I decided to include this response from Vivian (Thomas’ contact) before we get to Mycroft and the rest. This letter pings as Thomas is talking to Mycroft; I’m going to play with time a little bit and see if it pays off narratively. The next part will take place before this letter arrives and, hopefully it will make sense. Anyway, enjoy.
“Prelude to Millennium”
Part 1: A Detective’s Protocol
Chapter 1.4 (Vivian Murphy to Thomas Raith)
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14-32-11:14n, third moon of Esther
Hey kid:
You’re probably deep in conversation with the Vanderbilt at this point, but I wanted to get back to you. I’m receiving your correspondences; they’re coming through vividly in my own ledger. That book must be something else to transmit the words so clearly. There’s hardly any interference at all, actually. On that note, I’m going to need as much information about the book as you can provide. I’ve done a little research on the cover symbol or sigil or whatever it is. A lidless eye seems ominous enough, but I’ve only seen something like it in one other place. The Five-Point Lodge on Murray Blvd. in the First has one as a part of its crest:
I’ll look into it more and perhaps make a stop-by on my way home tonight. After you get back to your apartment, spend some time with the book: try writing different things inside or talking to it telepathically. Who knows, maybe it’ll talk back? Wouldn’t be the first time a book has done that in my experience.
The streets are quiet here, in case you’re wondering. No one has stepped into or out of the building in over two hours. Whom did you say you saw here last weekend, again? Dr. Ryan, right? If that’s true, that’s beyond peculiar. Why would your old professor do his banking at midnight?
The Ether’s quiet too. Got me a little on-edge.
Anyway, kid, stay safe.
Love, Viv