To Mom & Dad, 31.3.51

tr. from Thevaski
FROM: 1. Radnik Anton Nikolaev
TO: Sergei, Nadia Nikolaev
Mom & Dad,
I am sorry that I have not been able to video call you as you wanted. Bandwith here is limited, and operational security is tight. However, I am still allowed to write to you. I hope this reaches you not long after I send it.
First and foremost, what you are most concerned with: I am OK. My unit has yet to see any real action, and I have yet to be shot at. Most of our time has been spent helping the local forces. Teaching them to shoot, helping with logistical matters. Things that are, to you, probably quite boring. But you will be glad to know that I am speaking more English than I ever have. It's been great practice, and by the time I'm home I should be talking like a native speaker. 
The Kadangans are great people. I can really only describe this world as a true melting pot. I have met some people whose family were part of the original prison colony, but I've also met war refugees who have hardly been here a decade. People from Reach, New Harmony, Draco III. I've talked to many of them and I'm learning a lot (my friend from Reach, Miklós, says "Szia!", which means "Hello" in Hungarian! He hopes to visit Thebes some day). These people come from all around the Orion Arm, and as different as they all are, they are united in their willingness to defend this world from Earth's imperialism. The way some of them talk reminds me of how Grandpa Ivan spoke about the early revolution. It's exhilarating. There's so much energy from these folks and I have little doubt that they will succeed, and I am honoured to represent our Commonwealth in helping them.
I know Uncle Zigmund is deployed here also. I haven't really met any Naval Infantry types, but if you can contact him, I think he should be able to reach out to me. It would be nice to see him.
I know this isn't easy for you both. I am sorry that it is so difficult. But volunteering has meant a lot to me, and to the other folks. We all have our small parts to play, and if I have to get my military service done, why should I not make something greater of it? Grandpa Ivan went to Eridanus, and he made a difference. I am making a difference here. I hope you can understand and respect that.
I will be back home in just four more months.
Love, 
Anty
31 Pag. 51, 18:23