After Rebecca left, Samuel's world unraveled into disarray.
The revelation of a military mole and a smuggling ring had incensed his superiors.
Blamed for the lapse, he was stripped of his command and every ounce of authority overnight.
The once-imposing command now stood disgraced and emptied out.
He spiraled quickly into dejection, moving through the days in a numb, defeated haze.
That evening, he stumbled into a bar and called for the strongest drink they served, hoping the fire would blur the edges of his reality.
A group of heavily made-up women in revealing outfits soon took notice of the handsome man drinking alone. After a shared glance, they swayed over, glasses in hand.
"Well, if it isn't the illustrious Commander Wesley. Drinking alone is so lonely. Why not let us join you
