Loyce looked at him. “If you have something urgent, go ahead. I’ll be fine on my own.”
“The offshore oil field meeting has been moved up,” Lucian said grimly. “I have to issue some strategic deployments. If you need anything, ask the logistics department or the ship’s medical officer. I’ve already briefed them.”
Loyce nodded. “Okay.”
After Lucian left, the female officer extended a friendly hand. “My name is Hazel. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ll be giving you the tour of the warship today.”
Loyce shook her hand. After checking in with logistics and undergoing a mandatory security screening to ensure she wasn't carrying any prohibited items, she followed Hazel outside.
“The warship is docked at the harbor on the base’s periphery, so we’ll have to take a shuttle,” Hazel explained. “I hear you’re interested in the fleet’s medical system. Is that why you’re here?”
“Yes, just to take a look around,” Loyce replied.
“We’ll just wait here for a moment,” Hazel said, gesturing to the side of the road. “There was an emergency drill this morning, so the ship is still quite busy. Everyone will be eager to say hello to you.”
“Why is that?” Loyce asked, curious.
“The news that you’re Admiral Shapiro’s girlfriend has spread everywhere,” Hazel said with a grin. “I was always wondering what kind of woman a man as perfect as our admiral would fall for. Seeing you, it all makes sense.”
“How does it make sense?”
“You have such delicate features, more beautiful than any celebrity. It seems even Admiral Shapiro is not immune to a beautiful woman’s charm.”
Loyce doubted Lucian was that superficial, but she said nothing as the shuttle arrived.
The eight-seater vehicle only had two seats left in the back row. Hazel waved at the people inside and said to Loyce, “We’ll be riding with the medical team. They’re heading to the ship to prepare for this evening’s military exercise.”
“Will I still have time for a tour?”
“Yes, you’ll have two hours. They’re just going aboard now to get a head start on preparations.”
The shuttle stopped, and as soon as Loyce, dressed in civilian clothes, stepped aboard, she drew the attention of everyone inside. Some greeted her friendly, while others watched from the shadows, their sharp eyes scanning her from head to toe.
Loyce met the gaze of one such person, who quickly looked away. She leaned over and whispered to Hazel, “Who’s the woman in the first seat of the second row?”
Hazel whispered back, “That’s Dr. Jasmine Hampton, the lead physician for the main fleet. Whenever the Admiral deploys, she’s always on his ship. She’s the daughter of the Army Commander, so she comes from a prominent family. Like Admiral Shapiro, she has dedicated her life to serving the country.”
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