Shooting range on the outskirts of San Francisco

0920, 16 Dec 2023

Claire put down the Sig Sauer P226 she had just used, then turned towards General O'Neil.

"I understand why Uncle chose TF Amethyst, but I'm not sure Vex will accept the offer to become XO."

"I'm sure you will succeed in persuading him."

Claire nodded slightly. "I'll do my best. But if I succeed, some people in Pentagon and White House will inevitably react negatively."

Seeing Claire pout her lips, General O'Neil instantly smiled. "Don't worry, I'll take care of it."

"Aye-aye sir!"

Claire then loaded the second magazine before starting to perforate a paper target that had just been installed.

Apart from persuading Vex, Claire also had to discuss a few things with him. For example, USMC was not willing to lease the AV-8 Harrier II, so Vex had to find a replacement.

Also, for assault rifles she had to persuade Vex to use HK products, because she had already bought the company.

'I have to hurry.'

Claire muttered silently as soon as she emptied the second magazine.

- - - - -

Apartment 2304, Royal Crown Tower.

1405, 19 Dec 2023

Vex stared at Claire for a long time, while inwardly he considered the offer he had just heard.

Amethyst Security Group would not only choose TF Amethyst, but also wanted to appoint him as an Executive Officer. Meanwhile, General O'Neil would become the Commanding Officer.

In return Claire would help him get Nicole's custody, in addition to helping his ex-wife's company get out of the crisis.

Vex took a deep breath before he finally answered, "I accept your offer, in exchange for a salary as large as possible. Because I never intended to take Nicole custody from Yumiko, and only intended to leave as much money as possible for Nicole."

Seeing Claire staring at him as if he were a rare animal, Vex sighed silently.

"Miss Claire, let me explain a few things so you understand my situation."

"Yes, please."

As soon as Claire gave permission, Vex immediately started telling his story.

The day he was kicked from Delta, Vex instinctively realized he had to stay away from home for a while. However, somehow he returned home in a state of utter chaos.

Nicole, who had just come home from school, immediately ran in with the puppy that she had just bought a few days earlier.

Nicole cheerfully walked over to Vex, who was sitting in the living room. Smiling as bright as the morning sun, she showed Vex a German Shepherd puppy named Lily. A cute puppy, and very friendly with Nicole.

Then, Vex himself didn't remember why he did it. Without a word, he grabbed Lily and threw her against the wall as hard as he could, and when Lily was teetering trying to get up, he shot her twice.

Until this day, Vex still vividly remembered the horror reflected in Nicole's gaze. Meanwhile, in a half-hysterical state, Yumiko hugged Nicole before running out.

A few minutes later the Military Police came and arrested Vex, and the next day Yumiko's lawyer came to deliver a divorce papers.

"The last time I met Nicole, she was hiding behind Yumiko, and was crying so hard when I tried to approach her."

Claire stared deeply at Vex before asking, "Is that why you went to deep rural Louisiana to punish yourself?"

"Maybe, at that time I only wanted to get out of this world. However, the longing to meet Nicole made me come back to the surface again."

While an expression that was difficult to describe flashed through his gaze, Vex continued.

"When I found Yumiko and Nicole living happily I was devastated, but not stupid enough to disturb them."

Claire nodded slightly, then said in half whisper, "Something that is lost can be recovered, but something you threw away will forever be lost even if you can find it."

"Yes, something like that."

"Now, I understand your goal. So work as hard as you can for me until your bones are broken if necessary, and you will have unimaginable wealth for Nicole."

Still with a serious tone and expression, Claire continued.

"I'll also make sure your ex-wife's company thrives. Of course without hinting that it has anything to do with you."

Vex gave a small bow before saying with all sincerity.

"Understood, Ma'am."

- - - - -

Apartment 2304, Royal Crown Tower.

2105, 20 Dec 2023

Beeeep! Beeeep!

On reflex, Vex looked at the apartment door while frowning. Today he gave Bob a day off, and also no appointments with Claire. So he wondered who the guest had visited him so late at.

Without wasting time Vex opened the door, and at once he was stunned.

"Long time no see, Vex."

"Sir."

Vex immediately invited General O'Neil in and led him into the living room. With great curiosity, he then asked.

"What's your relationship with Claire J. Webber, Sir?"

"She is my niece, but not many people know about it and I want it to be preserved that way."

"Understood."

General O'Neil nodded in satisfaction before saying, "I came to discuss the realization of TF Amethyst."

Vex nodded, while he remembered the curiosity that had been bothering him for the past few days.

The ability to shift a Battalion Combat Team to a radius of 1,000 km in 18 hours, the ability to operate in rainforests, deserts, savanna, marshes, snowy mountains, and highlands.

In the dry season 85% of the operating area could be explored by wheeled light armored vehicles, while in the wet season the percentage drops to 55%.

Vex had a hard time imagining which African country which had such a complex area of ​​operation. In addition, TF Amethyst was also projected to be able to carry out ten non-war military operations.

"Sir, can you tell me which country is the TF Amethyst area of ​​operation?"

General O'Neil casually replied, "TF Amethyst area of operation is not a country, but a continent, and there is potential to become an intercontinental area of operation."

Seeing Vex staring at him wide-eyed, General O'Neil immediately continued.

"In a few days we will visit it so you can understand the field conditions. After that we will think of a silent delivery method. Then, start recruiting personnel and purchasing assets.

"For now, make me a barley tea and serve it with whiskey, as there are a lot of details we need to talk about."

"Roger," Vex answered briefly before walking into the kitchen.

- - - - -

Louis Cafe, Baltimore, Maryland.

0910, 21 Dec 2023

Today Vex looked different from any other day. He not only trimmed beards that filled his face, but also wore a new suit jacket.

One hour before the appointed time he even already arrived at Louis Cafe, a small cafe near his ex-wife's company.

A smile instantly bloomed on Vex's lips, as he saw Yumiko pass through the cafe door and went straight to his table.

Yumiko still looked the same as when she last saw her, long shiny black hair, a distinctive oriental face, and a well-tuned body like a supermodel.

"Thank you for coming."

Yumiko nodded before sitting in front of Vex, then in a flat tone she said.

"For six months, I was desperately fighting the forced acquisition launched by Katsunori Holding without any progress. Then, last week they suddenly retreated when victory was only half a step away.

Strangely, a few days later you asked to see me."

With a tone as calm as possible Vex answered, "I have nothing to do with it."

Yumiko took a deep breath while scorn filled her face for a moment.

"Even though we haven't seen each other in the last few years, I can still tell when you're lying or telling the truth."

Since Vex didn't respond, while cold sweat started to appear on his forehead, Yumiko immediately continued.

"Tell me what you want, as long as it has nothing to do with Nicole's custody or my marriage, I'll accept it."

A deep regret gripped Vex's heart for a moment, before he calmed it down and said.

"Can you give me Nicole's pictures? Both the photos from her birth and the photos after we parted."

"Give me your smartphone."

Without a word, Vex handed his smartphone, and Yumiko was pondering for a while when she found that apart from two annonym numbers, there was nothing else on her ex-husband's smartphone.

What's more, it was the smartphone she gave to Vex when they were together. Vex was also still using his old number and email.

"When there's a new photo I'll email it to you, but you shouldn't meet Nicole in person."

Yumiko stared deeply at Vex before continuing in a super-serious tone.

"Until now she still can't see shooting scenes in a movie, hear the sound of firecrackers that are too close, or anything similar, and you must be aware of the cause of all that."

"Understood," Vex answered in a weak tone

Yumiko then looked at Vex deeply, and she immediately understood Vex's desire to return to live together with her. However, she realized that it's impossible. After sighed silently, Yumiko then said,

"I don't want to interfere in your life, but just a suggestion. You better find a new partner and start rebuilding your life."

Vex smiled slightly before answering, "I'm working on it."

Yumiko realized Vex was lying, but she chose not to say any further. After nodding slightly, she then got up and walked towards the exit.

- - - - -

Up to two hours after Yumiko left, Vex was still sitting in his chair, dumbfounded, feeling the turmoil in his heart that never subsided.

Until finally, General O'Neil who was sitting in a corner decided to approach him. "We can delay departure to Amstell Continent for a day or two."

"No, we better get going. My goal in coming here has been accomplished."

Vex sounded very steady. However, General O'Neil caught the regret and bitterness in his words.

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely"

Vex then called the waiter to pay the bill. Not long after that, he and General O'Neil walked out of the Louis Cafe, and a luxury SUV with bullet-proof armor approached the two.

*****