Intergalactic Summit

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To all of you out there who had been searching for me, I didn't mean to worry you. It was wrong of me to disappear and I know I have no excuses, yet I do want to offer a reason for why I have been silent for so long. This video I have linked to you came from low orbit over Tei-Su, otherwise known as Chandeille in the Lirsautton system. The city is my home, the coastal metropolis of An-Shan. Last spring, it was destroyed by a terrible tidal wave triggered from a large oceanic quake. I won't go into details as I just don't think I'm ready to talk publicly about it just yet... please, understand my reluctance and respect it.

It goes without saying that my sister and I abruptly dropped everything to return home to help rebuild what was left. It has been a year since then, and the city is well on its way to recovery, though there is still a ton of work to be done. In the wreckage, I lost many friends, and some family... so you will forgive me if I don't answer many personal questions right away.

I had been content to stay there and help with the recovery. After my short time as a pod pilot, the universe did not seem so wondrous as I had initially thought, especially after my first... well never mind. I'll just say this; it is full of horrors and violence and I didn't think I had what it took to become like so many others out there. I still don't, to be honest. But... well, as some of you may have seen, Miku Harukai came looking for me.

Upon meeting her, I was... reluctant. An-Shan was not in such a state that I felt comfortable leaving. However, Singhua (my little sister) was eager to return to space, though, sadly, she didn't have the money to renew her pilot's license at the time. Between talking with her, and spending time with Miku, I was reminded of all those I had left behind, and the impressions I had made without realizing it. Miku spent a few days at what is left of my father's estate, but when she finally decided to leave I was still rather torn. It was her parting words that strengthened my interest in renewing my license.

She told me “Beginning is easy. Continuing is hard. Do not forget about the ones that still remember and cherish you.”

It was something that lingered in my head these past few weeks. What was I doing? Was staying here the best way to help my people? Could I do more from the pod? I'm not going to lie, coming back terrifies me. Space is deadly. Space is unforgiving. Space is deceiving. But Miku's words hang even now in the back of my thoughts when I think of those that I still miss. When I think of Norrin Ellis, or Anslo, or Katrina Oniseki and all the others I left behind....

And so, I return to space; reclaiming my vessel from its long slumber. I offer my sincerest apologies for leaving those behind that considered me a friend and hope you can all find a way to forgive, or at the very least, understand what happened and why I did what I did. Anyone who knows me, knows I am an emotional girl. I hate to say that this time, I let my emotions destroy my sense of logic, but it is what happened, and now all that is left is to continue...

Thank you, Miku, if you are reading this. Thank you for your insight and your tenacity. I can honestly say, you have changed my life. If any of you would like to reach me, I will be staying close to Lirsautton for the time being, until I can sort myself out a little better.

Indeed, welcome back. I am a touch surprised that you remember me, as we did not have much time to speak but once or twice. Maybe this time around, that will change.

You know how to contact me if you need.

Welcome back, kid. You know how to reach me.

Welcome back, Miss Sharpe.

-Eran