June 1996 (via electronic post)
Observations of the island wildlife has revealed more than you are willing to admit. From our brief observations in March, it seemed clear that the proportion of predators to prey would have created an ecological imbalance were it not for the prion infection. This makes the island’s ecology unusually well-suited to our understanding of natural systems under extreme pressures. The rate at which the animals propagate at present is very evidently an adaptation against the greater probability of death inherent in their unique ecology. We should expect that the death rate of the predator population would drop prior to that of their prey due specifically to the infection – and yet we see the continued propagation of predator and prey populations alike in a very stressed environment.
We must return and carry out our observations, complete our study, regardless of the risks involved. Might there be other factors which we have not taken into account? The cave through which we passed appeared, to my eye, part of a larger cavern underlying the islands foundation. We are also aware of more facilities in the swamps north and east of where we were established our camp. This alone must drive us in the act of discovery and scientific knowledge.
In regard to your query, Thorne has been supremely unhelpful in the matter and may sue to be released from the contract. I have reminded him of the terms of our agreement, to outfit an expedition to depart June of this year – and here we are in June and no vehicles are available. I do regret the loss of the vehicles, but it seems clear to me that this does not release him from our contract.
R. Levine
