To: Reginald Lewis

[Melanie Tyler]

****INCOMING TRANSMISSION****

COMM ID: Jane Hartman
TARGET ID: Reginald Lewis
SUBJECT: Transfer
ENCRYPTION: Low
PRIORITY: Low

Lewis,

That was a quick response. I'm glad to see you're finally getting some time to yourself.

I'll be certain to keep an eye on the chief for you, though I reckon Mr Polstari'll have that well under control. They're a good bunch. Inexperienced, maybe, but they'll catch on quick. Perhaps that's what the Navy needs right now. There's Gallics swarming through New York claiming to be friendly, the Rogues reportedly have a station in the same area, and I heard Pittsburgh actually served a cold drink a week back. We're living in some very strange times. Could be that new blood's just what's needed to deal with that. Sometimes I miss the days of the academy. It was a simpler world when my biggest worry was whether my boots were gleaming.

I'm still up for that spar if you are, old man. Swing by Missouri some time before the cruise companies fatten you up too much.

[She paused, rotating her chair to look out the window.]

It's a hell of a universe out there, Lewis. I'm glad you're taking the opportunity to see it. I can think of a few folk who'd like nothing more then to join you. If things were different, I'd go with you myself. I'm tempted to go with things as they are, but you know I couldn't leave the Navy. It's the sort of place that don't let go easy once it's got a hold of you. You know that better then I do. Hate to admit it, but the old maxim's true. The boys and girls in those ships might as well be my own, and it just ain't right to abandon family.

Doubt I'd belong on a cruise ship anyway. There's only so much peace and solitude a person can handle, and I get my two days a fortnight. Any more, and I'd probably end up murdering the butler.

Good luck out there Lew-.

[She pivoted the chair back to the camera, a corner of her scarred face inching into a smile.]

Seeing as you're not in the system anymore, 'reckon I can get away with Reginald now.

Good luck, Reginald.

Hartman, out.

****TRANSMISSION TERMINATED****

---

| Character Sheet | Mel's Theme | Feedback |

This character is retired.