Dear Klara,

Your picture in my cockpit got a little tear in it today. Not because I was in combat, but because while we were conducting the strangest engine testing you can possibly imagine, I accidentally snagged my flight suit on it and tore it. Thankfully, it's just the edge. But maybe you could send me another picture? I haven't seen you in weeks now, and I hope you're not changing too much while I'm not there to witness it. Even if you are, though, it's okay. I'm sure you're only getting more beautiful. It's hard to survive, cramped in barracks in a tiny base with 30 other guys. There are women about. I met one this week, in fact. But wow is she freaking scary.

Besides that, though, today was rather eventful. Like I said, instead of my normal patrols, I was on an escort assignment with an experimental battleship we have called the Sirene. It's so experimental that, apparently, even the Admiral who commands it isn't quite sure where all the technology came from. Can you imagine that? I mean, I know the Alster Union is great at throwing ships together from nothing, but I figured the person in charge would at least know how it all worked. Apparently not! But it is quite the sight to see. It's beautiful, and huge. I couldn't even enter close formation with the thing, and it was putting off enough power to damage my shields!

That wasn't the fun part, though. During the testing, we ended up way on the far side of Liberty space. I can't tell you specifics, but let's just say it was unexpected. We ended up surrounded by Zoners first, then a couple freelancers, and then the Maltese. A lot of Maltese, in fact - at least four or five of them. And they seemed pretty untrusting of the Union too, even though they are supposed to be our allies. At least, I thought they were. Not that it really matters. Even with their threats, they left us alone. Well, not so much left us alone, as ended up distracted by a huge Kusari battleship that came to warn us out of their space.

Kusari! I know what you're thinking, what the heck am I doing so far from home! Haha. It's alright, though. It was beautiful. I've never been that far north in Sirius before. I hope to visit again some time. I was talking to the Admiral today, and I may very well get leave to come home soon. I'd love to see you, and my family. Things are so exciting here, and I might be getting a cruiser soon. I'm trying to earn my keep, Klara, and make you proud of me. But most importantly, I want to earn a good living so that when I come home and marry you, you will want for nothing in the entire universe.

I love you, my dearest. Please take care of yourself. And please go give my little brother a smack upside the head. He's being a complete shit to my parents now that I'm not around to keep him in line.

Love,
Hunter

Hey Nik,

I cannot believe how big Hannah was during my visit! I realized you two were going to be parents, but wow! Did you knock her up on your wedding night? Or was it a shotgun wedding? Haha. I'm proud of you though, man. You are going to be a great dad, and that little monster inside her is going to give you a run for your money. Let me know when you find out if it is going to be a boy or a girl. I'm betting it's a girl, because we all know that you're a lady's man, and any daughter of yours will have you wrapped around her little finger before she's even born! Haha. I am so excited for you!

As for me, well...things are more complicated than ever. A colleague of mine, Katherine Pennybrooke, recently took me on an unsanctioned (well, unsanctioned by the Union, anyway) expedition into the Omicron systems. I'd never been there, but they're beautiful. They look completely different from the space in Rheinland. I guess that's the difference between seeing a nebula from a distance and actually being inside it, though. While we were there, we had an...encounter. I nearly lost my fighter and my life, because some idiot couldn't keep his mouth shut. Don't worry, I'm fine. No scars or serious injuries. But Nik...it was amazing.

I don't know how much I've told you about the Nomads before. I don't even know if I have. They're an alien race, sentient like us. Apparently, they've been around Sirius for millions of years. This is their home. In the Omicron systems, humans and Nomads are fighting it out for the survival of our species...and it shocks me to find all this out, knowing that the average Joe on Leipheim has no idea what the hell is going on out there. But I saw them today, Nik, and they're beautiful. And, when not angered by a loud mouth, they seem curious. One of them spoke to me, asked me why I was there...and then shot at me because an unwelcome companion decided to run his mouth.

It's...it's dangerous, Nik. I know I'm getting in a little over my head here, being the backwater boy from Rheinland that doesn't know much about the rest of the sector. I've reported the whole thing to one of our senior pilots, and I expect a severe reprimand for it. But I'm safe, and I'm back in our home territory. I am still curious - you know me - but I think for a little while I'm probably just going to do research. I recently came across some Zoners who were very helpful, and have asked them for any data they have about the Nomads. I need to be better prepared for any future encounters.

Anyway, I won't keep you. Take care of yourself, and keep Hannah and that little one safe, okay? I better get lots of pictures of the pregnancy, and make sure to warn me before she gives birth. I want to be there for my godson or goddaughter when they make their way into the galaxy.

Take Care,
Hunter

Dear Klara,

I never imagined that running into the Rheinland Police would be considered the lightest part of my day, but yesterday it was. I was with a wingman, Lukas, when we bumped into an RFP Officer flying a pretty heavy fighter. She was actually polite, though, but wasn't willing to hear out Lukas on the idea of siding with the Union. We were interrupted by a Rheinland vessel carrying Liberty weapons, though, which was rather interesting. We actually helped her stop the transport. I mean...anyone who's smuggling through Rheinland is our competition, but of course, the Officer couldn't just be grateful for that.

We ended up having to attack her, and we left her ejected and floating in her life pod in space. We were both safe, though I had a few scratches in my ship. We came by Munich for repairs, but I know you're busy. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to stop by and see you. My dad fixed me up and we had to leave right away, where we proceeded to run into some bounty hunters. They were a lot of talk and chased us all the way across the system. I wish I could tell you we beat them too, but we didn't. I ended up having to eject and go back to dad - again - for repairs. Again, I'm sorry I didn't get to see you. There just wasn't enough time before I had to go back on patrol.

I know that, if you've been sharing information with Nik, my parents and my brother, you're aware of what's going on in Bering, between us and Battle Group Harmony. I've recently started a dialogue with someone from Harmony - their name is Commander Blackwings. I don't know what will come of it, but we seem to be able to manage a conversation without shooting at each other. The Commander and I both seem interested in peace, even if neither of us has much power in our respective organizations. I'm hoping beyond hope that, somehow, the two of us will manage to come up with some way to end the Bering conflict, so we can get back to what we do best.

I also finally approached the Arbeitsdirektor about the conflict with Harmony and with Hellfire Legion. He gave me some information - which I'm sure is classified - so I can't really tell you much. But I intend on verifying its accuracy as soon as possible. The Union that I thought I was fighting for isn't what I've found out here, Klara, but that isn't going to shake my loyalty. It just means I may have to go above and beyond the call of duty to keep our people safe.

I love you, my dearest Klara. I think of you always. Please don't forget about me until I get home to Leipheim to see you again.

Love,
Hunter

For the first time since becoming a pilot, I can't share my day with anyone. I can't write home about today, I can't tell my parents or my brother. Because today, depending on how you look at it, I may have committed treason against the Union.

Growing up on Leipheim, I admit that I've always been surrounded by my parents' limited perception of the Union. They're not powerful, or in command, or in charge of much of anything. They're technology people. They're the best at it. They lead the Union to design and build the ships and weapons that can overpower anyone. It's been my family's legacy for generations, all the way back to the 80 Years War. They've also taught me that we stand up for the civilians, the little people of Rheinland, who corporations like Republic and Daumann would happily step on if it meant increasing their profit margins. Those are the Union goals that I was raised on, that I grew up with. They've been ingrained in me since birth.

That's not what the Union is, once you get close to the Liberty/Rheinland border. Here, that Union doesn't exist. Sure, there's casual mention of technology, but only in regard to how we can use it to defeat our current enemies in Bering. I've not met a ship builder or a technology expert out here. I haven't met anyone who's fighting the good fight to try to make sure that Rheinlanders can have a career and safety and fair wages and can work without the risk of dying every time they step into their shipyards. What the Union is in Bering, in space near Liberty...it's so different. I don't know if it's even the same. I suppose that's the disadvantage of our disconnected nature - the same organization can mean different things to different people, depending on where they are in Rheinland.

Here, we're fighting with Liberty criminals. They supposedly want to overthrow the Liberty government, and rebuild it. Not exactly what we want to do in Rheinland, but similar. We would be natural allies. Apparently, we were at one point. And then it all fell apart. Now, the one safe place where a Unioner might have been able to go to seek respite from Rheinland's corporate and mliitary machine - Bering - is the worst place for us to be. It is dangerous. There are bounty hunters and Liberty Police, and the people who could help us defend it, and truly turn it into a sanctuary for those seeking to evade House governments, are our enemy. I am sure I still don't have all the facts, but I know this much. The Arbeitsdirektor lied to me. And I don't trust him.

I've been working on my own investigation into the conflict between Battle Group Harmony, Hellfire Legion and the Alster Union. I've talked to fellow pilots, to those who have become my friends since becoming pilots, to Outcasts and Liberty Rogues, to Junkers. I've even spoken to a member of Battle Group Harmony. And finally, recently, I pushed the Arbeitsdirektor himself to explain to me why we are at war. He said many things, and among them were some admissions regarding Union wrongdoing of past leaders. But there's no sign he wants to make those wrongs right. There's no sign he's willing to take responsibility for what we have done to harm our allies in the past, and try to make those relationships whole again. But I suppose what bothers me most is that he told me negotiations are ongoing. Today, I learned that is not true.

A member of the Gaian Guard who I recognized as being present at the first peace talks that I escorted came into the Bering system. He was quiet at first. I suppose that's because Shadow and I were talking and, well, when we talk, we tend to fill the comm channels. Eventually, though, I spoke to the Gaian over a private channel. I asked for his people's take on things, and the status of negotiations. He told me they had fallen completely apart, due to unproven accusations of the Arbeitsdirektor. Accusations not only against Harmony, our "enemy," but against those trying hardest to find peace - the Lane Hackers. He also told me that, until those accusations are either proven or withdrawn, the likelihood of any progress on peace negotiations is negligible. He had no reason to lie to me. The Arbeitsdirektor does - to keep my loyalty.

But my loyalty isn't to the Union's leader. It's to the Union itself. It's to my father, my mother, my brother. It's to my friends. It's to the people who supported me when I left Leipheim to become a pilot. I believe it is my duty to do everything possible to prevent the loss of Union lives. I'm tired of seeing my kin die. So, I made a choice. I chose to pass privileged Union communications between myself and the Arbeitsdirektor to the Gaian Guard. They are our allies, and they have a strong interest in peace with Harmony. They have a strong interest in peace in Bering. And I am beginning to believe that there is no way the Union on its own will ever be able to achieve this peace, without a strong push - either from the bottom, or from the outsides. Strong forces will need to connect for it to happen.

And as I told the Arbeitsdirektor - I will do whatever it takes to obtain that peace. I just hope it doesn't come to anything more drastic than what I have already done.

Dad,

You would be proud of me today. After having to come by and see you not once, but twice, at Leipheim the other day for repairs, our team was able to defend ourselves from the bounty hunters today. They are absolutely ruthless, and they have no qualms about bringing in a superior force to squash us. Today, however, we were the ones making them run for the hills. It was beautiful teamwork, Dad. The Rogues, The Union...hell, there was even an Outcast and a freelancer helping us! We fought off two fighters and a gunboat that were hell-bent on collecting their bounties on Union heads. But we sent them packing.

It was a crazy fight. There were so many people supporting us, Dad, that I had to watch my shots to make sure I didn't hit an ally. To watch so much weapons fire on our side of one of these exchanges for a change...it made me proud, Dad. Proud of the people that I fly with. Proud of the Union and the support that we've earned. Proud that you and Mom taught me what it means to support the people of Rheinland. Maybe there is hope for us in Bering after all. I don't know, but I can hope and pray for it.

I miss you and Mom. How's Sebastian doing? Have you and Mom gone on a date night recently? You know how she hates it when you neglect those so you can work on another ship design. Klara was a bit miffed at me because I didn't stop to see her when I saw you for repairs - twice in the same day. Would you mind stopping by to see her? Let her know I send my love. Maybe if she sees a Wolff she likes more than me, it'll convince her not to break up with me for being in a rush.

I still am floored by the vastness of Sirius most days, Dad. I can't believe what a small corner of the inhabited sector we have been living in all our lives. Every day, I learn something new about a new people or culture that I never new existed. That is a good thing. I hope some day that I can be out in the galaxy, meeting all these people. I have a friend of mine, his name is Shadow. He may have gotten hurt today in all the fighting, even though we won. I'm worried about him, Dad. His ship's AI is pretty sophisticated. After the fighting, it actually plotted a course back to his people - the Maltese - without any input from him. I'm going to send him a comm right after I finish this one. He's a good man. At least, he seems to be.

Anyway, I won't bug you any more. I hope you're doing well. Give Mom a kiss for me, and Sebastian a hug. I love you.

Love Always,
Hunter

My Beloved Brother:

Do you remember those really bad days we used to have when we were younger, where we agreed that we would just be together and hug one another and reassure each other that everything was going to be okay? If I were home right now, this would be one of those days, Sebastian. That is, if you wouldn't hate me forever for participating in the...crime...that I have been a party to this day. I only hope you can forgive me.

I should have known that the day was going to be rough from the mixed messages that I found as soon as I awoke. First, from one of our own, I received a field promotion. I am now the Flight Operations Liaison for an entire system - Bering. The war zone. The one I've told you about before. While this position empowers me, it now puts me responsible for others. I am going to be managing all of the Alster Union's contracts with combat and defensive contractors in the entire system. I've been assigned not only to find us as many allies as possible, but I've also been charged with penetrating a Freeport - thankfully not Zoner occupied - and destroying Harmony assets there. I'm not even sure where to begin on that goal. I've never been trained in that type of cloak-and-dagger operation. I guess it just means more learning in the field, you know?

The second message was from, of all people, Battle Group Harmony. Admiral Jade Linford. I'd never heard her name before this morning, but based on my understanding of military ranks, "Admiral" means important. It was basically a threat masquerading as a promise. She "promises" that Harmony won't injure captured Union pilots and other forces, and that they'll be "returned" once peace is restored. What she really means is to shake those who think that Harmony can beat us. Needless to say, her communication served no real purpose other than to energize me. To excite me. To make me even more anxious to defend the Alster Union, and everything that it stands for. I was excited by this, brother. There was no warning of what would happen only a few hours later.

I wish I could go into the operational details here, but I can't. Needless to say, while piloting an escort bomber, I witnessed one of our own - Admiral Shultsky - fire multiple nuclear weapons at a Battle Group Harmony station. It's also in Bering, not 40 klicks away from Pacifica. I watched as those weapons slowly moved across the asteroid field. The detonation of light was so strong that I had to cover my eyes, for I felt they'd be burned out if I didn't. I have never seen that type of destruction before. Even one of our own vessels was caught in the blast when it wandered too close. How it managed to not annihilate the station completely, I do not know. I didn't know what to expect when called in on the assignment...but it wasn't an utter massacre, Sebastian. I swear to you, I did not know that is what was happening.

I almost broke out in tears over the comm. I had to shut off my headset, and I turned away and returned to Pacifica as fast as I could. I would have found my bunk and bawled. The loss of life...civilians...I...Sebastian, there aren't words. Marshall Station is huge - at least two or three times as big as Pacifica. I cannot believe that there were only military targets aboard the station at the time of our attack, especially since it was so sudden. There was no advance warning. At least, not that I am aware of. But I couldn't. I had to get back on duty. I hit my fighter and went out on a raid of the Sugarland Prison in Liberty shortly after. We succeeded, liberating several allies...but it feels like a hollow victory, Sebastian.

I feel so empty. I...I realize that Harmony and the Legion have been unkind. I realize that they will resort to those sorts of weapons of mass destruction. But I thought we were better than that. Even as we were leaving the scene of the atrocity, the Admiral attempted reassurances. He indicated that we had no choice, and that our very souls would have to be blackened to win this war. I don't know if that's a sacrifice I'm willing to make, Sebastian. What good is victory if we lose our humanity in the process? What if there is nothing left of the person that I am by the time this tour of duty is over?

I'm supposed to take command of a cruiser. A cruiser. I wanted to command a vessel and a crew. It was my dream when I left Leipheim. Now, it all feels empty. I don't feel the excitement I should, because I am mourning the loss of life to which I have contributed. I didn't come out here thinking I wouldn't have to kill. I knew it would happen, Sebastian. We all did. That's why Mom and Dad didn't want me to leave. They didn't want me to have to be that man. But I am okay with that, because defending my home, my people and our way of life is worth it...but not like this. Killing civilians was never supposed to be a part of this bargain. And now...now I can only hope for more information, and for some way to atone for my sins.

Please, my beloved brother, do not abandon me right now. I cannot imagine the horror you will experience on reading this. Please just know that your big brother is still here, and still fighting. But now I'm fighting for my own soul, in addition to the Union.

I love you always.

Love,
Hunter

Hey Mom,

You would be so proud of me right now. Today, I officially took command of my own cruiser, the SLF Lorelei. She's a beautiful ship, Hel class. If I recall correctly, you and Dad had a little to do with her design, right? Well, you'd be real happy with this ship. It's beautiful. But, it comes with a cost. Now, it's no longer about just me every day. I'm now responsible for not only my life, but the lives of 150 people - my crew. They are good people, though. I'm thinking of asking Niklas to come and serve as one of my senior officers. I got to review dossiers on everyone, and I brought a few people from Leipheim to watch out for me, so I'll be safe, I promise!

Standing on the bridge of a cruiser, looking out over space. It's a much different view than from the cockpit of a fighter, Mom. That's not to say that I'll never be in a fighter again. I'm sure you can imagine, the Union's needs change on a day-to-day basis, so I have to flip to different vessel assignments all the time. But, the Lorelei will primarily be my home now. The commanding officer's quarters are even pretty sweet. You can definitely tell that they got a woman's touch! And also, it means I will no longer be sleeping in the base's pilot's barracks. Now, I can stay aboard my cruiser to sleep and enjoy my quarters here. It's going to be a nice change.

The war rages on though, Mom. Things are ever-violent in Bering. I'm so pleased that you and Dad and Sebastian aren't anywhere near this war zone. I miss you all so much, and I think of you every day. Those little pictures that I had stuck under my flight controls? They're framed now, hanging on the wall in my quarters. I see the three of you there, and Niklas and Klara, and I can only pray that all of you never, ever see this side of the Union so directly. I've heard though that the Red Hessians consider us an enemy now - yay, yet another one - and they are much closer to Munich. Please make sure to follow Leipheim's commander's orders if there's ever a safety concern. I want you all to be safe.

For now though, Mom, I've got to go. The life of a cruiser commander is never a quiet one, or peaceful. I have a lot of work to do on new contracts to aid in Bering's defense. I've been authorized to hire outsiders to help us now. Know that I am thinking of you, Dad and Sebastian, and I love you all very much. The next time I get back to Munich, I'll bring the cruiser. I might even be able to host you all for lunch on it. It would be great, wouldn't it?

Take care of yourself, and Dad, and Sebastian. I love you all. Please, don't forget about me. I'm still here, still your son, despite everything. I love you.

Love,
Hunter

Nik,

Long time no talk, my friend. I know it's been a couple weeks. I hope you and Hannah are doing well. That baby kicking the hell out of her yet?

As you can see, things have definitely changed on my end. I'm commanding an entire cruiser now. Someone (truth be told, it was this rather interesting woman named Luisa) decided that it would be a good idea to put me in charge of the safety of 150 crew. The vessel is really impressive, and I love my ship. I love having my own quarters, and not being stuck in the barracks with the fighter pilots. But, it is also a lot of responsibility. Every time we get into combat, I can't help worry about my people. And you know how violent things are for the Union, based on my prior letters. So far, I've had to replace 17 people who have died in various combat operations. It's...intense, to say the least, man. It's really rough.

If you weren't about to be a father, I'd be dragging you here to keep me company. My two favorite wingmen (well, wing people) - Franz Rousse and Gunda Riehl - have both been incommunicado on other assignments recently. I pulled a few strings and got some people from Leipheim aboard my crew, but not as many as would make me completely comfortable. I know I mentioned the Nomads the last time we talked, but seriously, I haven't really thought about them much. That Outcast that I told you about in a previous letter? Found out his name is Shadow. He and I talk pretty regularly now, and he's even had me aboard his ship. He seems pretty nice...but I know he's got a lot of info on the Nomads. I'm leaving my investigation to talking to him. Things are too hot at home for me to risk another Omicron visit any time soon.

Things at home are getting worse, Niklas. It's not just Harmony and Hellfire any more. Now, our Arbeitsdirektor has pissed off the Lane Hackers and the Red Hessian Army as well. He also told the Gaian Cohort to back off and stay out of Union business. We're pressed in on two of three sides now, and the Red Hessians are close enough to Munich that I am worried about you, Hannah, Klara and my family. Niklas, I need you to promise me that if something goes down, you will get my family the hell out of there. I couldn't survive without Mom, Dad and Sebastian, and you and Hannah. And Klara too, even though she drives me crazy sometimes. Please, man, promise me you will keep them safe. If I ever hear of something coming for Munich, I promise to send more information your way...but there's always the risk my info would get there too late.

With my new cruiser came some other new responsibilities. I've started managing more communications outside of the Union, dealing with other factions. This has been pretty empowering, actually. I've made the decision for myself that I am going to continue my own investigation into everything the Union is doing, regardless of who I have to engage to help me. I've already been speaking with my friend Shadow, but I'm also talking to computer experts and other factions, seeing what intelligence I can gather. I know it is probably too much to hope that I can truly find out what everyone is after and find a way to appease everyone, Niklas, but I am going to try. I'm so tired of all this death.

I participated in a nuclear attack on Harmony recently. I didn't even know why we were there until we'd already surrounded their base. It was...awful. I don't want to talk about it or go into details, but I still feel sick about it. Watching that bomb go off, I could picture in my mind that it was Leipheim instead of an enemy. I could see all of you, dying in my imagination. I almost bawled. I knew I'd have to kill out here, Nik. I knew it. But I didn't sign up to commit atrocities or kill civilians. I'm just glad there are no more Union civilians in Bering any more. At least I know no more Union civilians will die...well, not to Harmony. Now that the RHA is against us, I have no clue what will happen day to day. Anything is possible...and that terrifies me.

Keep your alarms up, Nik. I'm doing what I can to keep this conflict far from home, but I can't promise anything. I know asking you to be responsible for my family's safety is a huge burden, and unfair, but I know you will do it. I love you, man, and I miss you. Give Hannah and that baby bump a hug and a kiss for me. I hope to hear back from you soon.

Don't Be A Stranger,
Hunter

Hi Sebi:

Happy birthday! I cannot believe that you are freaking 16 years old, man! It won't be long before you're ancient like Mom & Dad! Haha. I hope they got you something really special - probably some ship model from Dad, like every year, and clothes from Mom. But, they switched things up a bit when I turned your age, so hopefully they will do the same to you. What about Thomas Keller? You have to let me know what he got you. If it was anything even remotely inappropriate, Sebastian, I swear I'm going to come back there and use it to beat him over the head. You're too young for that sort of thing. Wait...pretend I didn't say anything. Never mind!

I wish I could say things have gotten better since my last letter, since the nuclear attack on Marshall, but they haven't, bro. They only get worse. Kruger is in Bering now, and the Rheinland Military is already making extra patrols into the system because of it. That endangers everyone on Pacifica. I've tried to spend some time outside of the Bering system, moving the cruiser and my crew to other Union installations, but it is never long before I get called back there, to Pacifica. Admiral Linford, the one I told you about before...I ran into her in person, on a fighter patrol. She thinks she's so important...wouldn't even acknowledge her rank, even though she's sent me a comm before. Like it was some big, important secret. Though, she probably didn't realize that I was included on it, considering my promotion to a field command position came the same morning.

As happens with so many other fights that I get into, Sebastian, I had to flee from Linford. We've had at least three major engagements with Harmony ships since the Marshall attack, and we've had to retreat hastily from two of them. Every time we engage, they seem to fight harder, and I spend more time struggling to keep my crew alive. I've been in command of this cruiser only a handful of days, and already I have had to mourn 17 dead. I long for the days when I first told you about the Nomads, when I was so curious and excited about Sirius, and the possibilities of life other than humans. I was so innocent and stupid back then. It's shocking how fast life in a war zone can change a man, Sebastian. I don't ever want that for you. I never want you to have to live through this.

I've made a decision recently that could put the family in harm's way. I know that has got to be scary, Sebastian, but all I can do is tell you that I'm doing what I feel is right. I know that is what you would want for me. You remember the talk we had before I left, right? About how I want to protect the Union? Well...the Union that Mom and Dad taught us about back in Munich isn't the same as it is here. It's different. And it's not what I believe in. I'm going to do everything I can to make it better, and to find a way to preserve Union lives. I think Harmony and the Union and all the people in Bering should be united, forcing out Liberty and Rheinland both, keeping the place as a refuge for the oppressed. But...maybe I'm just dreaming. I won't know until I try.


I...I can't even begin to wonder what you think of me, Sebastian. First, I tell you I participated in a nuclear attack on possible civilian targets. Now I'm telling you that the entire family may have to run to preserve their existence if things go wrong. I can only hope that the 15 years we spent living together have proven to you that I'm always going to do the right thing, and I would never put you or anyone in harm's way unnecessarily. That's what this is about, Sebastian. This is about preserving as many lives as possible, and only taking lives when it must be done, and when no other choice exists. Please, trust me in that.

I love you. I'm sorry I had to burden you on your 16th birthday with such a morose task and awful news. Here's hoping that, by the time the next one rolls around, you and Mom and Dad and everyone will be with me again, and I can take you and Thomas out in style. Stay safe, Sebastian. Please.

Brothers Forever,
Hunter

ATTACHMENTS:
- Encrypted Comm Frequency Parameters: Wolfgang Weisen, Lane Hackers
- Encrypted Comm Frequency Parameters: Aoi Oono, Independent Computer Specialist

BCC: Niklas Lehmann, Cargo Operations Center, Leipheim Base, Munich System

BCC Note: Niklas...please check out this message portion. I sent it to Sebastian along with his birthday note. If things come to pass, he may need your help. Please help him, my friend. Keep my family safe. Thank you.

Sebastian:

I hope you're still okay after my last letter. I know it was a bit morbid and worrying, but I promise you, things are going to change. They're going to get better. I've got a meeting this upcoming weekend with the first guy I ever piloted with - Franz Rousse. He's the Gallic spy that I told you about. Now he commands the largest vessel in the Union fleet, and by far the most powerful. With his support, there will be no stopping my success.

I was starting to get worried. I'm sure you can tell from that last letter that things were getting tense. However, with the meetings that I have this week with several interested parties, plus the recent recruiting of a mercenary to help me, I think things are going to be just fine. I'll be home soon, after the dust settles, and you, me and Thomas will have that dinner I promised.

You'll be hearing news of some big changes soon - but they're going to be good ones. I promise you that. I love you, Sebastian. Stay safe, take care of Mom and Dad, and go give Klara a kiss for me. Just don't try to slip her any tongue.

Love Always,
Hunter