From the Depths...

>My dearest Meredith,

>The voyage is going smoother than expected.
>Harrison, the ship's cook, has done a marvelous job keeping everyone well-fed and healthy; I don't think I've ever seen such a large stockpile of citrus in my lifetime!
>The other members of the crew have proven to be quite handy as well; though, I suppose they have to be, considering where our voyage is taking us.
>The Antarctic Circle, of all places! Never before have I dreamt of going to such an untouched land, being among the first to pillage what secrets it has hidden beneath its surface!
>My only regret, Meredith, is that you were unable to come with me. It is lonely some nights, without the feel of your soft fur against my chest, your claws, gently scratching at an unseen itch; it is all the more reason for me to finish this expedition as quickly and as thoroughly as possible, so that I may likewise return to you in as timely a manner as possible.
>There's a hole in the bottom of the world, dear, and I shall be the first to unveil its secrets!
>Your loving husband, Anon. Y Mous.
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>My Dearest Meredith,

>We have arrived at the shores of the Antarctic!
>The other members of the expedition are busy checking the supplies as I write this;
>I would be joining them, however, they insisted that I instead write you another letter informing you of our progress.
>Currently, though, I can't help but notice a few curious happenings.
>As expected, the Monolith is slightly visible above the crest of the nearby mountain range; however, multiple crewmen have reported...inconsistencies.
>To some, it seems to flicker in-and-out of view like a candle in a strong wind; to others, it looms directly overhead, like a bizarre Sword of Damocles.
>To myself, however, I see nothing out of the ordinary. That said, I would not be a good leader if I did not proceed with caution upon hearing these reports.
>Some of the more bestial members of the crew have opted to remain on the ship; we have plenty of solid fuel, and food is never in short supply when you have talented divers at sea.
>Truth be told, Meredith, I worry for their safety, not least their sanity. The air is strange here, though perfectly breathable.
>I have high hopes, however, that this expedition shall bear ample fruit for the both of us.
>The world has a hole in it, dear, and your absence makes it all the more deep,
>Yours truly, Anon. Y Mous.
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>My dearest Meredith,
>Do you remember the day we first met?
>You'd been assigned to me as an assistant for a research expedition to what remained of Jamestown; I remember seeing you, bright-eyed and bushy tailed, fresh from the university, and thinking that you were adequate enough.
>And how wrong I was, Meredith. You were the best damned assistant I could've asked for; you stuck by my side even after the funding ran dry, and we had to beg for passage to England!
>I remember thinking, then, that you were the most beautiful woman I had ever laid eyes on.
>I still do, you know.
>Do not come looking for me, Meredith. There is nothing to be found in the Antarctic, nothing but death and decay.
>There's a hole in the bottom of the world, Meredith, and I find myself asking:
>Why is it there?

>For the last time, Meredith, I love you. I always have, and with what little time I have left, I always will.
>Forever yours, until the Sun grows old and the stars grow cold,
>Anon Y. Mous.
>Goodbye.