"Happy birthday, Major." Neil said as he placed the coffee mug in front of me, stepped behind and stood with his hand folded in front of him, waiting for any demand that I may have.

"Thanks, Ne-" He cleared his throat to stop me from completing the word.

"Thanks. Flynn." I stressed on the last word and looked up at him still seated.

He just nodded politely. But it felt wrong in so many ways. I was sitting while he was standing. I could regard him with whichever name I wanted and the farthest he would go against it was growl. On the other hand, he'd only call me Major. Major James at the max, but never just my name, never anything else. I sat like a VIP while he stood like a servant. Nothing felt right.

"It's okay, Major." He said reading the dilemma on my face.

"I didn't expect it to be this complicated." I sighed.

"I did. In fact I expected worse. But this is so much better." He smiled calmly. I couldn't look at him like that so I looked at the mug instead.

It's been years since I was promoted as Cadet Training Officer I/C. I've been riding the boys hard. The results had gotten better with each passing out batch and the overall performance of the officers passed out from KMA was far better than any other academy. HQ wanted to get my postings rotated at all the academies but Beta had successfully kept me here all this while.

I took time to learn a lot of things as a trainer. It was a different perspective altogether. Beta groomed me into an efficient trainer and I was glad to work under him despite being on my toes all day all night. He made me feel pathetic so often just to keep me in line and not let the fame get into my head. I learnt a lot from him. Working right under his nose all these years made me realise how aware he was of his rights and his authority as the commander of KMA. Be it a junior or a senior, he'd not move from his ground if he is right.

Neil's constant presence would rub the old scars everyday. But it would also freshen the great memories of the team I'll always be proud of. His face would remind me that I've been through a lot worse and I came out of it just fine. His presence would make me feel seen. And frankly, that's all I wanted at that point of time in my life.

On the other hand, Neil had taken a backfoot in our friendship and had gotten professional to the last grain. He'd serve me meals, ask me about my health, advice to take rest when I'd go hard on myself, make me try different cuisines and ask me if I'd like to have it again despite clearly reading my face - he never even once was rude or stern or decisive or even sarcastic. It was always me giving him instructions and him quietly nodding and working on it even if it required him to stay awake for days straight, he'd not complain. He was too deep in his new role, it was scary. I missed Neil. Flynn was the man every academy needed but I wanted Neil back.

There were times when we had no company and I'd insist that he talks freely just like old times but he wouldn't move his boundaries too far. He somehow managed to make me feel more important than him at all times yet not let me feel responsible for his situation. That was his compensation for everything he was responsible for.

"It will get cold." He said and I finally took the mug in my hand. Taking the first sip relieved me off my thoughts as I closed my eyes and focused on the taste. Flynn had become a really great chef. Everything he made was close to perfection. I'd be tired or irritated or angry but the aroma of the food he cooked, specially coffee, would calm me down in a second.

"This is great, Flynn." I said honestly.

"Thank you. Anything else that you want me to make for you?" He asked proudly.

"A good booze. After dinner." I almost ordered him. He chuckled.

"As you wish, Major. I'll be at the bar after 2200 hours." I nodded taking another sip while he walked away.

**

"So? You got any present?" He asked me curiously making my drink without me reminding him.

"From my sons? Yes. From you? Nothing so far." I smirked.

"What can I give you? Haven't I given you enough already?" He said looking down in guilt.

"For today? No you haven't. But there's one thing you can give. Company." He laughed at my request.

"Am I not doing exactly that right now?" He asked me still laughing keeping my mug on the platform.

"With a mug of beer in your hand." I added turning him pale.

"I'm not authorised that." He tried to argue.

"Account it in my name." "You know that's not what I mean, Major. I can't be found drinking in this campus, specially with you. This will jeopardise your safety!"

"I'm not touching my mug till you cheer with me. I have all night." I replied uninterested looking into his eyes.

Neil waited for a few moments and then sighed loudly. He turned around to get another mug and started filling beer in it. He glared at me once and then muttered something under his breath.

"I didn't hear that." I mocked.

"Good for you because it was totally meant for you." He said taking the mug and keeping it next to mine angrily.

I laughed making him loosen up a bit. He cracked a smile and we cheered to the good old times.

"You said your sons gave you a present. What is it?" He asked taking the first gulp.

"They said they want to join forces." I answered taking a huge proud gulp of my beer.

"What?! Really? That's great news! You've turned everything around so well, James! This... This is the proof that you really kept your promise. You did it, boy!" "Yes. I did it." I just smiled. I had so much to say. I was so fucking happy since the moment they told me that they want to become like me. It was like the good part of my past was knocking on my door. And I wanted to share it with someone who knew what it meant for me. Merlen or Neil and no one else. And his reaction is exactly what I needed. This was great.

"Finally I got to see the two mice out of their burrows huh?" I stopped drinking and Neil carefuly tried to hide his mug behind the platform. I got up, turned around and saluted him.

"Celebrating your birthday the simple way, James?" "Yes sir. Just a drink alone. Then I'll be on my way." I tried to keep it low.

"Alone? Why do you have to drink alone when you have your old friend to celebrate with you? Right Ex-Major Neil Fermin?" He turned to Flynn and asked him the last part making me stop breathing.

"Sir.. You.. How...?" I couldn't frame a proper question while Neil looked down.

"You thought General Warren will send across a rogue to KMA to be kept under strict supervision without telling the commander every thing about him? You really think both of us are fools, don't you?" Beta turned to me.

"I.. never meant that sir.. General Warren said nobody outside CCTC will be aware about this.. that's why.. I'm sorry." I was genuinely apologising.

My reaction was more like a shock than the realisation that he would be knowing about Neil. It made total sense that Warren told him everything.

"But I'm impressed that you stuck to your words, Neil. All these years and you never came in my radar even once. If not for his request, you'd never go back to being Neil. I still don't trust you though." Beta told Neil harshly.

"Yes sir." Neil kept looking down and replied.

"James. I'm expecting orders from the HQ for SIT of a few cadets here. I don't know the purpose but I'm not getting good vibes from this. I'll try to resist it for a few months but I'm not sure if I can avoid it at all. Even if I do, I know as soon as I get up from the chair, the next commander of KMA will be kept at gunpoint to say yes." Beta started off and immediately my eyes shot to Flynn.

He's not supposed to listen to all this. Why is Beta not asking him to leave.

"You'll be getting promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in two months and I have zero doubts that you'll be replacing me. Start thinking about this SIT today onwards." Beta said.

"I'll take your leave, sir." Flynn said respectfully and started walking.

"I don't remember granting you permission to leave yet, Flynn." Beta said rudely. What the fuck was going on.

"I need you to help me when SIT happens." Beta said and my eyes went wide.

"Apologies, sir. I've been specifically ordered to not be involved in any kind of training. General Warren-" Neil started off.

"He said that you'll not be involved directly in any training. If needed, your knowledge will be passed on through trainers and instructors. Here is the trainer-" He pointed at me. "- And I'm your commander. So you better think twice before saying no to me. James you can collect the official document regarding this matter tomorrow. I want both of you to go through it and come up with a rough schedule within a week." Beta was a scary commander. But this? I never expected this from him.

"Yes sir. But why do they want a cadet to go through Special Individual Training when they literally have Class-I agents, Special Forces and undocumented spies all over the world? Why focus on the cadets?" I asked him.

"That's exactly the question I'm asking them. And that's exactly why I'm not getting positive vibes from this. They haven't given me any explanation so far and I'm not going to move till they do." Beta said.

Neil stood quietly all this while but once he started talking, Beta was stunned. "This cadet won't be from this country. They'll be getting a cadet from outside to train and send him back to take care of the people they can't handle using their own top forces. CCTC, Special Forces or any other academy will never agree to train an outsider just for him to go back to their own country and be a risk to them in future. That's why they're putting pressure on KMA to teach him everything during his cadet days. This will never create any suspicion because cadets can be ridden as hard as the trainers and commander want provided they're alive and medically fit at the end of their training."

"Why didn't this come to my mind?" Beta replied irritated.

"We can't let this happen, James. We do it once, and they'll want it to be done again. Then KMA will become a center for international favours." "Sir not just that. They'll ask us to produce agents for them to be deployed at locations they can't send their special agents or even regularly trained officers." I added.

"You can't help it, sir. You can only delay it. This matter is being discussed at the level of Presidents. You'll be getting clear orders for it. If not today, then within 2 or 3 years. It has to be done." Neil spoke again.

"And just how do you know all this?" Beta was offended now.

"I can't answer that. I agree you don't trust me and it's justified. And I'll be okay if you don't want to include me in this project." You stupid Neil!

"After what happened today, I'm going to keep both my eyes on you." "Sir permission to speak?" I tried to stop Beta from making Neil's miserable life more miserable.

"You may take a break of two minutes." Beta turned to Neil who nodded and walked out.

"Speak." "Sir I know him. He had an intent and he did everything for that. But that's over. That chapter of his life is closed. He has no plan to destroy or backstab anyone of us anymore. He's just earning his redemption here. Yes, he's got people everywhere who keep him updated but he's not a danger for us. Better yet, we can use his contacts and knowledge whenever we need - like the SIT. He'll help us. I vouch for him."

"I know you two have been good friends, James. And I know that you trust him more than you trust anyone else. But be careful." "I'll be careful, sir. But I have a small request to make."

"Go ahead." "Can you please permit him to use the gym during the off training hours. He has not been physically active for all these years. At the end of the day, he's a soldier. I'm genuinely worried about his health. Also, if we're planning to use his ways of fighting, he has to be in his form to teach it to someone. He will always be under supervision and I take full responsibility for his cover."

Beta thought for a few moments. "You're still trying to make things better for him, James. Permission granted. And you best believe that I'll make surprise visits. I know you both are good fighters. So I expect a good sparring session." Always a commander this man!

"As you wish sir. Thank you so much." I said with a smile as Flynn knocked on the door at the end of two minutes.

"Get in." Beta called loudly.

"Neil, I still want you on board with this SIT project. The extent of your involvement will obviously be decided when the time comes. But I want to teach that boy everything that I possibly can so that he saves his own life in whatever danger he is put in. And I've heard a lot about your fighting technique. Infact I'd like to see it with my own eyes. James - remember. A surprise visit and I better get a run for my money. If he's rusted, then he goes back out. Got it?" Beta had his mind clear about every single thing and that's what I admire the most in him.

"Yes sir. Give him a week or so." "Granted. You can carry on with your celebrations, officer." Beta mocked me and left.

"I don't remember telling you to tell him about the Foriegn Rep." I asked Flynn angrily.

"I wanted to scare him off. I didn't want to get involved in this SIT. I thought he'll be suspicious about me if I tell him something that he doesn't know." He said defeated.

"But it backfired. You've got to be smarter than that, Flynn." Yes we both knew about the SIT update thanks to Neil's birds. And we had decided to keep our mouths shut until its very important to say it out.

"I agree." He walked behind the platform and brought his mug out.

"Wait a minute. He said he wanted to see me fight with his own eyes. What did he mean? And I go back out from where? And two weeks for what?" He was connecting the dots well and I smiled to myself.

"You are hereby permitted to workout in the gym during night." I said proudly.

"Really?!" He asked excited.

"Yep. Cheers. Now get your rusted iron shining. He wants to see a good sparring session between you and me. And if he doesn't feel that we're upto the level, you'll be kicked out and I'll be locked in." "I hate these commanders for a reason. But thanks a lot. I really needed this." He smiled genuinely.

"I know, Flynn. Time has come for you to get back to shape." I winked making him thin his eyes.

************************************

* Few Years Later *

"I'll train you only on one condition." I said sternly.

"Yes sir." "I'll deport you to missions where I need a female. I will send you only on rare missions that too with full protection, but only and only because of your gender. So if you want, get offended today and say 'No thank you, sir' instead of getting offended after I've trained you and saying 'I'm as good as your boys so I deserve an equal and fair chance' because I won't give you any." I told Ren clearly and I could see her mind was clear.

"Anything that lets me train under you - I'm ready. I'll be honoured to be selected for any mission you want to send me to, that will only mean that you consider me capable and that you trust me. That is exactly what I want to achieve in my life in the first place." "But your life can get in danger."

"Don't we all become soldiers in our own ways knowing that this is the ultimate truth of our life?" She said earning my respect

"Alright Ren. Start preparing. You'll get your call letter soon." I said finishing her interview.

I was glad I now had a female willing to be trained like one of my boys and I know that she'll turn out fine. I've seen her performing at school and she's lot better than some of Nick's teammates. I hope I never have to send Ren anywhere but I know that I can trust her should need be. The boys don't need to know this yet. They clearly will not like the idea of her putting her life in danger. But it's her choice. So I'll leave it to her.

************************************

* Few years later *

"No, sir." "Come again? I didn't hear you properly." I said not believing what Wills just said. Firmly.

"I said No sir. I won't keep my eyes on that girl." Wills replied so spitefully that even Nick looked at him shocked.

"Wills you -" Nick was shut by his death glare that made me wonder if Merlen actually gave birth to two kids and she kept Wills hidden from me all her life. Just look at him shutting Nick without a word and pissing me off without thinking about the consequences.

"I didn't give you an option to choose, officer. I gave you an order. Now dismiss and get the arrangements done. She'll be here any moment." I use my authoritative voice hoping that will work. But I suspected that Wills was not going to budge today.

And as expected he didn't move a bit. He just stood straight with his eyes on the wall behind me and his hands behind his back.

"What the hell, Wills?" "She doesn't belong here. She doesn't deserve my protection. Nor his. Nor yours. Specially when she's the reason why I'm standing here, No." He didn't falter even once.

"I took her responsibility. I promised I'll keep her safe. It's upto you if you want to spoil my name." "I won't mind if you find a better protector for her. Outside KMA." He replied.

"What is your problem, Wills?" I was irritated now. Irritated. Not angry. Irritated because I'm not able to convince my most obedient son to do a job that I'm giving him. All he was doing right now was spitting facts and I can't prove him wrong.

Why not angry? Because I just got him back. Alive from that fucking suicidal mission. Broken in so many ways that I was afraid I'll lose him to PTSD because this annoying man won't even admit it until it will consume him. I didn't want to lose him again at any cost.

"Not mine, father. Yours." He replied respectfully but firmly.

"Wills! What the -" Before Nick could get my attention on him, I spoke up.

"Care to explain my problem to me, son?" I shifted back on my chair and got ready for an earful. I saw him through and through. I just didn't know that the bomb was due for explosion today. Wills and Nick are extremes when it comes to talking and expressing. While Nick won't delay it by a second, Wills will keep it inside him till he can't hold it back. And this boy of mine was arguing and refusing my orders today - meant he had reached his limits.

"It's you who sees the good in literally every human you meet. It's you who want to preserve that goodness and remove all the wrongs from each one of them. It's you who want to make this world a better place so that nobody goes through what you did. You think it's your responsibility to turn everyone into a good person - be it your training or your words. But It's NOT. You can't change the whole world! And that specifically includes Mr Tally Stuart and his family. He leaked all the info to Yazan that you kept safe by sacrificing your sleep, food, water and... partner. You should hate him more than I do, father! He is the reason your family is incomplete today. He is the reason so many families are incomplete today! But you still have hopes that he'll help us. You're not ready to stop seeing the goodness you saw in him years ago. He had so many chances, yet he didn't use any of them to get back on right track. Whatever may the reason be. Why are you taking responsibility for people he should be responsible for? You owe him nothing to help him earn it back." He stressed Tail's name and I pinched the bridge of my nose.

In mere few seconds he broke down the tough walls I had built around me over years. But I have to give it to him because his walls are thicker that mine.

"If it wasn't my responsibility, you would not be standing here in front of me either, son." I said calmly and he immediately looked down. I didn't miss the tears that filled in those eyes.

"I'm.. I'm sorry I didn't mean -" He spoke still looking down fearing that he hurt the bond I have with him. If nothing, he made it stronger.

"No need." I said.

"That's it? He gets away for saying sorry JUST LIKE THAT?" Nick asked getting on my nerves.

I turned my gaze at him. "Do you have a plaster on your leg?" "No sir."

"Then please drop and apologise for interrupting me. Quietly." I said calmly.

Nick looked at Wills angrily and then did as told. All of us waited till he completed twenty and then got back up.

"Look Wills. I agree Stuart is not the person we should be helping right now. I know we all went through so much because of that one man and that he doesn't deserve any mercy of any kind from us. But tell me how is his daughter at fault here? Poor girl doesn't even know what a storm is heading her way. I'm trying to avoid that storm for her. And if it is inevitable, I want to make it easy for her. She's like my daughter, Wills." My tone had gotten much softer than I actually started off with.

"I don't have any sympathy for that man and anyone who's related to him. We agreeing to his terms is only going to take him deeper into the pit. And I'll lose it if anyone gets hurt ever again because we saved him back then or guarded his daughter now." That was his shut up call.

"I'm not telling you to be her bodyguard, dammit!" I raised my voice this time. This boy was not ready to listen! Wills just breathed loudly.

At the same time my phone rang up. Brilliant timing!

"What?!" I picked up the speaker and barked into it.

"Ssssir... Misssss Jane Ssstuart isssshere.." The main gate guard reported me as per my own order, clearly unaware of the reason behind my angry tone.

"Fine. Guide her to my office." And I dropped the speaker back. Wills understood that my thread of patience had broken.

"Father, please. Don't do this. He's not going to change. He doesn't deserve a second chance. Don't -" "This is happening, Wills. Whether you like it or not. So suck it up. And no more changing roles without permission. If you use your privilege like this ever again, you'll regret it." I used his own words at him sealing the conversation over.

"Nick. I need you to be more practical than your fellow officer. So help him when he needs it. You can break off." I looked at Nick pleading him not to take Wills's side this once.

He nodded in agreement, saluted and marched out. Thank goodness.

Wills looked up at me one last time when there was a knock on my door. He turned his neck at the door there as if he had the power to set things on fire just by looking.

God how am I going to deal with this? I can't put Nick on this job because he's the only TO I have who's physically fit. Ren is not ready yet. Neil would be more than willing but I have no strength to answer the questions that will come up on hourly basis. And with Wills in this form? No thank you. Couldn't I have waited till I had gotten a few TOs posted here?

"Good morning Ms Jane Stuart. I presume Stuart has boarded his flight." "Yes uncle. May I please know where my room is and what will I get for my conveyance?" Jane clearly did not like this change in her life and I wish I could help her skip all this. But Tail had not left many options for us.

"You are not here for a trip." And here Wills is not ready to get even a bit soft for her. He's pushing me to the edge. And he's only making things worse for himself.

"And may I know who are you Mr.?" Jane asked. I answered on his behalf. "He's Major Wills. He'll be accompanying you whenever you go out of this academy."

"Not for your tours miss!" Wills added after me and that did it.

"Wills! Mind your tongue!" I used the tone I reserve when I mean 'one more word and you're gone.' He knew it too well for his own good.

"Yes sir." he replied in a tone I expected from him. He better behave here onwards.

************************************

* Few years later *

Nick's POV-

"So...?" Dad asked Jane with doubt in his eyes.

"mmm.. it's.. Not that bad..." Jane hesitated and my brother gulped down hard.

"Wills....?" Dad called his name out dangerously.

"Father... I... Jane! Don't do that, please!" He turned to her pleading.

"Alright, alright. It's delicious!" Jane took a huge spoon of the pasta Wills had cooked and stuffed her mouth. "Mmmm... It's really tasty! I haven't had this good food in a while."

"Okay. Wills, you can join us." Dad permitted him to sit with us and had a bite of the Italian bread kept in front of him.

"You're getting better at cooking, son." "Thank you, sir." He replied and came and sat across me and Jane.

I tasted one bite and immediately felt in heaven. Boy, Wills can cook great!

'Fucking awesome!' I mouth Wills without making a sound. Dad would kill me if he hears Cuss words on the dinner table.

Wills covered his chuckle with a fake cough and looked at Jane angrily.

"We'll be *talking* after everyone leaves." He warned her. Oh Jane. Poor girl.

"No, we won't. I'll be leaving as soon as he gets up!" She pointed at Dad. Safe move, sister.

"Miss Jane?" Flynn called her.

"Yes, Flynn?" "You said you got wine glasses for us, didn't you?"

"Yes I did! I loved the finish. We can use them after dinner tonight!" She was excited.

"We have to hurry. Not tonight. May be tomorrow?" Flynn said making Jane pout.

"That's okay. You guys can have a drink or two. Afterall you've been out of the country for eight months! Renee is on her way too. It's time you monsters reunite." Dad pulled all of us in with that single word.

"You sure, father? We can.." "It's absolutely fine, Wills. Jane can stay back. But you should drop her back on time."

"But... I.. I was supposed to go back with you!" You're caught now, Sis.

"Wills can drop you, Miss Jane. You guys catch up. And boys, wash the dishes. You wouldn't mind helping them, milady?" Flynn added to Jane's misery.

Me and Wills exchanged the devious looks.

"But..." "You heard him girl. You stay back, help the boys with the dishes, have a nice talk, and get dropped by Wills. Any doubt?" I knew dad had teamed up with Flynn against my poor poor sister.

"No, sir!" Wills and I replied loud enough to mute Jane's 'please don't'.

"You little mouse! Come here!" Wills shouted as soon as he shut the door.

Jane took off running with Willy behind her.

"You dare call him and tell him that I'm troubling you over the phone! And then make me cook food for you! And on top of it, make it sound bad! You're dead tonight, Jane!" Wills said as he ran after her. I couldn't help but laugh.

"Are you not going to help me?" Jane shouted at me.

"Had you told him that I called you often and made things better, I would have helped. But since you didn't - sorry!" I said thumping down on a stair.

"What the heck is going on here?" Ren screamed as her entry is interrupted twice by Jane and Wills almost running into her.

"I'm going to kill her." "Help me, Ren!"

"Help you? From him? No, thanks." She scoffed and came and sat next to me tired. I slid my arm over her shoulder and she slumped on to my side. She looked exhausted as she let go of all her weight on me and closed her eyes.

The next thing I saw was Willy holding Jane in a headlock and she was frantically trying to get loose.

"Don't even try, Jane. You can't get away now." Ren said without opening her eyes. I laughed again.

"Okay okay, brother! I'm sorry! I won't put you in this situation again." She said giving up.

"Oh you have a lot of things to correct, girl. Start listing." "Telling Uncle that I lied about you calling me and teasing me. Giving him the idea of making you pay for it by cooking my favorite food. And acting as if it wasn't great while you actually put your best in it. It was Yummy by the way."

"That's what I thought. You'll be telling him all that AFTER you're done washing the dishes." "I'm supposed to help you! Not do it all by myself!"

"Oh no honey. You'll do as he says." I tell her pointing at the man standing behind her.

"He's right. You all are monsters!" She said thumping her feet angrily on the floor.

"If I'm not wrong, he included you in the monsters team." Wills said pushing her from behind.

************************************

I can't tell you guys how excited I am about what I have planned for the future (faaaaaar future, though). I've been working on the lives of most of the characters I've introduced so far and safe to say, I love it!

Most of them are cliché but don't we all want to read something we always wanted to read for someone we like? (Did it even make sense?)

You'd ask me what my plans are. I'll tell them in Author's note that I'll update in this book next.

For now, enjoy these mini links between past and present while I create a beautiful future! (oh god I love this already.)