A day later....
The drivers finally stopped at the coast of a massive river after two days of driving. Enforcers got off and began preparing tents. After their tents had been set up, they began preparing the massive tent where all the research would be conducted. They pulled out a table and put a laptop on it. They also brought out a scanner which they attached outside of the tent and other highly advanced technology. They used long and thick wires to connect the laptop to all the mechanisms.
After finishing, the officers went to rest for a while near the shore of the river.
"Ah…the shore is peaceful…" Frank said.
"I agree…it's a great breather after two more days of training." Elke agreed.
"I see you're enjoying the view." Arthur crouched down between them.
The newbie enforcers panicked, quickly denying it while Arthur's lips couldn't help but curve a little.
"I'm just kidding. Enjoy it while you can."
"Um, sir. What do you mean by that?" Saul asked warily as Arthur sat beside him.
"If a fragment spawns here, You're the first ones I'm sending."
Saul's face paled. "R-Really?"
"Welp, We're dead." Frank acknowledged as he threw his hands up.
Arthur laughed. "Oh – no. I wouldn't send an enforcer to his death. I'll be watching…and another individual will be too."
"Who would that be?" Jasper asked.
"You'll know in due time." Arthur replied. "Anyways, I wanted to have a little chat with you all."
The team turned towards the lieutenant general.
"What for?" Major inquired.
"It's nice to get to know your men once in a while." Arthur's hair flowed in the wind. "Tell me about yourselves. Where you're form? Your experiences for example."
"Oh – Okay." Jasper spoke first. "I used to do some work with my father before I became a chaos incarnate."
"What was your father's job?" Elke questioned.
"He was a fisherman in Kamchatka. He's retired now…y'know, after I got into the special ops."
"I would imagine." Arthur said. "Who wouldn't retire their…father after getting a job like this?"
Arthur lowered his head as a darkness was cast across his face. Jasper grew worried and asked his superior.
"Hey, sir. Are you okay?"
"No – I'm fine…just remembering some bad memories." Arthur replied in a dark voice. "Forget about it, what about your mom?"
"Oh, my mom? She used to sell all the fish me and my dad collected."
"That a good way to do business with the family. I believe she is retired and happily living with her husband?"
"Why wouldn't she be?" Jasper chuckled, grinning ear to ear.
"What about you, then? Have you got anything interesting to say?" Arthur asked, pointing at Saul.
Saul was caught off-guard. He froze – confused, then rubbed his hand out of habit.
"Me? My dad used to be a lawyer but I didn't work any jobs before becoming a chaos incarnate…Though, I did win the national debate competition when I was a senior in high school." Saul replied.
"Nice – That's what I want to hear." Arthur clapped slightly. "What about your mom?"
"My mom used to be a secretary. I don't remember exactly which company but it was a pretty big one in my region."
"What region are you from then?" Major joined in the conversation.
"Thuringia – I used live in Thuringia."
"Money must've not been a problem." Frank entered the fray.
"Why would it be? My dad's a lawyer and the salary for the special ops is amazing!"
"I might to cut some of it, then." Arthur whispered into Saul ear.
Saul's face paled. "Please don't, I beg you I was just joking."
"Ha! I'm just kidding. I don't have that kind of authority." Arthur caught his stomach in the middle of his laughter.
'I didn't know the lieutenant could be this soft…' Major thought to himself.
Then, Arthur stopped and locked eyes with Major. Major froze and his lips parted.
"Um…my turn?" Major raised his hand.
"Go on. I want to hear this team's captain's story especially."" Arthur replied.
"So…My dad used to be a data analyst and yes, he is retired. I guess my most prominent memory is…when I got to S-rank in the Stratos final exam."
"You got to S-rank? Good job. Most don't even get to A." Arthur praised him.
"Thank you, sir." Major replied shyly.
"But many graduates best memory is their performance in the finale. I expected something more." Arthur commented with a hint of disappointment.
"Can I go?" Frank exclaimed.
"…Sure." Arthur said.
"My father… well, he used to be in the black ops. He isn't retired just yet. I tried to convince him but he just refuses."
"A true patriot – I see." Arthur acknowledged Frank's father. "I know a friend who works in the black ops but he's from Rome."
"Really? Who is it that could be your friend, lieutenant?" Frank inquired, getting closer.
"First of all, don't get so close to me." Arthur pushed Frank away.
"I think he's talking about the black ops lieutenant general since, they were in same class." Eke whispered the Major.
"Yeah, that seems probable." Major replied.
"Hey! What are you talking about?" Arthur shouted.
"N-Nothing, sir!" Major replied, waving his hands.
Arthur clicked his tongue and looked around. He locked onto Elke.
"I guess you're the only one left."
"Yes!" Elke replied.
"What are you waiting for? We're ready to hear your story?"
"…My father was a teacher before retiring. Now, he works at local churches and orphanages."
"Amazing! Your father is a great man." Arthur said happily as he stood up. "You should be proud."
"I am." Elke stated. "But where are you going, sir?"
"None of your business. I just took some time out of my schedule to talk to you people."
As the team heard, they were all inspired. A leader taking the time to know his men was a truly good act. They felt they had to impress him no matter what. They all spun around and saluted the lieutenant general.
"Thank you for your time, sir! We're really grateful." They shouted at the same time.
'These bastards…'
"Have good time until I get back." Arthur waved at them from behind.