Letters to Deimos

06.40.2202

Dearest Kardina,

We have arrived on Deimos, though I can't tell you exactly where we are. I miss you dearly, my love. The word around camp is that we will be on Deimos briefly before coming home. Do you remember the exiles from back home? If you don't remember, they were exiled to Deimos about twenty years ago. Our battalion picked up encrypted transmissions a week ago that were cracked and read by our crypto guys. They are planning bad things--again I can't give details--for military bases and cities back home. Don't worry, though, we'll be successful, and we can win. I can't wait to see you again but even one day seems like an eternity here. I will write again soon. I love you.

Love,
Marco

07.20.2202

Dear Marco,

I have not stopped thinking of you and about whether or not you are okay. We are all scared at home because of the threats and I do remember learning of the exiles in history classes. The new courier shuttle is excellent. I'm happy that it only took ten days for your letter to arrive. Why can't we use the normal audio letters? I really hope nothing happens to you because I want to get married when you get back. Please be safe and be careful. I love you and I look forward to your next letter.

Love,
Kardina

07.39.2202

Dearest Kardina,

We have made several combat drops since I last wrote you. The exiles are formidable opponents, though they lack our overall firepower so the odds are in our favor. There is no time for anything on this moon other than prepping for an assault or fortifying the base. About the letters, the exiles have crypto guys who can break into closed-frequency transmissions. Command is worried that someone will taint operational security. I'm sorry that I have little time for letters but I make time for you, dear. See you soon, beautiful--two months left.

Love,
Marco

08.30.2202

Dear Marco,

I had a dream last night. You and I were kissing and you were holding me like the protector that you are. I felt no fear and my mind was at ease. I can't wait for that dream to be a reality and it can't come soon enough. I hope you are keeping yourself out of harm's way as much as possible and just remember that I am proud of you, sweetie. I love you.

Love,
Kardina

09.12.2202

Dearest Kardina,

I will be on a shuttle returning home in two weeks time. I am thankful to be alive, as we have suffered significant losses and are in need of re-enforcements soon. The unit replacing us will be here within one week to receive a briefing and become acclimated while we prepare to leave.

I've had dreams of you too, love. My dream was of us on vacation to Phobos at the Paradise Dome that you have always wanted to go to. With all the Martian notes I've earned on this combat operation, we can afford to go for a week. I would love for us to be married on the faux beach. Professing my love to you while we are ankle-deep in the serene, turquoise water would make me the happiest man on Mars. I love you and I will see you in a few weeks.

Love,
Marco

09.30.2202

Dear Marco,

All of that sounds amazing. I know you will be the greatest husband any woman could possibly have, but it will be me to have you. I feel so lucky, yet undeserving because you are such a good man. If I remember correctly, this combat tour will be the last of your four required tours. I know you will want to finish your career in the military and I'm all for it, but try to finish it on Mars. I know I sound selfish but I want you all to myself so we can raise a family together. I love you.

Love,
Kardina

10.15.2202

Ms. Kepler,

My name is Commander Henry Babineaux of the 3rd Advanced Infantry Regiment. It is my duty to regretfully inform you that your fiancé, Marco Devries, has been killed in action. His unit was attacked at base camp during debriefing. Marco was mortally wounded while carrying several of his comrades to safety who were injured in open terrain. Sergeant Devries' actions and bravery will never be forgotten by his comrades or me. A ceremony will be held at Orion Town Square in your hometown on 10.34.2202 at 1400. I will be there to personally hand you his letters from you that he kept and his unit patch. I am truly sorry for your loss.

Respectfully,
Commander Henry L. Babineaux

THE END

Bio: Mr. Harris was born in Charlotte, NC but currently resides in Tempe, AZ. He is a graduate of Stanly Community College and enjoys time with his son.

E-mail: Ryan D. Harris

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