A Letter of Appreciation

Captain Charles Raine would enter the office of his apartment, part of the Keep of the Knights of the Merciful Crown. Turning the lights on, he would head over to the fireplace and proceed to spark it skillfully. Removing his cloak and gloves, he would set them aside, moving to his desk to take a seat.

Something would catch his eye -- a new piece of mail in his personal account. He would let out a soft breath as he read it.

Captain Raine -

    This is Cordellia M. Snyder. I wanted to let you know how I and the children were doing. Emile has grown up and now works for a large mining company. He loves what he does and is soon expected to marry and start a family. He sends his regards. Annette is nearly thirteen years of age and has taken quite an interest in the Navy, thanks to your influence.

 As for me, I've remarried a fellow Caldari. His name is Hans. He owns his own transportation business. He's been a father to both of the children in every way possible.

 Mr. Raine, we will never be able to show our appreciation for what you have done for our family. We think of you and your kindness often, and pray for your safety in the skies. Perhaps we might meet again. Our message is simply thank you, for giving us lives. 

Sincerely,

Cordellia M. Snyder



Charles would close the piece of mail with a soft smile, leaning back in his plush chair, gazing into the embers of the fire place. He would lose himself in a moment of recollection..

~~~~

 "We have to kill them, Charles. For the Empire," Captain F. Wentworth spoke to his fellow squadron commander. In front of them were two pirates whom had led a massive attack against Empire Space. Captains Raine and Wentworth's crew had been led into a trap and ambushed while out on patrol of the Huola system. The two pirates were all that remained of the small fleet that was easily defeated by the Naval squadron, led by Raine and Wentworth.

"Agreed," Charles would say, removing a pistol from his pressed uniform. Captain Wentworth would do the same, and both Amarrians would approach both of the captured Gallente who were forced down on their knees. Two shots would be fired, and the pirates bodies would slump over.

"Fine trophies. These ones are mine, by the way," Wentworth spoke of the corpses as he placed his weapon back in its holster. Charles would do the same, gazing upon the bodies. "Very well Frederick, if you simply must."

"Yes, I must," the Captain replied, his eyes looming in the distance to the ships the pirates had left behind. "What kind of isk you think those guys had been carrying?"

Charles would cross his arms over his chest and begin walking towards the downed Drakes that were now abandoned. "Only one way to tell."

The pair looted one of the Drakes with great success; parts that would be able to sell for more than a bunble back in Amarr and a plenty amount of isk. As they came to the second ship, however, they were greeted with a small group of slaves; among them a Caldari mother with two smaller children.

"Even better," Wentworth spoke. "Slaves. They're ours for the taking." He would begin rounding them up. Charles didn't know what to do with himself. He didn't keep slaves, but he dare not disclose that to Frederick. Being a Holder, he knew not to own slaves was suspicious and uncommon. A glance would be given to the mother Caldari and her children. Charles would speak out, "Those are mine."

Frederick would giggle. "Fancy the mother, do you?" Charles would smirk slightly, leading the mother and her children aboard his ship.

"Right, let's get back to station. We stick around here any longer, we're sitting ducks against those bastards," Wentworth grumbled. "I'll see you back there."

Charles would nod and proceed to his ship. But he wouldn't head back to base. Instead, he would make set his waypoint to Caldari space and let the mother and her children off at a major hub. He would take all the isk he had just looted and left it with them. The mother said nothing to him as he left them.

~~~~~~

Captain Raine would stand and take the letter to the fireplace, throwing it in and watching it intely catch fire and burn before his very eyes.