Chapter 132 Someone to Talk To

Chapter 132 Someone to Talk To

Inside the command center, Richard walked up to Sara's station with a sense of purpose.

"Sara, recall every Volunteer Corps unit currently deployed outside the Blackwatch Oriental Military Camp," he instructed.

"They need to return here immediately. The mission is canceled."

Sara swiftly donned her headphones, her fingers dancing over the keyboard as she adjusted the frequency.

"All stations," she announced and continued. "This is Blackwatch. All Volunteer Corps personnel currently operating outside the Oriental must abort their missions and return to base without delay. I repeat, all Volunteer Corps outside the Oriental, return immediately. This is a direct order from Eagle Actual."

The room crackled with tension as her message echoed through the communications network. Screens flickered with responses as units acknowledged the order and began the process of disengagement.

Richard watched the monitors where the Volunteer Corps units' icons started retreating from their forward positions. The icons, representing various teams and their equipment, shifted from aggressive stances to a more defensive, retreating formation.

Ten minutes later, all Volunteer Corps units are on their way back to the Blackwatch Oriental Military Camp. Another ten minutes and all of the squads made their way back to the Camp.

"All units are accounted for, Eagle Actual," Sara reported as she glanced over her shoulder, looking at Richard.

Richard nodded, his expression tight. "Good work, Sara."

Sara noticed the tight expression on his face and couldn't help but ask.

"Sir Richard, are you feeling okay? You want us to talk about it?"

"Are you willing?" Richard asked back and Sara was slightly taken aback. So Richard was just waiting for her to notice and offer a listening ear.

Sara hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Of course, sir. I'm here to support you in any way I can."

"Thank you, Sara, can we do this upstairs? At the rooftop?"

"Certainly, sir," Sara replied. She followed Richard out of the command center, noting the unusual request but understanding the need for a more private setting.

Arriving at the rooftop, they were noticed by the crew of the VH-60N helicopter that was conducting a maintenance check on the hardware.

"Would you give us the room for a while gentlemen," Richard simply ordered.

The crew quickly nodded and vacated the rooftop, leaving Richard and Sara alone.

Once they were alone, Richard leaned against the railing, looking out over the camp.

"Sara, as you have heard through our comms, Lisa's best friends and classmates were killed during the sudden appearance of the new mutated zombies. And now I feel that she hates me. Well, I think that it is my fault, I assured them that what they'll encounter there are just your ordinary zombies and their mission was just a simple scavenging operation. But...unexpected thing happened, and they died because of it."

Sara listened carefully, understanding the depth of guilt and responsibility Richard felt. "Sir, the situation with the mutated zombies was unforeseen. It's not your fault. These things are beyond our control sometimes, especially in a situation like this where the enemy is unpredictable."

Richard sighed, rubbing his forehead. "I know, but that doesn't change the fact that Lisa and her team suffered a huge loss. I should have been more cautious, maybe assigned an officer to their unit."

"It's always easier to look back and see what could have been done differently, sir. Even if there was an officer attached to their unit, nothing could have changed if everything happened in surprise. Wait, is it okay if I ask you a question regarding this matter?"

"Okay..." Richard granted.

"Who is the Chief of Staff for Training and Education? It's Ryan right?" Sara asked.

"Yeah, that would be him," Richard confirmed. "Why do you ask?"

"Well, he is the one responsible for the training and education of the volunteer corps. And so, must be the one who had suggested that they won't need an officer attached to their respective units because the mission is just simple...right?"

Richard paused, considering Sara's point. "You're right, Sara. It was Ryan's assessment that the mission was straightforward enough for the volunteers to handle without direct officer oversight. And given their training. it seemed reasonable at the time."

Sara nodded, her analytical mind working through the information. "If that's the case, then the decision was a collective one based on the available data and assessments. It's not solely on you, sir. Everyone involved made the best call they could with what they knew."

Richard looked thoughtful, absorbing her words. "That's a fair point. It's easy to fall into the trap of personal blame when things go wrong. But still doesn't change the fact that Lisa is mad at me. She even told me that she won't talk to me for a while and hearing that from your little sister...it's just...it's heartbreaking."

Sara placed a reassuring hand on Richard's shoulder. "I can't imagine how difficult that must be, sir. But give Lisa some time. She's grieving, and sometimes people say things in the heat of the moment that they don't really mean. She's your sister, and that bond is strong. She'll come around."

Richard nodded, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "I hope so. I just want her to know I'm here for her, no matter what. Is there some advice you can give me on how I can approach her?"

Sara thought for a moment before responding. "When dealing with grief, it's important to give the person space but also to make sure they know you're there for them. Maybe write her a letter? It's personal, and it gives her the time to process your words at her own pace. In the letter, acknowledge her pain, apologize for any part you think you've played in this, and reassure her of your support and love. It's not about defending your actions but showing empathy for her feelings."

Richard nodded, considering the suggestion. "A letter... that sounds like a good idea. If this works, I'll treat you to dinner."

Sara offered a small, understanding smile. "I appreciate the offer, sir, but seeing things improve between you and Lisa would be more than enough."

"There you go again, just let me be cool for a while...okay?" Richard chuckled lightly, trying to lighten the mood. "But seriously, thank you for your advice. It means a lot to have someone to talk to about these things."

Sara nodded. "Of course, sir. As for dinner, hmm...I guess we can cook some canned corn beef at my place."

"Oh...I like it," Richard cooed. "Of all places, you want it to be at your place? That's an interesting choice."

"Bah, being indirect is just not like me nowadays. Richard, I adore you," Sara said in a straightforward manner, looking directly at Richard.

"What the...saying that with a straight face, are you planning on killing me?" Richard blushed.

Sara laughed, shaking her head. "No, sir, nothing so dramatic. I just believe in being honest. But don't worry, it's all in the spirit of a good working relationship. We've been through a lot together, and I have great respect for you as a leader and a person."

Richard, still a bit flustered but smiling, replied, "Well, I appreciate your honesty. Why don't we return to the command center? For sure everyone is waiting for us." n./O/-v(.e/(l)-B((1).n

The mood lightened, and they headed back into the command center to wrap up the day's work.