Commander's Log 33010824 Supplemental: Unexpected Comm From Home
24 Aug 2015Amaya Manami
I received a comm today from my little sister, Tamara. It was a tremendous shock because I did not think anyone knew where I was. I left home completely unannounced with the exception of a small note that read, "So long and thanks for all the Fish!". I'm sure the sarcasm - as always - failed to impress. The fact that I was found could only mean that my father had used his considerable influence with the Pilot's Federation to discover my whereabouts. As a senator, he has access to all kinds of information. He micromanages his children as much as he micromanages all of his affairs. I wouldn't put it past him to have hired someone to follow me around the galaxy. Tamara confirmed that she found my location by hacking into father's files. What a brainiac! And, what a tremendous wealth of information. Everyone fully expects her to follow in father's footsteps and enter politics when she comes of age - if she can stay out of prison. No matter what she decides to do, I am certain of one thing - she will do well at it!
I love my little sister and was very happy to hear from her. She was her typical, chatterbox, perky self and excitedly told me all of the news from home.
Here is a recap of the news from Tamara:
Father is doing well, but still upset that I left home so abruptly. Apparently, he grilled Tamara for hours thinking she knew where I was headed. She didn't know, of course, as I didn't share that information with anyone. Two days after I left home the Emperor was killed. After that, he became so embroiled in the politics surrounding the Emperor's death that he has not even mentioned my name. Apparently, there are some who think there may have been Federal involvement. That is ridiculous, of course, but in politics truth is oftentimes the victim of "political necessity". Thinking like that was one of the reasons I left home.
Mother, as usual, is oblivious. I love her deeply, but she lives in a constant state of denial. As far as she is concerned, I have only left for a few days and will return shortly. She still insists that a place be set for me at the table each evening for when I come home. It would sadden me to think that she actually missed me, but she really doesn't. She is just concerned that her "picture perfect" family isn't so picture perfect. Always the politician's wife!! It makes my skin crawl.
Daniel, our brother, sent a quick burst message from the Academy saying that he was selected to attend Ranger training immediately after graduation (in three months). Wow! My big brother was going to be a Space Ranger and an Academy graduate. Awesome! I am so proud of him!!
I told Tamara about Rhiannon and how great it felt to be free -- on my own in the deep. She, in typical Tamara fashion, was quick to point out that I hadn't even left the bubbles yet - that I was still in "explored" space. I told her that it didn't matter. I had my ship, my mission, and my music! Life was great! She always seemed to know just what to say to knock the wind out of my sails.
I then told her about my idea of getting into trading Rares. Tamara immediately burst into laughter. She said that she thought it was hilarious thinking of me as cargo pilot -- it took her several minutes to wipe the giggle out of her voice. Little turd! She said that I should try to contact Princess Aisling and swear my allegiance to her. I told Tamara that I wasn't quite ready to do that just yet. It is a big galaxy and lots of things going on. I did, however, send a message of condolences to Princess Aisling when her grandfather, the Emperor, died. I'm sure she never actually received it -- as I am certain it was only one of several billion similar messages sent to her that day.
Tamara excitedly told me about the scandal surrounding one of the Federal Times' reporters becoming suspect in a murder of an Agent. Apparently, Elaine Boyd was being looked at for the murder of Agent Susan Monroe. Tamara pointed out that the Federal Security Services were calling for any information regarding the reporter’s movements. And then asked if I knew where she was. What? I laughed and assured here that I did not know anything about it. Tamara could be such a conspiracy nut sometimes.
Our comm was cut short when father came home. We could hear his voice in the distance ordering one of the house slaves, probably old Arsun, to quickly prepare a feast in honor of Senator Gaius. Senator Gaius, I am sure, would be working to gain some sort of advantage from whatever it was they were going to discuss. He was a snake, but a highly intelligent and dangerous snake. I never felt comfortable around him.
We ended our comm with rapid fire acclamations of love and solemn promises to keep in touch often.
There are many things I do not - nor will ever - miss from back home. But, I do miss Tamara - and now that we've spoken, I miss her even more.