Dear, Aunt Cadhla, Mom, and Dad
I'm alive and wasn't tortured . As far as I know, the Manties, as a general rule, don't do that. I don't want the Cross to be devalued like that, given what happened to me. I don't care if Admiral Chin herself recommended me to Congress, knowing that she very well could have. There is a precedent of senior officers declining the Cross if they don't want it, you know. NO NAMING SHIPS AFTER ME UNTIL I'VE BEEN DEAD FOR AT LEAST TWO YEARS (IN CASE MY DEATH WAS FAKED BY THE MANTIES, LIKE STATESEC (NOT THE NAVY) FAKED HARRINGTON'S)! As I don't think I can request too much out of the Queen, I'll say okay to the museum, though, if she agrees to not try to name any ships for me, without asking my permission while I'm still alive. Be careful of what you say, although your last letter came through uncensored, thankfully. If some bigwig insists on giving me something, I'll accept the Thanks of Congress. I know we didn't fake the diplomatic papers, however the Manties all seem to think the Republic (maybe even the Navy, given it being framed for the Harriss Plot by the Committee) did it. Tell Cousin Eimear she has my congratulations on both promotions, and that she should ask someone who she feels comfortable with to give her some flag rank mentoring (maybe a certain smart Rear Admiral, who has smokey eye makeup, as she would make a good mentor for Eimear (Can't name names, but ask CNO Theisman, and show him my note, and he'll get it.)). Please try to send some Sherlock Holmes novels, as well as some sci fi novels, though I'm not too picky.
They sent me, and some other officers to this island that they put some buildings on, and just monitor us from orbit. I'm taking a coding class. It's really easy, but it (and tutoring some other officers who are taking coding classes) takes my mind off things for a bit. By the way, happy late birthday, Auntie Kay!
Love, Shannon Foraker
Author's Notes: Smokey eye makeup was a reference to Ops Plan Smoke and Mirrors, by a certain Rear Admiral.