Page 96 of Code Name: Grit
The next hour passed in a whirlwind of greetings, updates, and exchanged stories. Lumi and I slipped back into our roles with ease, her immediately diving into a technical discussion with Dragon about the new encryption protocols they’d developed in our absence. I caught up with Tank on-field operations, relieved to hear nothing critical had emerged during our time away.
“Dante and Lark stopped by yesterday,” Atticus mentioned, sliding a tablet toward Lumi. “New photos of Bean. Kid’s growing so damn fast.”
Lumi scrolled through the pictures, her smile widening at each one. “He’s getting so big,” she marveled, showing me a photo of our nephew.
“Family dinner at their place next weekend,” Tank said. “Your brother made me promise to relay the invitation the moment you arrived.”
I nodded, unable to keep from smiling at how thoroughly we’d been embraced by Lumi’s newfound family. After decades of isolation, she’d found not just a brother, but a place within a network of people who genuinely cared for her. Watching her blossom in that environment was one of my great joys.
I looked over to Admiral as he moved to the center of the room with Alice at his side. “If we could have everyone’s attention, we have an announcement to make.”
The command center fell silent, all eyes turning toward them as Admiral’s hand found hers.
“Our K19 family is about to grow,” she said, placing her free hand on her abdomen. “We’re expecting a baby. I’m three months along.”
For a moment, stunned silence filled the room, followed by an eruption of congratulations. Lumi rushed forward to embrace Alice while Tank clapped Admiral on the back with enough force to make him stumble slightly.
As the celebration continued around us, I found myself watching Lumi, noting the soft expression that transformed her features as she asked questions about the pregnancy. I felt a longing in my chest that I hadn’t fully acknowledged until this moment.
The thought of Lumi carrying our child, of starting a family together while continuing the work we both believed in—feltright in ways I couldn’t articulate. We hadn’t discussed children beyond vague somedays, but watching her now, I wondered if someday might be sooner than we’d planned.
Lumi smiled in my direction when she caught me staring.
“What?” she asked, walking over to me.
“Just thinking about the future,” I replied honestly.
Her expression softened. “Me too.”
Before I could elaborate, Admiral asked for everyone’s attention again. “Now that the personal news is out of the way, we have business to discuss.” His tone shifted. “Earlier today, we received a high-priority contract from a joint CIA-Homeland Security task force. They want us to investigate a massive cryptocurrency theft targeting multiple US exchanges totaling billions in digital assets.”
“What kind of cryptocurrency platforms are we talking about?” I asked, immediately alert.
“Major exchanges with supposedly secure systems,” Tank answered, his deep voice carrying a natural authority. “Whoever is behind it has managed to breach some of the most secure crypto platforms in the country.”
“The DHS suspects it’s an inside job,” Dragon added. “The thieves know exactly what they’re doing,” she continued. “They’re combining old techniques with new technology.”
“And they know how to get past digital security that should be impenetrable,” Tank added.
“Evidence suggests both insider knowledge and sophisticated external hacking techniques. Given the sensitive nature of the theft and its potential impact on financial markets, this has been designated a top priority,” Admiral continued. “Tank and Dragon will lead the investigation, with all teams providing support as needed.”
“Their unique skills complement each other perfectly for this,” Admiral added with a nod to both of them.
I glanced at Lumi, finding her already watching me. We’d been back less than a day, and already, the familiar rhythm of the work was pulling us in. I could tell by the look on her face that she didn’t mind any more than I did. We were both ready.
As Admiral continued outlining the mission parameters, I found my attention drawn to Tank and Dragon. They stood side by side at the main console, their bodies angled slightly toward each other. As Dragon reached to adjust a display setting, Tank shifted imperceptibly closer, his eyes briefly leaving the screen to follow her movement.
“Something’s going on there,” Lumi whispered, following my line of sight.
“You noticed it too?” I murmured.
“How long before they figure it out?” Lumi asked, amusement dancing in her eyes.
“With them?” I replied with a soft laugh. “Given how stubborn they both are, it could be a while.”
The briefing continued, but I found my thoughts drifting between the mission ahead and the journey that had brought me here. A year ago, I’d been a man defined by loss, convinced that keeping people at arm’s length was the only way to survive. Now, I sat beside my wife—the word still sent a thrill through me—contemplating not just our next mission, but the possibility of creating a family together while continuing the work we both believed in.
Life was full of surprises, of offering second chances when they were least expected. As I watched Tank and Dragon continue their professional sparring, I wondered if they would discover what Lumi and I had found—that sometimes, the person who challenges you most is exactly the one you need. That sometimes, enemies become family, and the heart finds its match in the least obvious places.
Whatever happened next—with this mission, with our future, with the subtle dance unfolding between our colleagues—I knew one thing with absolute certainty. I wouldn’t trade this life, with all its complications and dangers, for anything. Because at the center of it all was the love of my life—Lumi, my partner in every sense.