Chapter 21 - Welcome little brother (1)

27 December, JL International Headquarters, City K

Just after 10am Matthew in his Colonel's uniform walked across the foyer of JL International and noticed he had drawn the attention of the reception desk staff. One overheard comment about how much he looked like Phillip had him smile internally, but then it soured with the add on that there was no member of the Rong Family serving in the military nor would there ever be.

Ignoring these, with purpose he headed to the elevator bank, carefully removing from his pocket his identification and key card to head to the presidential level. On reaching the elevators security staff intercepted him, but on handing over his identification and the elevator pass card, they immediately step backwards allowing him to enter the elevator.

When the doors closed, he inserted the pass card to ensure he was whisked to the presidential level. On arrival he purposely walked towards Phillip's office without challenge. That was something needed to discuss with Phillip, the security on this level was poor. As he reached Phillip's assistant office, he simply received a nod and headed to the door. Rather than waiting for a response to his knock he simply opened the door, entered and shut it behind him.

Looking at Phillip, Matthew observed that he was deep in thought working, and only stirred when he said "Hello."

Phillip immediately looked up and Matthew noticed the look of shock on Phillip's face. After a few seconds he responded "Hello, little brother. I did not realise that you were here." He paused before continuing "In fact, why are you here? You cancelled coming home for Christmas as you had been posted to the other side of the country. Did they allow you a flying visit before heading there?"

"Shut up Phillip. Let me answer a question before you fire multiple questions at me. You are making me feel as if I am reporting to my superiors rather than visiting my big brother." With that Matthew sat down in a chair across from Phillip. He did not give a care that he had disturbed him, he needed to see his brother before he heard from someone else that he was back in town.

"Come on Matthew Rong, spill. Or I will call mother, who is due to arrive in town in the next few days and you will spill everything within minutes as you want to get away from her."

"Phillip, you do not need to threaten me with mother. You know she never wanted me to pursue a career in the military, so getting her here is not worth it. Or has she forgiven me, finally?"

With the question, Phillip shrugged his shoulders, knowing that he did not really have an answer to the question he was being asked.

Matthew paused, and took a deep breath. "I apologise about Christmas. I was so looking forward to spending my first Christmas in, what is it, ten years with you. I should have told you when we spoke on Christmas Day, but my orders were changed Christmas Eve, to a post here rather than the post that I had been assigned to. I arrived yesterday and settled in on base."

"So, it is just temporary then?"

"Actually no. My orders are for four years with the potential that it will become a permanent deployment. From what my superiors have told me the post I have is something no one really wants. Most senior officers do not want the posting as City K's focus is business and they question if the post is worth it. Plus, those who have sort the post have had some problems resulting in their re-assignment. The only interesting work relates to the special forces based here, and as you guess that is difficult to get into."

While he was aware his story about people not wanting the post was, to a point a lie, he needed to have a viable explanation. Of course, those who wanted a special forces posting actively sort a posting here, given the location close to the southern boarder where Terrorists and Insurgents infiltrated the country trying to destabilise the government not only here but in other countries. That always resulted to significant activities for the special forces.

Matthew, watching Phillip hoped that he had satisfied him without revealing too much information. Phillip's expression confirmed that President Dong played some part in his posting particularly being aware of his role in the special forces for over seven years, most likely at Phillip's request. He just hoped Phillip would believe what he stated, as if he knew the truth not only about his role in the special forces but its local head, Phillip would panic, and confess everything to their parents leading to his exposure to the world.