Saturday, May 13, 2006
=========XII. May 14, 2006================
It was a cold wet night, raining. Yes, raining. Something really rare in the summer, considering the condition of the Philippines. The last MRT train stopped at the last stop and a throng of passengers stepped out. A teenager, without a coat or umbrella, hurried towards his destination. As he walked over the overpass towards SM city, he thought of the past few days.
Not minding the drops of rain falling, he thought of the “accidental” deaths of some of his fellow agents. A few days ago, he just killed the person who allegedly ordered those attacks. But there was still something about it.
****FLASHBACK****
“Please don’t kill me!” said the man, “I can tell you more! I know who’s the mastermind behind all this.” Jose cocked the rifle. “Please!” pleaded the man. “There’s a person who hired me to do that! There’s an even bigger plot!”
****END FLASHBACK****
Jose walked down the overpass and walked to the teller machines. Once he was sure no one was watching, he slipped his ID into the machine. A few second later, a door opened right next to the machine and he stepped into it. Inside was an elevator. Jose placed his thumb in a small pad next to the elevator controls.
===========
Agent Jose Tan
Codename: Silent_Retribution
Agency: M.A.G.I.S.
ID and scan match, agent confirmed.
===========
Jose walked in. The doors closed and without word, the elevator descended rapidly. When it opened Jose walked out. A sign above him said, “Outpost 21, SMNE area.”
Two agents in shades acknowledge the teenager and beckoned him to follow them. He was led into several corridors and rooms until he came into a huge metal box. Jose stepped inside and sat on a steel chair.
Inside the metal room as well was the M.A.G.I.S. Operations Manager, Thomas Lim. “So, Jose. We both have reasons for requesting each other’s audience in a secure location in the best time possible. Which brings us to Outpost 21, one of the most secure places of communication in the area. It’s got all we need for a secure conversation. Now, I’m at a loss as to why you want me so I think I’ll offer you to explain yourself first.”
“Time are hard sir, and these recent attacks have made me uneasy. I could handle it, of course. But I think it has something to do with my long-term assignment.” Jose paused, and leaned forward. “Two days ago, I tried reviewing the files of the deceased agents and they showed nothing but basic info. Their names, ages, ranks, favorite food, cause of death, etc. But there’s nothing about their latest assignment and the reason of their deaths. I was told that I didn’t have access for that.”
Jose leaned back to his chair and resumed. “Sir, can you get that info for me? I need to know. Instincts tell me this has something to do with…that place. Or…is this agency hiding something from me?”
Thomas looked at Jose with a surprised expression then said, “Jose, I’m surprised that you doubt this agency. How can you possibly accuse-”
“Don’t start with me. In the first place, my agreeing to work for you people was only because people are after those I care. Now, if they come to harm the way those agents did…then we’ll see who’s sorry for not giving me that info.”
“But Jose! We have protocols to follow, procedures to trail and many things to track. I mean, not even I could have access to that! In agencies like the M.A.G.I.S., the organization would be so big that not everyone would know everything for the sake of secrecy. You understand that.”
*sigh* “Can you at least confirm that it has something to do with…it?” “That I can tell you definitely. Yes it does. But what the purpose of killing those agents are, I don’t know the answer. The operations division has nothing to do with intel, other than collect it and act on it.”
“Right. Now I suppose you have something to tell me?”
“Yeah. And it’s about your mission. First of all, I’ll give you a short recap on what we talked about during the meeting in UP where you were absent. I’ve made a short list of the items discussed and a short description.” Thomas handed Jose a 2-page folder. “And then, there’s the matter of your enrollment in that place. It’ll be on the 29th, so you prepare for that. Next, there’s gonna be an orientation a few days after that. And in the afternoon of that day, there’ll be an agent orientation.”
“Agent orientation?”
“Yeah. All agents who reside in that place will have to go through an orientation and for a recap through their training. Also, it shall give new insights to the stuff discussed during the said meeting in UP.”
“So we’ll finally know who’s who?”
“Um…I’m not sure about the procedure, but you will definitely not know who is who. Unless you’re a great detective or something.”
“Right. Is that all?”
“No. I have other news. Due to the start of school this June, our operations and activities shall be increased again. And because we’re becoming more wary of the situation, we’ve pulled in about a dozen more agents in this operation. Although few will be actually in the field such as yourself. Now, the next thing is that you will be introduced to your team and an agent who shall oversee your operations.”
“Wait. I have to work with people?”
“Yes. And I’ve met the agent who’s going to direct your mission. Frankly, he’s some kind of asshole. But bear with him. He’s new and he was the top of the graduating batch.”
“Right. Ok, thanks for the heads up. When do I meet the new team?”
“Not anytime soon, probably during the start of-”
Jose held up his hand to signal to stop. Jose pulled out from his pocket a small device that started blinking seconds ago. He grabbed a pen and paper and wrote:
“Keep talking. We’re being bugged. Not within Outpost 21, but from outside it.”
Thomas started feigning a cough. “Sorry Jose, my throat’s not really well. Anyway…”
“Good. Now keep a steady monologue while I go outside and dispatch a team to get the eavesdroppers.”
Thomas nodded and kept talking. Jose slipped outside the metal box and looked for any agent. When he found one, he asked to be brought to the central control room of the outpost.
When he was there, he found the man in charge and said, “Sir, I think that there’s a bugger in the area.” “I don’t believe you. This outpost is the most secure places of communication in the area.” “Yes, but I’d like to check anyway. My device tells me that someone’s listening within the area. Can you get me a visual? At least a mile or so?”
The man consented. But all they found were a few pedestrians, 4 parked cars and a jeep.
“Sir! The eavesdroppers are in the jeep! You can see it faintly behind the curtains of the jeep!” (What? A jeep has curtains? Hey, it’s raining. Jeeps put that plastic ewan crap.)
“Damn! Ready the comm./radar jammers and call in a squad to the area. Bring in a chopper from the airbase if possible.”
“Mister, have you got action-ready cars?”
“Sure. Basement 2. but don’t worry. They can’t get away.”
Jose didn’t bother. He slid down to the basement and looked at the cars. He looked around and found an Acura. It was sleek and black. He slid himself inside it and examined it. It had a radio inside along with some other nondescript buttons built into the window controls. Jose configured the radio to the right frequency and backed up the car and out of the outpost.
“Sir, the squad is in place and ready for action. We have 2 minutes ETA before the chopper arrives and the back-up teams are ready.”
“Good! Take the jeep! Now!”
Jose waited a few seconds later.
“Sir! They’ve got back-up! Several of the bystanders have automatic weapons on them!”
“Send our back-up teams!”
And a little later…
“There are gunmen in the cars! In the cars! The jeep is moving sir! Along with their 4 car escort!”
“Do we have a pursuit squad ready?”
“No sir. All we have is the chopper. But it’s a minute away and they could still escape.”
Jose grabbed the radio and said, “This is an agent in one of your cars! open the outpost gates and get reinforcements to where I am!” Jose pushed the gas down and the car lurched forward.
The Acura’s engine roared into the night. Going a little over 180mph, Jose was driving in control. “I need directions. Which way did they go?”
“They’re heading for Edsa. Go around then turn left. They’re bound south.”
“Ok. Call the MAGIS MO from the comm. box down below.”
“No need Jose, I’m here.”
“Ok. Sir, if you can find a way to make this piece of news not known to the Net…”
“I can do that. But will you need help from the M.A.G.I.S.?”
“Yes, but discreetly, if you please.”
“Will do.”
Jose sharply turned the corner and sped towards Edsa. It was very dark and hardly anyone on the road. But the rain was a huge factor as it was really pouring. Now on edsa, he was drifting cars and dodging traffic.
“Agent, this is the OIC of the outpost and it has come to my attention that you have taken the Acura.”
“Well, yeah.”
“DAMN YOU! THAT’S MY CAR!”
“Well, you said it was action ready.”
“Don’t get a single scratch on that piece of equipment!”
“yeah, yeah, whatever. What do the buttons on the side do?”
“Don’t touch them!”
“But it’s sooooooooo tempting…I WANNA PUSH THIS ONE!”
And Jose pushed a button. Instantly, the hubcaps of the car exploded from their place, revealing an autocannon.
“Waw! Asteeeg!”
“Jose, this is Thomas. The OIC has agreed to let you “borrow” the car and use it against them in your attempt to recapture the enemy and to save his rep.”
“That’s right. I’m sorry. Now I’ll tell you what the rest of the buttons do.”
At that moment, a car window to the side opened and revealed a man holding a rifle. Just as he was about to pull the trigger, Jose pulled the emergency brakes, causing his car to spin 360, thus making the man miss.
“Are there any weapons on this shit?”
“IT IS NOT SHIT!”
“Yeah, whatever.”
“You can push the button there to fire the autocannons. If you push this other button, you can activate the flamethrowers on the side.”
Jose steered the car behind the other car and pushed the button that fires the autocannons. Bullets flew from the cannon and ripped through steel within the opposing car. Jose switched lanes and overtook him for in a few seconds later, the car burst into fiery metal.
“Jose, perhaps you should try a more subtle approach…”
“Yeah, so is there anything here that ain’t explosive?”
“…”
“I thought so.”
Jose can now see the jeep with the snooping equipment. Flanking it were two red cars and leading it was a blue civic.
“Hey, is there anything that can help me in this situation?”
“If I recall, there’s a switch there that activates the nitrous oxide, it’s on the steering wheel.”
“yeY! Now for some speed fun!”
“Oh yeah, and I don’t know why it took long for me to remember this. There’s a metal guard on the car.”
“Metal guard?”
“Yeah. Hit the fourth button on the pad.”
Jose did as he was told and pushed it. From beneath the car, metal plates formed around the car forming some sort of steel fortification.
“Damn, you should’ve told me this earlier.”
Jose, in the armored car, moved into position directly between the two red cars. they lowered their windows and shot the car with weapons but the armor was too tough. Maneuvering the car skillfully, he managed to slip infront of the car on the left. When it was right behind it, he pulled the emergency brakes and the car behind him bumped headfirst into the armor. Jose pushed the nitrous boost and gave the car a small meltdown.
“Nice driving agent. Now, there’s an EMP blast cannon beneath the hood, if you push this certain button. The problem is, it’s an AoE weapon and if you wanna know how much they know inside that jeep, you better not fry their equipment with that weapon.”
“Right.”
Jose hit the button and the cannon surged upward. He drafted the car, waiting for a fully charged shot.
Just as he was about to fire, the convoy turned right. Jose realized it too late and had to power slide over to the opposite lane, nearly hitting another car.
“Outpost 21, can I get intel on where we are now?”
“Ortigas.”
“Ortigas? Damn! There are about 5 agencies in the area.”
“Yes, and I have even worse news. They’re transmitting something. It’s not a radio signal, but more like an email or something.”
“They’re trying to transmit the conversation!”
“Yes. Jose, you’re gonna have to EMP that jeep, now!”
But it was difficult now, the car in front of Jose wouldn’t let him pass through. Jose veered left and right, trying to move behind the car, but it wouldn’t let it. In a reckless effort, Jose pushed the nitro, bumped the red car and slammed on the brakes.
The red car was hit bad and spun out of control because of the wet road. Now having a clear path, Jose fired the EMP.
“Outpost 21, have you sent back-up to my location?”
“Yeah, they’re on the way.”
“Good. Because I hafta go. Oh yeah, Sir Thomas? Can I get a car like this? Please?”
============END========== ¶ 5:37 PM
It was a cold wet night, raining. Yes, raining. Something really rare in the summer, considering the condition of the Philippines. The last MRT train stopped at the last stop and a throng of passengers stepped out. A teenager, without a coat or umbrella, hurried towards his destination. As he walked over the overpass towards SM city, he thought of the past few days.
Not minding the drops of rain falling, he thought of the “accidental” deaths of some of his fellow agents. A few days ago, he just killed the person who allegedly ordered those attacks. But there was still something about it.
****FLASHBACK****
“Please don’t kill me!” said the man, “I can tell you more! I know who’s the mastermind behind all this.” Jose cocked the rifle. “Please!” pleaded the man. “There’s a person who hired me to do that! There’s an even bigger plot!”
****END FLASHBACK****
Jose walked down the overpass and walked to the teller machines. Once he was sure no one was watching, he slipped his ID into the machine. A few second later, a door opened right next to the machine and he stepped into it. Inside was an elevator. Jose placed his thumb in a small pad next to the elevator controls.
===========
Agent Jose Tan
Codename: Silent_Retribution
Agency: M.A.G.I.S.
ID and scan match, agent confirmed.
===========
Jose walked in. The doors closed and without word, the elevator descended rapidly. When it opened Jose walked out. A sign above him said, “Outpost 21, SMNE area.”
Two agents in shades acknowledge the teenager and beckoned him to follow them. He was led into several corridors and rooms until he came into a huge metal box. Jose stepped inside and sat on a steel chair.
Inside the metal room as well was the M.A.G.I.S. Operations Manager, Thomas Lim. “So, Jose. We both have reasons for requesting each other’s audience in a secure location in the best time possible. Which brings us to Outpost 21, one of the most secure places of communication in the area. It’s got all we need for a secure conversation. Now, I’m at a loss as to why you want me so I think I’ll offer you to explain yourself first.”
“Time are hard sir, and these recent attacks have made me uneasy. I could handle it, of course. But I think it has something to do with my long-term assignment.” Jose paused, and leaned forward. “Two days ago, I tried reviewing the files of the deceased agents and they showed nothing but basic info. Their names, ages, ranks, favorite food, cause of death, etc. But there’s nothing about their latest assignment and the reason of their deaths. I was told that I didn’t have access for that.”
Jose leaned back to his chair and resumed. “Sir, can you get that info for me? I need to know. Instincts tell me this has something to do with…that place. Or…is this agency hiding something from me?”
Thomas looked at Jose with a surprised expression then said, “Jose, I’m surprised that you doubt this agency. How can you possibly accuse-”
“Don’t start with me. In the first place, my agreeing to work for you people was only because people are after those I care. Now, if they come to harm the way those agents did…then we’ll see who’s sorry for not giving me that info.”
“But Jose! We have protocols to follow, procedures to trail and many things to track. I mean, not even I could have access to that! In agencies like the M.A.G.I.S., the organization would be so big that not everyone would know everything for the sake of secrecy. You understand that.”
*sigh* “Can you at least confirm that it has something to do with…it?” “That I can tell you definitely. Yes it does. But what the purpose of killing those agents are, I don’t know the answer. The operations division has nothing to do with intel, other than collect it and act on it.”
“Right. Now I suppose you have something to tell me?”
“Yeah. And it’s about your mission. First of all, I’ll give you a short recap on what we talked about during the meeting in UP where you were absent. I’ve made a short list of the items discussed and a short description.” Thomas handed Jose a 2-page folder. “And then, there’s the matter of your enrollment in that place. It’ll be on the 29th, so you prepare for that. Next, there’s gonna be an orientation a few days after that. And in the afternoon of that day, there’ll be an agent orientation.”
“Agent orientation?”
“Yeah. All agents who reside in that place will have to go through an orientation and for a recap through their training. Also, it shall give new insights to the stuff discussed during the said meeting in UP.”
“So we’ll finally know who’s who?”
“Um…I’m not sure about the procedure, but you will definitely not know who is who. Unless you’re a great detective or something.”
“Right. Is that all?”
“No. I have other news. Due to the start of school this June, our operations and activities shall be increased again. And because we’re becoming more wary of the situation, we’ve pulled in about a dozen more agents in this operation. Although few will be actually in the field such as yourself. Now, the next thing is that you will be introduced to your team and an agent who shall oversee your operations.”
“Wait. I have to work with people?”
“Yes. And I’ve met the agent who’s going to direct your mission. Frankly, he’s some kind of asshole. But bear with him. He’s new and he was the top of the graduating batch.”
“Right. Ok, thanks for the heads up. When do I meet the new team?”
“Not anytime soon, probably during the start of-”
Jose held up his hand to signal to stop. Jose pulled out from his pocket a small device that started blinking seconds ago. He grabbed a pen and paper and wrote:
“Keep talking. We’re being bugged. Not within Outpost 21, but from outside it.”
Thomas started feigning a cough. “Sorry Jose, my throat’s not really well. Anyway…”
“Good. Now keep a steady monologue while I go outside and dispatch a team to get the eavesdroppers.”
Thomas nodded and kept talking. Jose slipped outside the metal box and looked for any agent. When he found one, he asked to be brought to the central control room of the outpost.
When he was there, he found the man in charge and said, “Sir, I think that there’s a bugger in the area.” “I don’t believe you. This outpost is the most secure places of communication in the area.” “Yes, but I’d like to check anyway. My device tells me that someone’s listening within the area. Can you get me a visual? At least a mile or so?”
The man consented. But all they found were a few pedestrians, 4 parked cars and a jeep.
“Sir! The eavesdroppers are in the jeep! You can see it faintly behind the curtains of the jeep!” (What? A jeep has curtains? Hey, it’s raining. Jeeps put that plastic ewan crap.)
“Damn! Ready the comm./radar jammers and call in a squad to the area. Bring in a chopper from the airbase if possible.”
“Mister, have you got action-ready cars?”
“Sure. Basement 2. but don’t worry. They can’t get away.”
Jose didn’t bother. He slid down to the basement and looked at the cars. He looked around and found an Acura. It was sleek and black. He slid himself inside it and examined it. It had a radio inside along with some other nondescript buttons built into the window controls. Jose configured the radio to the right frequency and backed up the car and out of the outpost.
“Sir, the squad is in place and ready for action. We have 2 minutes ETA before the chopper arrives and the back-up teams are ready.”
“Good! Take the jeep! Now!”
Jose waited a few seconds later.
“Sir! They’ve got back-up! Several of the bystanders have automatic weapons on them!”
“Send our back-up teams!”
And a little later…
“There are gunmen in the cars! In the cars! The jeep is moving sir! Along with their 4 car escort!”
“Do we have a pursuit squad ready?”
“No sir. All we have is the chopper. But it’s a minute away and they could still escape.”
Jose grabbed the radio and said, “This is an agent in one of your cars! open the outpost gates and get reinforcements to where I am!” Jose pushed the gas down and the car lurched forward.
The Acura’s engine roared into the night. Going a little over 180mph, Jose was driving in control. “I need directions. Which way did they go?”
“They’re heading for Edsa. Go around then turn left. They’re bound south.”
“Ok. Call the MAGIS MO from the comm. box down below.”
“No need Jose, I’m here.”
“Ok. Sir, if you can find a way to make this piece of news not known to the Net…”
“I can do that. But will you need help from the M.A.G.I.S.?”
“Yes, but discreetly, if you please.”
“Will do.”
Jose sharply turned the corner and sped towards Edsa. It was very dark and hardly anyone on the road. But the rain was a huge factor as it was really pouring. Now on edsa, he was drifting cars and dodging traffic.
“Agent, this is the OIC of the outpost and it has come to my attention that you have taken the Acura.”
“Well, yeah.”
“DAMN YOU! THAT’S MY CAR!”
“Well, you said it was action ready.”
“Don’t get a single scratch on that piece of equipment!”
“yeah, yeah, whatever. What do the buttons on the side do?”
“Don’t touch them!”
“But it’s sooooooooo tempting…I WANNA PUSH THIS ONE!”
And Jose pushed a button. Instantly, the hubcaps of the car exploded from their place, revealing an autocannon.
“Waw! Asteeeg!”
“Jose, this is Thomas. The OIC has agreed to let you “borrow” the car and use it against them in your attempt to recapture the enemy and to save his rep.”
“That’s right. I’m sorry. Now I’ll tell you what the rest of the buttons do.”
At that moment, a car window to the side opened and revealed a man holding a rifle. Just as he was about to pull the trigger, Jose pulled the emergency brakes, causing his car to spin 360, thus making the man miss.
“Are there any weapons on this shit?”
“IT IS NOT SHIT!”
“Yeah, whatever.”
“You can push the button there to fire the autocannons. If you push this other button, you can activate the flamethrowers on the side.”
Jose steered the car behind the other car and pushed the button that fires the autocannons. Bullets flew from the cannon and ripped through steel within the opposing car. Jose switched lanes and overtook him for in a few seconds later, the car burst into fiery metal.
“Jose, perhaps you should try a more subtle approach…”
“Yeah, so is there anything here that ain’t explosive?”
“…”
“I thought so.”
Jose can now see the jeep with the snooping equipment. Flanking it were two red cars and leading it was a blue civic.
“Hey, is there anything that can help me in this situation?”
“If I recall, there’s a switch there that activates the nitrous oxide, it’s on the steering wheel.”
“yeY! Now for some speed fun!”
“Oh yeah, and I don’t know why it took long for me to remember this. There’s a metal guard on the car.”
“Metal guard?”
“Yeah. Hit the fourth button on the pad.”
Jose did as he was told and pushed it. From beneath the car, metal plates formed around the car forming some sort of steel fortification.
“Damn, you should’ve told me this earlier.”
Jose, in the armored car, moved into position directly between the two red cars. they lowered their windows and shot the car with weapons but the armor was too tough. Maneuvering the car skillfully, he managed to slip infront of the car on the left. When it was right behind it, he pulled the emergency brakes and the car behind him bumped headfirst into the armor. Jose pushed the nitrous boost and gave the car a small meltdown.
“Nice driving agent. Now, there’s an EMP blast cannon beneath the hood, if you push this certain button. The problem is, it’s an AoE weapon and if you wanna know how much they know inside that jeep, you better not fry their equipment with that weapon.”
“Right.”
Jose hit the button and the cannon surged upward. He drafted the car, waiting for a fully charged shot.
Just as he was about to fire, the convoy turned right. Jose realized it too late and had to power slide over to the opposite lane, nearly hitting another car.
“Outpost 21, can I get intel on where we are now?”
“Ortigas.”
“Ortigas? Damn! There are about 5 agencies in the area.”
“Yes, and I have even worse news. They’re transmitting something. It’s not a radio signal, but more like an email or something.”
“They’re trying to transmit the conversation!”
“Yes. Jose, you’re gonna have to EMP that jeep, now!”
But it was difficult now, the car in front of Jose wouldn’t let him pass through. Jose veered left and right, trying to move behind the car, but it wouldn’t let it. In a reckless effort, Jose pushed the nitro, bumped the red car and slammed on the brakes.
The red car was hit bad and spun out of control because of the wet road. Now having a clear path, Jose fired the EMP.
“Outpost 21, have you sent back-up to my location?”
“Yeah, they’re on the way.”
“Good. Because I hafta go. Oh yeah, Sir Thomas? Can I get a car like this? Please?”
============END========== ¶ 5:37 PM
