Settling Accounts I
19 Jan 2019Nisme Dalheidis
Private Log; Secure VoxCom InitializedMom's died. Figured you'd want to know. Her body... finally quit fighting itself. Once that happened it didn't take long. She wasn't in pain, and she wasn't alone. She was lucid, off an on, until the last day. The PC docs said it was good for her to hear our voices, even if it didn't seem like she could. We read from a couple of those old pulp political thrillers you used to tuck away in the bathroom. Faded and musty with the old glue flaking off. I think she enjoyed it. We all did, I guess.
Imke's handling the affairs, since she has the head for it. And she wants to. The one thing all four of us agreed on with no quarrel. I was allowed to put the last eight months' bankroll into the expenses, after some convincing. The money doesn't know where it comes from. It made the whole thing less stressful for everyone in the end, I think. Had some old balances of my own to take care of, anyway. Local debts, overhead mostly. I have enough left to cover insurance. Plus the ships I can sell back in Tamor drydock. Shoving off in 3305.
Speaking of, it's long past time to get back in the saddle. Been dirtside for a while now. Two, three seasons, even. Too long. Something about the gravity here is uncomfortable. Too many memories from this place, probably. Leaving before the obsequy... I know they’re cross with me. But Mom got what she needed, and everything else is just kind of indulgent. I don't need the judgement. Merel and Ciel both declined a lift back, even after I told em passage wouldn’t be cheap elsewise. Guess I'm still the family embarrassment.
I'm sorry you couldn't make it back. We knew it was only a matter of time. Even if the others don't understand if or when you hear from them, I know you'll remember her, and miss her.
...
I've still got that outpost bookmarked, the one you mentioned in your last mail. If I get out to that reach of Utopia space, I’ll be sure to drop in. Take care of yourself, Dad.
