9 Two Guests

In front of Nicole was a kind-looking middle-aged man in a pajama who sat behind a classic study table. It looked like he was still sleepy, "Ooaa~... So, Nicole, what do you want to report?"

Nicole then put an envelope from her lab coat and put it on the table, "I want to resign, Mr. President."

Michael froze for a moment, then with an anxious expression said, "B-But why? Anyone offense you? Or you need a vacation? Tell me what happens?"

*Sigh*

"I'm 52nd this year Mr. Michael. I have already served the Union for more than 30 years. I think it's the right time to retire. And many youngsters can replace me, like David or Cleo," Nicole said.

"I understand. But, we are in a critical time this time Nicole. It's about humankind's life and death moment. A key figure like you should know it," The President said in a serious tone.

"10 years!" Nicole said a little loud.

"It's my remaining time to be together with my daughter and my grandson. You are… Sorry! I have left her as long as she knew. The total time I was with her is maybe less than a year in her 26 years of her life. Please let me spend my time with her before she goes…," Nicole said with almost a begging tone.

Michael smiled bitterly, "As an infertile maybe I don't get your meaning. But as a husband, I know the feeling couldn't accompany my wife beside her when she left. 

By the way, about the quota. It hasn't been decided yet. The current quota was the minimum. We have a high chance to get more, depending on all people's hard work."

Nicole was silent. It seemed she was indifferent to his saying.

Knowing Nicole didn't respond, Michael continued, "Okay, let me ask you some questions. If your answers satisfy me, I will accept your resignation. First, Without you, will the Terra project still run well?"

"Yes! Many brilliant scientists will make sure it runs well. They don't need an old babysitter like me," Nicole said in a firm tone.

Michael nodded. He then asked, "Second, Do you promise to come to help, if someday the project needs your help?"

"Sure, although I doubt the day will come," Nicole said.

The President then looked at her, "Okay, Professor Nicole. Then I can only accept your resignation. However, as a key person of the Terra Project, we have to make sure you are safe. So we will send a secret service to guarantee your safety. I hope you don't mind."

Nicole was silent for some time, then she smiled, "Can I choose someone I know?"

***

Mars, Orchid City Military Base, 29 December 130 A.R.

In a room that was not too large, a burly man in black military uniform stood still in front of a sitting middle-aged officer behind a table that was checking a kind of document.

"Do you know why I called you here?" The officer asked.

"No, Sir!" The burly man answered.

"Do you know someone with the name Nicole White?" The officer asked again.

The burly man thought a while and then said, "I only know one person with that name. She is my sister in law's mother. The last time I saw her was 7 years ago in my brother's marriage. I heard she was a scientist in the Union headquarters."

"Yes, she retired this morning. But because she held much important information, an elite soldier was required to protect her. So, Frank! she asked to transfer you to be her bodyguard. Congratulations. Get this and pack your things, your plane will take off an hour from now. You are dismissed!" The officer gave the document to Frank and grinned.

"Y-Yes, sir!" Frank said and saluted his superior with uncontrolled emotion.

***

No. 145 Sanctuary, 31 December 130 A.R.

The cool water was showering him, it woke him from the remnants of his drowsiness. The game capsule really worked well. He didn't feel sore when waking up. But just like usual, he was still sleepy when woke up in the morning.

There was another discovery that he got. Playing the game for a few days made Alex move on from his gambling addiction. In the past, he usually used solitaire, blackjack, or poker game on his smartphone to distract himself when he was at home. However, his new routine playing in the tutorial made him feel as if was freed from his addiction. 

'Maybe because I always hold cards,' He tried to rationalize his experience.

"Have you done honey? I need to have a shower too, you know," Vira's voice was heard at another side of the bathroom door.

A naughty grin appeared on Alex's face. After turning off the shower, he then came out of the bathroom without wearing anything.

"What are you doing?" Vira exclaimed.

"Just having an earlier breakfast," Alex grinned.

***

"Bye, Daddy! Bye, Mommy!" George waved his hand while running towards his friends that were playing football. 

They were at the entrance of kindergarten. That day, not like usual, both Alex and Vira decided to deliver George. 

In the sanctuary, there was only a kindergarten available. It was located only 200 m from Alex's house. 

"Put your bag first! Then you can play," Vira shouted from outside.

Everyone including the other parents turned their heads to Vira. However, after knowing it was Vira, they only nodded as a greeting and then back to their activities.

"Got it, Mom!" George then turned to his classroom.

"You are always popular honey. All of them know you," Alex commented.

"There were less than 300 people in our block. Of course, we know each other. If you often go out, you will also know them," Vira said.

Alex could only nod. But Vira knew he did that half-hearted.

After looking at George had already entered his class, they decided to leave. However, a ringtone stopped them.

Alex knew it was his, so he picked his smartphone up. After looking at the screen, he said, "Frank."

Vira nodded.

"What's up brother?" Alex asked.

"Where are you?" An annoyed voice came out of his smartphone's speaker.

"What's wrong? I am at home of course," Alex answered with a relaxed tone.

"Lie! I am in front of your house. Get yourself here immediately!" Frank shouted.

"What?! Don't you usually have a vacation in Summer? What's happened?" Alex was surprised.

"I will tell you later. Just hurry up to come!" Frank said.

"Okay, I am in the neighborhood. I will come in a few minutes," Alex said. After that, he closed the call.

"Was it Frank?" Vira asked.

"Yeah, it seems he had a vacation and decided to come. It looks like we can not go shopping this time. How about next time?" Alex asked.

"What can we do? Let's go home. Don't let him wait. Or he would talk about it for years," Vira said while walking towards the direction of their house.

"Yeah, he is such a big baby," Alex smiled.

***

The two were walking rather hurriedly towards their house. It didn't take a long time for them to see a big guy who looked impatient. 

But Alex felt something weird. He knew his brother. He had never brought too much luggage if he came. He usually only brought a backpack of clothing when visiting, but now he brought two additional traveling bags and many more packages.

"Did you get fired or something, brother?" That was the only explanation that made sense for the scene in front of him, in Alex's thought.

"Well...," Frank in his military getup scratched his head, seeming not to know how to explain.

"It's been a long time Vira, Alex…," A woman's voice was heard from behind a high package. Alex and Vira were stunned. Many thoughts were in their heads, until the woman figure appeared from behind it.

"Mum!?" Vira exclaimed in shock and excitement.

"Hello, Sweetheart! Hello, Alex! It seems you all are well," A kind smile was formed on Nicole's face.

"G-Good morning ma'am, I hope you are well too…," Alex said in a nervous tone.

Vira couldn't hold her emotion anymore, pounced on the old woman and hugged her, "I really miss you, mum! It's been years."

Nicole could only make a bitter smile, "Yeah, I'm sorry sweetheart. It has been 7 years. Please forgive this incompetent old woman."

"No mum, you have your reason. And I am always proud of that," Vira said in a trembling voice. Then everyone heard her crying.

Alex saw the scene in front of his home with a complicated expression. He then took a deep breath, preparing to face any consequences of this moment that would happen.

"Let's talk inside," Alex then walked to his front door and opened it with a key. He then helped Frank carry everything inside.

They didn't want to disturb the emotional moment of mother and daughter.

"Anything you want to tell me, Frank? It seems it will be a changing moment for us," Alex said while helping Frank carry a big package.

"Yeah. It's indeed a changing moment for all of us. In a short story, Your Mother in law retired from her job. However, as a golden citizen, the Union thought it needed a big guy to guard her. So here I am," Frank said with a light tone. He then felt Alex who was walking in the front stopped.

"Can you say it again?" Alex thought he heard it wrong.

With a grin, Frank said, "Just as you thought, you get additional two family members. It will be fun, right?"

"Huh?!" Alex's mind blanked.

***