Letters from the past: 4694-011

I am at home now. It’s just a few minutes past six and I have ordered take away food. I have been at Raoul’s computer for two days now. I have managed to trace down some files related to the date when I found him so destroyed and weak. I remember that date so well, 4693-295. There is an entire email folder associated with those files and a great deal of online communication. I have to trace the connecting points of the receiver. My biggest problem has been the password to unlock these files. They are for some reason very well protected. Do you realize, that your password generator has been chewing through his folders for over a day, non-stop?

I managed to start cracking his email folders. They are six years old and by the Gods, some of them are from Iason. I am posting all letters I find in here, for if he realizes I have breached his network gate, he will close it down or make the files completely inaccessible.

Well, I am a bit thrown into all this mess and I can’t understand everything of what is said, but I hope the letters will become clearer as I get along.

Message from: Lord Iason Mink
Received by: Raoul Am
℘i.minkΞsyncorp.cyx.3268℘
4688-016

My dearest, Raoul, who is this ‘Aethelric’ person? How dare he infiltrate our private message board and accuse me of not caring properly for Riki? Really, it is nobody’s business as to what I do or how I treat my Pet, but now I feel I must broadcast my actual habits to you in order to restore my pride and reputation. And why? For I was most disappointed in the fact that you had not interfered on my behalf, knowing very well that I am quite capable to keep my personal and business life apart. I know your feelings towards my mongrel, but I assure you, I will not take it lightly to be ridiculed in public.

There are much more fulfilling means of channeling out my frustration and reaping my rewards. Yes, this regards to a certain personal possession of mine, but you will never fully understand the meaning of a Pet until you can nurse them into a satisfying state of pleasure and arousal. I do not need anything other in order to become intoxicated. I’m sure I don’t have to elucidate my example here.

I will not lie and pretend to be a saint when it comes to Riki. Quite the contrary, actually; I freely admit that I do enjoy the odd taste of cinnamon skin now, then and again. Who wouldn’t? I confess it is my small outlet when things get a bit heated in my household and dominion. It also helps me to loosen up a bit during social calls, conventions and gatherings.

It has also come to my attention that you had agreed with Aethelric once my back was turned. Is this your way of getting back at me for Mimea and Riki? Or is it because I am reluctant to discuss my personal life with you?

I found your insinuations most deplorable, Raoul, and I want you to retract them at once. However, I am most amused to find that you were ‘affected’ by Mimea’s little false play. To surprise a man of your stature and intellect and seed jealousy within you is remarkable and gratifying indeed. Do we need a little session of our own, a little heart-to-heart chat in order to set things straight again?

Yours truly,

Iason

I don’t understand this letter, Artemisia, but it is evident that it was written during the peak of Raoul’s and Iason’s arguments. I remember them so well. And Mimea’s deeds. I see the date is 4688. It was dated about two years before Iason died.

Here is a response from Raoul. Strangely, I don’t know this person called Aethelric. I have never even heard of him.

Message from: Lord Raoul Am
Received by: Iason Mink
℘raoul.amΞtbmc.fxt.7297℘
4688-016

Dear Iason. I think the proper explanation of Aethelric would be ‘hunger’. We've bumped into each other once before at a nice gathering, and even then he managed to cause a stir that caught my attention. However, I am glad that we've ran into each other again, for he is indeed an intriguing character.

A small introduction perhaps? All I know is that he is considered to be an ‘artist of pleasure’, though a Blondie. An intriguing thought isn’t it? Well, that is what the rumors say, but I cannot be sure.

When it comes to me not stepping in to your rescue when the young lad harshly reacted on your verbal reprimand of Riki in public, I didn’t find it fitting for me to intervene in your personal matter. You did tell me to stay out of it, remember? Besides, my dear friend, submerging yourself in shame and self-pity doesn't look good on you. I am sure your ego is somewhat bigger than to ‘really’ and ‘truthfully’ be affronted by such an approach.

Since when do you care about an insignificant little comment, Lord Mink? Especially from an unknown, young male. Or does your aversion testify of the fact that you actually taken his words into consideration? I think I am rather surprised.

Oh, Iason, if you would have asked me a year, or even a month ago to sit down with you, I would have done it without a second thought. And if it is important to you, I shall do it whenever you ask. But I urge you to be aware of the fact that I could be offering more advice than you'd expect in return. The question is would you be up to receiving it all, or decline for fear of the consequences?

I know you possess a lot of power; both physically, financially and mentally... which I honestly admire about you, or I wouldn't be here, but I find it very hard seeing you fall.

Your friend,

Raoul

Well, Artemisia, what can I say. Those were very harsh comments coming from Raoul towards Iason. I didn’t know he had been so open about his disapproval of Riki. I always figured Raoul was background person when it came to Iason. I thought Iason ruled over him like he ruled over everyone else. Could it be that Raoul has little bit of panache after all?

Message from: Lord Raoul Am
Received by: Alain Hitomi
℘raoul.amΞtbmc.fxt.7297℘
4688-020

Dear Commissioner Hitomi,

I must congratulate you on your success to the new post. The ambassador was most pleased with the outcome of the vote and the lavish dinner following such a glorious accomplishment was a true tribute to the future.

However, I must contact you on a less pleasant matter. I have come across a young man called ‘Aethelric’, who has caused quite a stir on a recent gathering. It is no one I had seen before and although an intriguing young man in his way, I am quite certain I have never heard of him before. Is he new on Amoi and do you know anything about where he is from? He does not seem quite aware of the tremendous power of Lord Iason Mink, and thus crossing him would be most unwise. Can you find anything on this young man?

Sincerely,

Raoul Am

Message from: Alain Hitomi
Received by: Raoul Am
℘hitomiΞamoiembassy.ttp.4001℘
4688-021

Dear Lord Am,

I am sorry to disappoint you, but unfortunately we have no record of a citizen called Aethelric who matches the description we discussed over the phone. As you say, if he is a Blondie, he must be registered with a complete set of identity regardless of his origin. We are keeping records of over three million Blondies outside Amoi, hence he should be found. I have checked with eighty-four surveyed worlds and there are no records of anyone fitting the description you gave, whether of age, gender, origin or the image you have provided.

Kind regards,

A Hitomi

Message from: Alain Hitomi
Received by: Raoul Am
℘hitomiΞamoiembassy.ttp.4001℘
4688-025

Dear Lord Am,

Forgive my late response. Our tireless search for an identity has resulted in a Sozerian email address, which is as follows; LostDreamΞsozerian.g

It is registered under the name Aethelric Wei. As you know, Lord Am, Sozerian addresses can very well be registered under an assumed name and no specific signatures are left behind that would tell of the location from where the latest message was sent. As long as the account is not used, it is dormant and invisible to any pathfinder.

As it happens, I am a personal friend to one of the designers of the Sozerian network and thus additional efforts have been put into the surveillance of the network traffic. Now, someone’s watchful eyes caught a fleeting signature flashing at the very moment the account was opened for messaging and it led us to a local hub at a downtown patisserie at the old library on Queen’s Valley Road. Whomever this person is, he was at least sending a message from Amoi, Tanagura this morning.

I hope this will be of help for you.

Kind regards,

A Hitomi

I know the Sozerian network. It is not easy to find someone on it. Did you now that it was at first just a virus envelope? Yeah, just like real viruses having a protein capsule this was an invisible cloak to infect large servers and systems and delivering the virus without leaving any trace. I know the guy who actually managed to open up the envelope and tame the virus. It was the very same guy this ambassador says is the developer. That’s a load of crap. He just tamed it, which was still very well done, but it was constructed by the A.I. at the Agency of Investigations as a spyware and later as a means with which to destroy enemy communications and data they relied on in order to mobilize. It leaves no traces and everyone allowed access inside the envelope is very well protected unless they move in and out of it, which is in the case of opening your account. That was one of the few modifications made in order to be able to tame the program.

Message from: Lord Raoul Am
Received by: Aethelric Wei
℘raoul.amΞtbmc.fxt.7297℘
4688-025

Greetings Aethelric,

I am quite certain you have not expected this letter. Perhaps not even expected to be tracked down, but as you know there are some people who sit at positions with power you cannot even begin to comprehend. Such as that of Lord Iason Mink. Are you aware of the power he possesses? Stepping on his toes as you did was most unwise. However, I must confess I did enjoy your little quarrel and although he almost crushed your confidence with a mere glance at the end, I never thought you would last as long as you did. Interfering with the personal life of a prominent Lord, more precisely the head of the Syndicate, has its consequences; one that you will taste the bitterness of if you approach him with a cocksure attitude once more.

I advise you to stay away from any more gatherings until the storm settles.

Sincerely,

R. Am

Message from: Aethelric Wei
Received by: Raoul Am
℘ LostDreamΞsozerian.g ℘
4688-026

Dear Lord Am,

I see it is not only Lord Mink who has powerful friends. I’m sure it took a few days of hard work for the Sozerian pathfinders to track me down. It must have taken patience to scan those millions and millions of emails being sent all over the universe just to home in on mine. I could have been refraining from using it for months. Think of the recourses it must have cost them. Nonetheless, I thought with your influential friends around, you’d find me a lot sooner. It has been way over a week since I rightfully insulted Lord Mink. What took you so long? In any case, I am most flattered that someone such as you would be so eager to find me despite the massive manpower it required. I must have made quite an impression.

Aethelric

Message from: Lord Raoul Am
Received by: Aethelric Wei
℘raoul.amΞtbmc.fxt.7297℘
4688-027

Your ego is outstanding, my dear boy, and my patience has reached its limits with you. Now this; I don’t know where your interest lies when it comes to Lord Mink, but I assure you he would not pay attention to a sycophantic, pale shadow of a Blondie such as yourself. I trust you come to your senses and guard that big mouth of yours before it causes you more trouble. Just remember, I’ll be keeping an eye on you.

Raoul

Message from: Aethelric Wei
Received by: Raoul Am
℘ LostDreamΞsozerian.g ℘
4688-027

My dear Lord Am, your statement honors me. Please, tell me how could I be intimidated by that threat? Let's not forget that though most people would deny it perhaps once confronted, but the truth is, a lot of mortals would give anything to have your lovely emeralds keeping an eye on them. How can I refuse having such an eminent person of power paying me this much attention?

I am balancing on the edge of decency, I admit... but I do believe you enjoy seeing the pride of Lord Mink being worn away at the edges. If it had been such a terrible act to comment on his rude behavior, why did you not interfere?

Aethelric

This boy certainly has some attitude. It would have been fun to meet with him back then. I don’t know of that many people who have shown their claws like this when confronted by Raoul. He is often very intimidating when angered and everyone with the right mind and connection also know that the friends of Lord Iason Mink were not to be aggravated for his protection reach far beyond the premises of Eos. Still, I have to admit this kid had guts provoking Raoul like this.

Message from: Lord Raoul Am
Received by: Aethelric Wei
℘raoul.amΞtbmc.fxt.7297℘
4688-027

Your impertinence and boisterous attitude have indeed ruffled my feathers. And as you know, Aethelric, I am not one to easily forgive a person’s transgressions. However, I find this deluded belief in yourself quite amusing. As to clarify why I did not interfere; I am neither the Master or keeper of Lord Iason Mink, hence I cannot decide what happens to him. He is at complete liberty to interact and engage with whomever he pleases. On your account though, how dare you insinuate that he wrongfully rules over the mind and body of a simple Pet? It’s simply atrocious… simply despicable. And for that, I’m afraid you will have to fight your ‘withdrawal symptoms’ alone. You are not welcome amongst us. What would have been a very delightful and pleasurable evening had morphed into something very pitiful and your presence is not desired by anyone, let alone Lord Mink.

Have a safe trip home,

Raoul

Message from: Aethelric Wei
Received by: Raoul Am
℘ LostDreamΞsozerian.g ℘
4688-027

I only made a comment about how Iason Mink reprimanded his Pet. No human, even a simple mongrel is to be publicly humiliated, and I care nothing of the conceited attitude with which you are trying to teach me something you obviously do not master. He deserved it. When you have seen life from a different angle, you may approach me with your crudeness and lecturing. Until then, you had better stick to science and I shall stick to what I do best. Now let us leave this subject. I am not interested in Lord Mink, for I have and had no desire to ridicule or humiliate him in public.

I would rather tell you about the dream I had about you last night. May I be so blunt as to expose it to you? I don’t remember how it began or even the middle part of it, but I do remember finding myself at that gathering again; except that we were alone. The music was like the softest breeze and marble floor was like the sea beneath my feet. You approached me from afar, moving very smoothly as if you were hovering across the hall. You stopped very closely before me and reached past me, brushing against my body at the same time. You held up a ripe, succulent strawberry that you placed between your teeth as you seized me; catching me off-guard in some way. You smiled provocatively as you cupped my face in your hands, caressing my cheeks. You leaned forward and initiated an erotic kiss, passing the strawberry into my waiting mouth. But you broke the kiss and pulled away, with a playful swipe of the tongue. You pushed yourself past me, exiting the room with a pompous flick of your wavy, golden hair and twinkling, roguish eyes. What does that mean?

Aethelric

Message from: Lord Raoul Am
Received by: Aethelric Wei
℘raoul.amΞtbmc.fxt.7297℘
4688-028

It simply means that you have not had any fulfillment in a long time and your mind is playing tricks on you. Dangerous tricks might I add. So for the sake of your own personal health, I suggest you forget about those silly dreams and get out of Tanagura.

Raoul

Message from: Aethelric Wei
Received by: Raoul Am
℘ LostDreamΞsozerian.g ℘
4688-029

Leave? I actually had that planned, my dear Lord Am, but since you are so persistent in throwing me out of Tanagura that you actually had my email account breached yesterday evening, I feel I must confront you on the matter. Therefore I shall stay a while more. Did you find anything you liked? Did it give you a kick raiding my account? I suggest we have a nice little chat at the Midseason celebration party next month at the Dome. I am invited and as I’ve seen from the guest list, so are you.

See you there…Raoul….

Message from: Lord Raoul Am
Received by: Aethelric Wei
℘raoul.amΞtbmc.fxt.7297℘
4688-029

I must congratulate you, my dear Aethelric. Why do I get the feeling you knew exactly that I would have your account checked thoroughly?

Raoul

It’s because you are so predictable, Raoul. If I had the advisor of Tanagura’s Prince hounding me, I would be on my watch. And considering the fact that Raoul was able to find people to hunt down an unknown person, it was not impossible to guess what the next step would have been. However, to me it seems like these two are playing with each other. If this boy wouldn’t have caught Raoul’s attention in some way, the Blondie would have blocked him form his mail a long time ago. Why does Raoul even bother to answer a little creep like this guy? I tell you why, Artemisia, because he is fascinating or at least this Aethelric has gained a certain measure of respect.

There are actually no more communication going on between Raoul and this guy. There are some online Skylink calls going back and forth between Iason and Raoul. I’ve tried to listen to them, but the files of encrypted and all I hear is a buzz. Well, time for me to take a rest. It’s almost morning and I am tired. I mustn’t forget that am still working for Raoul and I have to do my job even if I am counteracting my collaboration within these four walls.