Current mood:

drained

Progress
I am quite exhausted after these last two weeks. I am being forced to face my own mortality, whether I like it or no, both in the guise of Ingrid's terrible illness and the incredible effort it is taking for me to sustain an intense level of activity.

Even ten years ago, I think I might have been able to do this and not feel the effects as much. But now I fear the effort is taking its toll. I hope that things will calm down enough shortly for me to take off one day a week (barring emergencies). Otherwise I am not certain I will be able to maintain this frenetic pace.

I spoke with Philo today, who seems almost as worn out as I feel. We both agreed that we might have to dance with the Devil on more than one front in the coming weeks.

For one, we will have to play nicely with young Mabrey, despite his distasteful approach to things. Yes, yes, I know that he could have done a lot worse, but the implied threat of stonewalling us at every turn should we not comply with his wishes is truly irksome. I think Philo was surprised when I revealed to her that I am not entirely against Perseity's becoming more autonomous once communication with Europe is restored.

Still, she agreed with my assessment, and we may find ourselves holding a referendum once things are back to "normal" if one may use that unfortunate term in this context.

We also have a great deal on our plates with regards to the other nations of Second Sphere, notably Nova Carpathia. We have very little with which to negotiate, but I am reasonably certain that the threat of Austronesia's building the new Torus first can be useful as a bargaining chip. I am not certain how effective it will be, but I am sure the Nova Carpathians are not keen on having Austronesia pull the carpet out from under their feet.

Nonetheless, they will bear watching. It is undeniable that they are militaristic and expansionist, and there are one hundred of them to each of us. It would be unwise to put ourselves in too compromising a position just yet. I for one would like to see at least two nations helping Perseity, so that none have exclusive control over the proceedings here by virtue of increased military and financial might.

I shall write more later. Right now I believe I will head to bed.