Italy, Naples
As the largest city in southern Italy, Naples has always been known for its rich history, culture, art and cuisine.
This city has a long history, which can even be traced back to the seventh century BC. It has gone through many kingdoms and principalities, and is considered a rare cultural treasure of mankind.
It's just that Shepard didn't come here for tourism, nor for cultural edification, because in addition to being a cultural treasure, Naples is also the base of the U.S. Navy's Sixth Fleet.
"Well, Agent John Shepard of the CIA? I wonder why you are in Naples?"
In front of the gate of the naval base, the officer on duty looked at the certificate with suspicion.
Europe is different from the United States. As the front line of confrontation, it is quite sensitive to people in special positions such as agents.
As for why the CIA's ID was used, it was naturally to reimburse travel expenses, otherwise Shepard would really be too lazy to take this thing!
"Uh, Mr. Captain, look at my last name. Does it look familiar to you?"
Shepard pointed at the ID rather speechlessly, while the officer on duty was confused.
"I'm asking about your origins. Why do you want me to see your last name?"
"Then have you ever heard of this last name in the fleet?"
"Then it definitely doesn't..."
The officer on duty immediately froze, and then started to get up.
"Um, who are you and the deputy commander?"
"That's my grandpa!"
Shepard knocked on the various health products and gifts piled in the back row of his own, and then replied.
"I'm sorry, sir, I didn't know! You should have told me earlier!"
"I like surprises!"
"But I still can't let you in, I have to confirm your identity!"
"Then just call the old man!"
Shepard raised his eyebrows and pursed his lips at the duty station.
Then the officer on duty made a confirmation call, and within five minutes, a jeep roared to the door.
"stand at attention!"
After seeing the driver, the guards and officers on duty at the door immediately stood at attention. After all, no one expected that the deputy commander of the fleet would personally drive over to pick him up.
"Dismissed, thank you for your hard work!"
The old man was wearing regular clothes and sunglasses. He looked very energetic. After returning the salute to the guards, he grabbed Shepard's head.
"Good boy, your brother knows how to give me greeting cards as gifts during the holidays. What about your share?"
"Mine is right here, General!"
Shepard did not dare to fight back after being locked up by a strong man. He could only pat the opponent on the shoulder to signal that he would admit defeat. The old man also knew that it was not good to mess around at the gate of the base, so he immediately moved Shepard and the gifts he brought to the base. In your own car.
"Let's put this car here for now, let's go!"
Perhaps because his grandson, whom he had not seen for a long time, came to visit him, the deputy commander simply skipped work and took Shepard home.
"Well, what if the Soviet Union calls while you're away?"
"It's okay, the Germans will buy us time, and don't forget where we are. John, this is Naples, the Mediterranean. Something is really going on. We can board the ship and run away in thirty minutes!"
"Ah this!"
Shepard raised his eyebrows. The old man's words sounded quite right, but maybe a little bit worse.
"Shouldn't you board the battleship and command your men to fight to the death with the Soviets?"
"That's a matter between the Pacific Fleet and the Atlantic Fleet!"
The old man first poured a glass of good wine for the two of them, and after drinking it in one gulp, he let out a long sigh of relief.
"That's great. Now that you're here, I can be lazy!"
Shepard said dumbfounded.
"But I heard from a certain commodore that in Italy you had a small feast every three days and a big feast every five days.
, NATO officers take turns treating you to dinner, and the wine you drink costs thousands per bottle! "
"Then it's his fault!"
The old man rolled his eyes. Of course he knew who Shepard was referring to. After all, there were only a few marines in his family.
There was naturally a lot to talk about when the grandfather and grandson met. The old man knew what Shepard was doing, but naturally he still wanted to hear what Shepard himself had to say. Shepard had nothing to hide, so he immediately told these few things about himself. Everything Nian had done was completely wiped out.
However, Shepard was not in a hurry to talk about the Admiralty. After all, the prototype vehicle had not been completed yet, and it was too early to say anything now.
"Military contractor, that sounds good. Why, when I retire, give me a position!"
"It's not impossible. You can even recruit a few more, including sea, land and air forces! Then set up a professional consulting library to provide customers with professional military business consulting!" ap.
Shepard nodded. It's not that the old man said that. He actually planned to create one, and this was not a precedent, because there was a company in the United States that did this, and the name was very direct and concise, called Military Occupational Resources Company. Referred to as pri, it was founded in the mid-1980s.
This company is full of retired officers and non-commissioned officers, ranging from generals to ordinary sergeants. Some people even nickname them Little Pentagon.
"But you just want to retire so much that you don't think about getting a promotion?"
"I think so, but it will be difficult to go up any higher!"
The old man shook his head. It is not easy for ordinary people to reach the position of Fleet Commander. The next step is to enter the Navy Department and the Ministry of Defense. At that level, one can already be considered to be involved in politics. This is not just based on In the past, you could squeeze in with military industry and resume.
"Then you have to give it a try. Maybe I can help you or something!"
Shepard is very serious, after all, this is the political environment.
"Then I'm really looking forward to that day!"
Afterwards, the two chatted about the current situation of their families and some recent international news. Because they are both political experts, Old Shepard had a rare time to enjoy it. After all, Shepard has always been talkative since he was a child. I haven't lost much, and now I am exchanging opinions with the old man, and I am even better.
The two chatted until seven o'clock in the evening, then went to a restaurant near the harbor to finish dinner, and then took a walk on the road. At this time, Old Shepard said to Shepard with a smile.
"You came all the way to see me. Did you encounter some difficulty? Tell me, grandpa, I still have the ability to handle your affairs!"
"You old man is still as vicious as ever!"
Shepard chuckled, and then said directly.
"It's nothing big. I just have a business worth tens of millions, and I want you to help me go to the Admiralty to make connections!"
"Admiralty, when did you get involved in business with warships?
"It's not a warship, it's a tank!"
"Tank? Those fourth-rate guys?"
The old man looked distressed.
"Why did you get involved with those mud-legged people?"
