Final Letters

My Dearest Brother,

I found them. I found father's notebooks. They were hidden under the tree beneath the canopy of which we used to sleep all those summers ago. They are full of strange and wonderful inscriptions, the nature of which I am not yet certain. I thought you would want to know. I am sending this message with the bird for obvious reasons. If you attach a message to its foot it will fly back home.

Your brother,

Thomas

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Thomas,

I was quite disturbed to receive your letter. I know you were very little when father died, and who but I know the pain and shame you endured, but you must not go on stoking a flame which has gone cold. You know the danger of keeping such objects. I loved our father dearly, but he was an apostle. He defied the Faith. You know this Thomas. I pray dearly that you not follow him down that path. I beg you to get rid of those notebooks and never think of them again.

Mary wishes that you visit the cottage in the summer. I can send my carriage for you if you wish, and you can finally meet little Robert and Elizabeth. We are family Thomas, living family. I urge you not to prefer the company of ghosts.

Your brother,

Robert

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My Dearest Brother,

As always I trust you are correct. I shall give up the notebooks and focus my efforts on the upcoming harvest. But alas, my mind is not at ease.

I must beg your guidance as both my brother as well a priest of the Faith. Unwittingly I read parts of one of the notebooks, and I believe father's intent was to create nothing short of light. Not by fire, or by sun, but by another means I do not fully comprehend. Imagine the wonders this would do. Robert, I know that the Faith forbids us from pursuing such matters. I know we are supposed to rejoice in our natural place and not go pursuing knowledge which is not meant for us. I know all of this. I do not question the Gods. I have felt their miracles on my own skin. I simply question why the Gods would imbue us with curiosity and courage, and then forbid us from using them.

I wish you help put my mind at ease.

Your brother,

Thomas

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Thomas,

I am glad you have decided to rid yourself of those notebooks. I am equally glad you have approached me with this matter and no one else. How can we ever hope to understand the Gods' plan? We know they exist; there can be no question of that. We know they can be capable of great compassion. We also know that they demand great obedience, and that said obedience is not always easy. If it were easy, what would be its value? Thomas you are strong, stronger perhaps than any person I have met. You would do well to focus your efforts on field work for which you are so well suited. Rid yourself of these thoughts.

Your brother,
Robert

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Excerpt from the Joint Ops report on insurgent activities in sector 214-J for July 2213

"The strategic outlook remains favorable. Basic math and scientific teachings remain at historical lows. Most corrective activities (focusing on destruction of rudimentary printing presses) are conducted independently by the Holy Order without requiring our engagement. Our main strategic focus remains strengthening the Faiths foundation with supportive operations targeted at the hearts and minds of the population.