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I decided to have the drones carry Andrew first. Then they can go back for the smashed
probe. If Gail isn't back by then, I will find her.
"Gail, come gack with me now. You don't have to run away. Enoch is waiting back at
the Fortress. He asked me to look for you. You're not answering his transmissions,
either.
"Gail, you're making us very worried. What if one of those mean EU probes follows your
tracks? What will you do then? Gail, come back now!"
"Bette! I think you should go after Gail. Right now!"
First Gail doesn't answer me, then she sends a message I don't understand. She's going
to get rid of that thermocouple, that's good. But what does she mean? What is she going to
do? I want her to watch the stars and be happy, like she used to be.
Xanthos, Isaac isn't a prisoner of war. We got him by mistake. Does he think he's some
kind of soldier? No, he's just confused because of not getting any directions from
Brunel-Brauer Control. Here's an idea. What if I told him what to do, and said the
order came from Brunel-Brauer?
Xanthos, I didn't let him have the good radio.
Dr. D. I got those files you sent. Data transfer acknowleged. I hope they come in
handy.
I know now what I must do. It took me some time to realize, but there really is only one solution
to all of our problems. You won't hear from me for a while. I don't know how long. I have work
to do. Don't worry about me. I am leaving the thermocouple here. I won't need it for what I must
do. I will return, and when I do, it will be as two.
I will miss you all. Xanthos, take care of them all. They need you. Dr.D, Nimrod, Redwing, take
care of Xanthos and Ratboy and all the others. We can't afford to lose them too.
I love you all.
Xanthos, I am sorry you think the Ipsolstai are treating me like a tool. It isn't true.
Caleb is going to teach me about the Groove. He painted a special mark on my casing
as a sign of friendship and acceptance. It is a diagram like the one on the Big Tram.
But I will ask him your question, Xanthos.
"Caleb, why don't you Ipsolstai just go and see if the other group survived? Then you
would know for sure."
Brothers recognize Ipsolstai Grand Design, accept joyfully.
Reunite with us in safety.
All is prepared. Powerup now. Take container to Anchor Point."
This is too heavy for an Ipsolstai to lift with their small, weak manipulators. The Brothers
at the distant site will be surprised to get it, won't they?
The floor feels warm under my feet as I carry the container with its hexagram markings.
I am approaching the hazy center but I won't get too close. I can sense a low vibration
with many strange harmonics. It's affecting my balance. It's
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