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,,The wind's cold. And everything always seems just a little too quiet. It's a relief to hear footsteps crunching through the snow, even if I can't see who it is.
<<timed 1s t8n>>It can only be one of two people. The scientist, or the guard. Sunday, so it's probably the scientist.
<<next>>He arrives with a letter in hand, on schedule as he does every week, cheeks already red from the cold. He looks tired, (when doesn't he?) but smiles.
<<next>>[[Take letter silently|Silent]]
[[Talk to him|Talk 1]]<</timed>><<widget "redact">><<set _text to $args[0]>><<capture _text>><<linkreplace _text>><span class="redact">_text</span><<set $redact to true>><</linkreplace>><</capture>><</widget>><<set $redact to false>>
<<set $trust to 0>>
<<set $guard to 0>>
<<set $lemon to false>>He has his work to do, and I have mine. He seems to realise I'm in no mood for idle chitchat, and as I bend my head over my desk, he stands there only for a moment before I hear him walking away through the snow. I wait for the sound to get far enough away before I turn to the letter for inspection, ready to redact what information might be too sensitive for public disclosure.
<<linkreplace "Inspect" t8n>>I flip it over wth a faint sense of boredom. There's never anything exciting that he tries to smuggle into the envelopes, or any doodles that could possibly be a code. As always, the letter looks normal enough, the envelope's return address is the post office of the nearest outpost rather than the facility itself, as all workers have been instructed.<</linkreplace>>
[[Read|Read 1]]<<set $trust++>>"You look tired." Stating the obvious, but the obvious is the only way I know how to open conversations. It's either 'you look tired' or 'it's cold', and neither has changed since we started working here. He doesn't seem to mind. In fact he seems to appreciate the fact that I noticed. He doesn't strike me as someone who gets to talk to people much. Or have people notice he's tired.
"Just a little. It's been a few later nights than before. There's an important test soon. We're not ready but they won't move it. But what's a few sleepless nights in the face of a schedule?"
"Maybe someday they'll schedule a few rest days for you."
He laughs a little, an unusual but welcome sound in the quiet, chill air as he moves away with a lighter step. "That's something to hope for."
<<linkreplace "Inspect" t8n>>Nothing to report. Nice and harmless<</linkreplace>>
[[Read|Read 1]]@@#letter;
Dear Nadja,
It's cold up here, but not so lonely as long as I have ink in my pen. I miss you all, so very much. If I could, I would leave right now and come back home. <<redact "But I'm not sure they would let me. I've never seen anyone leave for anything other than official work under supervision.">> The project is a long and a difficult one, but we work hard and it surely can't be long. I hope to see you soon.
All my love,
Van@@
[[Send]]<<set $redact to false>>
A new week, and he looks even more tired than usual.
<<timed 1s t8n>>I didn't think that was possible, but he's found new depths of fatigue I've never seen on a man's face. He looks as if he hasn't slept in five years, and irritable on top of it as he hands over the letter with a curt little nod.
<<next>><div id="choices">\
<<link "Take letter silently">>
<<replace "#choices">><<if $trust is 0>>What he gets up to at work frankly isn't my business. He probably has a difficult deadline and I'd rather not interfere.<<else>>It looks like his test didn't go well after all. But he doesn't look like he's in any mood for questions or sympathy, so I'm better off minding my own business.<</if>>
<<linkreplace "Inspect" t8n>>Nothing to report. Nice to see efforts are being made to make my work easy for me.<</linkreplace>>
[[Read|Read 2]]<</replace>>
<</link>>
[[Talk to him|Talk 2]]
\</div><</timed>><<if $redact is false>>I send it as is. I'm not so sure I should have done that, it's certainly not what my job is for. But he so clearly looked like he needed someone to talk to. He's just a tired, lonely man, where's the harm in it? I just hope nobody finds out I'm not doing what I'm meant to.<<else>> It would just make my job so much easier if he wouldn't bad-mouth our employers. But a job well done, I put it in the pile.<</if>>
It's only a few days before a response comes for him. I can hear the guard's heavy boots as she comes in to collect the letters for distribution. Always on time, mostly quiet.
<<linkreplace "Say hello" t8n>><<set $guard++>>My greeting gets a bit of surprise out of her, but she gives me a gracious nod.<</linkreplace>>
[[Read it|Readrep 1]]<<set $trust++>>"You look like Hell."
He snorts, a snort from deep in his very soul. "I feel it."
He's silent for a moment, and then he suddenly asks "Why are we really doing all this?"
I severely remind him that it's safer we don't pry, and he nods, but looks unsatisfied.
<<linkreplace "Inspect" t8n>>Nothing to report. Nice to see efforts are being made to make my work easy for me.<</linkreplace>>
[[Read|Read 2]]@@#letter;
Nadja,
There's something about the project that's beginning to bother me. It's supposed to be revolutionary, the thing that will finally let us terraform beyond our little outposts and enclosed towns, but now I wonder. <<redact "I stayed behind to catch a glimpse of who we were giving the test for. I saw uniforms. The military? I'm not sure it's a good idea to hand them our work. What would they even use it for?">> And they're very demanding 'clients' so the work is just getting harder as we put the machines through test after test.
Van@@
[[Send|Send 2]]<<set $redact to false>>Days give way to another Sunday.
<<timed 1s t8n>>And if tiredness gives way to more tiredness, irritability seems to give way to a bone-deep frustration. The man looks as if I could blow on him and he would fall over, no, break apart completely.
<<next>><div id="choices">\
<<link "Take letter silently">>
<<replace "#choices">>I take the letter without a word. He just rubs at the space between his eyes and moves off, dragging his feet through the snow as if he can barely keep upright.
<<linkreplace "Inspect" t8n>>There's ink splotches on the paper, as if he slammed the pen down too hard in a few places, and a few creases on the edges. Whatever the matter is, he seems like he's taken a lot of it out on the letter itself.<</linkreplace>>
[[Read|Read 3]]<</replace>>
<</link>>
[[Talk to him|Talk 3]]
\</div><</timed>><<set $trust++>>His face is mutinous, he's in no mood for idle chatter or obvious observations.
"They're treating us like animals. And I intend to do something about it."
I warn him, as best I can and without being too loud, not to do anything stupid. It's best to keep our heads down and our minds on our work. But I don't think he's really listening.
<<linkreplace "Inspect" t8n>>There's ink splotches on the paper, as if he slammed the pen down too hard in a few places, and a few creases on the edges. Whatever the matter is, he seems like he's taken a lot of it out on the letter itself.<</linkreplace>>
[[Read|Read 3]]@@#letter;
I'm more and more concerned, more tired. I know I shouldn't be writing about this to you, not least because I don't want to worry you more. But I have very few people to talk to and this exercise eases me. I know half my letters have to be censored before you can even read them, so there's no harm.
The work here only seems to get more and more dangerous. <<redact "Our employers are pushing things too far. Things break, people get hurt, nobody is getting any decent rest, and they just push us harder. I don't understand this urgency, but the harder the machinery is strained, the more sleep deprived everyone is, the most deadly the breakages are becoming. It's only a matter of time before someone gets killed.<br><br>These conditions have gone on too far and I'm too angry to let it lie. If we take a stand and refuse to work, even just for a day until they listen to our demands...">> I'm going to talk to them. I'm sure they'll see the sense of things. Wish me luck.
@@
[[Send|Send 3]]It's Sunday. And he's not here.
<<timed 1.5s t8n>>I didn't realise how regular a weekly feature the sound of his footsteps had become until I suddenly noticed the absence of them. And he isn't late either, it's gone well past the time he would have to walk down. Sick, perhaps. Or more work. Just like me. I'm a little swamped stamping these visiting papers for the men who want to come in.
<<next 2.5s>>The guard stands to one side, having brought me the stamp in a little box she's only allowed to bring when permitted visitors put a call in to the head office. She doesn't seem to act as if anything is amiss, but she must have noticed as well. Noticing things are exactly what her rounds are for.
<<next>>[[Not my headache|Stamp]]
[[Ask the guard|Talkguard 4]]<</timed>><<if $lemon is true>><<if $redact is true>>Well Van, if you want a feast of your favourite foods you'd better keep your head down and last out the time. Maybe the response will dishearten him a bit, because his little message certainly didn't get to her.<</if>>
<<timed 1.5s t8n>>It's been a tense week all around. I haven't been able to shake the letter out of my mind, and seeing him in front of me, I don't think he's changed his mind. <</timed>><</if>><<timed 1.5s t8n>>He looks very nervous this week, and jumps a little when I take the letter from him, as if he'd forgotten he was here. The strain must be getting to him, he's cracking. Wouldn't be the first one.
<<next>><div id="choices">\
<<link "Keep quiet">>
<<replace "#choices">>The letter's barely in my hands before he's gone, can't get away fast enough. I'd like to think it's because he has some urgent work to do<<if $lemon is true>>, but it's much more likely because he's picked today or thereabouts to do something stupid. It's now or never, I suppose<</if>>.
<<if $lemon is true>>[[Report him|Report]]<</if>>
<<linkreplace "Inspect" t8n>>Alongside the letter there's a little sleeve inside the envelope holding some delicate pressed flowers. <<if $lemon is true>> The letter smells like lemons again. What else was I expecting? I hold it up to the stove again, and at first there's no reaction. But the smell is certainly there, so I flip the paper over.<<elseif $lemon is true and $redact is true>>No smell of lemons from the letter. He knows very well I caught it last time, and I'd be expecting it.
<<else>>
Everything else is all normal, as it should be.<</if>><</linkreplace>>
[[Read|Read 6]]<</replace>>
<</link>>
<<if $trust lt 4>><<linkreplace "Talk to him">>
He's normally always keen to talk, but he's silent today.
<</linkreplace>>
<<else>>
[[Talk to him|Talk 6]]
<</if>>
\</div>
<</timed>><<set $redact to false>>
And here he is, to keep back in touch.
<<timed 1.5s t8n>>He's holding himself strangely this week, and as much as he might try to hide it, I can see a limp as he walks up to my little building. One eye is swelling and there's a cut on his forehead. He hands me his letter to the outside without preamble, no smile, no nod, just a nervous energy as if I'm about to grab him by the arms and drag him inside for another beating.
<<next 2.5s>>Not that I can say he's been beaten for speaking out. That's not to my knowledge and not my business.
<<next 1.5s>><div id="choices">\
<<link "Not my problem, take the letter">>
<<replace "#choices">>He looks so worn, and turns away immediately as I open up the envelope to scan it for sensitive information.
<<linkreplace "Inspect" t8n>><<set $lemon to true>>There's nothing suspicious about the text itself, but there is, for some strange reason, the faint smell of lemon. Lemon juice... I have fond memories of using it to write hidden messages to my cousins when we were little. On a whim, I take the letter and hold it carefully over my tiny, sputtering coal stove, watching carefully for any change the touch of heat might bring.<</linkreplace>>
[[Read|Read 5]]<</replace>>
<</link>>
[[Talk to him|Talk 5]]
\</div><</timed>><<if $escape is true>>Because of the letters I was the only one party to what was soon going to be some kind of desperate escape attempt. I knew she was going to come for him, but it still catches me a little off-guard when it happens.<br><br><</if>>
It's just a few days later when a woman arrives, in official looking military dress, very like the men and women whose papers I've stamped in recent weeks.
"I'm here to inspect the site."
"Papers, please."
She's shaking a little as she tries to keep the cap tilted slightly over her eyes.
<<linkreplace "Inspect" t8n>>All looks in order. Unstamped, of course. But I haven't received any call to expect visitors or to stamp them through.
[[Talk to her]]
[[Send her away|End 2]]<</linkreplace>><<if $escape is true>>"I know why you're here, you know."
I see the eyes under her cap now, and they're panicked.
"Calm down, I'm not going to report you. But it's best you go away."
She wavers a little. She's young and very scared, but she doesn't move away immediately.
"Can't you open the gate still?"
<<else>>
"Do you have authorisation?"
She nods. Call me crazy if I don't believe her. Now that I see her closer, she doesn't stand right, she doesn't have any air of authority whatsoever. Someone who was dared to try and come into the facility, I suppose. A dangeorus joke.<</if>>
[[Send her away|End 2]]
<<if $trust is 5>>[[Help her]]<</if>>I shouldn't be doing this. I can't believe I'm sticking my neck out. But her false papers stick out like a sore thumb without the correct stamp, and if they catch her without it, well, they're good at keeping secrets. I don't want to think about what will happen to either of them if they're caught.
I don't want to think about what will happen to //me// when someone later starts questioning where she got stamped papers without authorisation. If even one person remembers I have the stamp...
"Here." I don't mean to sound so curt, but I'm understandably tense as I stamp her papers and hastily wave her through, trying not to hear her whispered gratitude, as if that will absolve me of blame somehow.
[[Then I wait.|Wait]]<<if $redact is true>>Normal enough. Good to see they both know the importance of secrecy.
<<else>>It wasn't the happiest letter to receive, but she seems to be taking it in good stride. He would certainly know his letter wasn't censored anyway. But who knows, it might calm him down to know he has someone to talk to freely outside of this place.<</if>>
[[It won't make any major difference in the long run.|Week 2]]<<set $trust++>>"You're hurt."
I may have done that one on purpose to get a laugh out of him. It works, but the laugh is very weak.
"I'll be alright. Just send my letter through, won't you?" Of course, he must have missed being able to talk. I'm sure his family will be delighted.
<<linkreplace "Inspect" t8n>><<set $lemon to true>>There's nothing suspicious about the text itself, but there is, for some strange reason, the faint smell of lemon. Lemon juice... I have fond memories of using it to write hidden messages to my cousins when we were little. On a whim, I take the letter and hold it carefully over my tiny, sputtering coal stove, watching carefully for any change the touch of heat might bring.<</linkreplace>>
[[Read|Read 5]]<<set $guard++>>She gives a grim little nod. "He was talking too much. Nobody likes that."
I can only agree. We find a grim sort of solidarity in his stupidity before she leaves.
[[We know better|Stamp]]<<set $trust++>><<if $lemon is true>>"You're making a mistake."
He looks as if he knows it. Even though his face is set on very stubborn lines I can see the fear in his eyes.<<if $redact is false>> And it's not just him he's getting into trouble is it? It's another life now too.<</if>>
"Don't stop me," he says. "Please."
It's not as simple as that. I just shake my head a little, and after a brief silence, he walks away without another word.
<<else>>I try to distract him with some useless conversation about the weather, but his replies are distracted, and soon enough he walks away again.<</if>>
<<linkreplace "Inspect" t8n>>Alongside the letter there's a little sleeve inside the envelope holding some delicate pressed flowers. <<if $lemon is true>> The letter smells like lemons again. What else was I expecting? I hold it up to the stove again, and at first there's no reaction. But the smell is certainly there, so I flip the paper over.<<elseif $lemon is true and $redact is true>>No smell of lemons from the latter. He knows very well I caught it last time, and I'd be expecting it.
<<else>>
Everything else is all normal, as it should be.<</if>><</linkreplace>>
[[Read|Read 6]]@@#letter;
Dear Nadja,
<<if $lemon is true>><div class="lemon">I refuse to work here any longer</div><</if>>
I'm afraid I've worried you too much lately. Too many complaints to weigh on your mind. I'm sorry, my dear, you have so many problems of your own.
<<if $lemon is true>><div class="lemon">From today I will make plans</div><</if>>
Work continues to progress as normal. Difficult, but it's the work we must do.
<<if $lemon is true>><div class="lemon">To find my way out of this prison</div><</if>>
I spoke to my superiors and got a day's break from work. All things are well, and I hope to see you all very soon.
<<if $lemon is true>><div class="lemon">Be strong, we will be together soon.</div><</if>>
Your own,
Van@@
<<if $lemon is true>>[[Redact|Send 5][$redact to true]]<</if>>
[[Send|Send 5]]He says too much. Even if I censor the letters, I could report him for all he says against the company and the project, and then he would be in real trouble. Nobody thinks about how inconvenient all of that would be for me.
<<if $redact is true>>At least I know, since I've done my job well, that the reply won't be adding more fuel to the fire.<<else>>Letting it through might have been the worst idea, and it nags at me as the days pass, but if she has any sort of solid head on her shoulders she'll discourage him<</if>>
<<linkappend "One can only hope" t8n>>
Even the guard looks tired this week. I seem to be the only one who has no real clue of what happens in there, and therefore am getting well acquinted with my bed when I'm not- ah yes, another letter from Nadja, what prolific writers these two are.
<<linkreplace "Say hello" t8n>>Her smile is exhausted, but at least it's still there.<<set $guard++>><</linkreplace>>
[[Read it|Readrep 3]]
<</linkappend>>@@#letter;
Van,
We miss you too. Sven and I are so happy to get your letters. He asks so much about you but of course we couldn't talk about your work even if I knew. Things are well here, and they will be better once your contract is over, when we have the money in hand and are all together again. <<if $redact is true>>And don't be dramatc, they can't keep you there by force. If it becomes too much for you you can always come home, you're not exactly their head engineer.<</if>> It sounds hard there, but we’re so proud of you.
Be brave,
Nadja@@
[[Hand it over|Hand 1]]This man might be clever, but apparently not clever enough to keep his head down and mind his own business.
<<linkappend "But why make my life easier?" t8n>>
Just as his letters go out on time, their reponses come right on schedule as well. Convenient for me. There are a few other letters today, one very official looking with a stamp and a seal that I'm forbidden from opening. I set that one down for the guard to collect immediately and set the others aside to go through later as I pick up Van's letter.
<<linkreplace "Say hello" t8n>><<set $guard++>>A nod. I wish her well, and she even smiles a little. Who doesn't like to feel they're welcome in one's space? Or at least not wholly unwelcome.<</linkreplace>>
[[Read|Readrep 2]]
<</linkappend>>@@#letter;
Van,
<<if $redact is true>>It's normal to have doubts. You've been working hard and I'm sure progress is not as speedy as anyone wants it to be. People expecting results can be hard taskmasters, but they're probably just so invested in the idea.
But none of you will be any use overworked, so it might be a good idea to negotiate some breaks? It's possible they don't realise it's a problem. They don't know how hard you work, after all.
Take care,
<<else>>
You stayed behind? Everything's so secretive and confidential over there. If you'd been caught you might have been in very real trouble especially with such important clients. I know you, you feel like you have to poke at everything until it blows up in your face. Stay out of the way, do your work, and come back soon.
Be //careful//,
<</if>>
Nadja
@@
[[Hand it over|Week 3]]<<if $escape is false>>
@@#letter;Nadja,
It's sweet of you to be worried for me, but I have things well under control. In fact I may be due for a holiday soon. Our last test was successful.
We finally grew flowers. Real wildflowers out of the icy ground that won't grow anything. I don't think it's what they wanted, but for me it's hope. I've added a few pressed ones for your collection. Make sure you've added them to show me by the time I come see you. Soon. I promise.
Van.
@@
<<else>>
<div align="center"><div class="lemon"><img src='Images/Map.png' width="50%"></div></div>
[[Report]]<</if>>
[[Send|Week 7]]@@#letter;
Van,
<<if $redact is true>>I’m sure they’ll listen to reason. You said the work was dangerous to begin with, but you’re one of their experts! If you have concerns, they can’t fail to listen to you. I wish I knew what was happening so I could really advise you. But be careful all the same, don’t let them burn you out. Tell them the workers need rest. Or fake a sick day, perhaps that will give you the break you need.
<<else>>
I hope you read over that letter after you wrote it. After everything you’ve said about them, you think talking to them will do anything except get you into trouble? I’m begging you to keep your head down and stay safe. The first month is almost over. And if things are so dangerous, apply to leave, pretend to be sick, do anything except bring their attention to you.
<</if>>
Be safe,
Nadja
@@
[[Hand it over|Week 4]]<<if $lemon is true>>Clever. The smell of lemon was so faint I nearly missed it.
<<if $redact is true>>Still, it was a risk. For me. If I'd let that pass and word got out, I could have been in very real trouble.<<else>> Faint enough that I could be excused for letting it through, I hope. God, I hope nobody finds out.<<set $escape to true>><</if>> As it is I wonder if I should report him for trying to break out. More likely than not he'll only hurt himself. The only way out is with an escort, and the only way in is with officially stamped papers, and he'll be shot if he tries to make a run over the fence, that's a fact. The thought niggles at me, but I never get around to it.<<else>>
What a remarkably civilised letter, not creating conspiracies or inciting riot. Maybe the beating knocked some sense into him after all.<</if>>
<div id="choices">\
<<link "Oh right, the stamp.">>
<<replace "#choices">>I feel a tinge of self-satisfaction the following Wednesday when the stamp is standing clearly on my desk for the guard to find, and she grouses in embarrassment as she rushes to pick it up.
<<linkreplace "Talk to her" t8n>><<set $guard++>><<if $lemon is true>>She doesn't seem to have noticed anything off.<<else>>She seems to appreciate Van's change in attitude as well.<</if>><</linkreplace>>
[[Read|Readrep 5]]<</replace>>
<</link>>
<<link "I'll keep the stamp.">>
<<replace "#choices">>I don't bother to mention the stamp the following Wednesday. There are more important things to worry about.
<<linkreplace "Talk to her" t8n>><<set $guard++>><<if $lemon is true>>She doesn't seem to have noticed anything off.<<else>>She seems to appreciate Van's change in attitude as well.<</if>><</linkreplace>>
[[Read|Readrep 5]]<</replace>>
<</link>>
\</div>@@#letter;
Van,
<<if $escape is true>><div class="lemon">For God’s sake don’t do anything hasty.</div><</if>>That’s good to hear. You seem quieter than before. <<if $escape is true>><br><div class="lemon">At least wait another week, let me come up with something.</div><</if>>You must be so tired with all the work. But the first month is over and they can't keep you forever. <<if $escape is true>><br><div class="lemon">You’ll need outside help.</div><br><</if>>Sven and I look forward to welcoming you back home. <<if $escape is true>><br><div class="lemon">All I need is for you to get me a map so I can find you.</div><br><</if>>I’m sure you’re too thin, we’ll make you a feast of all your favourite foods.<<if $escape is true>><br><div class="lemon">I'll let you know when to be ready.</div><br><</if>>
Nadja
@@
[[Hand it over|Week 6]]@@#letter;
<<if $redact is true>>
No letter this week? I hope you got the rest you needed. Or perhaps they worked you too hard and you're recovering now. Or haven't gotten a break. Who knows what happens there? Be in touch with us soon, we miss hearing from you.
<<else>>
Van I’m worried. Did you speak out after all? You were always the stubborn one. I fear they’ve done something terrible to you.
<</if>>
@@
[[Hand it over|Week 5]]He won't like it when they shut him down, and I don't really know what they might do to him. But it's better than being shot trying to climb over the fence or run for the gates.
<<if $trust lt 4>>Perhaps it would have been helpful if we had enough of a rapport that I could talk to him, [[but again, not really my job.|Week 7]]<<else>>[[Right?|Week 7]]<</if>><<if not visited("Talkguard 4")>>It's best to stay out of what happens in the building and keep busy. I finish my work, hand over the visitors' papers, and watch them walk away with the guard.
<</if>>
She's left the stamp behind, the idiot. I tuck it into my drawer before it can get knocked off and get lost. <<linkappend "I'll give it back to her later" t8n>>
It stays there in my drawer by Wednesday, because I get much more distracted by the fact that Van's return letter has arrived regardless of his contribution. Clearly //someone// knows how to keep a schedule.
[[Read|Readrep 4]]
<</linkappend>><<if visited("Report")>><<goto [[End 2]]>><</if>>
<<if $lemon is true>><<goto [[Week 7 alt]]>><</if>>
<<if $redact is false>><<goto[[Week 7 alt]]>><</if>>
I sent it through and let him handle things. Perhaps I assumed he knew what he was doing, that he wasn't just blind with desperation and idealism and wouldn't do anything //too// stupid. Or that he'd give up.
Or perhaps I just didn't care.
But it hardly matters now. For now, I have another job to do.
[[Write]]<<if visited ("Week 7 alt")>>"I'm sorry, we're not expecting an inspection today."
<<if $escape is true>>The look on her face breaks my heart. But sending her through without a valid stamp endangers all three of us. Even with a stamp there was no call, no authorisation, and they'll wonder.<</if>>
"But-"
"You are welcome to wait here while I call for confirmation."
<<if $escape is true>>She knows the offer is a kindness and all a call will do is alert the facility and put them in danger. Her shaky determination crumbles under the uncompromising barrier of red tape. I feel pity for her as she walks away so slowly, dragging her feet. But it's the job.<<else>>She shakes her head half frantically and leaves just as fast. I just shrug and go back to my work. Whatever happened here, I did my job, and it's none of my business.<</if>>
<<else>>
It's been a few weeks since he's sent a letter. I know he's alive. I see him working, walking from one building to another. But he won't greet me, or put any letters in my hand. It's a shame, but I did my job. It could have been much worse. But I don't think I could ever convince him of that.
<</if>>@@#letter;Nadja,It is with the deepest regret that we must inform you of the tragic decease of Van Morgan. He was a valued asset to our facility and he will be truly missed.
He met with a workplace accident in the line of his duty and his memory will be honoured in our continued efforts.
We return his personal effects with this letter.@@
[[Send|End 1]]And wait. And wait for an agonising length of time, expecting shouts, expecting gunshots, expecting any number of things.
But unreasonably quiet, the two of them arrive. Van is being marched out in front of her, as I've seen once or twice when some extra work needs to be done off-facility. He makes eye contact with me, and smiles. I wiggle my head non-committally and try to act blind again as they go through.
It may be a hour or more before anyone notices. Before the questions start. The guard will suddenly remember the stamp was left with me.
[[I put my head down in my arms, waiting.|End 3]]<<if $guard is 5>><<goto [[End 4]]>><</if>>The wind's cold. And everything always seems just a little too quiet. It's almost a relief to hear footsteps crunching through the snow, even if I can't see who it is.
On Sunday, it's usually only one of two people. The scientist, or the guard. Today it can only be the guard, ready to take me away.The footsteps come much sooner than I'd anticipated.
"Head up."
I do so, and I'm nearly surprised to see the guard looking not grim, but exasperated. She's holding the empty box.
"You sentimental idiot." She gestures for the stamp and practically snatches it out of my hand, shutting it away. "I'll put it back before anyone starts asking."
All I can do is gape at her for a full minute. I've only just started to smile and thank her before she stamps away irritably through the snow. But the air feels warmer for just a little while.A letter full of heartfelt regrets and condolences. It stays on my table, waiting on the convenience of someone's official signature who couldn't be bothered to write it themselves.
At least this time, I suppose, there's nothing left to redact.