Science Fiction

Letter XXVI

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December 4, 2434
Barren, Mitchell D., 2nd Lieutenant
4th Fleet, 4th Fleet Security Forces (FSF)

Dear Dad,

For the first time in weeks, I don’t really have much to report. We have been standing by the last few days and not much has been going on. Things have become a stalemate for the time being. We managed to push the GFI back far enough to provide comfort and security to the civilian populations that were in harm’s way.

We also took enough command and control centers out of commission to where there is a noticeable effect on the GFI attack forces. They have on scene authorities and it is clear that they have taken command. The individual units and attack groups are doing fine on there own but there is a noticeable difference in the overall picture.

We are working on getting into their communications but that is proving to be more difficult. We were hoping that the access we were able to attain from the command and control centers would get us into their radio chatter but that wasn’t the case.

Lucky for them and unlucky for us, the men and woman we were able to capture activated some kind of fail-safe that scrambled the ansible’s systems and won’t allow access into their comm network. Our tech experts are working on it but no one is holding their breath. It would have been a plus but I have yet to hear of a battle where one side got everything they wanted.

My team and I are starting to get a little worn out. We have had some sporadic time off but it has not yet been enough time to truly decompress. Most of them were cut short. My team is hanging in there but they are going to need a real breather sometime soon and more than a day of access to fresh air and open space.

The ship may have a pretty good amount of space when you factor in the size and compare it to the ratio of most ships and the number of crew members aboard, but no matter what the size, you always know that you are still living in a metal can. Constantly breathing recycled air and drinking recycled water eventually will take its toll on anyone, no matter how much training.

The word from some of my guys back at the outpost are telling me that there is the talk of having my team reassigned back to the outpost. To be honest, I think my team and I would find that to be a nice change of pace. We love to travel but there are times when a break from travel is also nice. That decision will depend on too many things though. The outcome of this GFI attack for starters.

There would also be a lot of changes if that were the case. Now that I hold an officer’s rank, my position within the unit would have to change. They spent a pretty large amount of money training my team to do what we have been doing so I don’t foresee administrative work of any kind in our immediate future. At least, not a full-time administrative position.

It would be nice to be able to spend a little more time with Russell though. Who knows? Maybe some of his intelligence will rub off on me and I can consider going back to college at some point. I can see it now. Me, sitting in a college government and economics class, surrounded by a bunch of kids more than 10 years younger than me, asking questions about the war with the GFI, and then the professor giving answers that I know to be false because of security classifications.

Now that I think about it. I don’t know if that would be a good course of action for me. I am already an officer in the Fleet now and I didn’t require a degree to get here. I have to tell you Dad, I believe that this is going to be my life. I know I was on the fence and you and Mom thought I would be done after my 10th year, but things have changed.

I am doing well and I am doing good. I am serving with good people and the things we are doing are right and just. I can’t imagine doing anything else that would satisfy me as much as what I am doing here and now. We are making a difference and our work is saving lives. This is the path for me. I think I have made my decision Dad. I am going to make Fleet service my career.

Plus….I get to shoot all the coolest guns, play with the most advanced military technology available, and Dad, I get to blow shit up (please leave this paragraph out when you read this letter to Mom). You know how it is. This is what I dreamed of when we were kids. I love this shit, Dad. The adventure and excitement. I don’t want to walk away from this.

Well, it looks like we are now heading back to Outpost 86. I will keep you posted as to what is going on once we get there and get our orders. I hope that you and Mom are well. Please give my best to the rest of the family. I love you all.

Love,

Mitch

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Letter XXV

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November 27, 2434

Barren, Mitchell D., 2nd Lieutenant

4th Fleet, 4th Fleet Security Forces (FSF)

 

Dear Dad,

 

The last week has been quite intense.  After further investigation, looks like the last controller we captured was able to fire off a distress call before we were able to fully sever all of the planetary communications.  Furthermore, because he knew we were coming, he was able to escape his stronghold with some of his defense forces.

We ended up capturing him eventually, but it took the better part of the week.  We were unable to sneak up and catch the defenders protecting the site. They knew we were coming so they were in prepared defensive positions.  We had to fight our way in and there were some casualties.

Our Marine contingent accompanied us for support, once we realized there wasn’t going to be a quiet way in.  No one was killed but a few of the Marines were wounded, one serious. We were able to stabilize him in time but it is unsure as to whether or not he will ever walk again.

Overwhelming the defenders and taking control of the facility only took a little over an hour and most of that was spent getting into position for the assault.  Once we were inside, that was when our troubles began. The controller was gone. Fortunately for us, they didn’t do a good enough job of scrubbing their communications so we were able to deduce that they were still somewhere on the planet.  The bad news was the planet is huge.

Not much bigger than Earth so the gravitational difference was noticeable but manageable.  Even so, Earth is pretty big too. Searching for an individual on a planet this size was a pain.  Especially when you consider the fact that we were down a few Marines and our team wasn’t exactly massive, to begin with.

We had to split into the smallest groups possible so we could cover the most ground.  The CSS Mako did the best they could to support the search from above but that ship wasn’t built for that kind of support.  We had a few things working for us. We had plenty of time and we know there weren’t any air, ground, or water vehicles on the planet.

The communication data we uncovered indicated that pickup was not possible until the GFI assault on our solar system was able to stabilize a defensive line that would allow for one of their ships to detach and come retrieve them.  That gave us more than enough time, so long as our forces keep pushing the GFI position back.

As for the vehicles, the Mako may not be able to pick up readings on something as small as the life of a person without knowing where the target is first, vehicles give off so much more heat that if any vehicle were to be used, it would set off the Mako’s sensor’s and we would know where the vehicle was and what direction it was heading.

Lastly, one of my men spotted tracks heading away from the installation.  I had him take a Marine fire team with him and they followed the trail for about two miles to see if they could find traces of any kind of vehicle.  They found nothing but footprints. A good sign for us.

It still took us a few days to catch up, but fortunately, they were too rushed to cover their tracks.  Also, we got lucky. The weather on the planet, according to the readings we eventually got through at the GFI installation, indicated that the weather on the planet could get pretty nasty.  During the few days we tracked them, the weather held off and the prints were not destroyed or hidden from us.

When we finally caught up, we found that the controller had a two-man security detail with him.  We drew their fire but given the amount of firepower and support we had versus theirs, we just let them burn through their munitions.  I had my men and the Marines close the distance as slowly and safely as possible. It took time and we were concerned that the detail might execute the controller before we got to him, but that was just as much of a risk if we would have hurried.

You know me, Dad.  I couldn’t care less about the prize if it meant risking the safety of my men.  We eventually captured the three of them and I faced some scrutiny because of my approach but the Marine Lieutenant had my back.  He wholeheartedly supported my decision to take it slow. We managed to capture the target and there were no further casualties.

It sounds like other teams had similar issues.  The GFI finally issued a warning to their controllers to maintain a better visual on any potentially approaching vessels and the controllers headed the warning.  FleetCom claims that our casualties were minimal, compared to what was at stake and what we were able to come out of the operation with. Maybe they are right. I disagree.

One of the assault teams lost half their Marine attachment, killed or wounded, and another of our ARRC teams was completely wiped out in their assault.  The controller wired the entire installation with some kind of explosive. An investigation is underway. It is unknown whether or not the controller was in the facility.  I would appreciate it if you edit this paragraph out of the letter (at least) before reading it to Mom.

I am exhausted and have some reports to file.  I just wanted to give you a heads up. Please give everyone my best.  I miss you all so much and hope that I get a chance to come home and see you soon.

 

Love,

 

Mitch  

Letter XXIV

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November 20, 2434

Barren, Mitchell D., 2nd Lieutenant

4th Fleet, 4th Fleet Security Forces (FSF)

 

Dear Dad,

We caught another controller and had to terminate another.  It almost feels like we are dealing with a hydra but we managed to learn something new from the one we were able to take alive.  It turns out that all of these controllers have been answering to one overall army commander back on what they consider to be their main home-world.

We were able to get the drop on the last mission’s target and he did not have the time to do a data wipe of his computers.  We left them intact and on-site and had the CSS Mako contact FleetCom using ansible. FleetCom immediately tasked a geek squad to come and check it out and they were able to disarm all the security measures that the GFI had in place.

From these computers, we weren’t able to get much.  Someone was able to conduct a remote data wipe, but not before we were able to learn a few more secrets they were trying to keep.  We are unsure who it is, but we know that there is one overall commander and we know what planet he is on. It is being discussed at a much higher level as to how we are going to proceed with this new information.

Unfortunately, we also know that the planet where he or she is located is not being treated like the rest of these mid-level officers.  It is their home-world. They aren’t trying to hide their presence on this world so there is a considerable orbital defense system. The tough decision will be whether or not FleetCom wants to risk a planetary assault or plan something a little more clandestine.  We will see what they decide.

We were also able to learn the location of a few more of their controllers and we also know that there are less than five left.  We are making progress. Of course they will promote more, but at least their A team will be sidelined once my team is finished with them.

I wanted to tell you about the planet we found the last guy on.  I have to admit, the GFI has pretty good taste when it comes to selecting the planets where they have been posting their controllers.  This planet was mostly covered with what can only be described as a ton of tropical islands. There were a few that were almost big enough to be considered continents, but it was pretty much a planet of islands.

There was also a fantastic smell that is difficult to describe.  There were so many different types of fruits that we found planet side.  Some of them were even edible for humans. After we took possession of the controller, we had to wait a few hours for the geek squad so we took our team of nerds on a little expedition while the Marines guarded the compound and watched our new guest.

The white coats had a field day with the local plant life.  I contacted Russell and he passed on a few requests from his lab.  I had our science team gather some samples of a few different types of vegetation and we were even able to capture some different types of wildlife.

The different kinds of sea life were absolutely incredible.  There was one that I didn’t even have the words to describe. I am going to let Russell tell you about it when he gets a chance.  I am told that his reaction was something to behold. I, unfortunately, was unable to be there for it. Wish I could have been though.

The thank you note I got from him and his boss indicated that his reaction was probably not exaggerated.  I would have loved to have seen it. Duty calls. We still have a long way to go before this war is over and we can’t predict if everything will end once we do figure out a way to capture or kill the head of this snake.

It looks like things are starting to return back to the stalemate it was before this massive attack.  Fleet intelligence seems to think that they were banking on this attack catching us so off-guard that they would be able to steamroll their way to Earth and force a surrender.  No one seems to think that they were prepared for this engagement to be drawn out as long as it has been.

Just like the Japanese way back in World War II, they skipped some targets that would have caused a lot more damage in the long run but were not immediately important for the goal of taking Mars and Earth.  Targets, including ship supply and repair stations, munition and fuel depots, etc. They are probably regretting that right about now.

Oh well.  That is their problem and our benefit.  Please let everyone know how much I miss them.  I think about all of you all the time. I look forward to being able to come home and visit once things start to cool down out here.  I will talk to you again soon.

 

Love,

 

Mitch

Letter XXIII

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November 13, 2434
Barren, Mitchell D., 2nd Lieutenant
4th Fleet, 4th Fleet Security Forces (FSF)

Dear Dad,

Things are starting to heat up pretty quick out here. It looks like the fleet is tired of putting out the fires that GFI is causing and is looking to adopt a more preventive strategy. They gave my team, the Marines that have been assisting us, and the CSS Mako’s crew, a few days of R&R before embarking on our new mission.

It is basically the same as the old mission but some new parameters have been added. The last mission was solely the gathering of information and avoiding contact wherever possible. That has been changed. Now, wherever possible, we have orders to search and destroy, if we can manage it with minimal to no casualties. They also say to “capture when possible,” but right after that, “do not risk capture if it is likely to cost a life.”

FleetCom is also lending us someone with a little more rank and authority so that engagement decisions can be made/discussed. I still have authority over the mission, but she will be helpful in determining strategies and whether or not a target is worth capturing or taking out. That sounds a bit cumbersome, I know, but I feel that will come in handy when a tough decision comes up. You know as well as I do those tough decisions are inevitable.

They gave us three days for R&R and wanted us to spend four days training. They left it up to me as to how I wanted to schedule but I saw no reason on this one to decide for my team. They decided they wanted to do the R&R first. I thought they might want to do the training first so the three days R&R would precede our journey but they were in the same mind as I was. They thought it best to do the training before lift off so they would be refreshed and in the right mind.

I count myself to be fortunate to have such a devoted team. The Marines and the ship’s crew all agreed. We spent some of our time in the town near Outpost 86 but everyone drifted off as time progressed and we all met back up at the last minute when R&R was over. It is unfortunate that I didn’t get to see Russell. I contacted him on his communicator but he and the doctor were several kilometers away on some kind of dig or sample gathering thing.

That doctor is really keeping him busy. I am just glad that the action isn’t deterring them from continuing their work. You and Mom should be so proud of him. I know I am. He is so committed to furthering human knowledge and understanding while the rest of us seem so keen on destroying it. I almost feel ashamed when I speak with him. Like what the rest of us are doing while he does his research and studies completely undermines his purpose in life.

I hope this war ends soon but it doesn’t look like it. We may have managed to beat back the GFI forces but they were able to supply reinforcements and establish a defensive line that is still deeper in Coalition controlled space than anyone is comfortable with. I am elated that we didn’t encounter those troops during our search and capture mission. We would not have been able to handle those kinds of numbers.

Unfortunately, it looks like they had other command and controllers on standby after all. There was enough confusion that we were able to beat them back but it didn’t last. It also would appear that the reason my team didn’t encounter much resistance during our mission was that they had all of their reserve troops awaiting orders to get into the fight and reinforce the attack.

Our capturing of their command and controllers caused a considerable delay in the GFI’s ability to issue those orders, but they did eventually come. FleetCom was able to push them back far enough to give our forces some breathing room so we are counting that as a victory.

I apologize but I am going to have to cut this letter short. I have just been summoned to a briefing with FleetCom before we depart. I will let you know how things go. Take care of yourselves.

Love,

Mitch

Letter XXII

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November 5, 2434

Barren, Mitchell D., 2nd Lieutenant

4th Fleet, 4th Fleet Security Forces (FSF)

Dear Dad,

I would like to start by saying yes, you read that correctly.  2nd Lieutenant. My excuse of wanting to maintain my position and status for the sake of my men was no longer acceptable according to the Fleet Admiral.  While the last week has been tough for everyone. My team has been experiencing some major success.

I heard that the outpost located on Pluto put up one heck of a defense and all of the outposts on Europa didn’t fare too bad either.  While there were still plenty of casualties, there were much less than expected. Any loss of life is unacceptable, but being able to save as many as the fleet did was truly a miracle.

Fortunately for my team, all outposts within the Sol Sector were able to keep the GFI fleets and ground forces engaged long enough for the CSS Mako to fly through GFI space unopposed. We aren’t sure if it was luck or poor planning, but whatever it was, I would love more of it.  Because of this free reign in GFI space, Fleet Intel operations were carried out with ease.

The GFI leaders and planners were so invested in this operation that they overlooked their personal and planetary security measures.  It turns out that most of them were not physically with their attack fleets and while they were directing their fleet and troop movements, they were paying little to no attention to their homeworlds.

I am unable to provide any names at this time but during the course of my team’s involvement with the investigation (everyone is calling it the Head Hunt now), we captured a few high ranking military officials that eventually sang like birds to their interrogators.  Using that information, my team and a few others spent every single day of the last week hitting several of the locations where they were coordinating this offensive from.

Apparently, they thought that because their coordinators and planners were so spread out and hidden away, it would be impossible for us to catch them all.  They assumed that if one of them was taken, one of the others would be able to step in to assume command of the mission coordinators assets. They didn’t account for all of them being taken into custody.

We didn’t have to kill any of them but I can’t say the same for the security teams that each had assigned to them.  We couldn’t use a show of force and fleet didn’t want to risk any of them getting away so each individual capture and extraction was done with extreme force authorized.  Fleet wanted this siege to fall apart before they were able to do any massive damage and I am inclined to agree.

I don’t know how closely you were following the engagement progress but I am sure that you noticed there was a point where the GFI fleet and ground troops started to experience some disorganization and eventually, had to withdraw, even though some of the attacks were completely unopposed.

I am sure that each member we took into custody was able to relay to their elements that they were about to be taken offline through the ansible devices we found at each command location.  One or two instances would have probably gone unnoticed but we were told that FleetCom started noticing a change of GFI fleet movements once we took the fifth into custody.

By that time, they should have realized that something was going on.  I don’t see how they couldn’t. These locations were so well hidden that I have to admit, we would not have found them without the information gathered through our interrogations.  We grabbed some of them on planets that were completely uninhabited. Some of these locations were actually on our list to be checked out before the attack took place but they were slated so far down that it is unlikely we would have found them before they launched this attack.

While I am not permitted to tell you who we took into custody, I can tell you that more than 30 command and controllers were apprehended over the last five days and a majority of those were captured by my team.  Using the ansible, we were able to coordinate some of the incursions so that several members were being captured simultaneously. By the time they realized we knew where they all were, it was too late.

We had taken so many into custody so quickly that they didn’t have the time to organize or execute any kind of rescue or escape plan.  They had thrown most of their space-worthy vessels into this attack. Some of the captured eventually informed us that some of their controllers were able to escape but the lack of space-worthy craft made it impossible for all to be extracted.

They really took a gamble with this one Dad.  A gamble that doesn’t make a lot of sense to me.  They had to have known that there was no way this could have worked.  Their numbers were nowhere near a reasonable amount to pull off a massive offensive while also being able to provide adequate security for their homeworlds.

That is as much as we have been able to get out of them so far.  Our interrogators are working them over pretty good so they will eventually tell us everything we need to know.  I am just glad they were unable to make it as far as you guys. You have no idea how relieved I am. For a day or two, I wasn’t sure that we were having any effect, but then the Admiral told us that the Fleet attacking our outpost at Pluto started displaying acts of confusion.

Before long, other GFI fleets were also starting to exhibit some of the same confusion.  The last few sites that we hit were completely evacuated so we knew they were aware of what was going on and decided to pull back and regroup.  We continued operations all the way through the last site that was told to us. All the information we were provided was good but they saw that we knew what was going on and they changed their strategy.

FleetCom took notice of our success and I was given a field promotion to 2nd Lieutenant.  Personally, I could care less about the rank. I am just beyond relieved that you and Mom and safe and Mars was untouched by the assault.  I know that Pluto and Europa put up one hell of a fight but there was no way they were going to be able to hold out against that big of an attack.

I have to get back to work.  There are still no guarantees that this assault is over.  We know that the GFI fleet is still close by so my team and the Mako are going to do some recon in some of the adjacent systems to Sol and hopefully find out what they are up to.

I also wanted to let you know that Russell is ok.  He and the Doc were on lockdown the last week and were not authorized to use the ansible until this seige was dealt with.  The powers that be didn’t want anything other than military communication taking place to prevent any confusion. They continued their research and Russell is getting even smarter than he already was if that is even possible.

You and Mom take care of yourselves and make sure you are stocked up on food and water.  The seige may be over for the moment but we don’t know enough yet to ensure that this is all over.  You know how it works Dad. Don’t make any assumptions. GFI did and look where it got them.

I will talk to you soon.  Love you both so much.

Love,

Mitch

Letter XXI

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October 29, 2434

Barren, Mitchell D., Technical Sergeant

4th Fleet, 4th Fleet Security Forces (FSF)

Dear Dad,

 

I am sad to say that things are getting more and more difficult now.  Our mission has been suspended due to recent circumstances. Suspended might not be the right word.  They are altering the parameters. We are no longer looking for locations that could potentially serve as GFI bases.  At least, not with the sole intention of information gathering.

While we were preparing to head back out, we got word that a large GFI fleet was spotted moving towards Earth space.  A task force was dispatched to intercept but they encountered heavy resistance. The engagement lasted for several days but the task force we had sent was too small and hadn’t had enough time to prepare for such a long engagement with enemy forces.

FleetCom did not anticipate that GFI would attempt such a large-scale assault in Earth space.  Current telemetry shows they are moving to take the station on Pluto. There are no resources within strike range that would be able to counter attack so the coalition did what they could to evacuate as many people from Pluto as possible.  Those that were left behind mounted a defense.

It was a daring but ultimately doomed defense.  We have had no further contact from anyone and it is assumed that all were lost.  The ansible connection with the Fleet outpost is offline. All vessels that were posted on Pluto were withdrawn to Mars and an evacuation of Europa is already underway.

The hope is that defenses can be consolidated at the coalition bases on Mars and they can hold out until reinforcements arrive.  The task force I was assigned to was dispatched to respond. I have no doubt that you have been seeing a lot of movements so if you didn’t know why before.  You know now.

Up to this point, the engagements have been minor, relatively speaking.  This was a last straw kind of deal. Up to this point, we have been trying to avoid open large-scale military engagement, but that time has passed.  The coalition is tired of allowing this to continue.

My team has been tasked with finding any GFI leadership, military or civilian, and either apprehending or terminating.  I wish I could be there with you and help in the defense of Mars and Earth but this mission is something where I can make a much more profound contribution.

The Marines with us are just as pissed.  While we want to help, we know that this will be the best way for us to contribute.  We have confidence that the fleet will mount one hell of a defense and the GFI fleet will either be pushed back or destroyed.  To be honest, this doesn’t feel right. They should know that this would be a doomed attack.

All fleet outposts are being placed on high alert and all civilians have been notified of the dangers.  A temporary martial law has been put into effect so as to prevent as much collateral damage as possible.  Surprisingly, there has been almost no resistance to it. People seem to understand the dangers and are providing their full cooperation.

Near Outpost 86, several of the towns have even established volunteer groups to assist with battle damage control and assessment.  Different programs are being put into place for various situations and contingency plans for responses to different kinds of attacks are being formulated.  It is incredibly impressive.

I don’t want you to worry about Russell and neither does he.  Being where he is at right now, he is probably the safest of us all.  That science facility was one of the toughest and most secure buildings on the planet.  Probably even safer than the outpost itself. Also, all ground, air, and orbital defense systems are online and Outpost 86 has one of the more extensive in the entire coalition.  He will be OK.

I am more worried about you and Mom.  While most people, I’m sure, are considering going to one of the Fleet or Marine installations, you and I both know that is not the smartest or safest option.  You both need to stock up immediately on food and water and make use of that bomb shelter. The safest bet for anyone is going to be to stay out of the way.

I know you want to fight Dad but that isn’t your job.  While I know that intelligence is essential, it won’t do much good in this fight.  They know the GFI is coming. You and mom please stay home and be safe. And please don’t tell Mom what I’ll be up to.  I don’t want her to worry. I know she won’t be the only one but you and I both know this has to be done.

I love you both.  Be safe. Trust in the Fleet, and in me.  I will get those bastards Dad. I will get them.

 

Love,

 

Mitch      

Letter XX

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October 22, 2434

Barren, Mitchell D., Technical Sergeant

4th Fleet, 4th Fleet Security Forces (FSF)

Dear Dad,

 

I have no doubt that Russell will have told you what happened.  I am so glad that I got a chance to see him and we were able to hang out and grab something to eat.  It was really nice being able to spend some time with him and catch up. Unfortunately, as you know better than anyone in our family, duty called.  We were planning an overnight trip to one of the mountain ranges that I had explored with my team but I got a call from FleetCom.

Fleet Intelligence intercepted some GFI communication’s that spoke about some of our missing personnel and were able to get their position.  The transmissions claimed to have possession of more than a dozen of our men and woman on a planet that was two jumps away from where they were declared lost.  

Fortunately for us, they also claimed that they were together for the moment, but that luck won’t last.  They are about to be split into several different groups and transported to separate locations. We can’t afford to wait.  My team and our Marine contingent were all immediately recalled and the repairs on the CSS Mako were made a top priority.

Repairs and resupply were completed simultaneously within a matter of hours and all craft were grounded so that we could take off and get to our first jump point without anything being in the way.  We are too small of a force but at this point, the priority is to get eyes on where they are being held so that follow-on forces can mount a rescue operation.

We are lucky that there is a team of special forces that were boarding another craft and planning to rendezvous with us about eight to ten hours after we get there so we will have some time to touch down planetside and gather some intel before the ARRC team gets there.  My team is pretty damn good but those Advanced Recon, Rescue, Capture teams don’t mess around.

I thought about applying for a career change and joining their ranks in more than just an honorary function (like now), but my chain of command says that our current function is too important at the moment to warrant allowing us to take the kind of time it would take to properly get trained for it.  That is also why they are so adamant about saving the team that is currently in enemy hands.

Perhaps, someday I will be allowed the honor of joining the ranks of special forces but for now, that will have to wait.  We have work to do and too little time to do it. Just wanted to give you a quick update. I know that Russell understands.  Hopefully, I can make it up to him when I get back. He was also supposed to show me some of the things the doctor has him working on but the recall was so sudden that we never got the chance.

He was really excited about it too.  You should have seen him. Apparently, one of the creatures we found had a venom in their system that possesses some kind of medicinal properties.  Sadly, that was as far as we got due to my abrupt departure. I will let Russell tell you about it and I will hopefully get to find out soon enough.

Please give my best regards to everyone and tell mom I love her.  I will keep you posted on what happens. This could potentially affect us all so I hope that you and mom are still living by your “always prepared” motto.

 

Love you,

 

Mitch