When I got home from Russia, grandmother had some things to show me. When the park had closed for the night we went to the largest level, the one with a roof high enough to simulate the sky. We went to the large oak tree in the center, where I learned both why it was there and how.

Someone was waiting for us there, a woman with green hair dressed in... bark? No, the bark is part of her, and her 'hair' is more pine needles, or leafless ivy vines. Her name is Acacia, and she's a dryad. Grandmother had gotten her there with the same transportation magic she had promised to fetch me with if I needed it. A normal tree couldn't come with her, but a tree with a mind and soul could. Somehow the magic could only work with something sapient, or at least sentient.

Acacia insisted to me that all trees do think, and even mentioned that the mycelium web that connects the mushrooms in an area connects trees as well, facilitating conversation in their way. Grandmother admitted that this was true, but that their minds are incompatible with her magic, but Acacia's was close enough.

That's when I decided that we needed more saplings on that level, to bring her friends, or at least 'children' to care for. We had plenty of other places for the sculptures I'd initially chosen to decorate it with. The metaphor of metal that looks alive is fine, but it's not what she needs.

I guess I have to get used to allies needing healing, I met Chad again when he got hurt after we'd parted ways. I really didn't have time to find out what happened or chat, I need to call him some time so we can keep in touch. Anyhow, at least I'm properly starting to network. With Chad and Alan and hopefully more soon, we can trade notes and help each other out. I almost regret turning Mercer down for the cybernetics, but I really don't feel right having artificial material inside me. I need  to tell him so.

What does any of that have to do with anything? Well, the networking part. Having taken charge of the estate, there's a lot more than just moving things, redecorating, and meeting her staff. I need to network with people who can do the moving and redecorating, and her staff, but also with society at large. I can't hide from the press forever, they want to know more about our family. I don't know how much I can avoid telling them. Our wealth coming from Klondike gold is public record, but I've never heard anyone bring it up. Yet.

I really hate it, but I need to schedule some talk shows, go to some major parties, and make ties with the mundane world. I expect I'll take too much time planning it all out, like I do with everything.

I've been learning so much, but I have no time. I thought I'd have some, but then I got terribly sick. That's taken care of now, but I still have no time. I can find time for a relaxing bath or a swim, but those aren't as relaxing as they used to be. Maybe I should try a hobby, when I find time.

Speaking of time, I need to call Alan more, staying alone like he does can't be good for his mental health. But, he knows about time. I mean, a lot about time. Sure, I know about some time things by now, but maybe he knows how I can find more time to just LIVE.

So, I went on a talk show recently. I know I use the name Sage for professional work and contracts, but I did this appearance under my real name to explain about the park and the recent death in the family. At least they let me hide my face "to keep my private life private."

People want to know when it's re-opening, and I want to re-open, but I don't think that will happen. If I'm going to use my skills outside of movies and television, maybe I need to open my own park. I did tell them that I'm considering a new park. I'd need investors I can trust, but still maintain the controlling share of things.

I have lawyers on that, they kinda came with the estate but I'm the one paying them now. I did ask them to look into Tabatha Van Sterling and Aiden Mercer, I just want a bit of what the public knows about them before I talk to either about this idea.

If it happens, Grayson gets a free lifetime pass. And maybe I can find time for myself too.