Chapter 95: Birthday?

Chapter 95: Birthday?

After finishing his report, Eli was now on his way to the room where Dozle was being held.

Given Dozle's status, he was no longer suited to be locked up in a regular prison cell.

Unfortunately, the sentries at the door forbade anyone from approaching.

It was said that this was a direct order from General Tianem.

From the looks of it, Dozle would be staying aboard the White Base for quite some time.

Eli sighed. He had originally wanted to take a closer look at this man, often mocked as the "Green-Hatted Gorilla."

Of course, more than curiosity, there was an underlying fury that stemmed from deep within this body.

Why would those who claimed to fight for the independence of space residents destroy the very soil they relied on to survive?

Eli knew the answer, but "Eli" cared about it deeply.

Was human emotion ultimately dictated by the various hormones secreted within the body?

Just thinking about meeting Dozle, Eli could feel the fire of emotions burning within him.

After all, the photo of this body's family was still tucked away in the cockpit.

Standing at the prison entrance, Eli simply stared at the tightly shut door.

The two sentries at the door had even placed their hands on their guns.

General Tianem had given a strict order: under no circumstances was Dozle to die before his trial.

Because of this, they had conducted a thorough inspection and applied certain restraints to ensure he wouldn't commit suicide.

Just as the situation became tense, a pair of warm hands rested gently on Eli's slightly chilled back.

"Are you okay, Eli?"

Eli looked up and met Sayla's concerned gaze.

But deeper in those blue eyes, there was also a sorrow that was difficult to notice.

That's right—for Sayla, the Zabi family were people she had every reason to hate.

Eli let out a breath, dissolving the frustration in his heart.

He took Sayla's hand and led her away from there.

What good was there in staying in a place that only stirred up bad emotions for both of them?

That was what Eli told himself.

Hand in hand, neither of them spoke as they walked quietly, not knowing where they were heading.

Like this, the two of them walked together, eventually entering the cafeteria under the hushed whispers of the White Base crew.

Since disembarking, Eli had been dealing with various reports and hadn't even had time to eat.

Carrying their trays, Eli and Sayla found a place to sit.

However, what caught Eli's attention was the feeling of being watched from the corner of his vision.

But when he turned to look, all he saw were White Base crew members eating—yeah, right! Who the hell sits that upright while eating?

Seeing their furtive glances, along with Christina and Amuro peeking from the entrance, Eli rubbed his forehead in exasperation.

Alright, maybe holding Sayla's hand and walking around like that wasn't the most well-thought-out decision.

Looking at Sayla, he saw that her face was flushed—clearly, she had also noticed the stares and was feeling a little shy.

So, Eli took a bite of his food.

At this point, might as well just eat.

Under the playful gazes of the others, Sayla, following Eli's lead, also calmly focused on her meal.

Neither of them said a word.

But everyone could tell—there was no need for words anymore.

...

"What did you just say? General Revil is coming personally?"

After waiting an entire day and night, Dozle still hadn't been transferred, making the crew nervous. Just then, Bright approached the sleeping Eli, bringing news that immediately snapped him awake.

"When?"

Eli asked as he quickly changed into his uniform in front of Bright.

"Because it's a covert operation, I only just received the notification... In short, he's already en route and is expected to arrive in ten minutes."

Not even enough time to properly prepare!

As one of the three lieutenants aboard, Eli hurriedly put on his cap and used a mobility aid to float toward the hangar.

By the time Eli and Bright arrived, Christina had already finished adjusting her uniform and was leading the others in forming a reception lineup in the open space of the hangar.

Amuro stood at attention, following her instructions.

"Ah, perfect timing, Captain Bright. I've already arranged everyone."

From the time they received the news, only about ten minutes had passed, yet Christina had already gathered all the officers ranked sergeant and above into an orderly formation.

And judging by their expressions, no one seemed to object.

Bright, who had always demanded strict discipline, knew he could accomplish the same, but it certainly wouldn't have been this smooth.

"You've worked hard."

Bright nodded at Christina, who responded with a smile.

Then he turned to the assembled personnel.

Kobayashi, Ryu, Kai, Fraw—they were all there.

"You've all worked hard as well."

Bright nodded in gratitude toward them too.

"Eh, really?"

"Who knows? We can't even see the captain's eyes..."

Kai muttered in disbelief.

The moment Bright finished speaking, the crew members started whispering among themselves.

"Silence!"

Bright immediately adopted his usual stern demeanor, scolding the unruly subordinates.

"Yessir~"

Judging from their teasing tone, it was clear they were just playfully messing with Bright.

After all, despite their chatter, no one actually moved out of place. They all stood where they were, looking at Bright.

"Somehow, it doesn't feel as tense anymore," Christina said with a smile as she watched the scene unfold.

Her enthusiasm in organizing this reception had two reasons—one, as a member of White Base, she naturally wanted to contribute.

And two, she had never met General Revil in person before, and she had originally been quite nervous.

But thanks to the crew's antics, she felt much more at ease.

"Ahem, let's get ready."

Eli exchanged a glance with Sayla, shared a smile, then stepped forward to stand alongside Bright and Christina at the front of the formation.

Soon, a communications vessel approached from outside the ship and docked with White Base.

After the airtight seal was reverified and the vessel was transferred to where Bright and the others were waiting, Bright immediately led everyone in saluting.

Hiss—

The hatch of the communications vessel slowly opened, and a very familiar figure stepped out.

With his pipe in his mouth, General Revil returned the salute to the White Base crew before taking the lead down the ramp.

Behind him were General Tianem and the security team.

Bright immediately stepped forward to greet him, engaging in polite exchanges before preparing to lead him to Dozle's holding area.

However, as he passed by Eli, who was still standing at attention, General Revil suddenly paused.

"You've done well. Tomorrow is your birthday, isn't it? Happy birthday, Lieutenant."

Revil patted Eli's shoulder before continuing into the ship.