one of your chiefs on what happened, and she didn't seem happy. I tried to cover for you. Perhaps it'll soften the blow a little.
Seen Revenant's message? She's ok for the moment. Are you going to have time to talk before her little meetup? I've got concerns, and a few curiosities. About you, me, the project.
I've seen it. I need to let her know I'll be there, I've just been nervous to reply, for probably obvious reasons. Anyway, I should be able to meet up with you any time before then. Just let me know and I'll be around.
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