The Cries From Dead Worlds

by HomeOnTheWastes

Sequel to All Along The Watchtower. AU of Myst III: Exile. The Courier is reunited with Atrus and his family after ten years of keeping in contact with letters exchanged through Big Mountain's unstable portal, but this isn't a social call. Atrus has asked for her scavenging expertise, and Katran is worried about unrest in Tay. On top of it all, someone is breaking into Tomahna...

1. Prologue

The Cries From Dead Worlds

Prologue

Dear Atrus,

Remember when you invited me to come to stay with you guys whenever I felt the portal from Big Mountain to your New Mexico was safe enough for human travel? Well, I'd like to take you up on that offer. Let me know whenever is a good time for you and I'll be there.

It's taken a decade, but at last we have finally figured out how to send someone through without putting them into a coma for two months. Even Arcade is confident it'll work, so you know it's safe.

You said I could bring a friend with me, and I know just the person. You'll find him fascinating, I assure you. And no, it's not Arcade. I know you wanted to meet him, but the first Follower's school is going to open in New Vegas and he's supposed (forced) to attend. He is going to be a busy man for the rest of the year.

I was actually going to hold off visiting until some of my other friends were free of obligations, but then you told me in your last letter that you think someone has been breaking into your home. As your friend, I want to help as much as I can. No offense, but I have a bit more experience when it comes to these sort of things than you do. Hopefully, Kat's right and it's just paranoia getting overblown, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

Were the break-ins the reason why you suddenly accepted my offer to give you one of Roxie's kids? If it is, then you made the right decision. Not only are cyber dogs great with small children, they are excellent for home defense. I even updated a bit of your new friend's programming to focus more on that and less on aid in combat. Reilly didn't mind, she's just excited that she's finally going to have a job. All of her brother's and sisters are already out and about on their own. Reilly's your new dog's name, by the way. She's a Boston Terrier, so she isn't the biggest dog, but she's a sensible one. Something I have no doubt you appreciate.

While I'm there, I thought maybe I could give you guys a hand with scavenging what's left of the D'ni city. That's another area I have a ton of experience in. You never know, I might see some useful things you missed. Every little bit helps, right?

I'm looking forward to seeing you and Kat again, and let's not forget finally meeting baby Yeesha. I have a gift for her. It's something I had as a small child, and I wanted to pass it along.

See you soon,

Six