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Date: December 24, 2004
Location: Arabian Desert, Saudi Arabia
Throw another chunk of coal on the fire, Cratchett... I say, it's cold in here... Actually, there's many a cold thing here; the one slowly creeping from my chest to my sinuses, the chill in the desert air, the icy silence inside my heart...
...but I shall try to warm them all with these small things, a hot cup of mint tea, a little music and candlelight, and a holiday letter to my family and friends... Speaking of which, let me extend a cordial greeting to all those of you for whom this is new - old rugby mates from school and new friends from my Thailand trip...
First, please accept my humble apologies for taking so long to write - my last missive being composed nearly a month ago, around Thanksgiving...
...since that distant day, I have done much, but little that is truly worth recounting... Mostly work, and some study and writing. As I hinted at before, the new company, some 200 Marines and officers, did indeed show up in late November. I took the lead in training them in Martial Arts, and as often, did not let small things like a lack of formal teaching credentials stand in the way of conducting long hours of training, falling, throwing, punching, and using pressure points and joint locks. The early stages of training are now complete, and next week I wend my way North again to spend a week in the open desert, living in the Beduin style, early mornings and late nights, carpets and coffee and cold, clear starlight - the rattle of machineguns and the thump of mortar shells. Goat meat on rice, camels on the roads, a smile on my face and a twinkle in my eye... Because, praise all that's holy, this range is completely mine. No longer do I have an incompetent, meddling Major to mess things up - just me, my plan, my velvet glove, my iron fist. I do so enjoy my autonomy.
I've had good news, and bad, of late - I'm doing quite well in my professional studies, and will soon be starting the Command and Staff course, but sadly, I was not selected to go to Italy next year - instead, I'm probably headed to Yokosuka, Japan, just outside Tokyo... Time will tell, but that's what the tea leaves say so far...
I've managed to have a bit of fun by traveling to Bahrain a couple of times, with adventures in impulse buying (Charli, keep an eye on the mail!) absinthe, and dancing... Met up with my incredible friend Summer (thanks for all the dance lessons, I think I need a lot more to keep up with you, babe!) ate some great Iranian food, explored the souks and streets and of course, the bars...
...I think that by the time I leave here, I shall know that city like the back of my hand... but enough of my rambling...
Another very short letter, I'm afraid, nothing too spectacular to report, mostly wanted to let you all know that I was thinking about you, and wishing the very best for you, your family, and your friends in this holiday season...
...more adventures to follow in the New Year, but for now...
Love to all, and a very Merry Christmas...
-- Edward.
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