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Gideon. I have some updates to make to you.

The first: Emmett and I are planning to expand the barn with some wood reclaimed from the old shed. This is a project I intend to work on in my free time, so I do not anticipate it to interfere with any of my ongoing or future obligations. I trust your judgment on what needs to be escalated to Roswell or otherwise. I do not believe this is such a thing that requires escalation, for what it is worth.

The second: I prepared and delivered a statement of work regarding restoration of the wind farm to Whitney. I also prepared a copy of the same which I gave to Roswell. The ball is now in Whitney's court, so to speak, on what they decide to do.

[...] [...] [...] And relatedly, I think it was a mistake to put me in charge of this project. Not the work itself, I am confident I can deliver on that front. But [...] interfacing with Whitney. I do not think I am suited. [...] I have thought about this over the past few days, and getting the wind farm back online is important to me, too important for me to get in the way of myself. This is not just an opportunity for Whitney to have more reliable power, but an opportunity to innervate all of Meagher Valley with electricity, and potentially beyond. No one has ever designed a wind farm to power just one thing, after all. Even if it means lighting the highway at night again, success in this endeavor can bring about good things for many people. [...] Yet I am incapable of interacting in ordinary conversation in any way that appeals. I think I am already getting in the way of myself and this project. I will poison what can otherwise be a positive relationship between our communities. I do not know how to prevent this other than to remove myself. So it would serve everyone better if you were the face of this operation, Gideon. People like to talk to you. Mara will like to talk to you. Let me do the work and remain in the background. [...] Please.

Thanks for doing all that, John. I don't think Roswell'd mind at alll if you helped out Emmett with that, he's overworked as is. Giving him some extra hands is a good call. and it sounds like you need a break.

That's alright. I think you're selling yourself a little short, but I can interface with them for you. You just tell me what you need them to know, and I'll deliver it. I might need to pick your brain if they need some really specific details, but I won't make you talk to them if you're feeling off about it. Your work speaks for itself. Tell me what supplies and support you need and I'll make sure you have them. My own hands included.

[...] They didn't say anything rude to you, did they?

Thank you, Gideon. I will make sure you get a copy of the SOW. I made a third copy for myself. I'll deliver it shortly.

No one said anything rude. At least I don't believe see. I just [...] know when I have made a mistake, although I do not know the exact nature of my mistakes. It is just a sense I have, that things would have gone better in more capable hands.

No such thing as too many copies.

It probably went better than you think. But like I said, even if I could make you go back, I wouldn't. Is there a specific mistake you made, or is it just social awkwardness?

~~Everything was the mistake.~~ [...] I had once given Mara a gift of my ration of alcohol, while on a trading run to Whitney some time ago. I thought she would like more. I think offering the same this time around put her on guard, or made her think I was attempting something underhanded. I do this frequently, Gideon, I do not understand what should or should not be done. I see this now, how my gesture was overbearing, off-putting, and suspicious. I do not want to be a liability and sour the relationship. Nor do I want to make Lundegaard seem predisposed to trickery or unfair play. There is much at stake, especially when considering how things presently lie between Mara and Roswell. Whereas you are quick on your feet. You know what to say and when.

I can give some context. I also once offered to bring more alcohol to Whitney, and it seems like they have plenty. She told me off but asked for carbs like bread instead. That's not a you problem.

God. Honestly, John. I don't always know what I'm doing or saying but [...] I know I'm better at faking it than you. No insult meant. And it took a lot of work. You're an expert, too, and if Mara's smart she knows what you said was accurate. If she wants someone who can do a customer service voice then that's what I'm here for.

[…] I just want this to work. I want to do a good thing without any bad. That’s all.

At any rate, we seem to have settled things. I owe you one, Gideon. Thank you again.

It's already working. You know I wasn't supportive of the summit, but you and Roswell got this thing moving and I'm not going to let it fail. A few personality quirks are nothing in the grand scheme of things.

Anytime, John.