I don't know if you'll ever pick this up. I don't know where you are, I don't know what kind of war you're fighting now. I hope this message finds you well, if at all. I don't know if you're even using your old neural net routing code anymore. Rebecca told me you're somewhere out there, but I am not sure where.
I... think I miss you a lot. A lot has happened since we thought you were gone. I ended up being at odds with so many crowds, I met a lot of people, I've seen a lot of different places, and seen so many things happen while you were gone. Some good, some bad. Things I'd love to share with you one day. If it's not possible for us to be pals anymore, then I'd love for us to be netpals. Only if you want, I mean. You could... simply trash this transmission and move on with your day. I'd understand if you'd rather take a berth from me and everything negative I brought into your life. Think about it, if you have the time.
... I'm just hoping you're okay, my friend. Things are rough without you. You made the world a little brighter when you were here.
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Even now, you do keep me guessing. "Everything negative" you brought into my life? I'm not really certain why people have a hard time understanding that I chose every bit of the turmoil we've held on through. It wasn't an accident, and it wasn't coincidence.
And it's no accident that I'm answering this. If you're willing to reach out, then so will I.
Let's meet someplace. I'm told you turned into a mailman. Think you may be able to time a delivery to Barrier Gate, sometime soon?
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Whoa. I had no idea you would reply so quickly-- I-- I thought you were gone for so long. Hearing you again, it's-- I'm getting choked up.
I am so glad you're okay. Thank you for coming through for me.
Erm, yes. I am a mailman now, I guess. Gotta make a living in these wild colonized solar systems somehow, right? I can visit Barrier Gate, I've heard they went through some major restructuring there lately. I wonder if I can stick my name on the job board there...
Just... erm, let me know when! I'll make sure to rock my suit, it's the only one I have stashed here in my Rhino. I'd like to appear somewhat presentable for a change.
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Mmhm. Believe me, I had far lower expectations for my own survival. We both have our own sordid messes to share. How's later today?
Well-... I do have a rendezvous planned already in a few hours, but reaching Coronado shouldn't be difficult afterward. I'm beyond lucky to have access to a ship at all, really. Let me know if that's suitable. No need to lose sleep over the dress code. This is me we're talking about.
And... it's good to hear you too, bud. Despite it all.
But, let's not linger on it. Instead, imagine the ramen shop up there. The Net reviews of that establishment are pretty promising.
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Promising? My God, you don't know half of it. Salty broth goodness. I'm getting famished by just thinking about it. I know just the place.
I am fine with meeting with you today. Heck, I'll be there soon myself. Though... uh, you might want to keep an eye out. This place is very crowded lately.
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That was not how I predicted that night going. Your friend Aria is quite hyperactive for a former Technocrat. I see why you get along! How did you never tell me about her before?
At any rate, I returned to Canaria to receive my tasks on behalf of my... I suppose "benefactor" works. He'll have me visiting a few long-range satellites and various shipyards throughout Sirius for a little bit. I may even need to employ the Dandy to move parts to them on occasion. It is a short-term arrangement, but necessary. I also spoke with Brad about SLRC and his projects - he's become the director now. The colony ship they're still sponsoring has garnered a bit of a reputation - considering acquiring a room there, it sounds like a stimulating environment. Far from comfortable, though, if he's to be believed!
But, the short-term comes first.
So much has happened with them, too. Montgomery is still missing. His daughter was found after being marooned for years. The Dreamscape is adrift someplace, pending recovery. I'm left all too aware of how much I have to relearn.
You're always welcome to come this way, though. I'm staying in Tasarte, a city on Canaria, not far off the capital. Becky has been with me for a time, keep in mind. And it is thanks to her I'm still here, so do call ahead before you come. Or, ring me if your tasks take you this way and I'd be glad to take your wing and fly along.
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// FILE INFORMATION: \\ File name:"Please ma'am, don't fire me, I'll wear my hardhat next time I promise" File size:12.11 GiB File type:Visual recording, including (0) attachments
Mmm... Tasarte...? It's quite the exotic name for a city on a planet in the fringes of the Walker. Tell me - how's the weather over there? What is the general atmosphere you're getting? How are the locals like? Last time I've been on Gran Canaria, it was cold and freaky. Nowhere near as inviting and lukewarm as Denver. Brrrt. A room in a colony ship sounds so much better, honestly - you get to have the thrill of being in space every day, and there's lots of people, and... um. On... second thought, maybe not.
Moving on - you said you were doing satellite work now? Such as... maintenance? And visiting shipyards too? What, are you the new workspace safety and health overseer now? Should I go to my nearest construction site and ask the workers to give me one of their hardhats? And do you want me to start calling you Mrs. Harlow, too? And shall I... perhaps bribe you with a chocolate box in the shape of a heart in case I'm caught around you without one? That usually wins the hearts of people like yourself. Although, I seriously doubt it would work with you in particular.
Jokes aside, I seriously hope this works out for you. And the same goes for you, by the way - if you ever need my help with anything, you know how to get my attention. I will be over there in a jiffy.
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Your situation just got much worse. Open bounty, 500,000 credit count. Appears your shadows are a bit more dedicated than we thought. You're not out of the woods yet, anymore. Stay focused and you can still make it.
Let's see, leaning on experience here... well, you still want to blend into a crowd and avoid drawing attention, but your current location is definitely the wrong crowd. They want freelancers or mercenaries to do their bidding, and you're right at a nexus of them. Get out of there as quickly and quietly as you can. Leave the Falchion, or hide it immediately after you depart. The longer you keep it, the clearer a trail you create. I'm not far, and I frequent the station if you need transport, but if we're to be wise, the less of us that know where exactly you are, the better.
From there... Canaria's a flytrap for bounty hunters, and you're close to allies, but it's not perfect. Planet Harris is fairly remote and less surly. And perhaps you have better options from others, but if you absolutely require a second set of hands, here I am.
Whatever you choose, though, don't stay there much longer. It's a matter of time until someone discerns who you are.
Make a choice, and move. And be careful.
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User ID:__Aspen Harlow
Target ID:__Lazurith
Subject:__Start Over?
Hey, Laz. Guess who?
I know, we didn't part on great terms. So why am I calling now?
Well... regret, for my part. I didn't exactly pick the best time to... lay it all out for you. Not right after what those Rogues put you through.
I guess I lost my temper, and I let it out on you to try and find some catharsis. That was... quintessentially dumb. I'm sorry for putting that on you. I'm only just finding my center at the end of another crazy year, everything that's happened, but there could've been a better time to tell you about my frustration. I apologize.
So... my work is in a lull spot right now, and I've been flying on my own time more and more. I might just resign and rely on the Dandelion to keep me financed so I can focus on answering some burning questions. My CV's going to be worse off for it...
If you're taking jobs in spite of the danger, think you'd be open to me taking your wing sometime? Safety in numbers?
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