Chapter Text
Cam,
You told me after the submersion experiments failed, they spritzed Gideon’s body with a glucose solution to attract insects. I just now remember that happening. That campsite had clouds of these tiny little bugs. They flew in my eyes and nose, and bit any exposed skin they could get at. I remember the sky was dark except for a yellow stripe just at the horizon. The BoE people had finished setting up the work lights and the air was seething with those insects, but in the beam of light on Gideon’s body, there were none.
I suppose it’s possible my imagination has run wild, being in the River so long. But it doesn’t feel like it. There is none of the hazy suggestibility of imagination or dream. My memory has always been certain. I am remembering things I have seen that I was not there for.
What are your thoughts?
-Palamedes
***
Warden,
No, that really happened. The campsite was a mess. There’d been some issue in the supply line and we had no netting, and even if we had, I don’t think it would have kept the bugs out. They drove me and Corona half mad, especially at night. She suggested once we try sleeping on the tarp outside and draping Nav’s body over us as a deterrent. She said it like a joke, but I’m pretty sure she meant it.
You’re going to say I’m avoiding a conversation. You’re right, as usual.
-Camilla
***
Scholar,
I said you didn’t have to tell me anything about those eight months. You still don’t. But I think this has been happening for longer than we realized. Scenes I can’t place that I’ve attributed to dreams. For weeks, I’ve had the impression of a small room. That I have been staring at the walls for so long, they seem like the white void beyond my River bubble. I’m afraid I’ll start remembering the early days you don’t talk about.
Camilla, I have no right to your memories. I have no right to know beyond what you choose to tell me. But you’ve given yourself to me, body and soul, and God help me, I am consuming you no matter how hard I try.
I thought the partition would be enough. I didn’t think it would be so messy. I thought we’d have more time.
-Palamedes
***