Rescue Figure

July 22nd, 2023. 8:00 am.

"Mama! Papa!"

Denise and Angela intoned together as they rushed up to their parents. Lisa and Richard watched from behind, admiring the reunion scene unfolding before them. However, it also brought pain to the siblings as they wouldn't be able to experience such a reunion. Still, they are happy for them.

"Sister!" Denise hugged her older sister, who embraced her back.

It was not only them who were present at the reunion, Lisa's classmates were also there, witnessing the reunion.

"Don't worry, brother has told me that they are going to rescue your parents," Lisa reassured her four classmates.

They smiled and nodded optimistically.

Denise's father approached Richard.

"Excuse me, sir, are you the person my daughter was referring to?"

"Uhm…yes," Richard confirmed. "We are glad that we were able to get you out there. My men said that your area was surrounded by zombies."

"We were lucky I guess," Denise's father let out a soft chuckle. "But I can't believe it, you are the founder of this private military company? You're so young…how old are you?"

"I'm twenty-one years old," Richard answered.

"Oh…you really are young to own such a sophisticated private military. Well, my daughter is eighteen years old, only three years difference…"

"Papa! What are you saying all of a sudden…!" Denise blurted out bashfully. "Sir Richard…I apologize for the sudden embarrassment my father is causing."

Richard chuckled warmly. "No need to apologize, Denise. I'm just glad we could help reunite your family. Your safety is what matters most."

Denise's father extended his hand towards Richard. "Thank you, young man. We are in your debt for saving us."

"Us too," Angela's parents approached him and offered a handshake.

"It's a pleasure to meet you all," Richard replied with a genuine smile as he shook their hands.

Then, another figure drew near, catching his attention. It was Denise's older sister. Much like Denise, she boasted an elegant mane of purple hair, a captivating hue that radiated a sense of uniqueness. However, while the resemblance in their hair color was evident, her sister's beauty was adorned with a subtle touch of maturity, which lent her features a refined charm.

Richard cleared his throat as they locked their gaze.

"So you are the man who rescued my sister from the university and the owner of a military company that saved us…" she spoke with a mix of curiosity and gratitude in her tone.

"Yes, that's correct," Richard replied, his voice steady despite the scrutiny. "I'm Richard, and I'm committed to doing whatever it takes to rescue and help survivors like your little sister."

Her lips curved into an appreciative smile—and then all of a sudden—she pulled him into a hug that took Richard by surprise. The others around them, including Lisa and her classmates.

"Thank you," Emily whispered into his ears. "We owe you more than words can express. If there's anything I can do to repay you, just call me, I am willing to do anything~"

Her soft and angelic voice tickled Richard's senses, and a faint blush crept up his cheeks. He quickly cleared his throat, attempting to regain his composure.

"It's...it's really not necessary," he stammered slightly, feeling the warmth of her breath against his ear.

Emily pulled away, her eyes locking onto his for a brief moment. There was something in her gaze that made Richard's heart skip a beat.

'She's dangerous,' Richard thought to himself.

"So you are into older girls huh big brother?" Lisa's playful voice chimed in from behind, interrupting the moment.

"Oh, you little girl…I'm not old. I'm only twenty-five years old," Emily corrected, a bit offended by Lisa calling her old.

All eyes were on him, causing Richard to feel slightly embarrassed. He checked the time on his wristwatch and spoke.

"Oh…would you look at that? It's time for me to return to the command center. I will be going now. Once again, it's a pleasure meeting you…parents of Denise and Angela."

After saying that, he left and headed over to the elevator.

"Command center…" Emily repeated.

"It's like their headquarters," Lisa explained. "It's off limits to non-essential personnel."

"Oh my…that means I can't visit him?" Emily said.

"Yes…"

"What's your name, little girl?" Emily asked.

"I'm Lisa, Richard's sister. And only my brother can call me little sister," Lisa stated with a playful grin.

Emily tilted her head, eyeing Lisa curiously. "Is that so? Well, Lisa, it's a pleasure to meet you. I must say, your brother seems like quite a capable and intriguing man. I think I might fall for him."

"Uwaah…sister? You–you mean it?" Denise interrupted.

Emily turned to Denise with a playful grin. "Oh my, even you?"

"You guys…should stop saying things like that," Angela stepped in.

"And you as well…" Emily chuckled. "I guess it's going to be a fierce competition."

"You guys are talking about taking my brother? Unfortunately, as his little sister, I hold the final verdict of who's going to be his girlfriend," Lisa said proudly.

***

At the command center, Richard was greeted with a salute from his military staffers.

"At ease," Richard said.

"Good morning sir," Sara, the Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, waved a hand to Richard.

"Good morning, Sara," Richard returned the gesture. "You are just starting?"

"Yes sir. Anyways, I have something to show you."

Sara led Richard to a monitor and there she pulled out a recorded footage of the conversation earlier.

Richard chuckled as he shook his head in disbelief.

"Sir, they are crushing on you," Sara exclaimed.

"Well, if you understand simple psychology, you would understand why they are acting that way. I saved them and they developed feelings towards me. It'll die out eventually."

Sara giggled. "I don't think so sir, because girls often attach significance to emotionally charged events, especially ones involving a rescuer figure. It's a phenomenon rooted in the psychological concept of 'emotional arousal.' When individuals experience intense emotions like fear, gratitude, and relief in the presence of someone who played a crucial role in their safety, it can create a strong emotional bond. These emotions, combined with the heroic aura that often surrounds a rescuer, can lead to the development of attachment."

Richard chuckled again. "Well, if you say so. But in this apocalyptic world, I think love is a luxury we can hardly afford."

Sara leaned back, a knowing look in her eyes. "Love might be a luxury, but human connections are what keep us grounded, even in the harshest of circumstances. Surviving isn't just about physical strength; it's also about emotional resilience."

He studied Sara for a moment, appreciating the depth of her insights. "You're quite the psychologist, aren't you? I thought you were just a cyber specialist promoted to Chief of Staff of ISR."

She grinned. "Well, let's just say we know other things besides our specialties. Anyways sir, any mission for today?"

"Right, the rescue operation for Lisa's classmate will continue and then tomorrow we are going to conduct our first scavenging operation. If our population is growing, so is our need for food and other supplies. As an ISR, you are going to be responsible for gathering intel on these two shopping malls. Super9 and Wilson Mart."

"Okay sir, for that I'm going to request something from you."

"Anything."

"A drone."