Location: Iris Medical Station
Epsilon Eridani system
June 4th, 2553
3:07pm

"For years, I told myself that you made it out, safe and sound. Became an actress, just like you've always wanted. Got married. Had kids. Had a normal life, you know? You'd be happy."

Those words spoken by her older brother made Celestina shift a little on the sofa. She began to twiddle her thumbs. "There was no normal life if I didn't have my family with me, Caden. I foolishly wanted revenge but I was not built for that. It's not in my nature. I don't even know how I managed to survive 19 years of this Spartan life, but I did."

Caden leaned forward, taking his sister's hand. "You're sure you're okay?"

No, I wasn't okay. "I'm seeing you after so long, I don't want to lie to you," Heaving a little sigh, she then went on to explain. "I took our family's death pretty hard. So... I started having hallucinations about all of you. I also made myself promise to myself that I would do whatever I could to keep my friends safe. To not lose anymore people... It didn't occur to me that a soldier's life meant that people around you are going to die. So anybody's death that made me believe that I could've done something, I'd have an hallucination of them. Not everyone but it still stung. The last team I was in... two of them died. While I was right there. My previous trainer, Kurt Ambrose, was concerned that I might become 'emotionally unstable' upon having to witness so many deaths over the years so he ordered that I get an extensive psychiatric evaluation and that was when I requested to leave the Spartans."

The look on his face told Celestina that he was struggling to take in all of what she had just said. "I shouldn't have left you."

"Caden-"

"You wouldn't have to go through all that." He said, pulling his hand away.

"That Elite would have killed us both," She asserted. "If anything, you saved my life."

"But this was not the life a girl like you should have! You're not built for this, let alone be a Spartan..."

It was her turn to take her brother's hand in comfort. "Caden, it's okay. Really. It's over now. Everything I've been through is like a distant memory. You don't have to feel bad for any of it. I'm here, you're here, can't we start again from this moment?" Her hands then traveled to his cheeks. "I'm so lucky to get a member of my family back. I don't know how many other Spartan-IIIs can say that, you know. So please don't let my past affect you. It's all good now."

As her older brother, he was entitled to be worried for her. However, he swore to try for her sake. She was a grown woman. If she said that she was okay, she was okay. "Alright. Anything else, sis?"

Well, there is this one other thing... But I have absolutely no clue how you're going to react to it. "Well, um..." She massaged the back of her neck nervously. "I've um... I've... sorta been... with someone for the last 10 years..."

Well, Caden didn't see that coming. Stunned, he repeated the last 2 words. "... 10 years."

"Yep," She laughed nervously.

"Uh huh," Caden leaned back just a little, arms cross his chest. It was as if he was preparing to shakedown his little sister for information about this mysterious man. "So who is he? Do I get to meet him?"

"If you promise to be nice to him."

"Um, I'm not too sure about that. To date my sister, a certain... hazing is in order."

"Caden!" She laughed out loud.

"What? I'm the big brother; I'm entitled to it!" He said, beaming. "Okay, okay, I was just kidding. Is he good to you?"

Is he good to me? He's the reason why I'm still alive. "Well, I'll put it this way - he's the reason why I didn't slit my throat when I was 7, my wrists when I was 12, and shoot myself 6 months ago," She knew hearing that kind of confession from her was shocking, but Celestina was determined to let him know that Jun was her whole reason for living. "He's family, Caden, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

Hazel eyes widened at her upon hearing that. "Wow. So he saved my little sister's life."

"Yes, he did." She assured with a little nod.

Well, Caden already had someone in mind. Now to see if it was right. "It's Jun, isn't it?"

She gasped as if she had been busted for a major crime. "How did you know?!"

Chuckling at her priceless reaction, he continued with, "Because I saw the way he looks at you. It's as if cupid shoots an arrow through him every time. And plus, I don't think he meant to call you 'princess' in front of company but that was probably force of habit."

Celestina had been called 'princess' so many times that it could easily be her birth name. "Yeah, it definitely was..."

"How did you two even decided to get together? And survive for so long without getting caught? Assuming you didn't."

She shook her head at that. "We're snipers for a reason, Caden. We're damn good at sneaking around," She stated with a sly smile. "As for getting together? I've had the biggest crush on him for the longest time. What I didn't realize was that he felt the same way about me for years too. One night before I had to leave for a small operation, I just... told him. I was chickening out but the way he beckoned me to tell him what was on my mind, I had a slight feeling that he knew, and I just sang like a canary. It's one of the most embarrassing moments of my life but I got to know how he really felt about me. He would drop everything for me, you know? So I couldn't help but fall in love, even though I wasn't allowed to. I once asked him why would he fall in love with me and his response was 'why not?'"

Caden could doubtlessly see the way her hazel eyes shined as she spoke. The older sibling had another smile tugging a the corners of his lips. "Well I'm glad that, despite everything, you're able to find joy and love to keep you going. Everyone needs it, you know? Including Spartans. I guess the only thing missing is you getting to be a mom. And considering your life, I take it that that's not possible."

A single nod indicated her sadness at that reality, though she kept her smile. "I think it's a dead end for me, Caden, but it's okay. I'll just work on being a great aunt."

He took her hand once more. "In two days, I'll be leaving for Mars to finish the rest of my recovery at home, Celest. I want you to meet Christian. I've told him so much about his aunts and grandparents. He wouldn't be able to believe that you're alive, but we'll make something up. I just want you to meet your nephew."

Her response to that were radiant grins across her face. "I'd love too! I'll give you my contact info before I leave and you let me know when's the best time and I'll come running."

"Awesome!"

"And Caden?"

"Yeah?"

"Happy Birthday."