March 30, 1871
The urge to write in this journal no longer endures for every day brings unpromising news. However, among the sprawling plains, I found myself at peace, walking into the trees, and quietly relishing the serene vista that surrounds my new home. The cool breeze feels rejuvenating upon my brow. To-day, I saw a small chrysanthemum bud blossoming near the terrace window. Then I was stricken with a pang of sadness, but shed no tears, for the bud was rebirth—a chance to start anew.
Now, I regret to inscribe these horrible words in my diary yet again, but I believe the conspiracy that temporarily dismantled Solaris breathes new life. Senators Goldthwaite and Spencer are promptly undermining the efforts of Ackerman and Bristow. With the discoveries of several more ammunition warehouses, Congressman Blaine persuaded Congress into initiating a substantial inquiry into the hunt for Eli Braxton, Charles Du Bois, James Collinsworth, and Pierce Doughtery, who have all since been designated as supporters of vigilantism. Alderman Lusk, who was also on that list of names we discovered, delivered a statement calling for Grant to remove troops from Montgomery. After that stirring speech, representatives in Georgie and Mississippi agreed with Lusk's sentiments. I have not heard from Stripe, but arrangements are in place for me to visit San Francisco this June.
This afternoon, the weight of my mistakes finally broke me, and I succumbed to my emotions. I thought I was in the privacy of my office but I was rather noisy. Harvey Hale, the head of the English department, checked in to see if I was okay, and I suppose I was not. He is a tall, bulky fellow; with a thick beard, and flourishing eyebrows. Pungent and irritable—shrewd but admirable.
"We reside in an institution of knowledge, dear boy," he said, laying his hand on my shoulder. "I find that if life seems unbearable, a book can alleviate my distress."
"I agree, though the weight I carry is too cumbersome for a book."
"Perhaps, but at the very least, it would preoccupy your mind for the time being. My door is always open."
His words inspired me to rekindle the love I held for Jules Verne, and when I returned from the store, I found a letter from Emmett detailing the efforts of restoring Adam. I will re-write the letter here:
"In answer to your question, no. (I asked if any information about Stripe's whereabouts came forward). However, I spoke to Maximilian Acorn, our regional industrialist. He expressed fanatical interest in meeting you. I believe he wishes to share vital information concerning Stripe's situation and the progress of Solaris.
On that topic, the project's new function is to replicate the weapons we salvaged. I have never subscribed so adamantly to your angst over the matter as I do now. We are still learning their applications, and in a year or so, the committee will send us an expert to work alongside us. I petitioned against their decision in favor of something more scientific or practical, but they denied my request.
However, there are more concerning developments. We successfully repaired Adam, and immediately upon reactivation, he spoke these exact words: "I must speak to Charles as soon as possible." He is resolute in his commitment to speaking only to you, as I have yet to make any progress with him. Please keep in mind, no one is to know that you are touring here. I arranged for your stay at the residence of Amadeus Prower, our Chief of Security and a good friend. He will collect you promptly at noon on the seventeenth of June. I look forward to your arrival. Best wishes, Emmett."
I was left speechless when I read this. The nature of Adam's conference excites me, but a question still lingers. Moreover, I am thrilled to meet Amadeus Prower and the illustrious Maximilian Acorn. In the war, they pursued legendary weapons used by the Confederacy, and if those experiences lie tangled in the same web of conspiracy as ours, then their involvement in Solaris is not coincidental. Fate is but an arm's reach from me now. In the next few months, I will keep quiet. Though I fear the worst is yet to come.