Closed Network: Decisions

[ambitious_muse]

Dear friends and family,

I owe you an apology. Many apologies, actually, and more gratitude than I could ever express.

It's been two weeks since... well. Since everything happened. I'm back in school now, mostly. Except for Tuesdays and Thursdays, because those were the days when F-- when H--

Let me try this again.

You're hearing this message because I don't know how to say any of this to everyone, other than to make a post like this. I want you all to know that I refuse to give up. I'm moving forward in school and pursuing my dream of studying plague science.

But there is a price to that dream. One that I've discovered will either have to be paid to Charon Industries and its subsidiaries, or risked to the mercenaries of Adaptive. Yes, Omega, I can get you data if you'd like. The bottom line is, the things I want to study could cost me my life. Or worse, they could cost me any of you. I'm not going to risk that ever again. So, I'm taking some new precautions.

By the time you get this message, I will working a new part-time job. One that will not only allow me to pay my bills and save for graduate school, one that will help me to keep myself safe, and you all safer. Effective immediately, I'm now a data analyst for the International Fixer Federation. My primary job is interpreting scientific data for use and redistribution to clients. Basically, it's my job to take what Charon and their cronies do and help to make it public. Hopefully, this will earn me the friends and contacts that I--or my identity under my current false name--will need to be a successful independent researcher someday.

My mercenary status has changed. Instead of Felix being my sponsor, Louisiana's name is now on my paperwork. I'd like to keep it that way. When--yes, when--she comes back, I will continue to train with her. Because working with mercenaries isn't enough if I don't know how to defend myself.

I love you. And if you're disappointed...I'm sorry. But this is what I need to do.

Wish me luck.

Comments

[wanderingmemory]

Sigma, you're learning something I figured out a while back. Sometimes... We need to do things. They aren't always the easy thing, and some people will get on your ass about this...

But doing what you feel you need to do is important. Risks or no. I wandered for a reason, and it was a good one to me. Regardless of what others might have thought.

And whatever happens, I have your back.

[ambitious_muse]

Thank you, Epsilon.

Hey. We can do this. You taught me that.

[wanderingmemory]

You can do anything you put your mind to. And it will work out. Now, I've probably painted a giant bullseye on myself for the ones that don't like this... But I don't care.

[ambitious_muse]

If they're too upset, I have a couch you can bunk on. We'll stick together.

[wanderingmemory]

I know... But I don't think they'll throw me out.

[ambitious_muse]

Nah, but if you want to get away.

...When you got shot, did you--how long did it take for the dreams to stop?

[wanderingmemory]

I'll keep that couch in mind.

You having nightmares? It took a little while. And they still happen at times.

[ambitious_muse]

Plenty of them. I have a lot of trouble sleeping.

[wanderingmemory]

I don't think getting shot is likely quite the same, Sigma. It was over quick.

[ambitious_muse]

The chase wasn't the worst part?

[wanderingmemory]

It was terrifying. Knowing any moment, I could die. Knowing I was running and that any time, I could die.

Actually looking back. That was the worst of it. The pain sucked... But I was rescued quickly. I just... Remembered the pain, and remember what almost happened.

[ambitious_muse]

Maine found you, right?

He's a good guy.

I feel like we're lucky in the mercenaries we know.

[wanderingmemory]

I called Omega when I first realized I was being followed... I told him not to come himself, when he would have. He offered to send Maine. And I am thankful for that every day since. I would be dead otherwise.

We're very lucky.

[ambitious_muse]

We really are. Lucky to have him, lucky to have our friends...

But lucky to be here, too.

[wanderingmemory]

We're lucky in a lot of ways, Sigma...