Veronica immersed herself in work immediately upon arriving at the base. The ongoing AI-human combat drills needed substantial data support for enhancement, and another round was scheduled for the day after her arrival.
That evening, Veronica found herself heading to the cafeteria much later than usual. By the time she pushed through the doors, the large hall was nearly deserted, most personnel having already finished their meals and departed. She had just collected her tray of food and was scanning for an empty table when her gaze landed on Edric, who was also carrying his dinner.
Upon noticing her, Edric paused momentarily before his face brightened with a smile. He changed direction and walked toward her. "When did you get here?" he asked, his voice carrying genuine interest.
"Yesterday," Veronica replied, studying his face. Despite his composed demeanor, she could see the subtle signs of fatigue around his eyes. "Just finished training?"
"Yeah," he confirmed with a slight nod. "The training load's pretty intense this year."
The landscape of aerial combat had shifted dramatically. No longer was it simply human versus human—now pilots faced the daunting challenge of battling against sophisticated machines. This fundamental change had transformed both training methodologies and combat approaches over recent years.
"Was it stressful?" Veronica asked, knowing the answer but wanting to hear his perspective.
Artificial intelligence possessed extraordinary computational power and analytical capabilities, allowing it to identify opponents' weaknesses with frightening speed and precision. Its reaction time and accuracy vastly outstripped human capability. Even someone with Edric's extensive experience and sharp instincts would inevitably feel pressured when facing such formidable opponents.
Edric's lips curved into a thoughtful smile. "It was, but it's also driving us to be better pilots," he admitted. The AI's ability to simulate an impressive range of complex battle scenarios provided pilots with training opportunities far more comprehensive and realistic than ever before, accelerating their professional growth.
"You've worked hard," Veronica remarked softly.
"You researchers put in just as much effort as we do," Edric countered. His observant eyes noticed her eating pattern—polite but rushed. "You'll be heading back to work soon, right?"
"Yeah," she confirmed. Malcolm had assigned her numerous tasks that demanded her attention.
As if on cue, her phone vibrated with a text message from Malcolm, requesting her immediate return to the Research and Development department.
Setting aside her utensils with a sigh, Veronica stood up. "I've got to go now; you can take your time."
Edric nodded understandingly. "Alright. See you around."
Sunday morning found Veronica leaving the base shortly after 10:00 am. Upon arriving home, she checked her phone to find missed calls from both Sabrina and Ridley. She chose to return only Ridley's call.
He playfully accused her of being heartless, lamenting that she never visited unless prompted. Feeling the weight of his gentle rebuke, Veronica changed into fresh clothes, grabbed her car keys, and headed out.
Pulling into the Norman manor driveway, her eyes immediately caught sight of Cullen's car parked in the yard. She deliberately averted her gaze. Just as she stepped out of her vehicle, Sabrina came rushing outside, having heard Veronica's car approach. The girl leaped into her arms with enthusiastic delight.
"Mom!" she exclaimed.
Nearly a month had passed since Veronica had last seen Sabrina. She gently stroked the girl's hair, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "When did you get here, Sa?"
Sabrina, clearly having missed Veronica intensely during their separation, gripped her hand tightly. Her face radiated happiness as she answered, "Just now!"
Hand in hand with Sabrina, Veronica entered the house to find Cullen and Ridley sitting comfortably on the couch, engaged in conversation over tea. Niall, however, was nowhere to be seen.
Upon noticing her, Ridley's face brightened with a welcoming smile. He gestured toward an empty seat. "You're here, Ver. Come on over and take a seat."
Cullen glanced in her direction as well, but his eyes lingered only momentarily before drifting away.
Veronica settled beside Ridley, offering him a greeting. Ridley smiled as he studied her appearance, but his expression soon transformed into a concerned frown. "You've lost weight again."
The demanding schedule at the base had caused her to skip numerous meals, and the resulting weight loss was becoming noticeable.
Before she could formulate a response, Cullen leaned forward to pour her a cup of tea, placing it carefully in front of her.
Veronica remained silent, acknowledging his gesture with nothing more than a slight nod.
"Someone sent me two top-grade lobsters the other day," Ridley mentioned casually. "How would you like it, Ver? I'll have someone cook it up for you."
Veronica picked up her teacup, savoring the fresh, clear liquid as it slid smoothly down her throat. Just as she opened her mouth to respond, Cullen interjected with a teasing tone, "Why didn't you ask me? You're so biased, Mr. Norman Senior."