REMEMBER – words and phrases in nonbold italics are what each man wrote and then crossed out. To read the story in its proper form, though, you should hop over to ArchiveOfOurOwn (same story title, author name is Ella_Greggs).

POSTMARKED: "Shindig"

Dear Dad,

I've been thinking about the word "fugitives." It suggests bad people trying to elude the punishments they have justly earned. But what about River, who never hurt anyone or broke any law, and me, whose only crime is trying to save her? Morality on the Rim here is all shades of grey, all situational, and the assumptions I used to hold about the authorities as good and criminals as bad are all turned on their heads. A recent acquaintance told me everyone is running from one thing or another. Do you suppose that's true?

I've considered your offer to send money and it's too risky. I briefly thought about consulting the people who are helping us, but that would mean revealing you and I are in communication and I'm sure they wouldn't approve. Besides, if there's anything I've learned from my brief experience on the run, it's that money truly is the root of all evil. I am exposed on a daily regular basis to people who would turn on each other in an instant for even the tiniest bit of "coin." So it's for the best that they continue to think River and I are destitute and alone. I pay our way in medical services, which no small contribution considering how often someone gets shot or stabbed around here.

River is … altered now doing better. But she's different, as well. It's hard to explain. She was always highly intuitive but now it's like she knows information, quite detailed information, about people she's never met before. It's more than a bit unnerving, to be honest. There's almost a psychic quality to it, which I know sounds ridiculous, but nevertheless there it is.

She still gets lost in her head often sometimes, babbling about hands grabbing her and dragging her away. I don't know what to make of that. She still suffers from nightmares. Whatever experiments they performed on her at the Academy, they must have been extremely painful. It's impossible for me not to conclude that they performed experiments on her at the Academy, physical experiments on her brain, which were connected somehow to altering her mental abilities. I don't mean to worry you, though. She really is much improved since I wrote you last, much more able to sustain coherent conversations.

I am doing fine. I'm developing camaraderie with several of the people here, and that's good. I wouldn't call them friends, yet, but some definitely have the potential to become friends. You'll laugh, but I've discovered your "brilliant doctor" son is not particularly good at Tall Card. However, we play for low stakes – mostly swapping chores – so it's of no consequence. I would tell you to give my best to Victoria, but of course I understand that's impossible.

I'll write again as soon as I can.

Love to you and Mom,

Simon

Dear Simon,

It's such a relief to hear River is improving. I know you doubted your abilities before, but I have unwavering confidence in you.

To hear someone performed some sort of brain surgery on my child is horrifying. It's also beyond illegal! For one thing, she's a minor and we certainly never gave consent! I let this happen, it's my fault for sending her to that place. I can't possibly tell your mother about this, it would distress her too much. Exactly how much damage did they do? If only there was some way you could come home so we could take her to a neurologist. I shall consult Clive van der Leer immediately about what recourse we might have vis-à-vis this so-called Academy. Maybe we ought to go to the media and expose them somehow? It won't help River directly, but perhaps we can save some other poor child. Looking back, I can't believe I dismissed your concerns. I hope you and River can forgive me.

I, too, have had to reconsider the concept of 'fugitives' and 'criminals' in light of our family's circumstances. As much as I am repelled by the underbelly of society I'm forced to deal with to keep this channel of communication open, I fully comprehend that they are putting themselves at risk to smuggle these letters back and forth. Of course, they do it for money, quite a bit of money, but still, they take a risk. And without the benefit of high-placed connections which give your mother and me considerable protection.

Speaking of connections, after several weeks, the social freeze around us is starting to thaw. At your mother's insistence, I shook myself out of what she called my "bunker mentality" and, dressed in our finest, we attended an art opening at the Chosun-bo Gallery recently. It was a bit bùdāng, since we weren't on the guest list, but your mother said we'd hidden ourselves away long enough and since people were gossiping about us anyway, we might as well have a pleasant evening out. She really is a remarkable woman, your mother! This whole ordeal has not cowed her one bit. The event was a little awkward, not many of our so-called friends friends would speak to us, but we weren't turned away at the door. Your mother behaved as if nothing had changed, she was the personification of affability. A few days after that, the Ishiguras invited us to their dinner party. It was the first invitation we've receive to anything since you fled. I think we were meant to the evening's entertainment, to be honest with you – the disgraced Tams! Will they dare show their faces? What will they say for themselves? Of course, we were asked if we'd heard from you and we said no, not a word. You'll have to forgive me, Simon, but to keep up the front I felt compelled to insist that as far as I was concerned, I had no children anymore, that you and your sister were dead to me. That seemed to satisfy everyone. Your mother got a few, "Poor, poor Regan! What a trial this must be for you!" comments. But then talk drifted to the latest political scandal and we enjoyed our lobster bisque and miso black cob in peace. I believe that before long we shall again be considered as staid and dull as ever we were before.

I wish I could tell your mother you are actually doing your own "chores." She would never believe me.

Please keep me updated on River's progress, every scrap of information you can. But only if it's safe to do so. All my love to you both,

Dad