Dearest Sirikaan,
I had no idea Rylann was so far from home! Please forgive me for making fun of you when you told me how far I'd go. I fear you are right, I won't see you much anymore. I suppose I should have paid attention to the tutor Father hired for us. I see you paid attention, but you always were more studious than I. When I decided to join the Chakra Mercenaries at their Base on Rylann, I though we would be in the same star system, not half a quadrant away! Thank goodness data-streams travel faster than today's transportation, else I'd fear I'd never have a chance to speak to my dear beloved baby sister again!

I have a nervous sort of excitement welling up in the pit of my stomach as I sit here in the shuttle. A little while the Leader General came into the cabin to organize all of the recruits. He certainly was a sight to see. He looked as though he hadn't slept for a week; his brown eyes were cold and glared down on us, despite the fact that most everyone was taller than he was. He rubbed his beard stubble thoughtfully as he paced between us. There must have been over 100 recruits packed in the cabin, from Salkran to Nore. I even saw a few people that looked like they were from Chenaa - home. Yet through all these people you could see where the Leader General walked even though you couldn't see his head, because people would clamor to step out of his way. At last he had made his way through the crowd, and people were at that point shifting uncomfortably, unsure what was to come next. I myself felt an air of apprehension as I watched the grizzled man leer at us. Finally he spoke to us, his voice was scratchy and deep and his tone was as sharp as Mother's Skytone blade.

"Listen up, and listen well because I will not repeat myself." His eyes pierced as hard as his voice, and a few people flinched. "We'll be arriving at the Barin Base at 1400 hours. That's 2:00 for those of you who aren't used to military time. Get used to it." I felt my stomach knot up, and I swallowed hard. The Leader General continued.

"Now I spent a lot of my time picking you lot out. I selected the best I could find. Be proud of yourselves that you made it to this point." The man next to me puffed out his chest, and I found myself starting to do the same. It was amazing how this little man's words affected us so. He began to pace, his eyes lingering on every face in the room for a moment as he talked.

"Now, however, the way becomes rougher. You are some of the best, but not everyone's skills lie in the same field. So when we reach the Barin Base, we'll sort you out. But only if you can get through the corridor without being laid flat by me. This is your first test, the beginning stages of elimination. If you can't get by a small old man like me, there is no place in the Chakra Mercenaries for you." There were a few scattered snickers in the room, but the glare that they received from the Leader General quickly silenced the noise. "We will sort out the ones that make it later. We dock in one hour. Dismissed!" He barked the command before marching back into the shuttle cockpit.

As soon as he'd left, the room let out a collective breath of relief. I went back to my seat, a new sense of doubt rising in my mind. I don't think I've ever missed you or Chenaa as much as I did in that moment. I had no idea if I could actually go through with this plan, much as I've always dreamed of joining the mercenaries. All I wanted was the domestic peace of our home, with you and I playing Chinese Checkers at the kitchen table.

I miss you terribly, Siri. Send your wishes to me, for if I do not pass this first elimination I will be sent home again.

Your loving sister,
Jemma

Jemma dearest,
I'm surprised to hear he treats you so! Darling older sister, please remember your Sirikaan in your prayers, because Papa wants me to marry! As if anyone would have me! I might be studious, but you, at least, are beautiful.

What'll you do in the mercenaries, Jemma? If you get hurt, we'll be there for you, but you're so far away! (I've decided to forgive the teasing about that). Do you really want to do battle with Chakra's soldiers? They'll rely on you to be self-sufficient, and there's no room for mistakes. I think there's something to be said about peacemakers.

I told Mama and Papa you were to face your first test. Mama fainted, and Papa, trying not to show any emotion, was stoic, but I saw his jaw tighten and his eyes begin to water. That "old man" is one of the finest fighters this side of Dolukri's Asteroid Belt! For an ancient one, he's got a lot left in him. I hope you do well. Good luck, sis.

I've recently started downloading talent programs into my brain, because of this whole impending marriage thing. Impending doom, more like! I can now play the dulcimer, the harp, the piano, the clarinet, the flute and the French horn. I've also got longer hair than when you left, because the maids are planning something elaborate for my wedding. I get the feeling that something's wrong here. More later.

Next morning: Sorry, but Chingri was calling me. Midnight had come and gone long before and the feasting in the dining pod had stopped. I told you that Papa's jaw tightened and Mama's consciousness…left…but I didn't tell you that they arranged a feast to celebrate your initiation into the mercenaries. I went down to the pod and made myself a sandwich. I hated that banquet. I went for five minutes, putting up with the greetings of people congratulating the family on your behalf. Darling, I couldn't stand having to look at people and smile when I felt like crying. I've always relied on you and now you're not here! I left before dinner started; it was too painful to stay.

I was right. Something is wrong. I found Chingri crying right outside my door. She looked at me and tried to stop, but she only managed to quit sobbing, tears still rolling down her cheeks. I asked her what was wrong and she told me that they (Papa and the Beast) planned to marry me off, and now I learn that there've been documents (NOTARIZED!) signed! Help! The Admiral of Chakra's Regional Navy has, for all intents and purposes, bought me! I call him the Beast because of his personality. He's actually attractive on the outside. When first I met him a month ago, he seemed normal. His bright green eyes looked less like eyes and more like stars; he seemed…sweet. But now, he wants to marry me! I'm 15 years old, he's more than 50 and he wants me to…Gods above. I can't even think about it! He tortures each wife he takes, says Chingri, and I'm just finding out about this now! HELP ME! Chingri, bless her Fromatian heart, has promised to stall him if she can. Of all the staff, she's my favorite. You remember when she taught us songs on the way to vacation on Earth? She told us all that story about how her race had come from there thousands of years ago. I miss normal life, I miss you and I miss being a child!

I love you and I miss you, sis.
~Siri