From Ada King, Countess of Lovelace, to Nicholas Throckmorton

Throckmorton, The evacuees have been situated safely. We can wait no longer for those who remain in Mordryg Fen. We have already extended more grace than we can afford. Send a team to transport Mordryg Fen’s remaining coal to Queen’s Brae. Afterwards, deactivate the Pale Pylon. That such a thankless task should fall to you is unfortunate, and no doubt your mind will linger on its consequences. I bid you: put them aside and focus instead on what must be done. There will be time enough for regret after we have declared victory. Your actions buy us time. If that time ensures that even just one human survives to see the end of this calamity, then we have won. Even a pyrrhic victory is still a victory. Yours, A.A.L