In Memoriam — Adaeze Cole
The notice reached the Resolute at the deep frontier, between her first and second deployments. By the time it arrived there was nothing to be done about it.
INTERSTELLAR SCOUT & CHARTING AUTHORITY · OFFICE OF PERSONNEL
NOTICE OF BEREAVEMENT · FORM ISCA-PER-NB-3
This office records, with regret, the death of Adaeze Cole, of Charleston, South Carolina, in February 2194. The deceased is named in the personnel file of Captain Marcus James Cole, commanding ISV Resolute, as next of kin.
Notification was transmitted to the Resolute at her recorded position on the deep frontier. Owing to transit distance, return passage within the period of the funeral is not available. The Office of Personnel records that the addressee was so advised.
Compassionate leave is granted for the standard period, to be taken at the addressee's discretion on the vessel's next return to port. No action is required of the vessel. The Resolute remains on her assignment.
ISSUED BY: OFFICE OF PERSONNEL · ISCA
NOTICE REF: ISCA-NB-2194-R-018 · DELIVERY: VESSEL ARCHIVE · ADDRESSEE COPY
He did not log a reply. He folded a single sheet into the back of the standing orders, where it was found after.
Mama —
I am too far out. They have told me the distance and I have done the arithmetic myself, twice, and the arithmetic does not change.
You always said I would go further than anybody. You did not mean this far.
I will be at the house in the spring. Wait for me there.
— M.
The house was sold within the year. The note stayed in the standing orders for the rest of the watch.