From: Hunter Wolff, on assignment at Pacifica Base, Bering System To: Dieter & Emilia Wolff, Starship Design Office, Leipheim Base, Munich System Subject: My Training & First Patrol Encryption: None
Dear Mom & Dad,
I know you weren't very happy with me when I left home looking for a ship and to start piloting. I know you think the stories those pilots told me as a kid went to my head, and maybe they did, but I'm not like you. I look at an engine or a ship and I can fix it, but I just don't get the designs like you. I guess I didn't inherit the family talent, but that doesn't mean I can't make a difference for us. I know you're worried about some bounty hunter or over-eager Rheinland Military officer blowing me up, but now that I've had my first training session, I think you can relax. I'm not alone out here, I promise.
I met one of our leading officers today, a man named Stefan Morganstern. And he proceeded to tell me about how everything I'd done to get my ship set up wasn't quite right. Well, it wasn't all bad. I did a couple things right. But then we went into training simulations, and he pummeled me. He said I showed signs of the core skills of a fighter pilot, though, and that with the right training and practice and experience, I would be able to manage. He gave me a few pointers, and I practiced a bit. Managing everything that's going on in a fighter while trying to avoid projectiles and beam weapons firing at you isn't easy. It's damn scary, actually. I'm just grateful they were only simulations.
After my first simulation practice, I got paired up with a gunboat commander named Luisa. I guess they figure putting a rookie like me alongside someone with experience in the field is a god way to make sure I don't get blown up. Thankfully, they were right. While I wish I could tell you that we came across some Republican Shipping or GMG targets and showed them the vacuum of space, it was nothing that exciting. We did manage to find three transport ships that were very willing to contribute to the Unioner cause, though, after some skillful negotiations by the commander.
I mostly observed and fired warning shots, though I had a few smart things to say to the Deep Space Engineering transport pilot who was running illegal arms. He tried to convince us that because he was selling to the Junkers, that it would benefit us. Apparently, he has no idea just how much the Junkers charge us to arm our people to protect ourselves. The commander let him go, though, apparently because we'd be better off not pissing off DSE too much. They're not our primary enemy, after all. Though, a part of me still hopes the Rheinland Police caught him.
Once my patrol was over, it was a quick trip back to Pacifica. The base here is amazing, if a bit beat up. I wish I could tell you there was some great view from my room, but I'm shoved in a bunk with three other rookie pilots. I think we're right above the power plant, because the heat is unbearable. Thankfully, I only have to sleep there. I'm happy to spend every waking moment in my ship, learning her, and having her learn me. I miss you two, and I miss Sebastian. Tell him that I love him, and that his big brother will come by to see him as soon as they give me the freedom to patrol on my own.
I love you both. Please take care of yourselves, and remember that I'm doing this to try to protect you both, so you can keep doing what you love.
From: Hunter Wolff, on assignment at Wendel Mining Facility, Hamburg System To: Sebastian Wolff, Gymnasium Farmsen, Leipheim Base, Munich System Subject: I miss you bro! Encryption: None
Hey Sebi!
I know I said I'd write to you as soon as I got to assignment at Pacifica, but I didn't get a chance. They put me in a ship and assigned me to my commanding officer as soon as I got here. And shoved me in a bunk that would make our bedroom at home look like a palace. Sebi, there aren't words to tell you how awful the barracks are. I was on Pacifica, and now I'm at Wendel, and they suck no matter where we go. All those glorious pilot stories that I heard as a kid never mentioned how tightly packed the pilots are when they're not on their fighters. I'm glad that I get to spend most of my time in my ship!
Don't tell mom and dad, but I got into my first fight with the Rheinland Police today. Four of their ships approached us outside of Wedel. They claim they found us on their normal patrol, but Luisa, the gunboat commander that I'm training with, didn't think that was true. She thinks there's a leak somewhere in the Unioner ranks. In fact, she actually accused me of being the leak! As if I would ever help the Rheinland Police. I realize they only attack us because they're all buddy buddy with Republican Shipping and getting bribes from them, but they were all too happy to shoot us for the money. We weren't even pirating - just minding our own business. Unfortunately, it was four on two, so Luisa and I ended up having to flee.
ESPECIALLY don't tell mom and dad that there were a lot of holes in my fighter when I finally hit the deck. I barely got out of there in one piece. But I'm okay, I promise. And we'll get them next time, I promise. I'll make sure you're proud of your fighter pilot big brother!
Also, I heard that you got caught making out with that Keller boy. Mom told me in her last letter. I know that being where we are, with the sector as messed up as it is, makes us grow up fast, Sebastian, but you're only 15 years old. Don't be in such a hurry to be an adult. Mom and dad weren't upset, by the way, but they wanted me to give you some big brother scolding. Truth be told, I was doing the same thing at your age - albeit with girls - so I'd be a huge hypocrite for lecturing you. Just try not to get caught. At least mom and dad don't have to worry about you getting someone pregnant.
I love you, Sebastian. I miss you, and I think of you every day. I still have that picture of the two of us crawling around the cargo hangars on Speyer. I have it stuck under one of the displays in my cockpit, right next to the picture of you, me, Mom and Dad on Curacao. I still can't believe we ever went there. The only vacation mom and dad could ever afford, and they ended up having to have us smuggled back into Rheinland on a transport. It was worth it, though. I miss those days. Things aren't nearly as relaxed as they were back then. Everyone's got an itchy trigger finger.
I'll do my best to keep mine calm until I get home to see you again. Take care, bro.
From: Hunter Wolff, on assignment at Pacifica Base, Bering System To: Niklas Lehmann, Cargo Operations Center, Leipheim Base, Munich System Subject: Do you miss your best friend yet? Encryption: Moderate
Nik,
How are you, man?! How's Hannah? I was so glad I got to see you two get hitched before I left, and I've been waiting to hear news! Did you knock her up yet? I sure hope so, because you two are going to make great parents some day. It turns out that lecture you gave me about the universe being weirder for pilots than for "plebs" as you call them couldn't be more true. I thought I was just starting to get a handle on what being a pilot for the Unions would be like...and now I'm not so sure.
My current patrol has me moving between a few systems. Most of them are pretty quiet - just running into transports and showing them the value of throwing a few million credits to the cause. But today, man...I don't even know how to describe to you what happened. I bumped into another Unioner pilot named Franz...but he's not a Rheinlander. He's from Gallia. Gallia! Can you believe it? He's from all the way across the sector! I wish I could tell you that was the most interesting thing about him, but it wasn't. The man told me that he's a spy! A dang spy! He outright admitted to me that he's passing information back to the Gallian monarchy! I just...I can't even describe it!
He also claims that our leaders know what he's doing, and they apparently don't think it's a threat. I don't know though, man. Gallia's a long way away, but they could still be a threat to us some day. Though, according to our "spy" friend, they're busy dealing with Bretonia right now. The entire conversation made me feel uneasy, not to mention a little lost. Sirius is such a huge place, and I've seen so little of it. He asked me about a system called California, where I've never even been. I'm starting to think that I need to study a few star charts and learn more about the other houses. I've been caught up in the little bubble that is Rheinland for so long, I have never really stopped to think about what else was going on out there. All the people dying out there, for causes just like ours. It's...it's almost too big to think about, man.
And while that was the most interesting thing that happened today, it wasn't the only thing. My fighter got the crap shot out of it...again. This time, though, it was an actual enemy, not just the Rheinland Police. This time, it was Liberty. I don't know if you know about the front we have fighting them in Bering, but this was the first time I ever flew through that system and saw anything other more harmful than asteroid dust. It was terrifying, watching four of their ships come flying toward Pacifica. They didn't even seem to care that we had the base's defenses to help protect us. They just kept coming.
Franz proved himself, though. Without hesitation, he opened fire, along with a few other pilots in the area. The Liberty vessels didn't even identify themselves before firing...they just started shooting. Too busy talking to each other and making themselves feel good about attacking us, I guess. This whole piloting gig is a lot harder than I thought, and my inexperience showed today. I was the first one who had to withdraw from the fight, and my damn flight jacket was singed when I landed at Pacifica. I didn't even notice because of the adrenaline. The infirmary healed me up, but the last thing I want my family to hear is that I'm going to have some nice scars on my arms from a cockpit fire. To see one of those battleships firing everything it has at you, and a gunboat on top of it...it's scary, Nik. It's absolutely terrifying.
But I'm not willing to give up. I didn't expect this gig to be easy when I left my home, and my family, to try and make a better life for all of us. I'm going to keep it up, I'm going to keep practicing. I'm going to be worthy of fighting beside my fellow pilots some day, soon enough. I just hope it happens before I get killed out here.
Take care of yourself, take care of Hannah, and stop in and see Sebastian and my folks when you can. They miss having me around, and seeing you will remind them of me. And hurry up and get me a god child, will you?
From: Hunter Wolff, on assignment at Wedel Mining Facility, Hamburg System To: Klara Fischer, Central Administration Center, Leipheim Base, Munich System Subject: You're now the most beautiful woman in more than one system! Encryption: Moderate
Dearest Klara,
Remember when I boarded the transport to head out, to learn how to become a pilot, and I told you that you were the most beautiful woman in Munich? Well, it turns out I was wrong. Every since I got my hands on my fighter, I've been all over Rheinland - Hamburg, Frankfurt, New Berlin, Thuringia. I've even been to Bering, which Rheinland doesn't claim control over. But we do. And guess what? You're still the most beautiful woman I've ever met, in all of those systems. I can't express to you how much I miss you, Klara. I hope you're thinking of me too, while you're busy shuffling forms for the base commander. I still love you like I've never loved another.
I had my first combat kill today. Well, "kill" isn't really the right word, I don't mean to scare you. But some wingmen and I got into a fight with a couple Rheinland Military ships, and I managed to force one to eject. His ship was a ball of charred metal by the time I was finished with him. I didn't feel as vindicated as I thought I would, though. Sure, I'm glad to have been able to defend myself and my fellow pilots, but the Rheinland Military aren't really our enemy. They're just protecting Republican Shipping and the GMG. Heck, there might even be Union sympathizers among them. I just thought that things would be more straightforward out here, you know? Republican Shipping, Liberty in Bering. I thought the enemies would be easier to be mad at. I didn't think I'd spend so much time defending myself and my colleagues from our own people.
I know the government is messed up, and I am on board with the Union cause, but I want to focus on where we have a real fight. I want to make a difference, and do something meaningful to help us. I want to create something or do something that will have an impact on your life, on my family's lives. I want my little brother to grow up unafraid of dying because so many are hell bent on destroying us. I want you and him to have a chance to really prosper, and not just scrape by on some backward station in the middle of nowhere. I'm glad you are all safely back in Munich, because I think if you were any closer to our front lines, I'd be dead with worry for all of you. As it is, for now, I've just put myself in danger. It's worth it, though. I'm going to make it worth it, somehow.
Later on in my patrol, I did manage to get into a fight with one of our actual enemies. Myself and three other pilots ran into the BDM - Rheinland intelligence. They're actually our enemy, and they hate us with a passion. I wish I could say I did as well in our second engagement of the day, but that didn't happen. I was ejecting from my ship within minutes, and thankfully I was close enough to Pacifica for them to tractor in my life pod, and bring what was left of my ship into the hangar. It's a wreck, and it's going to take days for them to repair it. I'm also not looking forward to having to explain the damage to my CO. I'm going to be in deep trouble. Maybe he'll go easy on me since I'm new, though I'm not counting on it.
I miss you, Klara. When you write, I don't want to hear about the war, or fighting. I want you to tell me about your normal, boring, average days on Leipheim. I love the excitement of being a pilot, but at the moment, lying here in my bunk, all I wish for is to hold your hand and stroll along the supply shops together. Maybe grab a meal. Remind me what that's like, and what I'll be coming home to some day. I love you.
From: Hunter Wolff, on assignment at Pacifica Base, Bering System To: Niklas Lehmann, Cargo Operations Center, Leipheim Base, Munich System Subject: Things just keep getting stranger! Encryption: Moderate
Hey Nik,
I ran into Franz Rousse again today, that Gallic spy I told you about in my last letter. Remember how I mentioned that the Union leaders were aware of what he was doing? Well, today I got proof. I met the Arbeitsdirektor for the first time today. Well, "met" isn't really the right word. I was assigned to escort and protect his yacht through the Bering system and happened to see him on the comms for a few minutes. He barely acknowledged me. Though, I'm just a rookie, and he was in the middle of some high-level stuff with Lane Hackers, so I suppose I shouldn't really be surprised. He doesn't look like he does in the public comms, that's for sure.
What surprised me was when the Direktor not only acknowledged what Franz was doing, but did it in front of our Lane Hacker guests. So it's true...a Gallic spy is working for the Unioners...and we don't seem to have a problem with it. At least I know I can trust him. I have to assume the Direktor knows what he's doing, and wouldn't let this sort of thing fly if Franz was a risk. And we got into another fight together today. They gave him command of a gunboat. It's obvious he's trusted. I think I need to give him the benefit of the doubt. He's been nothing but friendly...except for his huge superiority complex. Though, I'm starting to believe that's a Gallic trait, and maybe not so much a reflection on him. It's like Gallia trains its children to think they're better than everyone else from kindergarten.
Back to today's assignment, though. I didn't get shot up this time, and I survived pretty well. I expected escorting the Direktor to be more dangerous, but things were pretty calm. I learned a lot about what we're doing...apparently, the Hackers are helping us in our combat against the Liberty Separatists. We did have a couple bounty hunters approach Pacifica - believe it or not - to try to claim one of the standing bounties on Unioner pilots. It was five on two, so we were ready. We ended up forcing one to eject, and the other to flee. I have to admit, it was a proud moment when I saw them heading out of the system. It felt good to be the protector instead of the aggressor - or worse, someone's victim - for a change. I want to be doing the protecting more often.
What really surprised me was when an Outcast ship showed up. And when I say "showed up," I mean that literally. He wasn't there, and then suddenly he was, right next to the base. I'd never seen a cloaking device in action. I know they exist and how they work, but to be surprised by a ship appearing so close is a little startling. I'm glad that he was on our side - sort of. He was there to share some intelligence with us. Apparently, the Outcasts found Battle Group Harmony doing surveying in one of the Omicron systems. I don't know what it means, but it sure seems strange to me. These are supposed to be Liberty officers, fighting to topple the Liberty government...at least as far as I know. But, they seem to have activity everywhere but Liberty from what I've learned so far. I can't help but wonder what they're really trying to accomplish.
The last, and strangest, thing I have to report though actually happened near the beginning of my patrol, before the Direktor even showed up. I was outside Pacifica with Franz, just catching up, when all of the sudden there was this...voice. It sounded like it was over the comms, but not really. It felt like it was in my head. I didn't even make out much of it, but something about a violation of a void. It sent shivers down my spine and I've never felt anything like it. I followed orders, though, and I docked at Pacifica rather than investigating. I am dying of curiosity, though. One of my wingmen tried to convince me it was just random sensor noise...but that can't be it. I FELT it in my mind, Nik. I have no idea what that means, but I'm going to find out. Maybe do some research in the Unioner data banks to find out what it might be.
Anyway, I hope you and Hannah are doing well. Sorry to lay into you with all my boring fighter pilot stuff, but things just keep getting weirder. I need to write to you because if I tell my family this stuff, they're going to think I'm crazy. And Klara will literally steal a transport and come find me herself if she finds out how dangerous this assignment is. Don't tell her.
From: Hunter Wolff, on assignment at Pacifica Base, Bering System To: Emilia Wolff, Starship Design Office, Leipheim Base, Munich System Subject: Your lessons mean more than you know! Encryption: Heavy
Hi Mom,
You'll be happy to know I'm not writing to tell you I was in some firefight or got hurt somehow. I'm actually doing pretty well, though your words when I was a kid about shutting up and listening hit home recently. When I first thought about being a pilot, I never imagined I'd be sitting around listening to a bunch of people talk for hours. Apparently, though, that's what escort duty is all about. I wish I could say that listening in on a three-way peace discussion between us, the Lane Hackers and the Atacama Cohort was exciting, but it wasn't. I didn't even know what the Cohort was, but apparently they're part of the Gaian Guard, and they've helped us out recently.
I learned a lot, though. It was a good experience, and I bet most lowly pilots don't know what I know now. The personalities leading all these organizations are interesting. Things broke down more than once into petty name calling, but that makes sense. There's a lot of aggression out there, and a lot of history. I really need to read some operational history reports to get some more context on all of this. What really surprised me was that the Lane Hackers were negotiating on behalf of Battle Group Harmony, the primary threat to our safety in Bering. When they first started talking, their demands were so far apart from what the Arbeitsdirektor wanted that I figured things would end quickly. I guess that's why I'm not a diplomat, though, because they kept talking.
And talking...and talking. I thought it was never going to end. I wonder if these chatty leaders and diplomats know what some of the things they say sound like to us grunts who are out risking our lives every day to defend the Union. Their conversations impact hundreds of thousands of lives. I do have to say, though, that the Arbeitsdirektor is a really good orator. When he spoke, he definitely got everyone's attention. But he seems to really like to hear himself talk. However, even after all that talking, I feel like the whole conversation ended up right where it started, with the first plan everyone talked about. I'm under orders not to get into specifics, mom, but I can say it appears we may be headed toward a less aggressive stance toward Battle Group Harmony. I can't complain, if it means less Union lives will be lost as a result. It's all up in the air right now, so I guess we'll see what happens.
What all this means for me, I don't know. Most of my assignment work is defending Pacifica from them right now. If we no longer count them among our enemies, I can't say where they will assign me next. I've been thinking of putting in a request for more escort patrols. I wrote to Niklaus recently and was telling him how much I enjoy protective detail. I feel like I'm keeping the Union safest when I do that kind of work. I'd love to hear what you think, mom. Other than that you want your oldest son to come home, get married and give you a bunch of grand kids. I already know that part.
Also, mom, have you ever heard of the Nomad or Nomads before? They were talking about it in the meeting, but I have no idea what it meant. It sounded like a reference to a group of people, but it's not one that I've ever heard of. Apparently, they have pretty impressive technology. I don't know if I should be worried about it, but it seems concerning. There was also talk of an infestation. It was hard to understand what they were talking about completely without more context. I think I'm going to write to Lukas, my old buddy from school who always dorked around with computers, and see if he can help me get a spike into the more classified parts of our network. Maybe the Union databanks have more information. I hate to think they're not telling us everything that we need to know out here to defend ourselves.
Oh...and on a side note, I got promoted. My rank is Gefreiter now. Apparently, I'm doing something right. I'll be able to send a few more credits home to you, dad and Sebastian. I know you're not really struggling, but I don't want you to think I forgot about you all. Please just accept them and let me help you.
Give them a hug and a kiss for me. I love you, momma.
From: Hunter Wolff, on assignment at Pacifica Base, Bering System To: Dieter Wolff, Starship Design Office, Leipheim Base, Munich System Subject: Great Grandpa Encryption: Heavy
Dear Dad,
I know you used to think that I tuned out those stories you told about great grandpa Walter and the 80 Years War, but I didn't. And today, I saw something that I never imagined I would see - the remnants of that war, still hanging out in Sigma 13 after all this time. It's been what...60 years about? And it's still there. The wreckage of battleships. The debris is hidden deep in the Crow Nebula, which is probably why the Junkers haven't gotten to it all yet. My friend Franz - I guess you'd say he's my wingman, since I tend to have the most patrol assignments with him - decided to take me on a little detour outside of Rheinland space. It still surprises me how close such distant systems can be, with jump holes. We didn't take a single gate!
I also found out that Rheinland and Kusari are getting into it again, although on a much smaller scale than last time. Franz took me to a station that belonged to Kusari, before the Rheinland Military blew it up. Apparently, that station's destruction led to the last war between us and them. And all this has been happening in the sector around us, and it shocks me how completely unaware of so much of this I was. I've pulled a few historical and war texts out of the database here at Pacifica to try to do some research between piloting assignments, because I need to get more up to date on the history of our own culture. We live in such a bubble, dad! It's crazy. But, I am pulling both Kusari and Rheinland texts, so I hopefully will be able to get a realistic accounting of events.
I'm glad to have traveled out of Rheinland so much, though. I've spent my entire life in the same five or six systems. Please don't take that as a criticism. I know this is our home, and I love it as much as you do. That's why I became a pilot, because I want to make Rheinland better. But there is so much more out there, dad. I may even be going to Gallia soon! Franz may have just been joking, but could you imagine it? A Rheinlander on the other side of the sector....beyond Sirius, even. It's crazy. I would so love to see that place some day. I've heard the space there is absolutely beautiful, and so are the women. Don't tell Klara I said that, though!
I hope things are going well at home, Dad. I'm sure you and mom are still bickering as always over ship design specs late into the night. I just hope you're not boring Sebastian to death with all the technical details. I don't know if he's going to end up like you or me, but he's 15, so don't be too mad if he zones out. God knows I did when you talked to me about it at that age.
Learning all these things is good for me, Dad. I'm going to be able to make a difference. I was talking to Franz, and maybe there's even more that I can do, other than just pilot a fighter. And no, don't think they're going to give me command of a battleship just yet. I may have gotten a promotion, but I'm still a rookie - for the most part. We've seen some action, but I know there's a lot more to come. I just wonder what else is in store for me. Maybe there's something bigger here, and I might get a chance to participate. I hope so. I want to see things REALLY change for us, Dad. And really get better. It's been so long since things got better.
I'm thinking of you and mom and Sebi always. Give them my love.
From: Hunter Wolff, on assignment at Pacifica Base, Bering System To: Sebastian Wolff, Gymnasium Farmsen, Leipheim Base, Munich System Subject: There's more going on than I thought Encryption: Heavy
Hi Bro!
I miss you. I hope you are doing well. How did your first official date with Thomas Keller go? He better treat you right, or I'm going to take a leave of absence to come back and kick him in the head. I don't care if he's 16 or not, he needs to take care of my baby brother! But seriously, just remember to take it slow, and have a good time. How are you doing in your classes? Mom said you were struggling with chemistry. If you need to send me some notes or questions, feel free. That was actually one of my better subjects, believe it or not! I think it was mostly because I liked exploding things in the labs, though...hehe.
You and I have been part of the Union since birth, Sebi. Our whole lives, we've grown up in this one tiny corner of Rheinland. But since I've gotten out here, there is so much more going on. The politics and the intrigue occurring between so many factions, it is enough to make your head spin. I've traveled outside our space recently, though, and it's beautiful. It makes you realize just how big the sector is, and even beyond. I've found that I like exploring, meeting new people and learning new things. I know that you always teased me for my collection of books back home, but you'd be even more surprised now. My entire comm unit's memory is packed full of historical treatises and strategic information. You thought I was a bookworm at home? Hah!
I wish I could tell you everything. I hate that this assignment has taken that away from us. I learned today, though, that there's something more going on here, Sebastian. There's something more than the big houses, more than Gallia, more than the Liberty separatists. There's a bigger threat out here than all of those. And I don't know if everyone's taking it as seriously as they should. With what I've learned recently, it feels like so many of these small conflicts and battles are useless compared to what we really face. I'm happier than ever that you're buried safe in Munich, with nobody to threaten you or put you at risk. At least, not regularly. And not like this.
Do me a favor, little brother. If anyone around the station suddenly seems to change their mood, or start acting weird, will you let me know? Don't ask why, just trust your big brother. I love you and I'm worried about you, and I'll be thinking of you until I can get enough leave to come visit you. I'll see about bringing you out in the fighter. There are so many beautiful things out here, Sebi, even with all the threats. I want to share that with you.
Don't drive mom and dad too crazy, okay? I love you!
From: Hunter Wolff, on assignment at Pacifica Base, Bering System To: Emilia Wolff, Starship Design Office, Leipheim Base, Munich System Subject: Delete my last letter, please! Encryption: Heavy
Hi Mom,
How are you doing? I hope Sebastian passed his chemistry test, and Dad's new engine design is working out. I know you're probably helping him out with it, but don't worry, I won't tell his boss. I hope you're doing well, and this letter finds you in better spirits than I am at the moment!
Mom, I want you to ignore what I asked you about in my last letter. I wish I could go into more detail, but I can't. Needless to say, questions about the Nomads are dangerous, and I only have a little information so far. I want you to delete that letter and all copies, and delete this one once you've read it. You can respond to the personal stuff, but please don't mention the Nomads in any communication. I don't know what's going on, but I'm going to find out. I recently met a hacker named Aoi and, although she's mostly asking about helping the Union, I'm going to impart on her for a personal request for more information.
If it gets dangerous, if you or Dad or Sebastian or Karla are in danger, I promise, I will share it with you.
I met another pilot today for the first time, Gunda Riehl. She's...different, that's for sure. You and Dad raised me with such formality, so much respect for our history. She says she used to be like that, but now, she just wants us to survive. She talked about the Union taking all that we have, building arc ships and moving elsewhere. Rheinland has been our family home for generations, Mom, and I don't know if I can support that. Can you imagine what Dad would say if he heard such a thing? He'd lose his mind. I don't know how high up the ranks Ms. Riehl is, but she had a couple good points. I don't know, Mom.
I feel like I've gained so much perspective on life, on how things are for others in the sector...but it all muddies the waters. I need to figure out what I stand for, Mom, and what is going to be important to me going forward. Hopefully, this exchange with the hacker Aoi will help. She seems very well informed. And if she can give me information that will help me make some decisions, and figure out what I need to do to keep you and Dad and Sebastian safe, then I will do anything I need to do to get her cooperation.
Thank you for all your support, Mom. I love you so much, and I miss your cooking. I hope to get leave soon to come home. If things ever calm down, your eldest will be home for a visit soon.
From: Hunter Wolff, on assignment at Pacifica Base, Bering System To: Sebastian Wolff, Gymnasium Farmsen, Leipheim Base, Munich System Subject: We're not alone out here. Encryption: Heavy
Hey Sebi!
Dude! I hear you did great on that chemistry test! Good job! I am so proud of you. I know the subject sucks, but I'm happy that you're taking it seriously. Mom and Dad are really proud of you too, I can tell from their last letters. Keep up the good work, and don't let dating (or anything else) distract you from your studies. It's your studies that will get you out of Leipheim some day, and out to explore the sector like me.
I've discovered something incredible out here, Sebastian. I've discovered that humanity is not the sole intelligent life in our universe. I sit here and I wonder if that sentence, that knowledge, will hit you as hard as it hit me. It started with overhearing a name in a meeting - "Nomads." I had no idea who it was or what it meant. And then I spoke to a member of the Outcasts, and he was able to clarify, but only a little. According to him, they are alien organisms, and they are hell-bent on destroying all humanity. You can imagine how I felt about that little piece of information. It scared the hell out of me, Sebi.
But, as tends to happen out here in space, things changed quickly. I was monitoring the trade lanes in New Berlin yesterday and found a freelancer who clearly had no place in Rheinland territory - or at least she looked like she didn't. A Bretonian flying a Kusari vessel. I don't know exactly what she does - she described herself as a "cosmopolitan" - but I do know that she seems to know these Nomads better than anyone else. Her name is Katherine Pennybrooke. And she explained a lot more than anyone else so far. Apparently, they're just as sentient as we are. Well, I say that, but really, Sebastian, it almost sounds like they're better than us.
She told me that Nomads are incapable of hurting one another. They're natively empathic, so harming one of their own feels like they are hurting themselves. Can you imagine that, bro? A society where there's no internal strife or suffering? It's...almost ideal, isn't it? She says that, despite this, they all can still think independently and have differing opinions. But with all the destruction and death humanity has wrought on itself for the last eight generations, it certainly sounds better than the systems we've figured out. I also know that there are those among them who don't want to destroy us.
What may be worst of all of it, though, is that Sirius has been THEIR home for millions of years. We've only been here for a little over 800. I can understand why they think we're the invaders - because we are. And I shouldn't be surprised, really. Look at everything going on in the Houses. Everyone just wants to expand, wants more territory. That's the way we always are, as humans. And for the first time, our expansion is having a catastrophic impact on another sentient race. I...I feel sorry for them, Sebastian. But don't worry, I'm going to find out more. I'm not forgetting who I am.
And I know you're sitting there reading this, thinking about what a big softy you think I am. Stuff it. I can't tell Mom and Dad about this at all. Not even a little. You are the only person I can share this stuff with, Sebi, because I know you'll be fascinated by it like me. Please don't tell them. I don't want to scare the heck out of them.
I love you, my brother. Please take care of yourself.
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