27 December, Club TJ's, City K

Matthew tensed at the at the mention of a promotion to a General. That was his real rank, despite not being able to tell anyone. He just hoped that President Dong did not say anything as knowing Phillip he would not be able to prevent himself from telling anyone, damaging his hidden mission here. He also had his fingers crossed when everything was done by the military for him being a non-executive board member that someone did not let on, or was that the reason that this move had been approved?

Matthew pondered and realised that he had to have another discussion with General Man. This could get messy and given the investigation that was about to happen they had to be careful.

Before Phillip could ask a question, the car pulled up to an entrance door, and Philip climbed out. Matthew followed him, and the door as they walked up was opened for them. They were motioned to follow he attendant and shown into a room.

As Matthew walked in, he was grateful to see John Nang. There was at least someone that he could identify without question. He just wondered how difficult it would be to put names and faces together after having not seen everyone for years.

As he went to speak to Phillip, Phillip had made his way across the room was ignoring everyone else and embraced, as Matthew could identify Chester. Chester had not changed much in the intervening years but looking at the two of them embracing each other even made Matthew have to look away. Thank goodness they were with friends otherwise the consequences could be serious for the two of them, given the compromises in the law that ensured they could not be punished for their relationship.

Looking around the room, the next person he could identify was Andrew. Andrew and Chester shared similar looks when they were younger and that had not changed, and of the remaining two men, Paul the last time he had seen him was over fifteen centimetres (6 inches) taller than Steven. As they were standing side by side it was obvious who was who.

Matthew walked over, and before he could say anything, he was pulled into a brief hug by the two of them. "Paul, Steven it is good to see you."

"Matthew, when in the world did you get back into town?" asked Paul.

"Yesterday."

"So, you have quit the military and back to work in the family company?"

"Me, working in the family company. You must be kidding. I ran as far as I could when I was eighteen from that prospect, and .."

"Damn it, you are still in the military. How in the world can we have fun, when we have our common solider watching us," came Steven's reply.

John Nang who heard that comment could not help but to spit out the drink that he had taken a mouthful of, causing the two women, who Matthew could not identify to scream, and one stating "Disgusting."

"Joan, what in the world did you think when that idiot you have been dating on and off for two years made a stupid comment."

Matthew turned and looked at the woman called Joan, and quickly took in her height and general appearance. He looked then at the other woman, and realised that she must be Rachel, as it was obvious Lexi was not here.

"An idiot is right. Despite telling me how much he loves me time and time again, he still refuses to marry me, yet he objects to the new relationship I am forming. Bite me Steven."

"Johnny, you know something, spill, before I .."

"What, are you going to threaten a police officer, you know Steven there are consequences to that."

"To quote Joan, bite me John. What do you know? Hang on if you are not going to cooperate, half of the kissy face pair over there knows. Maybe I will get it out of him." Steven's voice as he was speaking became louder and louder.

That caused Phillip and Chester to break apart. "What are you talking about, I was not paying attention."

"Steven made comment about Matthew being a common solider and that cause John to spit out his drink, and as per normal it descended into a farce," responded Paul. Phillip could not help laughing at this.

"And no one will tell the truth" added, in a quiet voice, Rachael.

As the door opened, came the comment "And who in here would know the truth, none of you."

Matthew's heart skipped a beat and then sped up at the sound of her voice. He would know it anywhere, it was Lexi. As the door continued to open, he got a full view of his Lexi, and she looked stunning.