December 1st, 2512
To: Mike_LaRoche
From: Sergeant J.M.
Subject: RE: How's it going?!
Hey Mike!
It's been a few years since I heard from you! I'm doing good... still single. Don't worry, I've had a few offers

. Now's not really the time to look at settling down, especially in my line of work. You're a smart kid; you got out when you could. Before the damn government could put a rope around your neck. Let me say that if you're even thinking about coming back now, don't! It's really going to hell... yes, even worse than the events set in motion in the Xeres system.
Well, ok, that's stretching it a bit. It's getting bad, that's true, but if those damn rumors would stop spreading and scaring the people... then maybe we can avoid another full scale casualty. I'm sure you've heard them already: whisperings about rogue groups attacking worlds on the edge of space, people taken as slaves, the men put to work and the women raped. No word on what happens to the children... and I don't want to know. It's all a lie anyways... or so I hope.
Enough of this; let's discuss brighter subjects. I'm glad to hear that the wife is doing great. And you have a little boy? Congratz, my old friend. I was never one for kids, but I often wonder if that's really how I am or something instilled in me because of the work I do. Maybe someday, when I get out of this hellhole...
I'm surprised you mentioned that name, Mike. No one talks about him anymore... we're not really supposed to. My commander at the old base ordered the “subjects” (that's what they call them, seriously) to be terminated after Karith went down (another mess, ugh). All except the one they called 13... the unlucky number. Unlucky for us, maybe. Word has it he killed a couple soldiers escaping. As for the main man himself... I haven't heard anything since he left a few years ago. Could be anywhere; he wiped all records of himself (we've been looking for him, that's all I'll say) and I can't find his wife either. Probably the best damn soldier I ever fought beside. I hope when (I don't think there's a question of if) the shit hits the fan we won't need him.
Heh... what am I saying? We will need him.
Shit, I need to get going, Mike. Thanks for sending an email my way, and I hope things continue to go well for you. Get some pics soon! That way I can be envious of the place you live at

.
Talk to you later,
John McNabb
(P.S.: Keep your ear to the ground, Mike. If you hear or see anything about our old friend, send word my way. Will be much appreciated...)