Samantha's Letter to Mr. Black

Mercer -

Sorry I wasn't able to return the object in person. I'm sure Ariana will deliver it intact, it's in her best interest. I apologize about the delay, but it was a bit more difficult than I anticipated, and involved a lot of transportation problems. We did get the item, I was able to keep the group mostly honest, and I sincerely hope you'll be giving that thing to someone you're not fond of. Really.

Kaeth did an excellent job under not exactly ideal conditions, as did Captain Thompson. They both earned their pay. Geoff Thompson, for reasons of his own, is not returning. He was very useful, and would appreciate it if his bonus could go to Corporal Ezbeki. Minus the cost of whatever he broke when he left his secure placement, of course.

As for me, I won't be returning any time soon to Regina, if at all. It's not something I planned on. I'm more surprised than anyone about my decision, but there you go. I have enclosed with this a letter to my solicitor regarding the disposition of my possessions on Regina; drop it in the mail eventually, would you? If my absence can be of use to you, feel free. My one request is that you don't do anything that would make my return (should it occur) too unpleasant.

I have two pieces of art you might appreciate. One is the gold crucifix on the wall of my apartment (be careful where you aim it). The other is a large black pearl in my safety deposit box. Neither have any sort of strings attached, have a clear provenance, and they're yours if you'd like them.

I admit there were times on this trip when I thought very unkind things about you for sending me on it. Mostly when I was soaking wet (I did mention transportation problems). Now I feel I owe you a debt I am unable to repay.

I'm not much on letters, so I'll finish this and give it to Ariana.

Only some of it was fun, but it was certainly interesting. I wish you well.

Sam