Prologue
03/16/2274
Dear Little Bird,
43% salt, 29% water, 24% seed powder, and 4% vinegar. That’s what’s in the mustard here. It would seem that salt has become an ingredient rather than a preservative. Don’t worry about me. I’ve asked for leave for the Summer Solstice and I think I’ll receive it. Hopefully I will see you in June.
Love you lots,
Cadet Srg. Summer London
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07/02/2274
Dear Little Bird,
I’m sorry I couldn’t make the Summer Solstice. There was an emergency. Nothing to worry about, it’s all under control now. I heard you’re on your third pair of guardians. I know you don’t like Mr. and Mrs. Godfrey, but please don’t cause any more trouble. Your grades are great, especially English and History. Keep it up in the Humanities (that’s what they call it in college and here at the Academy).
Love you lots,
Cadet Srg. Summer London
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09/02/2274
Dear Little Bird,
Sorry I haven’t written in a while. Things have been busy, what with the United Republic of Asia and the European Union at war. The factions are all on different sides. Right now our faction, the North Faction, is in support of the European Union. So far it’s been only talk and no action, so I wouldn’t worry about another war. I know you don’t want a lecture, but another pair of guardians, really, Darcy? And to answer your last E-mail, no, I am not even going to consider signing your Emancipated Minor papers. You’re twelve, not seventeen. We’ll revisit this when you’re sixteen, how about that?
Love you lots,
Cadet Srg. Summer London
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12/24/2274
Dear Summer,
I haven’t heard from you in three months. I don’t know if you’ve even been getting any of my E-mails. If you have, then Merry Christmas. I know you said to update you on big things, so you should know that I’m now in the care of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas as Mr. Thompson called me gutter trash and so I graffitied his houses (all three: the condo, the apartment, and the house) in neon purple as revenge. Keep in mind that it wasn’t as bad as I could’ve made it.
Love you more,
Darcy (Little Bird, your little sister, an impatient recipient of letters)
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12/25/2274
Dear Miss London,
We regret to inform you that your sister, Cadet Sergeant Summer London, 0-762935, Tactical Division, has been reported missing in action since 5th September 2274 in the European Union.
Please let it be known that the term “missing in action” is used only to indicate that the whereabouts or status of an individual is not immediately known. It is not meant to convey the impression that the person(s) is dead. Experience has shown that many missing persons are often prisoners of war. In order to alleviate financial worry, the sum of $3,064 will be annually deposited in bank account 57926, in possession of Darcy London, until Cadet Sergeant Summer London’s fate is confirmed. When additional information is received it will be transmitted to you without delay.
Permit me to extend my heartfelt sympathy during this time of uncertainty,
Sincerely yours,
Major General Jameson Wash
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12/25/2274
Where are you, Summer?
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