Sylva, a striking figure with long, dark green hair flowing like a river down her back, sat at her computer, writing a starmail to her sister. Her fox-kin heritage was evident in her graceful, agile features and the large, fluffy black tail that swayed with her every movement. Her features were also marked by genetic modifications—enhancements that, along with cutting-edge technology, had extended her life far beyond typical human expectations.
Subject: Congratulations!
Hey Syrin,
I just wanted to say congratulations on getting married! I looked through all the pictures you sent, and you looked absolutely stunning. I wish I could’ve been there, but, well... you know how it is. This planet doesn’t exactly terraform itself, and someone has to stay behind to manage the atmospheric processors and terraforming equipment.
Still, I’ve been thinking a lot about you and everyone back home. It’s been too long since we’ve talked in person. I miss the sound of your voice, the way you laugh at all my terrible jokes. I know it’s allowed for people to visit, and I checked—there’s no rule against it. So maybe, one day, you could come here? It’d mean the world to me.
You don’t have to worry about me, though. Everything’s going better than I ever could’ve hoped. The planet’s transformation is ahead of schedule. For once, it feels like we might actually beat that three-hundred-year timeline.
I love you, Syrin. Always have, always will. Don’t let life back home pass you by. And hey, if you ever need to talk, I’m just a starmail away.
Take care, okay?
-Sylva
After sending the starmail to her sister, she picked up the picture of Syrin from her desk. Her eyes welled with tears as she whispered softly, “Miss you, sis. It’s been too long since we talked.” She put the picture down and glanced at the time. “It’s getting late—one hundred and sixty-two years on this planet, and I still can’t keep track of time. Better get to bed, don’t want to pass out at my desk again.”
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The Next Day
Sylva stretched lazily as the soft glow of artificial sunlight filled her room. Her base of operations, carved into the side of a towering mountain, offered a breathtaking view of Nerath’s revitalized landscape through a reinforced window. Originally designed to monitor the atmospheric processors and terraforming equipment, the room now provided her with a daily reminder of the planet’s progress. She yawned, her fluffy black tail twitching slightly as she rubbed her eyes.
[M.I.R.A. (Modular Intelligence and Resource Algorithm): "User Sylva, you have five uncompleted tasks and one unread message."] The AI’s monotone voice broke through the stillness of the room.
Sylva groaned, rolling over to glance at the ceiling. “Good morning to you too, M.I.R.A. Let me guess the report on local wildlife?”
[M.I.R.A.]: “Correct. It has been pending for two days.”
“Yeah, yeah, I’ll get to it,” Sylva muttered, sliding out of bed. The cool iron floor beneath her feet was a sharp contrast to the warmth of the air, and she stretched her arms above her head. Her room was simple but functional, with marble walls softened by glowing panels embedded into the stone, casting a calming light.
She opened the door and made her way to the small kitchen area, walking over to the matter synthesizer. “One cup of synth-caf with eggs and bacon.” Within seconds, the objects appeared on a plate. The warm, familiar aroma filled the air as she gazed out the wide window overlooking the valley below. From this vantage point, she could see the fruits of her work: thriving forests, shimmering rivers, and an ecosystem restored to life. It was a far cry from the desolate wasteland she had arrived to so long ago.
Sipping her drink and eating her food, she sighed contentedly. “Another day, another thousand things to do. Let’s get to it.”
[M.I.R.A.]: “Would you like me to prioritize your tasks for the day, or shall I begin with the unread message?”
“Message first,” Sylva said, settling into her workstation by the window. The desk was cluttered with notes, tools, and a few personal trinkets, including the photo of her sister. She spun her chair around once before facing the screen. “Let’s see what the universe has to say today.” She opened the starmail app, and her eyes landed on the unread message from Syrin.
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Subject: Wish You Were Here
Hey Sylva,
I hope this message finds you well. I still can’t believe it’s been over a hundred and sixty years since you left for Nerath. It feels like yesterday we were kids sneaking out past curfew to stare at the stars. A lot has changed here, but somehow it still feels like you’re just... out of reach.
The wedding was beautiful. I sent you as many pictures as I could, but they don't do it justice. You would’ve loved it—the ceremony, the music, the lights everything. It felt incomplete without you, though. Everyone asked about you. Mom still talks about how proud she is of you, even if she doesn’t always say it right.
I know your work on Nerath is important, and I can't even begin to imagine what it must be like to see life return to a dead planet. But I miss you, Sylva. We all do.
Maybe one day, when your work is done, I can visit. I know you said it’s allowed, but I also know how stubborn you are about "not being a distraction to the mission." Maybe think about letting someone or something distract you for once?
Anyway, I just wanted to say I love you and I’m proud of you. I’ll send more pictures soon. Take care of yourself, okay?
-Syrin
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Looking out the window, Sylva’s ears perked up, and her tail started wagging. “Letting someone or something distract me for once... that gives me an idea!” She smiled softly. “M.I.R.A., add a new long-term objective named ‘Operation: New Species.’ The goal for this objective is to get to know the sapient species of Nerath.”
[M.I.R.A.]: “Acknowledged, User Sylva. New objective added: Operation: New Species.”
