Inside one office in the Army Headquarters, Colonel Mason Kent is sitting on the couch, chatting and laughing occasionally with an older man who is of much higher rank than him. The two are both wearing their uniforms.
"No matter what you say, I still don't think it's right for me to come here so often," Colonel Mason says to his superior who looks pretty amused by his words. With a little hint of annoyance in his face, he adds, "I don't even belong to the Headquarters."
"If that's your excuse, I think I should just have you transferred here, to the Headquarters," the senior officer simply says, making the young Colonel raise a brow. "How about transferring here and assisting me -"
"No, thank you."
The Colonel's response comes before he can even finish his words, making the senior officer chuckle. "Is my suggestion that dreadful?"
"You already know the answer to that, General," Mason Kent replies and flashes a calm smile in contrast to his annoyed look from earlier. "I am made for field missions and nothing else."
General Patrick Cortez, the highest-ranking officer and Commander of the nation's armed forces, clicks his tongue upon hearing the young Colonel's words. "You are still young enough to say that. While I was your age, I used to think the same." A small yet sly smile appears on his face when he adds, "Don't you know that the soldiers often compared you with my younger self? I bet one day, you will follow in my footsteps and -"
"Not that again," Mason Kent once again interrupts the General who ends up laughing. If the two were there discussing official matters, interrupting the General while he was speaking was out of the question for a Colonel like him but when it wasn't an official meeting, it is a different case.
Since General Patrick Cortez became the General two years ago, Colonel Mason is the only one whom he used to summon often to have a casual chat and not officially. The two already formed a close relationship while serving in the same unit a few years back and it was even before Patrick Cortez was made the General of the country's armed forces. Not only this, the two also have a long history which is known to a very few people.
For the General, Colonel Mason is a subordinate who is much more like a son to him and for the Colonel, General Patrick is someone whom he respects and admires the most.
The two men are interrupted by the sound of knocking on the door and once the General responds, one of the officers assisting him comes inside and salutes him.
"General, we receive a reply from CR Securities," the officer who is a Major by rank informs General Patrick and continues, "The meeting is proposed to be held at 5 p.m., the day after tomorrow. If you accept, President Alycia Reese will come here for the meeting."
Mason Kent's eyes flicker upon hearing the familiar names.
CR Securities? Alycia Reese? Almost immediately, he recalls the things he had encountered the other night but also shifts his attention to the General right away. He is not sure about it but at the moment, the General appears a bit perplexed to him.
General Patrick maintains his silence for a moment and slightly lowers his head when a little smile escapes his lips. Soon enough, he looks at the Major and says, "Confirm it."
"I understand."
The Major leaves and Mason tries to speak up but the General beats him to it.
"How is your mother?"
Mason Kent darts his eyes to the door the moment he hears the question and it makes the General smile in understanding.
"He won't hear," the General calmly assures. "Besides, it's not like I say your mother's name."
Letting out a little sigh, Mason replies, "She is doing fine."
"I bet it's been a while since you last went home to see her," General Patrick points out and the reaction on the young Colonel's face tells him that he was right. "Don't make yourself too busy. You should also rest and go home from time to time. Why do you always cooped yourself up in your quarters?"
"My mother understands," Mason Kent quietly replies and decides to change the topic. "Earlier... may I ask what is going on with CR Securities? It seems to be a business meeting."
It is the first time the Colonel shows interest in his activity as a General and Patrick Cortez ends up flashing an amusing smile. "Why? Curious about my role now?"
Finally, the patient Colonel lets out a heavy sigh. "I don't..."
His voice trails off when General Patrick bursts out into laughter and he sighs once again. However, the General soon speaks up.
"The President of CR Securities proposed a training lesson for the security guards under their management. They say they will offer some development projects for the forces in exchange and I am yet to hear the full proposal," Patrick Cortez explains to the Colonel. As he talked, there was a faint smile on his face which Mason struggled to describe.
"Should not my mother be the one dealing with such proposals?" Mason promptly asks and General Patrick nods his head.
"That's true but I will be dealing with this one. If the meeting went smoothly, I will report and discuss it with your mother."
The situation is still a bit strange to Mason Kent but he says nothing more about it and only nods his head in understanding. Still, he keeps on thinking about it, all thanks to a certain woman until he is interrupted by the sound of his ringtone.
Mason reaches for his pocket and takes out his phone, only for him to identify the caller as unknown.
Who could it be?
"Answer it," the General encourages him with his usual calm voice when he notices him hesitating. After all, Mason Kent rarely or never uses his phone when he is in the General's office. It is an act of respect, be it an official or unofficial occasion.
Despite the General's words, Mason initially attempts to put his phone away along with the call from an unknown person but somehow, a part of him feels strangely drawn to answering it. Finally, he answers the call after another moment of pondering.
"Mason Kent speaking." His eyes briefly glance at the General but flicker when he is suddenly greeted by a familiar voice from the other line.
"Hello, Mr. Kent. This is Alycia Reese."