Chapter 108 - Things In Common

The flight from the capital to a state named 'Silvervale' only took 40 minutes. Silvervale was the second biggest and second most populous state of Silveren only bested by the capital, Silveren City.

Famous for its advanced tourism and cultural heritage, it was the second capital of the country and as such, the Army base there was also only a little small than the capital.

Captain Yelena didn't feel great. Being chosen to inspect the demo along with many senior officers; she knows that it was a huge challenge and responsibility. Of course, the course concerned was one of her specialities which she successfully performed many times, she still felt the pressure.

After she reported her arrival at the main base of Silvervale state, she was brought to the base of Zaro Special Forces, the 2nd most prestigious division next to Rayvix where she was currently posted. She was given a room so she could rest right away if she wished. She was also free to go wherever she wanted as the demo will be performed only at night after dinner. At 4 p.m., it was still quite early.

She only brought a small travel bag with her as she would only be staying for the night. While she was unpacking, she heard the sound of her room door being knocked.

Making her way to the door, she opened it to see who was knocking. A young man with the rank of Lt. Colonel was standing in the door. He smiled when he saw her.

"Captain Yelena Arista of Rayvix?" The young Lt. Colonel asked.

"Yes."

"I'm Lt. Colonel Lucas Waren. It's nice to meet you." The man said as he reached out his hand to her.

"Nice to meet you too, sir." The Captain responded with a smile as she accepted the handshake.

"Some officers from our division are tasked to look out for the officers who came for the demo inspection." Lt. Colonel Lucas rubbed his eyebrows as if he was feeling awkward. "I'm told to take charge of you if you're okay with it." He added.

When he saw her looking at him with a confused face, he quickly clarified, "I have no say in this but I think we are paired because we have many things in common."

"I understand, sir. But I'm afraid that I would only bother you." She calmly said when she sensed how nervous he was. Why would a superior officer felt awkward in front of a junior officer? She finds it quite strange.

"It's okay." He briefly glanced at the interior of the room and asked, "Have you finish unpacking?"

"Yes, sir. I don't have many belongings anyway. Besides, it will only be for one day and one night." She responded.

"Do you like to rest or do you like to have a tour? Is it your first time here in Silvervale?" Lt. Colonel Lucas asked.

"A tour will be great, sir. I have been here more than five times but I never had the time to wander around." The Captain answered with a light chuckle.

"Then I can help you with that. I was born and raised here so I knew all the place." The Lt. Colonel suggested with a smile though it was not part of his task.

Yelena was quite amazed at the offer but she didn't show it. "That will be great, sir. I will thank you in advance."

* * *

Still wearing their uniforms, the two young officers ride the car and passed the crowded streets of Silvervale. Within a short period, they managed to visit many famous places and cultural heritage of the state, some important army bases of the state and the Training Academy.

Captain Yelena was amazed by the calm and quiet nature of Lt. Colonel Lucas. He was so patient and calm whenever he deals with things! Besides, he rarely talked to her, except when he explains a certain place.

They were on their way to the training centre which deals with training soldiers for counter-insurgency. It was the only training centre for counter-insurgency throughout the whole country. Now that it had become the last place they would visit, she decided to strike up some conversation with the quiet Lt. Colonel.

"Sir, are you always this quiet?" She asked, observing him keenly while he was driving.

"Maybe. I was often told that I'm boring." Lt. Colonel Lucas simply replied but his lips curled into a smile after that.

"I think so." She nodded her head which made him laughed.

"That hurts. Are you always this frank?" The Lt. Colonel asked.

"Yes, but I think it's better than keeping quiet and being called boring." Yelena frankly replied with a smile.

"Ah! I think my quietness gets on your nerve. I think you might be annoyed if I talk too much." This time, the Lt. Colonel frankly responded. He was afraid to make her uncomfortable if he keeps on talking to her. That's why he remained quiet, although he was well known due to his aloofness.

"Then sir, what do you mean when you said that we have many things in common? From what I saw, we are so different." That still bothered her. Just what would he mean when he said that? She had no idea at all!

"The former General, I mean the predecessor of your grandfather is my grandfather, retired General Bernard Waren." Lt. Colonel Lucas started.

Yelena realized that the Lt. Colonel surname was Waren. When he introduced himself, she didn't think much about the surname. General Bernard Waren was the General of Silveren Army for 4 years before he retired and was succeeded by her grandfather, General Logan Arista.

Come to think of it, her grandfather had already served as the General for 6 years and he only has a few months before he retired.

"During my training years, my grandfather was a General. So, it's not easy for me. I went through many things just like you." Lt. Col. Lucas continued.

"Then what about now?" Yelena asked. She was curious about the true story which was very similar to hers.

"They trust me now. In our country, we are trained for 4 years before we become a Commissioned officer. During the four years of my training, my grandfather was the General and he was succeeded by your grandfather on the year I became a Commissioned Officer." He explained.

"It's hard at the time, right? To be doubted and the need to prove ourselves over and over again." Lt. Col. Lucas calmly added.

"Yes but I think it made me into who I am today. It made me stronger." Yelena simply smiled. "If you become a Commissioned officer on the year my grandfather became the General, it means you're my 4 years senior."

"Yes. I'm glad that you think that way. A few years ago, I also used to strengthen myself by thinking that way. Even today, it helps me a lot." Lt. Col. Lucas briefly glanced at the Captain before he shifted his focus to the road again.

Maybe the rumors were true. There was something unique in her that made him wanted to know more about her.

If he was her 4 years senior, Yelena thought. That means he was the one year junior of Colonel Arias, Colonel Maverick and... her brother. If her brother was still alive, will he also be a respected Colonel now? Just like Colonel Arias told her, Marvin was always at the top of his batch.

Thinking of her late brother, wounds that could never be old covered her once again. She remained quiet, saddened at the memories of the greatest brother in the world!

Wishing to not let her emotions took the best of her, she turned her head and stared out of the window while Lt. Col. Lucas repeatedly glanced at her. Was something wrong with her? He was confused.

For a while, she said nothing but keeps on staring out of the window until her eyes suddenly widened in shock.

"Sir, please stop the car." She gasped, never taking her eyes off from the sight she witnessed.

Lt. Col. Lucas Waren didn't ask any question and simply pulled over to the side. The moment the car stopped, he watched her getting off the car in a hurry and he quickly followed suit. He was worried about her.

"Where are you going?" He asked, but she already started running. Maybe she didn't hear him at all.

"Captain Yelena! Captain Yelena!"

He sighed when she keeps on quickening her pace. Having no other choice, he ran after her. What if she gets lost? She was not even familiar with the place!

He tried his best to catch up with her but the young Captain was so fast! Despite trying hard, at least a gap of five steps were between them all the time!

However, Yelena had forgotten the Lt. Colonel's presence! All she could think of was not losing track of the man she went after. She mustn't lose him no matter what it takes!

She only got a glimpse of the man but she was confident that he was the grandfather of Nolan Iselin.....