**Chapter 19: The Farewell Before Duty
The next morning arrived quietly, with the soft rustle of the wind brushing through the trees outside. Simon had already prepared breakfast, and the battalion members were finishing their meal, preparing to leave. The atmosphere was relaxed, but the weight of their duties loomed overhead. There was a sense of finality in the air, knowing that the quiet moments would soon be over.
Simon, ever the leader, stood up from the table and pulled out his phone. He pressed a few buttons, and within moments, he transferred $50,000 to each of his men. The large sum wasn't meant as a bribe or a gift—it was a token of his respect and a reminder that their lives mattered. That they weren't just soldiers to him, but brothers.
The battalion members looked at the transfer notifications in disbelief, their eyes wide with surprise. Major Ivan, the eldest of the group, was the first to speak.
"Simon… you didn't have to do this. We're already family, you don't need to—"
Simon raised his hand to stop him, his gaze steady and unwavering. "Consider it a bonus for surviving with me this long. And don't think about spending it all too quickly. The rest of you might need it when I send you out on another mission."
The men all nodded, clearly moved by his gesture. But Simon's voice dropped slightly, his tone turning more serious. He walked over to each of them, one by one, looking each of his soldiers in the eye.
"Listen up, gentlemen," Simon began, his voice laced with authority. "Be careful out there. Don't you dare die while I'm still on vacation. If you do, I'll double kill you myself, no hesitation."
The men chuckled nervously, but there was truth in Simon's words. He wasn't joking. They had all seen him take down enemies with cold precision, and they knew well enough that his loyalty to them was absolute. It was both a blessing and a curse.
Simon continued, his tone lightening but his eyes still intense. "You're not allowed to die while I'm away. I'll find out if any of you fail, and trust me, you'll regret it. If anything happens to you, I'll make sure you wish it didn't."
Kanye and Travis, who had stayed behind to observe the dynamic of Simon's family and his battalion, exchanged uneasy glances. They hadn't realized just how deep Simon's loyalty went. It wasn't just about military duty—it was about protecting the people he cared for, no matter the cost.
"Understood, Sir," Major Ivan replied, his usual stern demeanor softening. "We'll come back safe. For you. For all of us."
Simon nodded, satisfied with the response. "I'm trusting you with my life. Don't let me down."
After the formal goodbyes were said, Simon and his battalion members moved to the front door. The air was crisp, and the day had started to turn into one of those rare, quiet moments. Simon's men, despite the tension of their missions ahead, walked with a sense of confidence. They were well-trained, but it was Simon's leadership that had forged them into the men they were today.
As they stepped outside, Simon's gaze softened as he turned back to Gigi, who stood by the doorway, watching him with a quiet strength. Her eyes met his, and a silent understanding passed between them.
"You be careful too," Gigi said, her voice full of love and concern. "Come back to me in one piece. Don't make me worry."
Simon's lips quirked into a slight smile, a rare softness in his gaze. He crossed the short distance between them and cupped her face gently, kissing her forehead. "I always come back, love. Always."
With one final look at his men, Simon gave a nod, signaling for them to head out. The battalion climbed into their vehicles and prepared to leave. As the engines roared to life, Simon watched them go, his heart heavy with the knowledge that they would soon be back in the field, facing danger and uncertainty.
But for now, he could enjoy the moments of peace he had with his family.
The evening arrived sooner than Simon had anticipated. After saying his goodbyes to his battalion, Simon settled into the quiet of the house with Gigi. They spent the rest of the day in a peaceful lull, enjoying each other's company, knowing that their time together was limited.
Later that night, as they sat by the fire once more, Simon turned to Gigi, his voice soft. "You know, I don't say it often… but I need you to know how much you mean to me. You keep me grounded, love. Without you, I wouldn't have the strength to do half of what I do."
Gigi smiled, her hand resting gently in his. "And you keep me safe, Simon. You've always been my protector."
Simon chuckled softly, his thumb brushing against her hand. "I don't just protect you. I protect everyone I care about. And I'll keep doing that, no matter what comes next."
As the fire crackled and the night grew deeper, Simon and Gigi sat side by side, knowing that the quiet moments they shared now would fuel them for the challenges ahead. Tomorrow, Simon would leave for his next mission, but tonight, they were content in each other's presence.
And no matter how many times Simon had to return to the frontlines, one thing remained true: His heart, his loyalty, and his strength were always with his family.
To be continued...