Chapter 53 - Welcome Back Matthew (4)

27 December, Club TJ's City K

Matthew, hearing that comment decided that he had to mess with Phillip. He just hoped he would take it the right way. He looked at John Nang before speaking, to see if he would get the fact that he was messing with Phillip. "Base jumping or abseiling? I will if you will Phillip?"

"You are kidding me?" was the surprised response.

"Absolutely not." John, having heard the comment could not help but chuckle. From what he knew from his training with the special forces neither would be a challenge for someone who was an operator within the special forces. He knew, as head of the special forces group here, regardless of whether he had an administration or operational background, he would enough training to allow him to lead both.

The one thing that had him question a few things was how rapidly Matthew had risen through the ranks of the military since he enlisted. Yes, he had done the same in the police, but he had joined through a Ranking Officer Program, that combined his study, policing training and was aimed to make him a senior officer upon graduation. That pause, made him consider was Matthew the legendary Officer X, spoken about in hushed tones by numbers of senior police throughout the country who interacted with special forces members.

From what he remembered, this Officer X, had been rapidly promoted through the ranks of the special forces, and had everyone in awe of his stills as an operator and analyst, able to easily lead men, cooperative with other sections within the military but the police, and had a reputation of ensuring the missions he lead not only were successful but brought men back safely. John looked at Matthew and decided to tuck that though in the back of his mind, to ask him when they were alone, away from any potential surveillance that might give things away.

Joan, despite being new into this group of friends could see that Phillip Rong was getting cross at the situation which could end the night in disaster. She yelled out "Andrew where is that food you promised would be here. You promise but are so late in the delivery, it is a wonder that you ever achieve anything."

Everyone realised the double meaning in her words and burst out laughing. Andrew, however realised that the conversation would quickly end in the gutter as everyone would continue with the s*xual inuendo, and it would get worse. He moved towards the door and pressed a concealed button.

"I wanted to get everyone together for a low-key celebration of Chester and Phillip getting engaged on Christmas Day." That brought a round of cheers from everyone. "However, it appears that we have reason for a double celebration. After nine years in the military, Matthew has finally been able to grace us with his presence. My friend, we will not forgive you for the way that you joined the military, behind our backs, but we have missed you and it is good to have you back."

"As some of us have to work tomorrow," with that Andrew looked directly at Phillip, Matthew, John and Lexi, "I figured that this celebration would be quiet, allowing us to spend time together. However, I will for all my generosity, in not charging you…"

"You greedy capitalist," shouted Paul.

"You can talk Paul. As I was saying before the idiot there,…"

Hearing the word idiot, Paul decided that he had to further annoy Andrew, and shouted "Who are you calling an idiot. I thought that was you."

That brought a round of laughter from everyone but Andrew who was shooting daggers at Paul. "As I was saying, and hopefully third time lucky I can get this out, as the chefs need to test out some new menu choices. During the day these rooms are more and more wanted for business meetings, necessitating a change in how we cater. As westerners are often at these meeting, the chefs know they need to adapt not only local dishes but dishes they consider Asian as well as adding western food."

"What the chefs have added, which will be our menu for those meeting. For entree we will have Vegetable Spring Rolls with Sweet Chilli Jam, Chicken Satay skewers with peanut dipping sauce and bruschetta. That I cannot remember what is on it, but it is Italian. With Main Courses are an Asian inspired tasting main meal plate with fried rice Lemon Chicken, Beef and Black Bean and Sweet and Sour Pork."

"Bland, I know, but how many damn requests we get for them from Westerns is shocking. Also, there is a Indian Beef Vindaloo, and Gourmet Pizzas with an Asian twist. Dessert options include Individual Pavlova's and a Sticky Date Pudding with caramel sauce. I had the Sticky date pudding, and once I got over the unusual taste it was enjoyable."

"And before you ask, no one is getting a choice, the staff have been told simply to come in and spread the choices around."

"Andrew" came a whine from a couple of voices.

Steven responded, "Suck it up princesses."