>>To: Sanae Miyasu - A long overdue message<<

[thisDerius]

Sanae,

It has been... far too long since we last spoke. I won’t make excuses for my absence—not this time. I know I have a habit of disappearing, and I know it’s likely frustrating to hear from me out of the blue, but circumstances haven’t exactly been kind. I’ve spent years on the run—first from The Core, then from ghosts of my own making. For a long time, it felt like all I could do was keep moving, keep surviving.

But that’s changed now. I finally have the chance to breathe.

After The Core stopped chasing me, I turned my attention elsewhere. I went looking for something—pieces of my past, remnants of The Silent Claw, and the data I lost when I became ‘Seth Wither.’ My focus shifted toward something I never expected: rebuilding my AI. The hunt has taken me across Sirius, from wreckage sites to abandoned research outposts. Ontario is my latest lead—I’m here now, trying to make sense of what little I’ve managed to salvage.

---

But enough about me. How have you been? I can only hope the years have been kinder to you than they were to me.

I’ll get straight to the point. I’ve found a purpose. Something I actually enjoy doing. Something that doesn’t involve running or killing. Helping people.

During my travels, I’ve designed and built numerous augmentations and prosthetics for those in need—people left behind by war, by corporations, by the very governments meant to protect them. Their struggles are what pushed me to make a decision: I want to open a clinic, a place dedicated to providing these technologies to those who need them most. But to do that, I need a staging area—somewhere to set up without having to look over my shoulder every second of the day.

Liberty is out of the question. You already know why. Kusari, on the other hand, might be possible. That’s why I’m reaching out to you.

If you have any interest in helping, or even just pointing me in the right direction, I’ll be arriving in Kusari within the next two weeks aboard my frigate. I need a place to start, a foundation to build on. Even the smallest bit of support could make all the difference.

Let me know what you think. Even if you can’t help, it’s good to at least reconnect after all this time. I never forgot the people who mattered.

Your old friend:
John Derius Guerra

---

[Emperor Tekagi]

Liner Sunekosuri, New Tokyo System, House Kusari, 835 A.S

---

Imperial Prime Minister of Kusari - Sanae Miyasu

---

John?

Out of the blue is an understatement. How long has it been, ten years? It appears you were quite busy during that time, always on the chase and being chased. That sounds awfully familiar, just why do my old friends have a tendency to end up like this? It is good to know that another one of them did not just disappear to die somewhere in a remote corner of space though.

As for myself: I guess you were too busy trying not to die to keep track of House affairs - even less so Kusari's. Upon returning to Kusari, I've entered the world of politics straight away and as you may figured out by now, managed to score an unprecedented career for a woman. When you were busy losing Core trackers and trying to track down intel yourself, I was busy navigating the political game in similar fashion. I don't know if you remember my "Sister" - you know that Lane Hacker affiliate - but she's played a pivotal role here. But enough of that, we can catch up in detail another time.

I did not expect you to come barging in with a request like that but it seems you're one lucky man, John. As it turns out, success in politics requires a stable footing in economy too and I just so happen to have utilized the old family businesses and expanded them over the years to grant me more soft power and influence on various key points the Keiretsu are constantly fighting over. I can tell you, trying to steer a small corporate network between these corporate giants whilst presenting yourselves as intermediary bridge is not an easy task. Why am I telling you this? Among these institutions my family keeps a hold on is the Miyasu Health Foundation, aiming to provide financial assistance to medical institutions otherwise unable to receive sufficient funding due to bureaucratic hurdles. One of these institutions, the Tenmei University Clinic of Applied Cybernetics in Akashi City, Honshu, might be a good pointer for you.

Do tell me if you wish to properly catch up. I might be able to squeeze a time slot into my usual schedule.

In service of Kusari,
Imperial Prime Minister Miyasu

---

[thisDerius]

Imperial Prime Minister… Wow.

I have to admit, that title carries more weight than I ever imagined you taking on. But if anyone could rise to that station, it’s you. I’m truly impressed—and happy for you. You’ve climbed higher than most would even dare to dream, and I have no doubt that you’ll handle it with the same strength and conviction you always have.

That being said, politics have never been my cup of tea. I had my fair share of dealing with them during my time as a Commodore in the 5th Fleet, and I can’t say I miss it. Diplomacy, bureaucracy, backroom deals, power struggles… all of it a far cry from the simple, brutal honesty of survival out in the void. At least out there, when someone wants you dead, they don’t wrap it in polite words and political maneuvering.

Still, I’m glad it’s you sitting in that seat. If Kusari is in your hands, then maybe there’s hope for some stability.

---

Now, as for my own affairs, I have to admit—your suggestion caught me off guard. The University? Me? A professor?

The thought is almost amusing. What exactly would I teach? A bunch of kids barely past puberty, fresh-faced and eager, dreaming of adventure? What could I possibly give them beyond a harsh reality check?

I suppose I’m overthinking it. It would be interesting, though. Maybe there’s something worthwhile in passing down knowledge before I take it to the grave. Or maybe I will just make do with helping those in need in the end.

---

Anyway, I’ll make sure to contact the University soon and see where that leads. In the meantime, I have something far more tangible to offer you.

I’ve compiled a list of schematics for several cybernetic enhancements—not just for the University, but for you as well, if you ever have any need for them. Some of these designs have the potential to be game-changing, but I’d prefer they never be used for senseless killing. Cybernetics should be about restoring and improving life, not turning people into better weapons.

Then again, that’s a line the galaxy has blurred time and time again.

I won’t get sidetracked with my thoughts on that now. If you’re available, I can make time to jump into Kusari and meet you personally. Just tell me when and where, and I’ll be there.

It’s been too long since we’ve spoken face-to-face.

John Derius Guerra

---

[Emperor Tekagi]

Liner Sunekosuri, New Tokyo System, House Kusari, 835 A.S

---

Imperial Prime Minister of Kusari - Sanae Miyasu

---

John.

The entire house in my hands? That would certainly be interesting to think about but I am hardly interested in ascending to the throne myself. I'm the head of the legislature and formal head of the Civil Diet. I am quite far away from any real means of control over the grand scheme of things but I am capable of acting as a controlling factor and steering the nation on some issues almost autonomously - that is plenty already.

Returning back to my suggestion, I did not intend to propose you to work as Professor at this University Clinic but rather to seek them out for additional pointers. In regards to your direct offer, I believe something could be worked out there. Whereas the Miyasu Zaibatsu does not include any cybernetic company at this point, something like this could easily come to life with finished schematics in our possession. Considering our investment into medical institutions, it might just be the perfect next step in aiding the general public. Your condition not to see these augments utilized for militaristic purposes is noble, though you might wish to be aware that the Miyasu Zaibatsu at large is lately leaning towards tighter cooperation with Kishiro Technologies. This translates into a real risk of corporate espionage by their side, as several of their subsidiaries are currently standing as larger providers of cybernetics and augments to the sector. So we best be on our toes moving forward with any business related ideas like this.

I would not mind a face-to-face meeting at all, you give me a time and date though. It might seem strange but it is easier shuffling my schedule around in response to inquiries than the other way around. I will give you the location, New Tokyo orbit.

In service of Kusari,
Imperial Prime Minister Miyasu

---

[thisDerius]

A man can have ambition, can he not?

Maybe the idea of teaching isn’t as far-fetched as I initially thought. It could be a good side hustle, something to keep my mind sharp in between my usual work. There’s something oddly appealing about guiding the next generation—passing down what I’ve learned so that, hopefully, they don’t have to learn it the hard way.

Or maybe I just like the thought of sitting in a lecture hall instead of a battlefield for once. Who knows?

Regarding the corporate espionage issue, I understand the risks involved. Cybernetics are a valuable asset, and there will always be those who seek to steal, weaponize, or exploit innovation for their own gain. But I think I can work around it. I already have some countermeasures in mind—failsafes, layered security protocols, and ways to ensure that whatever technology I develop remains in the right hands. It will take time, but I’m confident I can establish a secure system once my operation is fully set up.

---

That brings me to my next point.

I’m willing to help you and the Miyasu Zaibatsu with this as soon as I have a solid foundation in place. You’ve extended an opportunity that I wasn’t expecting, and I’d be a fool not to take it seriously. I appreciate the trust you’re showing me.

You can expect me to reach out within the next week regarding a meeting time. I want to handle this properly, and I’d prefer to meet under the right conditions. There’s a lot to discuss, and I’d rather not rush things.

For now, though, I’m heading back into Ontario. The anomaly there still demands my attention, and I need to see what more I can uncover. If it proves useful, perhaps it’ll give me an edge in my work—or at the very least, provide some much-needed answers.

Until then, take care. We’ll talk soon.

John Derius Guerra

---

[Emperor Tekagi]

Liner Sunekosuri, New Tokyo System, House Kusari, 835 A.S

---

Imperial Prime Minister of Kusari - Sanae Miyasu

---

John.

Good luck out there. Ontario is probably among the most volatile systems within the core worlds to visit at this moment.
I hope to hear from you about the date and time soon.

In service of Kusari,
Imperial Prime Minister Miyasu

---

[thisDerius]

Hello, Sanae.

As luck would have it, I have managed to make my way into Kusari with both of my vessels yasterday. I took a big shortcut that has allowed me to avoid the blockade.

I can meet you tonight at 21:00 Standard Sirius Time, at the New Tokyo Orbit.

I hope you can make it.

John Derius Guerra

---

[Emperor Tekagi]

Liner Sunekosuri, New Tokyo System, House Kusari, 835 A.S

---

Imperial Prime Minister of Kusari - Sanae Miyasu

---

John.

That should be doable on my side. I will expect you onboard the Sunekosuri then.

In service of Kusari,
Imperial Prime Minister Miyasu

---

[thisDerius]

Sanae,

I want to assure you from the start—this is not a farewell, nor does it mark the end of anything. I simply wanted to inform you of my departure from Kusari, at least for now.

A few weeks ago, I set out for Omicron Delta in search of answers—specifically, to decrypt a complex and deeply embedded encryption within an old cyber-prosthetic that I once used. What started as a search for technical knowledge quickly turned into something much greater.

My efforts bore fruit, and I was fortunate enough to establish contact with Phoenix, a prominent group within the Zoner community. After several discussions, they have agreed to assist me in my research. In return, I have chosen to extend my own expertise to them, offering my knowledge in hopes of advancing technology in a way that truly benefits those in need.

This collaboration opens new doors—not just for my personal quest but for the work I have always aspired to do. If things go as planned, this could mark the beginning of a real initiative to distribute much-needed advancements to those who would otherwise never have access to them. That, in itself, is reason enough for me to pursue this path.

For now, I will be moving beyond Kusari’s borders, traveling throughout Sirius as I continue my work. I wanted to make sure you were informed, and I want you to know that if you ever need anything, I am keeping this comm channel open for you. No matter where I am, I will answer.

Take care of yourself, Sanae. Until next time.

John Derius Guerra
Independent Researcher & Specialist in Cybernetics and Advanced Technologies