Ghost in the Machine
(Further Excerpts from the Journal of Alexander Hartdegen)
Prologue: Specter of the Past
February 23, 802,702
My Dearest Emma,
In the midst of all our progress, tragedy has struck. The rains are
scarcely over; we had thought that there would be some time to prepare,
some time to build afterward... but we were wrong. My plans for
fortifications, for hidden traps far out from the village - all for nothing.
Even the two young men serving as the night watch saw nothing, heard nothing.
The children were taken last night. Kalen, Weena, Lidda, Pavo, Kori, all
of the young children, gone whilst we slept. We can only assume the worst
- that we have been raided by Morlocks from some other place. There is no
trace of their passing. Needle is missing as well, but all others are
accounted for.
Mara is beside herself, as are all of the Eloi. The young men have been
ranging in widening spirals from the village, looking for some clue, but so
far nothing has been found. The search seems hopeless - we have no idea of
which direction they might have gone.
I am useless. I have no idea of what I can do. I find that, in this instance,
I am incapable even of comforting Mara. I have failed - failed the Eloi, failed
myself, failed you. I can change neither the past nor the future. All my planning,
all my good intentions, are all come to nothing.
The young men are returning, still with no word. It's a few hours until sunset.
Mara and some of the others who have not searched since morning are going to
try again. I shall accompany them, but I dare not hope that any sign might be
found.
Damn those creatures to hell.
-Alexander
(Further Excerpts from the Journal of Alexander Hartdegen)
Prologue: Specter of the Past
February 23, 802,702
My Dearest Emma,
In the midst of all our progress, tragedy has struck. The rains are
scarcely over; we had thought that there would be some time to prepare,
some time to build afterward... but we were wrong. My plans for
fortifications, for hidden traps far out from the village - all for nothing.
Even the two young men serving as the night watch saw nothing, heard nothing.
The children were taken last night. Kalen, Weena, Lidda, Pavo, Kori, all
of the young children, gone whilst we slept. We can only assume the worst
- that we have been raided by Morlocks from some other place. There is no
trace of their passing. Needle is missing as well, but all others are
accounted for.
Mara is beside herself, as are all of the Eloi. The young men have been
ranging in widening spirals from the village, looking for some clue, but so
far nothing has been found. The search seems hopeless - we have no idea of
which direction they might have gone.
I am useless. I have no idea of what I can do. I find that, in this instance,
I am incapable even of comforting Mara. I have failed - failed the Eloi, failed
myself, failed you. I can change neither the past nor the future. All my planning,
all my good intentions, are all come to nothing.
The young men are returning, still with no word. It's a few hours until sunset.
Mara and some of the others who have not searched since morning are going to
try again. I shall accompany them, but I dare not hope that any sign might be
found.
Damn those creatures to hell.
-Alexander