P.2

Here’s a 5x compressed summary of chapter P.2 in 545 words:

Moonsong posts on the newly restored PHO, announcing the death of their teammate Coiffure during Gold Morning’s initial strikes. She shares memories of Coiffure’s family and reveals that Furcate, another teammate, chose to fight on that fateful day. Moonsong admits to a strained relationship with Furcate but expresses deep respect for them. Scritch and Scratch, their nemeses, were killed during a lull in the fighting. The fates of Tribute, Boundless, Capricorn, and Steamwheel remain unknown. Figurehead, alive but shaken, has retired from cape life.

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Capricorn (Tristan) joins the Team Reach private chat. He and Moonsong express relief at each other’s survival. Tristan reveals he was dragged into the Gold Morning battle, while Moonsong nods understandingly. Tristan’s family is alive and adjusting to life in the rapidly developing city on Gimel, which feels like a strange echo of Earth Bet cities but isn’t home. Moonsong’s father is considering a political role. Tristan notes the truce and the thriving masterminds.

Moonsong acknowledges Tristan’s kind words about Furcate in her forum post. She confirms that Reach will likely not continue, as many teams are now under the Wardens, a PRT-like organization. Moonsong expresses uncertainty about joining the Wardens and states her enduring loyalty to Reach.

Their conversation turns tense as Tristan accuses Moonsong of judging him and Furcate unfairly. Moonsong admits she didn’t like Furcate but loved and respected them as a teammate, revealing she held Furcate at the end and talked to them throughout. She admits to wondering if she should have killed Tristan. Tristan acknowledges his own fault, and they agree to keep their distance. He then addresses the absent team members, expressing his feelings for Furcate and Coiffure.

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Tristan, using the alias “3A::u@T_Enki,” contacts “X29V5n” in a private chat. He discusses the need for “insurance” regarding memorabilia, using the analogy of commemorative plates, later changed to action figures. X29V5n explains the tiers of service, ranging from words and minor damage to complete destruction. Tristan opts for the highest tier, starting at twenty thousand, and agrees to pay half upfront, keeping the service in reserve for complicated particulars. He sends an image, but X29V5n notes something deeply wrong with it. They agree to meet to discuss further.

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Tristan briefly rejoins the Team Reach chat, greeting Moonsong and Tribute. He mentions a “surreal experience” with a professional, which Moonsong advises not to discuss. Moonsong expresses her longing to catch up, but Tristan hesitates. He asks her not to come after him, to which she agrees, provided the professional he hired has it covered. Tristan confirms it is covered.