Salklogs.doc

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All pages linked here: http://perplexcitycardcatalog.com/notes/maze/sentences.html

Links and References

Key Concepts

Other terms of note mentioned

Conspiracy.gif
Codenames "V", "Q", "K" and "C", were hired to do the Theft. They are tied to the deaths of Fran Mendling, Bernardo Holyoke, Pietro Salk, Monica Grand, Isaac Cymbalisty, Anna Heath --- but someone else got to The Cube first. Who? And Why?

"We never held it, It was already gone."

The Logs

Chapter 1: Introductions of Good Faith

Date: 6 May 2005 12.01pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Five of Cups

Mr Salk

You do not know me, but I have followed your career on the Sentinel with interest. I was particularly impressed by your work on the Sasazi case. I recall that Ada Sasazi was able to escape prosecution entirely due to her frankness with you and her willingness to provide evidence which led to the arrest of Theo Trent.

I believe there are one or two facts which the police may have overlooked in their investigation of the recent Five of Cups murder. I am not in a position to reveal my identity at this time, but may do so in the future.

Would you be interested in learning what I know?

An Advisor

http://salkfamily.com/thereisnosoundbutthatofmyfootstepsonthefloor/

Date: 6 May 2005 1.38pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Five of Cups

Dear "Advisor"

Of course The Sentinel would be interested in any light you can shed on this case. Would you want payment in return for information? It would be helpful if we could meet and discuss this face-to-face.

Pietro

http://salkfamily.com/thewallsareblank/

Date: 6 May 2005 1.52pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Five of Cups

Mr Salk

Meeting is utterly out of the question at this time. I do not require payment. The information I would provide you with regarding the Five of Cups is merely a demonstration of good faith. I guarantee that I can give you the biggest story of your career, provided you can arrange with your high-level police contacts that I am kept safe and immune from prosecution.

An Advisor

http://salkfamily.com/itisamaze/

Date: 6 May 2005 2.36pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Five of Cups

Dear Advisor

It would be very unusual for me to be able to do what you suggest. The Sasazi case was an extremely high-profile and significant one, in which Ada Sasazi provided full documentary proof of Trent's guilt. She herself was only tangentially involved in the crime in any case.

Why don't you tell me what case we're talking about? I can have a word with a few trustworthy people I know in the police, and I'll see what they think, without revealing your identity.

Pietro

http://salkfamily.com/imadethismazeandnowiamcaughtwithinit/

Date: 6 May 2005 3.14pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Five of Cups

I cannot do that at this time. But believe me, this case is bigger than Sasazi.

In any case, here is my demonstration of good faith, that my information can be trusted.

I suggest the police carefully examine every inch of that bar for anything that might be concealed using an EM baffler. Come back to me when you've found it. I must emphasise that you are not to inform the police of where this information came from and the Sentinel must not mention that it was involved in discovering it. It must appear that the police stumbled on it by chance.

http://salkfamily.com/theadherentsofancientreligionscomparethedarknessofthislifetothewanderinginamaze/

Date: 10 May 2005 10.08am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: OK, I'm convinced

Frye says they would almost certainly never have found it without you - the hiding-place was perfect; even the devices used to conceal it were concealed themselves. It seems like you've helped uncover a plot to steal tech from the Academy and fence it off!

How did you know that? Who are you? Are you Jessica Holyoke?

http://salkfamily.com/onlywiththelightofeternaltruththeysaywillwebesetfree/

Date: 10 May 2005 10.12am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: OK, I'm convinced

Mr Salk, this story is much bigger than some sordid little fencing scam (although I rather suspect that that is what Mr H had got himself involved in). Are you willing to give me your assurance that you will assist me? That you will negotiate with the police on my behalf? I can promise you the biggest scoop of your life. But I cannot give over my information until I have immunity from prosecution and total protection of my identity.

http://salkfamily.com/butthereisnolighttofollow/

Date: 10 May 2005 11.35am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: OK, I'm convinced

I can do all I can to help you. But I need to know what this story is; what's "the biggest scoop of my life"? What are you frightened of?

http://salkfamily.com/onlyawomanwhomiknowtobeaheadofme/

Date: 10 May 2005 11.40am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: OK, I'm convinced

I would have thought that was obvious. Last year, I was hired to steal the Cube. As was Mr Holyoke, I believe. And he is now dead. That is what I am afraid of.

http://salkfamily.com/idosonolonger/



Chapter 2: Research and Dead Ends

Date: 15 May 2005 6.45am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Meeting

I have arranged a secure channel. I will transmit the meeting-place information in 6 minutes. It will be available to you for one minute. Do not write it down. You will not recognise me. I will find you.

http://salkfamily.com/icannotseetheflooritistoodark/

17 May 2005

Tried to get into the Recon complex today, but no go. I said I was interested in new meditation techniques, but I think they recognised me.

http://salkfamily.com/iwalkon/

20 May 2005

I just bloody wish I could go to the police. This is too big, I just don't have the resources I need to figure this out on my own.

http://salkfamily.com/itasksmethesamequestion/

24 May 2005

Memo: Makes no sense. Cubeheads want the Cube, of course. But then why would H have had to be *hired* to steal it? Can't have been hired by his wife, surely? By the Cubeheads? TA will not say. Says it is too dangerous.

http://salkfamily.com/ithinkthatiknow/

Date: 25 May 2005 4.37pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: <no subject>

I see you have tracked down Jessica H. I very much doubt there is any further information to be gained there. If I can emphasise, I strongly suggest you follow the lead I have given you already.

http://salkfamily.com/iusedtomakepuzzles/

Date: 25 May 2005 4.56pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: <no subject>

I've been trying, but with absolutely no joy. All sources indicate that they died out decades ago, if they ever existed. The name, the symbol must simply have been a front, surely? A sort of joke, a throwback?

http://salkfamily.com/shedoesnottire/

Date: 25 May 2005 5.05pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: <no subject>

You'll have to try harder. I promise you, they're out there. Speed is of the essence, as I'm sure you're aware. The longer this goes on, the more likely it is they'll find out what we're doing. I can't take that risk.

http://salkfamily.com/shedoesnothunger/

Date: 25 May 2005 5.09pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: Re: <no subject>

How are you holding up?

http://salkfamily.com/iamnotafraid/

25 May 2005 5.38pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: <no subject>

How kind of you to ask. Very gallant. I am well. Have just taken a quick jaunt up to the bakery to buy some coriander-lime buns in fact. The view from up there is so peaceful one might believe that nothing ever went wrong in this city.

http://salkfamily.com/momentsareallwehaveofcourse/

25 May 2005 5.42pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: <no subject>

I suppose I can start again in the Academy libraries. Perhaps I can persuade one of the assistants to let me peruse some of the older volumes.

http://salkfamily.com/momentsonly/

25 May 2005 5.44pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: <no subject>

Don't underestimate these people, Pietro. They've been around for a long time. They're everywhere. Don't think they won't be in the Academy.

http://salkfamily.com/ihavenotimeleft/

25 May 2005 5.47pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: <no subject>

Well what do you suggest? Do you have any better ideas?

http://salkfamily.com/itmustnotlastforever/

25 May 2005 5.47pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: <no subject>

No. Start with the Academy.

http://salkfamily.com/thispursuitcouldlastforever/

26 May 2005

Found a chap says he knows Kostka today. Found him at the market where the Recons sell excess produce. Says he'll tell her to call me, for a hundred lecks.

http://salkfamily.com/icalloutinthedarkness/

27 May 2005

What a waste of a hundred lecks.

http://salkfamily.com/whoareyou/

Money

Date: 28 May 2005 3.14pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Money

OK. We discussed this a long time ago, but I think it's time to finally pin it down. You said you have some evidence that directly shows that you took money to steal the Cube?

Date: 28 May 2005 3.18pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Money

It's not as simple as that. They hid their trail well.

Date: 28 May 2005 3.20pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Money

What do you have then?

Date: 28 May 2005 3.22pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Money

I have evidence that shows that I received money at the appropriate time.

Date: 28 May 2005 3.23pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Money

That's all?

Date: 28 May 2005 3.24pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Money

It's a lot of money.

Date: 28 May 2005 3.26pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Money

But nothing that specifies a name or an account number?

Date: 28 May 2005 3.32pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Money

No. It was a "gift" via a one-time key. Someone bought a cheap key from a big store and transferred Lecks to it. As if they were going out clubbing for the night, you know, they way young people do when they don't want to risk damaging their expensive stylish key. That money came to me and, if they're sensible, they'll have physically destroyed the intermediary key and added a whole bunch of obfuscatory routing and encryption to stop people to following the trail. It was probably more complicated than that, but that's the gist of it. Anyway. No. No evidence apart from a large transfer.

Date: 28 May 2005 3.38pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Money

OK. Can I see the transfer?

Date: 28 May 2005 3.39pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Money

I wouldn't do this for anyone, you know.

Date: 28 May 2005 3.40pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Money

I know.

Date: 28 May 2005 3.41pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Money

It's an expression of trust.

Date: 28 May 2005 3.41pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Money

I know.

Date: 28 May 2005 3.48pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Money

OK. I'm with Comprendo through my building. I've set up a single page for you to look at, identity details removed. You know the password already. The number of the extract is: 74419038751-4593855

Date: 28 May 2005 3.49pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Money

Wow. That *is* a lot of money.

Date: 28 May 2005 3.50pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Money

What did I say?

Date: 28 May 2005 3.51pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Money

Next time we meet, you're buying the coffees.

http://salkfamily.com/myvoicereturnstome/ User: pietro Password: Vincent

1 June 2005

Memo of conversation with police contact HF. Says goods recovered from 5ofC include a Reynolds ionizer and three Klebold plates. *What* would anyone need three Klebold plates for? HF says no security application. Serial numbers demonstrate were stolen after 1 Jan 2005. By whom? Seems unlikely it was BH.

http://salkfamily.com/amomentbeforeiroundonecornersheroundsthenext/


Chapter 3: 20 Questions

Date: 1 June 2005 5.15am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: 20 questions

Tell me about V.

http://salkfamily.com/infuryibegintorun/

Date: 1 June 2005 5.16am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: 20 questions

I told you, I don't know anything about V.

http://salkfamily.com/iurgemybodyforward/

Date: 1 June 2005 5.17am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: 20 questions

You must know something. Man or woman?

http://salkfamily.com/aheadofmeherspeedincreases/

Date: 1 June 2005 5.18am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: 20 questions

I don't want you to be in danger.

http://salkfamily.com/istrain/

Date: 1 June 2005 5.19am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: 20 questions

I'm willing to take the risk. Man or woman?

http://salkfamily.com/mylungsache/

Date: 1 June 2005 5.32am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: 20 questions

OK then, how does V fit into the organisation?

http://salkfamily.com/iamnonearertoher/

Date: 1 June 2005 5.33am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: 20 questions

I don't know anything about that.

http://salkfamily.com/irunfasterasfastasipossiblycan/

Date: 1 June 2005 5.34am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: ?20 questions

How did you know V was the boss then? How do you know V's dangerous?

http://salkfamily.com/iwillnevercatchher/

Date: 1 June 2005 5.36am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: ? 20 questions

Not just dangerous. I'm dangerous, you know. I saw V work. V's a true believer. They're the most dangerous kind.

http://salkfamily.com/icollapsetothefloorofthepassage/

Date: 1 June 2005 5.37am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: ?20 questions

A true believer in the Cube? V's a member of the Brotherhood? The Recons?

http://salkfamily.com/isitwithmybacktothewallbreathinghard/

Date: 1 June 2005 5.38am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: ?20 questions

In the Cube, but not in religion, I think. I showed you the symbol, why won't you believe me?

http://salkfamily.com/idespair/

Date: 1 June 2005 5.41am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: ?20 questions

Because they've been gone so long. It seems impossible. They're a dream, nightmare, a story to frighten children. How could they have survived so long without anyone knowing? They're like the Catbite Beast - if it was really there someone would have found it. They're a fairytale monster.

http://salkfamily.com/mytimeisalmostup/

Date: 1 June 2005 5.42am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: 20 questions

Why do you think I'm so afraid?

http://salkfamily.com/ifonlyicouldturnthetimeroversetthesandflowingintheotherdirection/

Date: 1 June 2005 5.48am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: 20 questions

OK, let's say they do exist. Let's just say. What do they want the Cube for? To kill us all in our beds?

http://salkfamily.com/iconsiderthis/

Date: 1 June 2005 5.49am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: 20 questions

Hardly. You need to research them. You need to find out more. I can't tell you everything.

http://salkfamily.com/yes/

Date: 1 June 2005 5.50am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: ?Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: 20 questions

Do they know what it does?

http://salkfamily.com/ithinkimayknowhowtoproceed/

Date: 1 June 2005 5.52am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: ?Re: ?Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: ?20 questions

They must think it does more than just sit there being mysterious, mustn't they?

http://salkfamily.com/istandup/

Date: 1 June 2005 5.54am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: ?Re: ?Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: 20 questions

And why did they take it to Earth?

http://salkfamily.com/iturnaround/

Date: 1 June 2005 5.56am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: ?Re: ?Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: 20 questions

Ah. That would be telling. I must keep something back for the police, mustn't I?

http://salkfamily.com/yesthisishowitwas/


Chapter 4: My Turn

Date: 1 June 2005 6.13am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: My turn

My turn. Tell me about your wife.

http://salkfamily.com/iwalkawayfromher/

Date: 1 June 2005 6.15am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: My turn

My wife? She's beautiful, funny, smart. I knew the moment I met her that I wanted to marry her.

http://salkfamily.com/thisishowitmustbe/

Date: 1 June 2005 6.16am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: My turn

Very sweet. What does she think you're doing right now?

http://salkfamily.com/ihavecreatedthismaze/

Date: 1 June 2005 6.17am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: Re: My turn

I told her I was working. I am working.

http://salkfamily.com/iamitsauthor/

Date: 1 June 2005 6.18am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: ?Re: Re: Re: My turn

Ah yes. I'm work. I'd forgotten. And what is your wife doing now?

http://salkfamily.com/throughdimly-litcorridorsshepursuesme/

Date: 1 June 2005 6.20am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: ?Re: Re: Re: My turn

She's still sleeping.

http://salkfamily.com/shetravelsatthesamepaceasme/

Date: 1 June 2005 6.22am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: ?Re: Re: Re: My turn

But she'll be up in, oooh, an hour or so? So that she can leave the house promptly at 8.30am?

http://salkfamily.com/whenislowsheslows/

Date: 1 June 2005 6.38am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: ?Re: Re: Re: My turn

Are you threatening me?

http://salkfamily.com/wheniquickenshedoeslikewise/

Date: 1 June 2005 6.39am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: ?Re: Re: Re: My turn

Not at all. But you're not the only one who can do research.

4 June 2005 1.22am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Can't sleep

Tell me some more about your wife. Where did you meet?

http://salkfamily.com/buteverythinghaschanged/

4 June 2005 1.27am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Can't sleep

Surely you can tell me?

http://salkfamily.com/iamtheauthorofthismaze/

4 June 2005 1.28am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Can't sleep

You're not still angry about that, are you?

http://salkfamily.com/iknowitseveryturnandbenditseveryblindalley/

4 June 2005 1.33am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Can't sleep

No, not angry. Just scared. I don't mind admitting it. You've already told me how dangerous you are. Why are you spying on us?

http://salkfamily.com/iknowitsheart/

4 June 2005 1.39am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Can't sleep

You know what? I'm scared too. More scared than you are. You don't know anything. A few dusty references in books, a few conversations with me. Delete them from your key and there's nothing to link us together. But they could be coming for me any time. And you know enough now to understand that they're everywhere. So excuse me if I took a little time to find out some things about you before making contact. Excuse me if I wanted to make sure you weren't slipping off to have secret meetings with an ancient, shadowy organisation. My life is on the line here.

http://salkfamily.com/nowsheisfollowingme/

4 June 2005 1.45am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Can't sleep

It was at a picnic.

http://salkfamily.com/nowicontrolourdestination/

4 June 2005 1.46am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Can't sleep

What?

http://salkfamily.com/countinginthehalf-lightipassbyoneentrancethenanotherthenanother/

4 June 2005 1.49am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Can't sleep

Where I met Sylvia. At a picnic. It was a potluck. She brought a goat cheese tart. I can't stand goat cheese. She told me she didn't think she had anything to say to someone who didn't like goat cheese.


Chapter 5: Friendly Banter with Dangerous Minds

http://salkfamily.com/thepassagesappearidentical/

7 June 2005 10.28pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Tell me

What do you think the Cube does?

http://salkfamily.com/iamlookingfortheheartofthemaze/

7 June 2005 10.31pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Tell me

Me? I'm just a hired hand. What do I know?

http://salkfamily.com/ichoosecarefully/

7 June 2005 10.35pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: Tell me

No reason. Just chit-chat. If you had to guess, what would you say?

http://salkfamily.com/thisplaceislargerthanonemighthaveexpected/

7 June 2005 10.37pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Tell me

If I had to guess? I'd say it was a weapon. No one ever fights this hard for anything but a weapon. But then, that's my business. I would think so.

http://salkfamily.com/ileadheralongtherouteihavechosen/

7 June 2005 10.38pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Tell me

A super-weapon? An uber-weapon?

http://salkfamily.com/sheisalwaysalittlebehindmejustoutofview/

7 June 2005 10.40pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Tell me

It wouldn't be the first time, would it?

http://salkfamily.com/wecomeatlasttotheplaceihavechosen/

10 June 2005 6.13pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Strange things to realise on an ordinary afternoon

It is now precisely 1 day, 15 hours and 43 minutes since I last left my apartment. My key apparently stores this information. Is that odd?

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/


10 June 2005 6.17pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Strange things to realise on an ordinary afternoon

It's not odd for your key to store that information.

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/

10 June 2005 6.19pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Strange things to realise on an ordinary afternoon

Is it odd for it to have been that long since I left my apartment?

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/

10 June 2005 6.22pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Strange things to realise on an ordinary afternoon

From what you say, it's a pretty nice apartment. But, yeah, it's a bit odd. Less odd for Ascendancy Point people than for us mortals. You can get *everything* delivered, after all.

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/

10 June 2005 6.24pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Strange things to realise on an ordinary afternoon

Yes. Still. I don't think it's healthy.

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/

10 June 2005 6.25pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Strange things to realise on an ordinary afternoon

Are you scared to go out?

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/


10 June 2005 6.28pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Strange things to realise on an ordinary afternoon

Yes. Which is why I'm going right now. I can't carry on like this.

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/


11 June 2005 10.07am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: (no subject)

Come and meet me.

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/

11 June 2005 10.10am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: (no subject)

OK. Will you set up a secure channel like last time?

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/

11 June 2005 10.13am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: (no subject)

No, just come now and meet me.

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/


11 June 2005 10.14am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: (no subject)

Surely that's not safe?

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/

11 June 2005 10.15am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: (no subject)

I'm sick of safe. I'm sitting in the atrium right now. Come and find me. Let's have coffee. Like regular people.

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/


11 June 2005 10.16am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: (no subject)

Are you OK?

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/

11 June 2005 10.38am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: (no subject)

Do you know what it's like to be killed with a neuro-inhibitor?

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/

11 June 2005 10.39am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: (no subject)

No. Quite quick, I'd've thought.

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/


11 June 2005 10.43am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: (no subject)

Quite quick compared to cancer, Pietro. Think of a degenerative brain disease, speeded up. All the fun of the fair, in a fraction of the time. Knowing that you're losing yourself, being unable to stop it from happening. Sudden flashes of brilliance. Rages, despairs. Consciousness of your own slow degradation. It's not the most painful death in the world, but it's not pleasant.

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/

11 June 2005 10.44am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: (no subject)

And that's what you're afraid of?

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/

11 June 2005 10.47am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: (no subject)

It occurs to me that I never really lived a life I was interested in. Not even with all this money. I was always waiting until I could give it up, retire, do something I wanted to do.

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/

11 June 2005 10.48am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: (no subject)

You sound like you're dying.

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/


11 June 2005 10.52am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: (no subject)

I think I probably am. Look, don't come. I'll go back to my apartment now. We'll talk a bit later..

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/


12 June 2005 11.03pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Question

If you hadn't been a journalist, what would you have been?

http://salkfamily.com/theheartofthemaze/

12 June 2005 11.05pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Question

Why do you ask?

http://salkfamily.com/iknowithinkiknowwhatwillhappenhere/

12 June 2005 11.06pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Question

Just curious.

http://salkfamily.com/thecentreofthemazeisanemptyroom/

12 June 2005 11.12pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Question

I guess... probably would have tried harder for a place on the permanent staff at the PCAG? Or maybe the Mimasan? Yeah, I always dreamed about that when I was a kid. You know, *working* on the Mimasan Maze, devising new routes...

http://salkfamily.com/thisisthesecretattheheartofeverymaze/

12 June 2005 11.13pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Question

You're not going to ask me what I would have done?

http://salkfamily.com/sheknowsittoo/

12 June 2005 11.16pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Question

Sorry, I didn't think to ask. I just thought...

http://salkfamily.com/emptinessaspaceattheheart/

12 June 2005 11.18pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Question

What? That I always dreamed of doing this for a living? Children don't dream of doing this. It's always a question of circumstances, of what comes your way

http://salkfamily.com/theroomislong/

12 June 2005 11.23pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Question

So what did you want to do?

http://salkfamily.com/itisunbending/

12 June 2005 11.25pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Question

Laugh if you like. When I was a child, I wanted to work with trees. I used to go out to Rudon Forest on weekends, and think how good it'd be to be able to be there all the time. You know, somewhere that quiet. With these huge trees, that were alive long before we were born, and will be around long after we die.

http://salkfamily.com/itisaslargeasthemazeitself/

12 June 2005 11.29pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Question

Do you think that's funny?

http://salkfamily.com/thisisamysterybeyondexplanation/

12 June 2005 11.32pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Question

Not at all. Maybe you can still do it.

http://salkfamily.com/iwalkslowlyupthelengthoftheroom/

12 June 2005 11.33pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Question

Somehow, I don't think that's how this is going to end.

http://salkfamily.com/slowerthanslow/

Chapter 6: Doubts

13 June 2005 8.57pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Now

Do you have time to talk? I might have found something out.

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/


13 June 2005 8.59pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Now

Am in the bakery right now. Will be more secure in my apartment.

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/


13 June 2005 9.26pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Now

OK, I'm back, what is it?

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/


13 June 2005 9.32pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Research trip

I did find something. In the Academy. About your guys.

http://salkfamily.com/sheisbehindme/

13 June 2005 9.34pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Research trip

Something conclusive?

http://salkfamily.com/sheknowswhatwillhappennow/

13 June 2005 9.35pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: Research trip

Not really. But. I don't think it can be them. It's not what they would do. Not from what I can see. They're ruthless. They're true believers. But they'd have acted by now. Not played some ridiculous game with the city. Not taken it to Earth.

http://salkfamily.com/ireachthefardistance/

13 June 2005 9.36pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Research trip

Is that it?

http://salkfamily.com/thisisimpossibleofcourse/

13 June 2005 9.40pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Research trip

That's your evidence?

http://salkfamily.com/iseeher/

13 June 2005 9.42pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Research trip

It's them. Just believe me.

http://salkfamily.com/sheseesme/

13 June 2005 9.43pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Research trip

How can you know?

http://salkfamily.com/shespeaksaseriesofwords/

13 June 2005 9.45pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Research trip

There are things I can't tell you like this. If you start looking for them too hard, they know.

http://salkfamily.com/theymeannothingtome/

13 June 2005 9.49pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Research trip

We should meet then.

http://salkfamily.com/theymeaneverything/

14 June 2005 12.35pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Idle question

Do you have a favourite tree?

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/

14 June 2005 12.38pm From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Idle question

Umm.... hmmm, never really thought about it. Maybe birch trees? A park near my parents' house when I was growing up used to have a lot of birches and they always look kind of cheerful to me - sprightly. Why do you ask?

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/


14 June 2005 12.41pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Idle question

I'm just in the arboretum right now, pretending I'm in a forest. Thinking about whether I have a favourite.

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/

14 June 2005 12.42pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Idle question

And do you?

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/


14 June 2005 12.43pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Idle question

No. I was wondering that, but I don't think I do. I don't judge. I just like that they're there.

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/

14 June 2005 11.12pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: A decision

I'm taking your advice.

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/

14 June 2005 11.13pm From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: A decision

What's that?

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/


14 June 2005 11.15pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: A decision

I'm going camping.

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/


14 June 2005 11.16pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: A decision

Did I tell you to go camping?

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/


14 June 2005 11.18pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: A decision

You told me I should go and work with trees.

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/

14 June 2005 11.18pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: A decision

You're camping as part of a job working with trees?

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/

14 June 2005 11.19pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: A decision

No.

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/


14 June 2005 11.20pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: A decision

Ummmm....

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/


14 June 2005 11.22pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: A decision

I realised how long it's been since I last spent time in the forest. So I'm going. I'll be away for 24 hours. I'll be in touch when I get back.

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/


Chapter 7: The Minder

Date: 16 June 2005 5.15pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: <no subject>

I have just returned home. I was at our agreed meeting place. I told you to come unaccompanied. Did you think I wouldn't spot your minder?

http://salkfamily.com/ineverseehernotevenaglimpseofhercloak/

Date: 16 June 2005 5.42pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: <no subject>

I *was* unaccompanied! I don't know what you saw or what you thought you saw, but I didn't take anyone with me, didn't even tell anyone where I was going. I'm sure there must be some kind of mistake - I didn't have a "minder". I came alone.

http://salkfamily.com/she/

Date: 16 June 2005 5.46pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: <no subject>

Don't try to play these games with me. Dark-skinned man, knew how to handle himself, sitting in a leather armchair near to the cluster of birch trees. Arrived about 20 minutes before you, took up a place where he had a perfect view of the proceedings, pretended to be reading the newspaper. Don't think I can't spot another professional.

http://salkfamily.com/itisawomanthenmyquarry/


Date: 16 June 2005 5.55pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: Re: <no subject>

I really, honestly, have no idea what you're talking about. I didn't tell *anyone* about our meeting. And do you really think that *The Sentinel* would be able to set up some smooth professional minder to protect me? They just fired someone for being a member of a perfectly legal religious group! They just don't care about their staff that much.

http://salkfamily.com/onlyalittle/

Date: 16 June 2005 6.12pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: <no subject>

The Sentinel might not have been able to arrange a minder for you, but the police certainly would have.

http://salkfamily.com/onlyjustoutofreach/

Date: 16 June 2005 6.17pm

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: <no subject>

And if I'd betrayed you to the police, why aren't they at your apartment right now, arresting you? I know which building you live in. I know what you look like. All they'd have to do is throw a cordon round the basement levels and work their way up. You're hardly going to escape out of the window, after all!

Couldn't this just be perfectly understandable paranoia? We know that the danger you're in is real. That guy was probably just a fitness instructor on his lunch hour or something.

http://salkfamily.com/itrytorememberwhosheisthiswomanalwaysaheadofme/

Date: 16 June 2005 7.32pm

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: <no subject>

Perhaps you're right. But I was so sure. I trust my instincts. Am going out now. Won't be taking my key. Need to think this over. I will contact you shortly.

http://salkfamily.com/ifollowawomanwalkinginthismaze/


16 June 2005

Walked past an open door of a shop just now and caught a scent that reminded me of her perfume - something like fresh-cut grass. Someone once said to me that any relationship, sexual or not, which you would not want your wife to find out about is an affair. I keep thinking about that now.

http://salkfamily.com/ifistoppedshetoowouldstop/


Chapter 8: To The Teeth

17 June 2005

It's got to be the Recons, it's got to be. How does AE tie into all of this? Was she in on it, just not on the same team?

http://salkfamily.com/ialmostknowtheanswer/

Date: 18 June 2005 4.18am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Just thinking

You are the only person in this whole city I can talk to. That's terrible, isn't it?

http://salkfamily.com/theplaceisquiet/

18 June 2005 4.24am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Just thinking

Not that terrible. I understand.

http://salkfamily.com/itisgoneagain/

18 June 2005 4.29am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Just thinking

But you don't feel the same?

http://salkfamily.com/awomanpushingaslipofpapertowardmeacrossatable/

18 June 2005 4.33am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Just thinking

I love my wife. But I still understand.

http://salkfamily.com/iremembersomethingafragmentaconversation/

Date: 19 June 2005 3.18am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: We can't do this anymore

It's getting too risky and I'm sure you know it. Sylvia was looking for some files on my key today and got way too close. In any case, she's suspicious about what I've been doing with my time lately. I can't risk her getting hurt. It's time to end this.

http://salkfamily.com/iamdreamingnow/

Date: 19 June 2005 3.20am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: We can't do this anymore

What are you saying? I don't know what I'll do alone.

http://salkfamily.com/alliamisdreaming/

Date: 19 June 2005 3.22am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: We can't do this anymore

That's not what I mean. It's time. We have enough evidence. We have to go to the police. I want to meet you, and we'll go together. I'll be there. We'll talk to them together. Everything will be OK.

http://salkfamily.com/iknowwithoutknowinghowiknowthatshealsowalksalittlefaster/

Date: 19 June 2005 3.48am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: We can't do this anymore

Are you still there?

http://salkfamily.com/iwillwakesoonandwheniwakeiwilldie/

Date: 19 June 2005 3.51am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: We can't do this anymore

I'm here.

http://salkfamily.com/iknowthistobetrue/

Date: 19 June 2005 4.25am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: We can't do this anymore

Yes. You're right. I'm afraid, that's all. I know they're watching me.

I've had an idea; why don't we meet in my building on Solstice Day? There's going to be a huge celebrity wedding here, so the place will be crawling with people. Even more so than usual. We might go unseen.

http://salkfamily.com/herspeedissteadyincreasingwhenmineincreasesdecreasingwhenminedoes/

Date: 19 June 2005 4.29am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: We can't do this anymore

Are we really in that much danger?

http://salkfamily.com/inmydreamsiamwalkinginamaze/

Date: 19 June 2005 4.30am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: We can't do this anymore

Yes.

http://salkfamily.com/iamfollowingsomeonewhoisalwaysjustalittletoofarahead/


Date: 19 June 2005 4.35am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: We can't do this anymore

Yes. Let's meet then. As long as you're up, you should go out, take a walk in the park, enjoy the trees.

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/

Date: 19 June 2005 4.37am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: We can't do this anymore

I don't know if I dare.

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/

Date: 19 June 2005 4.39am

From: Pietro Salk

To: The Advisor

Subject: Re: We can't do this anymore

Just go, now, without thinking.

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/

Date: 19 June 2005 4.41am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: We can't do this anymore

Yes, alright, you're right. I'll go now. It's so early, nothing can happen.

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/


Date: 19 June 2005 4.59am

From: The Advisor

To: Pietro Salk

Subject: Re: We can't do this anymore

I can't. I got down as far as the atrium, but I had to come back. I couldn't. I just felt that everyone was watching me, even the few people who were around - the guy cleaning the floor, the woman at the front desk. I just can't.

http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/



Chapter 9: Closing

Question: How were the four recruited?

TA says that they were contacted individually. Did not know each other until the night.

Question: Didn't that pose identification difficulties?

TA says no. V knew who they all were.

Question: Who is V?

TA will not say.

http://salkfamily.com/ithinkthatthismazeisknowledgethatihavepiecedittogetherliketheconstructionofacomplexpuzzle/

<recording begins>

Well, we've already discussed Q, haven't we? Quercus. I suppose it's sort of clever. I was K. C was some kind of software-genius; I think that C was the initial of her real surname - foolish of her. And V. I can't tell you. V's dangerous. Really dangerous.

<recording ends>

http://salkfamily.com/shedoesnotthirst/

LAST ONE:

You must find her before it's too late. You must find out what she knows.

Sylvia, I love you, I love you.

http://salkfamily.com/itistimeformetogo/


Password protected directories:

UNLOCKED! http://salkfamily.com/myvoicereturnstome/ (Clue: "Dad" Username: pietro Password: Vincent)

LOCKED: http://salkfamily.com/iwalkalittlefaster/ (Clue: "S's favourite flower")

UNLOCKED!: http://salkfamily.com/andnowshebeginstopursueme/ (Clue: "Our song" Username: pietro Password: Sweet Serenity)

LOCKED: http://salkfamily.com/theyarethisstory/ (Clue: "Where S and I met")