Meeting

"It's like you're not precious? As for the Air Force, how many fighter jets have you asked me to coordinate for escort?"

"That's for sure!" Robert replied, his expression leaving no room for doubt.

Jasmine: "..."

"Forget it," Jasmine thought for a moment, ultimately deciding against quarreling with Robert. He glanced at the key figures in the room, still bustling and chattering away, and sighed, "They really... are so innocent..."

"...I thought there might be some opposition, or even more intense reactions, so I had some measures in mind to handle it," Robert scratched his head and mumbled, "But it all seems pointless now."

"Isn't that a good thing?"

"It is indeed a good thing..."

...

"Do you know what probability analysis is?"

"Pah, what's the fuss about probability? As long as it's not zero, it's possible!"

"But the probability is so small that it's practically impossible!"

"Still possible, isn't it?"

"You..."

"Okay, okay..." A Jaeger designer interjected to defuse the tension, "Both of you, think about it. We're dealing with aliens, underwater wormholes, and a twenty-one-year-old who's a master in over fifty subjects and can solve problems that stump the rest of us in just half an hour. With all these seemingly impossible things happening, why quibble over probabilities?"

"Hmph!"

"Hmph!"

This time, it struck a chord with everyone.

Yes, with so many seemingly improbable events unfolding, why bother squabbling over probabilities?

As the commotion finally subsided, the soldiers swiftly attended to their guests, offering tea and water.

"No, I'll manage on my own. I'm still young!" one of the guests insisted.

"You're still young?" another teased.

...

As Jack disembarked from the plane, he was met by a formidable figure.

The array of medals adorning the general's chest, combined with the insignia on his epaulettes, immediately marked him as a person of authority.

A general!

Though Jack couldn't decipher the significance of each medal, their sheer presence commanded respect and denoted the importance attached to the wearer.

Extending his hand in greeting, the general introduced himself. "Welcome, I'm Commander-in-Chief Robert!"

"Hello, Sir Robert," Jack reciprocated with a smile, shaking hands. "I'm Jack."

"Ah, you seem talented and knowledgeable! Excellent!" Robert's face lit up with genuine delight. "Thank you for your willingness to serve the country! Rest assured, your treatment will be top-notch. If you need anything, just let me know. I'll make sure you're well taken care of!"

Jasmine's expression darkened.

Why did these words sound like a bandit's recruitment pitch?

"That would be great," Jack responded earnestly. "I'll give it my all."

His implication was clear: he accepted Robert's conditions without hesitation.

Of course he wouldn't refuse; it was an opportunity for both financial gain and valuable experience!

"Hahaha, splendid! I like straightforward young folks like you!" Robert chuckled heartily. "Let's go grab a drink..."

"Ahem!" Jasmine interjected with a couple of coughs. "There are still some people I need to see."

"My memory seems to be failing me lately, I apologize for forgetting," Robert replied. "The Jaeger designers are eager to meet you."

"Of course," Jack nodded. "But there's one more thing..."

Jack briefly explained Stephan's situation, prompting Robert to promptly ask Jasmine to arrange for Stephan to undergo a physical examination in the Jaeger pilot department.

Later, Jack, Robert, and Jasmine entered the conference room. Pleasantries were exchanged before the Jaeger designers began to engage Jack in what they called "encircling and suppressing," which mostly involved questioning and discussing academic matters.

For scientists, such exchanges foster camaraderie.

However, Robert and Jasmine's initial smiles faded, replaced by expressions ranging from blank to stoic.

Was there a misunderstanding somewhere?

Unable to end the intense discussion anytime soon, Robert and Jasmine exchanged looks and decided to leave the conference room.

"How did it go?" Robert inquired.

"...He comes across as arrogant, but considering his age and knowledge, it's somewhat expected. If he can maintain diplomatic relations under such circumstances, then it's commendable. But it does make one question life choices," Jasmine reflected after some thought.

"I noticed he's a true scientist at heart. Did you see how engaged he was during the discussion with those academics? It was quite impressive," Robert added with emotion.

"We might have struck gold here."

"You've stumbled upon a treasure! Find out his desires, meet them, and hold onto him. This is our chance to make a comeback!"