Dearest Dolly,
“Gut reaction” is such a very American phrase: grotesque, yet somehow apt. Mine includes a recollection of the deep and dark silence beside the lake where you live, and the pointed fir trees surrounding it. Their pine scent was both sweeter and saltier than any I have smelled before, or since.
All of which is to say that I would return to the USA immediately—would in fact already have returned—were I not fettered as I am. Alas, I cannot. Were the filmmakers permitted to come here to X （highly unlikely）， I would gladly participate.
With the utmost respect, Dolly, I must gently correct your account of our shared motives for bringing together General B and Kitty Jackson in 2008. Did we not engineer an appearance of romantic involvement between them as a “Trojan horse” to compel an end to the general’s depredations? That was my plan, certainly—and yours, too, as I recall you saying quite explicitly. If you will probe the recesses of your memory （perhaps you have externalized it, like so many?）， I am confident that these laudable details will return to you.
Widespread recognition of our unorthodox and successful scheme to bring democracy to my country would improve my standing with the current regime, and I would relish the chance to speak of it “on the record.”
Sending very fondest thoughts, Arc
Dolly Peale→Ashleigh Avila Dear Ashleigh,
I have made contact with the man who served as my liaison with General B’s regime in 2008. Though theoretically willing to participate, he is sadly out of favor with the current regime and unable to leave the country. He will begin the process of requesting a travel visa, but it may be slow. Stay tuned.
All the best, Dolly
Ashleigh→Dolly
Dear Dolly,
INCREDIBLE that you’ve found this person and he is willing!!! And don’t lose hope: I have a close friend who emigrated from X as a kid and has family in the current regime! Will ask her to query about permission to shoot INSIDE of X, which would be a thousand times better for original locations and atmosphere. Not sure I’ve mentioned that I’m trained as a documentary filmmaker （MFA/NYU）？ I have experience with permissions logistics and enough interested funders that overseas travel might work.
With hope and expectation, Ash
FWD: Dolly Peale→Joseph Kisarian
Jojo, HELP! See below: I have made a horrific blunder by admitting that Arc is alive and willing. I’m terrified of making a wrong move and thwarting Lu, but this “documentary” must be shut down before further steps are taken! Please advise!
Love, Dodo
Joe →Dolly
Dodo, please do not be upset! Remember my motto: “If everyone is still alive, whatever it is can be fixed.”
You will see for yourself this weekend that Lulu has made enormous strides! She is sleeping well, and I have heard her laugh, really laugh, for the first time since her return from service. There are flashes of the old Lulu: buoyant and bright with the merest hint of subterfuge. She is up to something, our Lulu, and it is bringing her joy.
Love, Jojo
6
Bosco Baines→Bennie Salazar
Hey Pal,
Jules has got me mixed up in some journalism scheme involving Jazz Attenborough （big Conduits fan, who knew?）。 The idea is that Jazz and I will ride around in his supersonic speedboat next month in LA, and Jules will write about it, and people will video and meme and stream it, and then old-timers will start broadcasting their memories of our original greatness a millennium ago, and we’ll get famous all over again. Wondering if we might hitch that caper to a minor Conduits relaunch; new-take-on-old-songs kinda thing? Just askin’。
Love you baby, Bosky
Bennie→Bosco