Chapter 149: EX 149. Dismissed
The after-party kicked off with the rhythm of drums and the metallic hum of Federation trumpets echoing through the air. Tables sagged under the weight of roasted meats, seasoned grains, and local fruit delicacies. Laughter moved through the crowd like a rising tide. Officers clinked glasses of amber ale and clear water, plates in hand.
The newly promoted officers were the stars tonight, and across one cluster of laughing soldiers, the spotlight was firmly on one man.
"You really did good, Boniface," a young soldier said, raising his drink. "Elite Guard in just five years? That’s gotta be some kind of record."
Another, a woman with her black curls tied tight in a bun, leaned in with a grin. "We all joined the base at the same time, yet here you are. You’ve left us behind."
A third soldier slapped Boniface hard on the back, laughing. "Just hope you won’t treat us like grunts now that you’ve made it."
Boniface chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "You guys really know how to flatter someone. But I don’t deserve it."
The conversation paused. As the jokes stopped mid-sip.
The man who’d patted him spoke first.
"What do you mean?"
Boniface looked at the ground for a beat, then turned his eyes toward the high table, where Leon sat with Elizabeth and Nikko, the three laughing about something only they could understand.
"Don’t get me wrong," Boniface said, voice steady. "I am proud. Being recognized by the Federation, earning the Elite Guard badge, it means everything to me."
He looked back at his squad, a tight smile on his lips.