Per Aspera (Ad Astra #2)

Chapter 9

Dear readers,

Earlier this week, my country (the United States) elected convicted felon Donald Trump back into office. I am disheartened and incredibly angry that the majority of our country chose misogyny and racism over the best interests of its most vulnerable populations. As a queer woman, I am fearful for the future thinking of how my rights and especially those of my trans peers may continue to be stripped. To my US readers who are feeling the same way, my heart goes out to you. I've attached a link to LGBTQ+ mental health resources available in the US should you need them: https://glaad.org/resourcelist/

As upset and hopeless as I and many others feel, I want to share some words of optimism. Know that there were 68 million Americans who voted for a better future. There are 68 million of us who are pissed off and grieving and ready to come together and fight whatever comes our way these next four years. Whatever happens, we're in this together, and we CAN ignite change.

And to anyone reading this who may have voted for or supports Donald Trump, I do NOT tolerate any misogyny, racism, or homophobia in this space, especially considering this book is centered around themes of queer expression, race equality, female empowerment, and dismantling a tyrannical government. This is a safe space for my readers, and your hatred is not welcome here.

Take care everyone, and keep fighting.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

In the days that follow, my strength fully returns, and I grow more used to life in Kesuk's cabin. Kesuk goes out in the early mornings to hunt, then heads to the market in the afternoon to sell his goods and gather information. He only shares his findings with me on the days that Lagi comes to lunch, which is roughly every three days. During that time, we have a solid hour to strategize before Lagi is called back to camp. Knowing how valuable that time is, we use it wisely.

In the meantime, while Kesuk is gone, I've begun making note of any valuable information Kesuk has received. Despite Kesuk's sleuthing, he learns nothing of my mother and sister's plans, even after locating my mother's former ally, Nukilik and stealthily trying to learn information those who associate with the man. From what Kesuk gathers, my mother's former ally has not been in contact with her since before the assassination. It relieves me to know my mother has not yet sought out aid from her allies in Kilneu, but I also mourn the loss of a potential lead on what she and Kiana are up to.

We find wins in other ways though. In a spare notebook, I jot down the number of allies we have so far - eleven. They are commonfolk who Kesuk has found hanging around businesses or in the marketplace that are eager to join our cause. Our numbers are not much, but I am hopeful we will find more. Our initial allies possibly have connections across Kilneu, and Kesuk's latest task has been learning from them who else to contact.

When not analyzing our numbers, I am also studying the map I purchased on my journey to Kilneu. Unfortunately, Kilaun is the only settlement where we currently have allies in Kilneu. My eyes often wander to Olikpok and Nuniq in the north, as I wonder how to acquire allies there as well. Even more often, I glance farther across the map at the other regions of the empire. I wonder, when we are finished with our work in Kilneu, where should we head next? Dangerous as this mission may be, the chance to travel excites me. It is a freedom I have never had the pleasure of experiencing before.

One afternoon, Kesuk and Lagi return to the cabin at the same time. After three days of snow storms delayed our strategy session, I am thrilled to get back to work. I set out the lunch items Kesuk asked me to prepare when he took off this morning. In his spare time, he has been teaching me how to cook Kilneu delicacies, including freshly caught rabbit, which he often prepares into a stew. He prepared the dish earlier in the day and asked me to occasionally stir throughout the morning. The savory scent radiating through the cabin gives me hope that I did not ruin his recipe.