Private Postcards From the Edge | Lysander

[Verity Stuyveris]

TO: goldenboy@ukatismail.holo
FROM: fizzersweetgirl15@d-well-anonyrelay7.holo
SUBJECT: Is this a hazing?

To whom it may concern ('goldenboy'),

I hesitated to reach out using this method of contact for a few reasons. First, my assumption was that you had probably had enough of me (accurately) describing your little band of sociopaths as genocidal lunatics bent on total destruction of the rules-based order at our first meeting, and beyond that I'm not sure what else there is to say. Second, I assumed it was some sort of trap to get me to say something that your people could then leak in an attempt to discredit me. Then I remembered that everything I say is objectively correct and the only people who could possibly be discredited by it are you and your friends. Third, it seemed like it could be a ruse to get me to expose my location, but my location is generally public knowledge anyway, and in any event, good luck I'm behind seven anonymizing relays.

Finally, I thought it couldn't possibly be serious because goldenboy is one of the stupidest handles I have ever heard of, so it was probably a hazing. Then I remembered that my holo address in high school was based on a candy I had a particular affection for at that age. So perhaps it is authentic after all.

If by handing me your contact information you were signaling I should reach out to negotiate the Covenant's unconditional surrender, I can help, but it should really involve the Chancellor. If you're looking for help defecting with some kind of redemption arc, I can probably help, but I would need many, many assurances. I suspect based on the vigor behind your responses in our discussion that neither is the case, so frankly I'm stumped.

Please explain.

With all due contempt,

FSG15

Lysander von Ascania​

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

TO: fizzersweetgirl15@d-well-anonyrelay7.holo
FROM: goldenboy@ukatismail.holo
SUBJECT: RE: Is this a hazing?

To the party identifying as “fizzersweetgirl15,”

I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised you opened by attempting to assassinate me rather than with usual pleasantries. Your attentiveness is impressive.

But of course, your letter also opens, predictably, in the moral register. We seemed to have resumed our conversation where we left it. You in the moral one, and I in the economic. I suppose that's the Republic's usual currency, no? Personally, I prefer dealing in numbers. They have the advantage of describing this little thing we call reality. I won't fault you for it. Afterall, habit it a powerful thing. But it does make your critique of the Covenant somewhat predictable. If my sensibilities have offended you, just remember, the markets still remain unchanged.

You may keep your seven relays. I won’t trouble myself to follow you through even one. The Covenant doesn’t rely on tracing signals to locate Republic officials. Schedules and public appearances do the work for us. Or anyone, really. The Republic has always been quite fond about broadcasting its movements, no?

In any case, you may relax.

As for the matter of my handle, I regret to inform you it is in fact, very authentic. I do wish I could blame adolescence or say it's some decade old holo account. But no, my training partner coined it somewhat recently. I trust this satisfies your inquiry into my nomenclature?

I almost admire the bravery required to admit your own. Most would have taken that to the grave, or at least to a data‑wipe. It is a rather curious contradiction, given how intent you seemed on drawing blood in every exchange back at Summer Palace. I’ve survived worse, though usually there were at least refreshments involved.

I handed you a contact line, not a thermal detonator, and you’ve already managed to build three theories. The third one was quite bold; I’ll give you that. Are you suggesting I’m in the middle of some personal crisis? Well, it’s far too late for redemption, and I wasn’t asking for it anyway. None of them were close.

Sometimes a message is simply a message.

What if I just wanted to talk without a committee listening in?

I await your reply. You don’t exactly radiate obligations. Certainly not in the way other Senators do.

With my most cordial contempt,

Goldenboy