Stella had been at the base for a year and had never encountered anything like this before.
Was the base under threat of an attack?
Who would have the audacity to strike? China, Russia, or perhaps the mysterious Union Base?
After waiting at the dock for twenty minutes, the outgoing team still hadn't returned, so it seemed there wouldn’t be any quick resolution.
Jasper drove them home, saying, "Let's wait for some news before we do anything."
Back in Griffith, the military headquarters was calm and quiet, seemingly unchanged from any other day.
Jasper went to check in, while Stella headed home.
Life at sea had been rough – the food was bad, rest was scarce, and relaxation was non-existent. By the time she got back, the four little ones were gone, probably weaned and taken for military training.
The old hound, known for his loyalty yet fickle as the wind, was also absent, likely frolicking on the farm where there was ample space for him and his mate to romp to their hearts’ content.
After a meal and a long bath, Stella slid into bed to catch up on some much-needed rest.
She woke up to a dusk-veiled room, the silence pronounced, the neighboring houses equally quiet.
It made her feel like she was the one slacking off.
Had Daniel gone straight back to his relentless work routine after returning from the sea?
Just as she was about to step out, Bran showed up.
It had been a while since she’d seen him, and he looked different – clad in a crisp military uniform, his figure sturdy and fit, a smile on his face that made him approachable.
He really was a chameleon.
In the fields, he wasn’t above shoveling manure, at the docks he was drenched in sweat, and here in the military HQ, he was all neat and proper.
Dedicated to his work, loving what he did.
Stella was puzzled, "What brings you here?"
"Come on, sis," Bran frowned, "I'm on duty at the base, naturally, I'm here to bring you the latest scoop."
Stella teased him, "Serving two masters now, are we?"
Bran bristled at that, "My loyalty is to you, through thick and thin."
‘Through thick and thin?’ Stella almost blurted out: Don’t love me; there’s no future in it.
Knowing he was jesting, she got back on track, "What’s your position at the base?"
The guy had ambition, that was for sure.
"I’m a secretary," Bran admitted without a hint of shame.
Stella instinctively asked, "For my dad?"
"I wish. But that’s a long way off," he replied with confidence.
But being a secretary in the military was no small feat – many high-ranking officials had started in such a position. With time, they became adept at reading between the lines, anticipating their superiors’ needs, keeping their eyes and ears open, eventually carving out a path for themselves.
Stella saw potential in him.
As a military secretary, especially not being Daniel’s, visiting Stella could be sensitive, but he had come anyway.
He wasn’t here for a casual meal this time.
Stella asked seriously, "What’s going on?"
Bran looked around, lowering his voice, "High command from Willowbrook is here."
The staff officers?
They chose to come on the second anniversary of the Griffith base’s establishment. If they had truly appreciated the talent, they should have come right after the evacuation when the aircraft carrier returned to Willowbrook and they received Daniel’s personal letter.
Stella couldn’t fathom their intentions.
Nor could Bran. But when Stella had left, she had left behind a cruise ship, and ever since then, everything at the base seemed calm – at least on the surface.
Now, with so many of them arriving, had they caught wind of something?
Regardless, until their intentions were clear, it wasn’t wise for Stella to show her face.
That’s why Bran had snuck out to see her.
They had arrived so suddenly, the Kindle Chests at the docks hadn’t been moved in time and had been spotted.
Stella understood; she was to lay low at home.
Her feelings for Ocean Point Naval Station were complicated; it was a base built with national pride, a place she once considered setting down roots, only to leave in haste due to various reasons.
No one was a fool. If the Willowbrook high command wanted to, they could likely figure out quite a bit.
"I didn’t ask," Rosie admitted. The encounter had left her so flustered that all she wanted was to get away as quickly as possible.
She had hastily left after a brief exchange and rushed home.
Rosie had come to see Griffith as her new home, and she had worked hard to contribute to the base’s ever-evolving changes.
She didn’t want to drift anymore.
She didn’t want to relive what had happened in Willowbrook.
Stella pulled her close, "Don’t overthink it. You have me and your brother here."
Even Daniel had been caught off guard by Willowbrook’s sudden appearance.
The evening had been one of hearty welcomes and catching up, a reunion of old friends that lasted well into the night.
By sheer bad luck, Jasper was spotted.
Reagan tried to play it cool, but Nicholas, with his quick tongue, blurted out, "This gentleman here is Mr. Daniel’s prized son-in-law."
Out at sea, where storms never hindered, the salvage was valuable and Jasper’s military rank soared like a rocket.
Promotions were based on assessments, but when you rise too quickly, even if everything is above board, you’re bound to catch some envious stares. People took the outcomes and spun conspiracy theories.
Yet it couldn’t be denied that Daniel had a knack for recognizing talent, even among his kin.
Those green with envy had no choice but to stew silently.
But now, Nicholas, never one to hold his tongue, had his chance.
The atmosphere turned a tad eerie in that moment.
Justice, ever the joker, quipped with a grin, "Jasper, it seems true that gold shines no matter where it is. Congratulations."
Staff Officer Sylas, with a smile tugging at his lips, teased, "Old Daniel, I remember you’ve been a bachelor for the longest time. How did you suddenly acquire a son-in-law?"
Back in the day, his own little cousin had harbored quite the crush on him.
Alas, the blossom’s desire was unrequited by the uncaring stream.
Daniel’s laughter was robust, "It’s a long story. I’ll have to invite you over for dinner sometime, and we can have a good old chat."
And so, as the son-in-law to the base commander, Jasper was kept in the welcoming party.
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