by J. S. Volpe
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T-mail transmission:
From: Reynard Fuggs
To: Solace Tenant
July 13, 6692; 9:09 PM:
Dear Solace,
That must have been one incredible storm. I remember those post-Cataclysm storms and while, yes, they were incredibly intense, they never really lasted all that long. They just blew through and then the sun came out. The one you had, though…wow, I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a storm like that before. Is the heat still an issue? It is here, with no letup in sight. Weather control like you had in Interon sounds like a spectacular idea. That gets my vote for the next big tech breakthrough in Eridia.
I find that my own memories don’t work quite like yours. As time passes, I remember less and less about my home reality. That’s probably because I don’t want to remember it. It was crude and ugly and primitive. Frankly, I prefer Eridia and wouldn’t go back to where I came from for all the money in the world.
I agree that When I Die is indeed a masterpiece, but my own favorite Quat film is probably his most controversial: Heavenly Nobodies. Admittedly, part of the reason I love it so much is the controversy. To make a film positing an elaborate deception behind the founding of Dodecism was a bold, bold move, especially for someone at that stage in his career, with so much to lose. You have to admire that. But I also love it on an intellectual and artistic level. I mean, the way each of the film’s twelve parts corresponds to one of the Twelve in pretty much every way imaginable—from the thematic concerns to the colors to the pacing—is simply breathtaking. As far as craft goes, I don’t think Quat ever managed to top himself after that. But who knows, maybe this mysterious final film of his will top everything so far!
Talk to you soon,
—Reynard
P.S. Have you given any more thought about a trip out to Twai for your birthday?
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T-mail transmission:
From: Solace Tenant
To: Reynard Fuggs
July 19, 6692; 6:56 AM:
Good Morning Reynard,
Yes, Heavenly Nobodies was quite a brilliant film. But then, most of Quat’s are.
Sorry to hear your heatwave is still continuing. Thankfully, it seems to be over for us. Ah, cool air.
I hope all is going well.
—solace