After the battle, some laughed while others wept.
Although Longinus and the G2 reinforcements had arrived in time, nearly a third of the soldiers aboard that warship had still been lost. Even the nine escort slots had suddenly gained three more vacancies.
Fortunately, these Marines had grown accustomed to life and death. Besides, with their allies watching nearby, they did not want to make a spectacle of themselves. After a simple memorial service, Commodore Morgan led the remaining members of the G8 Branch over to express his gratitude.
"This is... a newly promoted commodore?" Commodore Morgan asked, rather conflicted.
Although the past two years of training had worn away Longinus's original youthful immaturity, making him seem more mature and steady, his age was right there for all to see. No matter how he looked at him, Morgan still felt that he was far too young.
"I am Major Longinus of the G2 Branch. It is a pleasure to meet you, Commodore Morgan."
"Your rank is only major?" Commodore Morgan looked utterly incredulous. If he had not known nearly every flag officer in the Marines, then based on the strength Longinus had displayed earlier, he might even have suspected him of being a rear admiral.
"Wait, Longinus... I feel like I've heard that name somewhere before..." Commodore Morgan said with a frown, before suddenly realizing. "I remember now. You're that rising star Longinus everyone in the G2 Branch has been talking about. At first, I thought those G2 guys were just blowing hot air. Now it seems they were actually being far too modest."
"But... does that mean you, like those few behind you, are recruits heading to Headquarters to report?" Commodore Morgan asked, pointing at the others behind him.
"Yes."
After receiving that confirmation, Commodore Morgan had only one thought