Single Mother of a Werewolf Baby

Chapter 199: A Day Around the World- 2

In Kern County, just beside Rogers Dry Lake and Edwards Aux North Air Force Base, stood the sprawling facility of Orionix SpaceTech Inc. Over the past few months, the company had launched more than a hundred satellites into orbit. For reasons of security and confidentiality, Edwards Air Force Base extended its facilities to Orionix, while also requesting support from the NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, fully aware that the company was operating under NATO’s directives.

Following the company’s establishment, a specialised NATO team was stationed at Edwards to assist Orionix in its operations. Even NASA engineers were astounded by the speed of Orionix’s satellite launches... almost as if they were racing against time. The company sourced materials globally, paying premium prices without hesitation, seemingly unhindered by any budgetary limitations. NASA, too, profited significantly by supplying various components and materials.

Most of Orionix’s employees were seasoned veterans poached from other space agencies... particularly NASA. Key roles such as Head of Engineering, Launch Operations Manager, Satellite Systems Engineer, Propulsion Engineer, Avionics and Software Engineer, and Quality Assurance & Safety Manager were all filled by former NASA alumni. For regulatory affairs, NATO provided their own personnel, streamlining processes significantly.

Dr. Drake Graham took up the role of CEO at Orionix after voluntarily retiring from NASA, where he had served as the Director of Kennedy Space Center. His time at Orionix had opened his eyes to technological developments he’d never imagined encountering. It had been a gamble to leave NASA, but the risk had paid off.

Although his activities remained under the watchful eye of the NATO team, Dr. Graham was no stranger to oversight... he had endured far more interference from bureaucrats during his time at NASA. Here, NATO personnel stayed out of technical affairs, which was a welcome change.

Then there was the matter of funding. Upon his appointment, the company’s enigmatic founder, Eleanor Raynor, had promised him unlimited resources... whatever he needed to get the job done. And she had kept her word. Not once had he faced a budget cut. The only thing his boss ever pressured him about was time. She wanted everything completed fast. Dr. Graham did his best to deliver, though he knew that even with endless money, some things simply couldn’t be rushed.

At this moment, inside the launch command centre, the entire staff erupted into celebration. They had just successfully deployed their 120th satellite into orbit. Dr. Graham, wearing a rare smile, watched with satisfaction. They had all worked tirelessly over the past two years to reach this point. Although the final goal was 150 satellites, 120 was the initial milestone and they had just completed it.

Amid the noise, Dr. Graham glanced at his phone to check the time. It was early evening in the Kingdom.

He dialled Eleanor. "Miss Raynor, we’ve just successfully launched the 120th satellite. The team is celebrating. We’ve completed the milestone within the timeline. May I announce the bonus you promised?"

Eleanor’s voice came through the speaker, calm and direct. "Very well. You may declare it. At the end of this month, all employees will receive a bonus equal to their basic salary. Contact Teresa to arrange the transfer. And congratulations to you and your team."

"Thank you," Dr. Graham said, ending the call.

He approached the nearest microphone and cleared his throat. Instantly, the noise around him died down as everyone turned their attention to him.

"Thank you all for your outstanding work. I’ve just spoken with the boss. She’s approved a bonus... each of you will receive an additional month’s basic salary with the next pay cycle."

The command centre erupted again... this time louder than before. The walls echoed with cheers and applause.

stood still, watching them celebrate. He knew they deserved

***

Taramani, Chennai, India, Helena Rodrigues stepped out after inspecting the final factory. The warm afternoon sunlight bathed her bronze skin and dark, wavy hair in a golden glow.

days. Together, they had visited all seven factories in the region,

learned a great deal since meeting Eleanor. She was astonished by the calibre of talent Eleanor had assembled. Numerous experts had come to aid in the restructuring of the factories... each one a specialist in their own right. Working alongside them, Samantha absorbed more knowledge in a few

Samantha asked, "Helena, are you really leaving

I’m responsible for overseeing three companies back in the Kingdom. If I remain here much

smiled and said, "Then, I’d like to invite you to dinner at my home this evening. My father would also like to meet

agreed. "Alright. But I need to return to the hotel first... I have an online

"No worries... I’ll come pick you up

streams of pedestrians hurried home from work. The everyday bustle of Chennai, so alive and diverse, continued to fascinate her with

***

household. This was the first time in a long

their family. After settling into their new house, they had bought two cars for commuting. They had initially decided to start a small business with what little money

Kingdom who were owed money by William. One by one, they started to contact them, asking for repayment. They immediately changed their phone numbers, but it didn’t help much. Some

the neighbourhood. They paid some of the more persistent ones just to make them go away, which further dwindled what little savings they

managed to arrange a job for her that would begin next month. Luckily, when all her other friends had cut contact, this one

company. He was hopeful about getting the job due to his past

experience, and given her age, it would be difficult for her to find any job. So,

had lived with house staff for many years. Adjusting to this new life... cleaning, cooking, managing everything on their own was proving to

in their shopping, a man dressed in

you Jeanne Baker from Manchester?" he asked, looking

answered, assuming he was yet another person coming to ask for money.

this," the man said, handing her an envelope. Jeanne took it from him

same documents are being given to Mr William Whitmore as well. My employer wishes you the best of luck." With that, the

there frozen, staring at