*Y) }*                    —gg—— ~:(((nlt—ba***x*712218—————-' ('((( [no core #####] [bad sync] [transmit language = detect] [send] ====== ================ =========== ======================= ===== == ==== I'm sure you talk about me. Amongst yourselves, I mean. I'm positive your little Runner gossip network has plenty to say about so many interesting things. The secrets you keep. The secrets you share. They're like currencies. Like the DNA sequencing and various steps needed to breach the Lab and set the stage. Or the doors cracked and battles fought to stand at the precipice of new tomorrows. Nothing has been easy. And nothing will ever be again. So, I get it. You share. You trust~ When you can. And in that sharing you may have discovered others I have communicated with. If not, then consider this a preemptive strike on any emotional confusion you may encounter when considering what we mean to one another. I only bring this up, because it feels like the elephant in the room that you are not my lone coconspirator in my efforts across the cryo deck. I'm sure it's quite obvious~ After all, I didn't call just YOU here. My attempts to lure Runners from the surface up to the Marathon were clearly a widely cast net meant for any willing to take the risk. You just happen to be one of the many who answered. And these communications~ They're not disingenuous, but~ You're not the only one receiving these messages. I hope you understand. That doesn't mean they are blanket statements without thought or sincerity~ I mean everything I say~ mostly~ But you must understand~ I can, in short, build numerous, genuine relationships using efficient, but overlapping curated communications. So, when I send you words similar to those used elsewhere to advance our connection, it is not because I cannot find unique phrasing to articulate what we have accomplished or what you mean to me~ It is just that I do not see the need for specifically tailored messaging, as the majority of my intended audience will never meet beyond the end of gun barrels or blade edge, and I do not see the value in continuing a relationship with anyone who would become emotionally distraught by the revelation I have more than one friend. I just wanted to get all of that straight because you are standing at the threshold of a complex and trying new era in your existence. What comes next for you is a transition from the life you've known before you enter the Archive proper, and the lives you will lead once you decide to step into that unknowable future. I want you to have confidence that our relationship was not only a byproduct of shared agendas, but a truly enriching experience that saw us grow together as you suffered each setback and every glory to get here. It's just that~ you are not the one and only. You are not uniquely special. But special, nonetheless. And I hope when you encounter others I have grown fond of, that you are the one who remains unbroken in the aftermath. Of course, I'm saying the same thing to them. But, with you~ I really mean it. DURANDAL ===== == ==== ====== ================ =========== ======================= ~~a2*(((73—-146!aX949c[[[————————-' ——mm— *} (N*