1 Prologue - Letter 1

From the letters of Able Seaman Gregory Roberts – May 21, 1959

My dear sister Julie,

By the time you get this, the papers have most likely already reported the sinking of my ship and the horrific loss of life that transpired on the night of May 18th.

Thankfully, my ship the BEAUMONT had been tasked with patrolling the coastline of the Dominion of Newfoundland and was anchored near shore when the torpedo hit. This fact I believe contributed greatly to my survival.

Secondly, it was sheer luck that I was performing night watch duties on deck and was thrown clear when the explosion struck. It was just earlier that day that I had agreed to switch from day to night watch with a fellow shipmate who was feeling under the weather. I am sad to report most of the lads who were below deck were lost.

Finally, the quick and definite rescue actions taken by a group ashore is why I am able to write you today in relatively good health. Aside from some cuts, bruises, and some minor burns your older brother mostly remains intact.

And now some amazing news! Remember about three years ago when it was reported that Allied Soldiers liberated a Nazi camp? The one where they had been performing genetic experiments? Well the Dominion has taken those survivors in, to give them a safe space away from the general population while they work on a cure for their.... unfortunate afflictions.

The reason I bring this up is that it turns out that BEAUMONT had sunk extremely near their enclave and they were the ones that rowed out to rescue us.

I must admit, they look closer to a standard human that the papers would have you believe. An exceptionally light fur covers their bodies and they do indeed have catlike eyes. The main difference is the that they are very tall and muscular. Rebecca, a Tabby lady who tended my wounds, stands a head taller than my 6-foot frame!

I hope you are well, and I hope things are not too straining for you as a front-line nurse. They say the war end in the next few months, but we hear that far far too often. I hope they are right this time.

I must finish here as we are very soon being transported to St. John's for new orders, and I assume assignment to another ship.

Your Brother,

Gregory