Today's task is simpler than what you are used to taking on nowadays. Someone's thoughts and feelings on a philosophy problem for their degree lie in utter confusion, and you are to help sort them out. Given the complexity of some of the work you've had the free time to take on recently, this seems extremely easy by comparison. With the allotted time arriving, you project to the place and touch down gently into the Headspace.
Immediately it becomes obvious that this is less straightforward than you thought it would be.
First, in the literal sense. Before you is a labyrinth of a scale that you have difficulty fully comprehending. You can see the stones in the wall shift and move unnaturally, and you can only guess that it re-arranges itself as the thoughts themselves also shift over and change.
Even more so, in the figurative sense. Your Feel skills, now honed to a razor edge of sensitivity, can feel the massive web of confusion, conflicting opinions and ideas and emotion all bundled in and twisted in on themselves. This is going to take a lot of sorting out.
So you reach out with your new Feel, and begin pulling things in order. The Headspace shifts, bucks, and the stone cracks as the feelings you are moving also moves the labyrinth. It's a titanic effort, even for one as accomplished as yourself. And-
No, this is all wrong.
You stop, letting the emotions fall away from you.
Then, you start again. And as you work, you walk. You saunter through the labyrinth, and watch and gesture as paths unravel, the stone walls moving apart and revealing new pathways, connecting through to older ones. You realise the problem should be a labyrinth. So you don't make it any less of one. What's important here is not that there be a right answer, but that the paths available to be chosen be clear, and there be plenty of room for new ones. Behind you as the paths reshuffle, light begins to spill through, the dark and gloomy air of the labyrinth brightening into the clear light of day as flowers and moss bloom along the stone. You're not sure why, there's no sun you can see. Then again, when has anything in a headspace had to make any sense?
So soon you are hopelessly lost, but it does not matter. No more is the problem rigid, deliberately confusing and circular. If one is to walk the path, or make their own, perhaps they will end up lost, but it will always have been valuable.
And you're proud of that.
To: eugeniasradiance@musemail.com
From: morganwalker@musemail.com
Subject: A bright future.
Dear Eugenia
Thank you for your email. I too have missed our talks in the conference, and would be pleased to arrange something similar out in reality, or a headspace of your choosing. Do you have a preference?
I have chosen to take an early retirement from property law. After my recent performance I daresay I realise I could use a break to reflect.
Best Wishes
Morgan Walker
To: mayorofmuseford@musemail.com
From: morganwalker@musemail.com
Subject: Requested legal assistance.
Dear Mayor Death
Thank you for your previous email asking for assistance on the law surrounding the protection of habitats against those who find valuable resources inside them. Though I retired from practicing a few years ago, I would be more than happy to assist you in this matter. Your proposed salary is generous, but unnecessary. That said, I will not be so rude as to turn it down if you insist.
Best Wishes
Morgan Walker.
To: soupisacereal@musemail.com
From: morganwalker@musemail.com
Subject: Psychic Assistance Concern
Hello Alan
I received your email about your concerns with my psychic aid. Forgive my response for being slightly delayed.
I have many regrets from my time in property law. After my defeat by the hands of the City in the case of Hardcastle vs the Museford City Council, I took some time off to reflect, and realised that that work no longer reflected my values and feelings. I have resolved to leave it behind.
Your concern about my motivation is an understandable one, and I do not expect minds to change immediately, especially if they dealt with me during my time in property law. But my experiences taught me that nothing in this world is set in stone, nothing is true by virtue of being true, and all can change. This is what I live by now.
Thank you for your concern, and do not hesitate to email me with further concerns
Morgan Walker.
To: eyeofthestorm@musemail.com
From: morganwalker@musemail.com
Subject: Avian Intruders
Dear Storm.
Your question as to whether birds, having originated inside Headspace, are legally trespassing into our world is an intriguing one. I admit I am not sure of the answer. I shall have to look into it.
Thank you for your interest
Morgan Walker.
To: morganwalker@musemail.com
From: sarah@musemail.com
Subject: Lunch Plans
Hi Morgan
I can confirm 12 noon is a good time for meeting.
I am sorry about your dismissal from the Hardcastle case. I get the sense you are perhaps less sorry than I am though.
And if I'm correct, I think you did the right thing. No need to confirm my suspicions.
See you soon.
Sarah