Chapter 26: Farewell
Virginia suddenly sat up, heedless of the silk sheet sliding off her body to reveal her stunning figure. She looked at Rhys and asked urgently, "Parks? What are you trying to say?"
"I'm saying that I can design a firearm, one that is better than the current M1 Garand," Rhys said. "Can you manufacture it? The manufacturing process isn't very complex."
Virginia hesitated. "If it's just about making the guns, that depends on your design. But if we want to get a procurement contract through an act of Congress, we'll have to spend a lot of time and money lobbying the congressmen. And there's no guarantee it will work. You know our resources are limited. That's a big problem."
"Oh," Rhys said, a little disappointed. "Well, in that case, let's talk about it later."
"You really know how to design firearms?" Virginia was clearly skeptical. "You know, designing a gun is not a simple job."
"I know," Rhys nodded. "But it's not that difficult either."
After that, they were both silent for a long time. After a while, Virginia suddenly said, "Perhaps there is another way."
"What is it?"
"We could partner with the large companies we already supply parts to. That might be a good idea. But you have to let me see the design first. Otherwise, I really can't guarantee I can convince them," Virginia said, her fingers tracing patterns on his skin.
"Alright, but that will have to wait," Rhys said, holding up his hands. "You know that in my current situation, I can't focus on anything else. Not until I get back to Fort Benning."
"You're still thinking about going back to be a paratrooper?" Virginia frowned. "Is there nothing here worth staying for? Parks, you are very smart, and you have great potential. you could become a big shot on Wall Street."
"I have to go back," Rhys said after a moment of silence. "There are many things you don't understand. This isn't a question of my career path. After all, we're not from the same social class."
Virginia's hand trembled, but she quickly hid it. She just kissed Rhys's cheek and whispered, "You're thinking too much."
Of course, Rhys wasn't just being sentimental; it was the reality of their situation. Everything else seemed so distant.
Rhys lingered in her gentle embrace, but he constantly thought of his brothers in Easy Company. The fine wine, the beautiful women, and the celebrity-like speeches had not made him lose his way. This was a basic quality he possessed from his past life as a special agent.
Even the sprawling golf courses and the parties filled with liquor and women could not captivate his heart. This was a result of his unique experiences and emotions.
"Are you sure you won't consider staying?" Virginia's pleas were gentle and alluring, as was her soft body, wrapped tightly around his. "Even for me."
"You wouldn't understand me," Rhys would always say with a smile, using this sentence to end the discussion.
And it was true. Virginia would never understand what was in his heart. But that didn't stop them from exploring each other, both physically and mentally. And they could always find a spiritual balance through their physical connection.
"You are the strongest man I've ever met," Virginia always liked to say after a night of passion.
"Have you had many men?"
"No. Do you want me to be a slut?" Virginia said sarcastically. "I am a well-educated woman. I know how to be a lady." She then added, "I am only this wanton with you, darling."
"But days like this may not last much longer," Rhys said, stroking the smooth skin of the woman in his arms. Although he was reluctant to leave, his heart was set.
***
As the tour was nearing its end, Rhys was summoned by General Lee. They met at the general's home, which to the outside world would look like nothing more than a private meeting.
"General," Rhys said, his heart filled with admiration for the father of the U.S. Airborne. He gave a solemn military salute.
"At ease, Staff Sergeant," General Lee said kindly. "Don't be so tense. Just think of this as a meeting between friends. I hope this hasn't caused you any trouble."
"No, General," Rhys said with a smile, sitting down. "It is my honor."
General Lee nodded, then smiled. "Your performance on the tour was outstanding, Staff Sergeant."
"Thank you. To be able to serve my country is my greatest honor," Rhys replied, keeping his language as official as possible, as he wasn't sure why the general had summoned him.
General Lee asked a few other questions, which Rhys answered vaguely. Finally, they got to the main topic.
"What are your plans?" Seeing Rhys's confused expression, General Lee added, "I mean, after this, what do you plan to do?"
"Sir?" Rhys stood up, looking at the general in confusion.
"You have made a contribution to our country's war bond effort. That is clear for all to see," the general said. "According to regulations, you are free to choose a new path. You could be transferred to an administrative department, or choose another combat branch, like the Navy or the Marines. Of course, I still have the authority to reassign you, but I wanted to know what your intentions are first."
Rhys finally understood. He answered without hesitation. "General, if it's possible, I want to return to Easy Company. I have a deep bond with those brothers, and I don't want to be assigned to another unit. You know, to have me sit in an office and wait for the war to end would be an inhuman form of torture."
"Are you sure?"
"I am sure, sir," Rhys said, his expression solemn.
"Then, is there anything I can do for you?" General Lee asked as he got a kettle and poured two cups coffee.
"Sir, I joined the airborne because I knew it would be at the forefront, shouldering the heaviest burdens. That is its purpose," Rhys said. "I've been gone for a month. I have completed the mission the army gave me."
General Lee smiled. "I know. Are you trying to tell me you want to go back to E Company, 506th Regiment?"
"Yes, sir," Rhys nodded firmly. "That is exactly what I hope for. Therefore, I hope the General will reassign me to my original unit. I… I don't want to be separated from my brothers."
"Is that so?" General Lee smiled.
"I don't want to do this kind of clerical work anymore, sir," Rhys said. "Please, let me go back. Perhaps I can still be of some use to my brothers."
General Lee nodded. "I know, Parks. You are an outstanding soldier. I knew it from your training methods. You have truly made a great contribution to the airborne. And you know, we desperately need talented men like you. But are you really able to give up everything you have now? Including the temptations from those men in suits?"
"I can," Rhys's answer came without a shred of hesitation.
General Lee nodded and smiled. "Alright. I know your choice. This conversation has been very meaningful to me."
"Thank you, General," Rhys said. He saluted General Lee, then took his leave.
The very next day, Rhys received notice from the army to wrap up his work and return to Fort Benning to continue his duties in Easy Company. For Rhys, this was the best possible news.
***
"Are you really leaving?" Virginia asked, her naked body draped over Rhys's equally naked chest. "Then what about me?"
"Don't worry," Rhys smiled. "We will meet again, just like you said. And I will finish the design schematics for the firearm and mail them to you."
"Those sons of bitches won't let me succeed so easily," Virginia said, gritting her teeth at the mention of business.
"Alright, no need to complain, everything has its own way of working out," Rhys said with a smile. He slid a hand down to her breast, and the two of them began to laugh and tumble together in the sheets.
***
The next day, Rhys appeared at the station alone, carrying his duffel bag.
The experiences of the past few days felt like a dream. He felt no attachment to the bustling city of New York. He had seen the so-called high-society social scene for what it was. There was truly nothing worth staying for.
"Goodbye, New York," Rhys said in his heart.
He boarded the train, chose a seat by the window, and watched the people coming and going on the platform. Suddenly, the familiar faces of his brothers in Easy Company filled his mind.
'WHOOOO—' The train whistle blew a long, mournful sound, and the train slowly pulled out of the station.
"Brothers, I'm coming home," Rhys said with a smile, watching the scenery fly by outside his window.
*****
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