Spy Association

Chapter 1 Mistaken Identity

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. This is the opening of the famous Desiderata by Max Ehrmann. We should not only memorize it but put it into our heart. This is part of the knowledge(s) we have to accept as part of the training. We are handed a booklet of the things we have to know and master.

It was a clear day. The sun is shining. The sky is blue. It was no ordinary day for it is my enrollment. The start where and when I realize my dream. A dream of becoming a better person, a good person. And also, I want to be a scientist. A scientist is a person who makes science fun, for a living and makes theses, research papers, theories, formulas and a lot more.

We are taught to be responsible. No parents allowed for the enrollment. "Son, can you manage to enroll yourself?" "Sure mom, I am old enough." "No worries" My mom is always caring. She is also a strong woman even she had nervous breakdown before. We parted ways, I proceeded with the enrolment and she went to work.

I asked the guard, "Where is the engineering building?" "Do you see that building?" "The building beside that is engineering.", the guard politely said. I met a beautiful lady. "I am also going there, shall I accompany you?" "Yes, miss" "My name is Luke. What is yours ma'am?" "My name is Mariefe. I am the dreadful guidance counselor of engineering." Hahahaha, with that face, I don't mind - speaking again in my mind.

"Careful with the boy!", a friend of her came by. It was Gerard, the notorious calculus professor. "Where should we eat later?" "I want sushi.", she exclaimed. "Ok, fine then." "What's his name?" "I am Luke." "This is the first time I met a Luke." "Me too.", she added happily.

"I will be enrolling myself. I hope to see you around. Thanks for accompanying me." We parted ways. I went straight to the enrollment. Mariefe went to the second floor for the meeting and Gerard went to the elevator.

"Mr. Diaz, I am expecting you.", Von, one of the staffs. "Sorry, but do I know you?" "This way please." I enrolled and didn't have to fall in the long line. I chose chemical engineering because I enjoy math and at the same time enjoy chemistry. On top of that, I am inspired by the vaccine that saved me from Corona virus.

Next stuff is the P.E. or Physical Education and the NSTP or National Service Training Program. I chose football and ROTC or Reserve Officer Training Corps. I played football during my high school years and I chose ROTC because my grandfather is a policeman. "Sir, I want to be like you.", I mentioned to a first class officer. "Please stay here, officer candidates have to be briefed.", the officer told me.

"Count off!" "One, two, three...fifty", each of us counted. We are seated in an orderly manner. "Mr. Diaz!", called by officer Melendez. "Yes sir!", he said loudly. "All statements should begin and end with a sir.", Melendez ordered.

Upon seeing Mr. Diaz, I thought I was looking at a mirror. He has the same physique and height as me. We could be mistaken as twins. Is there any difference? Perhaps, our personality differentiates. What does this mean? A perfect clone?

"Please introduce you yourselves, dumb guards", "Stand, speak out loud in front your full name, your city, age, course and why do you want to be an officer." Looking at officer Melendez, he seems to be a great officer.

"Miguel Gregor Diaz, Quezon City, 16, Chemical Engineering, I want to be an officer because I am ordered too." He is the same course as me. Could we be classmates? What else is in store for us? I just felt like he is like a sibling to me, a twin brother.

"Rachel Mariano Inciong, Bulacan, 14, Pharmacy, I want to be an officer because I dreamed of becoming a general someday." She is very pretty. There are lots of pretty girls in UST – University of Santo Tomas. It is flooded there when it rains so hard.

... We introduced ourselves one by one...

"Luke Isabel Pimentel, Caloocan city, 17, Chemical Engineering, I want to be an officer because my grandfather is a policeman. I honestly think that I could make it to be an officer. My grandfather used to tell stories about his job. He instills to me that we have to protect the weak and reprimand abusers."

"Please write this down. Bring thickler, rosary, lighter, white handkerchief, 1.5L water, extra shirt. You should also wear this attire called type C – White T-shirt (round neck), blue jeans, black socks and rubber shoes.", "I will be your company commander.", said by officer Melendez. "I am second class from batch Charlie. All summer enrollies are called Charlie batch. Your training will last for one month."

"Will you endure it?", "Look to your left, then look to your right. One of you will fall in becoming a 4th Class officer." "I am 3rd Class Henry Alimorong." His last name sound like a rotten fruit. Everyone of us would want to laugh and smile about that. "I will be in charge of the daily training. I am the assistant company commander."

We are handed the SCO manual or School of Cadet Officer manual. "Dismiss.", ordered Alimorong. We left the grandstand. It is almost 4 o'clock then. I decided to head to Alfamart – a 24-hour convenient store.

As I entered the store, someone is waving. She is a very beautiful lady, definitely my type. She approached me and pulled me and kissed me in the lips. I was shocked. This is the first time my lips touched an angel's lips. What could go wrong? What have I done to deserve this?

"Happy first anniversary!", Elena greeted me. "Wait, I have to go somewhere.", I shyly said. "Please wait for me here." From a bit afar, I saw Miguel. He was rushing. He almost forgot to meet Elena. He was a bit busy because someone from the company, Rachel is talking to him.

All I said was "sorry". I know I have to make up for it. I hope they forgive me. As I went home, I begin reading the SCO manual.

Chapter 2 Shapeshifter

Bang! Bang! The sound of the caliber 45 was heard from the Chemistry laboratory of College of Engineering. How did it get passed through the tight security of the Level 5 school? All CCTVs were checked. It was a female suspect. What did just happen? Everyone is shocked upon hearing the news. An alarm was set.

"Everyone please follow the school protocol.", secretary Jonathan issued. Code silver was used. Every door is closed except for entrance door and elevators. The special force is contacted asap. Who could be the culprit? Guns are only of the use of security. Perhaps a security was killed or perhaps, it was not inspected well or could it be that there is some sort of mystery.

Each person outside a room was carefully inspected. "Men, check each and swipe the id to the scanner.", officer Robert Dao commanded. Each soldier was fast and careful. They inspected each with diligence. The remaining 5 soldiers went to the target rooms and rooftop. Two to the chemistry laboratory and two to the auditorium and one on the rooftop.

A wig was found on the rooftop. A bag was found in the comfort room. No CCTV was employed in the comfort room. The suspect is on the loose. Only the image of the suspect was the clue. It looked like it was the faculty head, Dr. Hernandez. Upon checking the records, she was at home. It was her day off. She was with her neighbors. It was her birthday and she invited them.

She was interviewed thoroughly the following day. "Is this you?", asked by officer Robert. "Could I be in many places in the same time?" "Yes, it looked like me but I am with my family, friends, relative and neighbors" "It was my birthday." "If you want to contribute to the development of this investigation, please feel free to contact me.?", officer Robert pointed out. "Somebody went to our laboratory five years ago and they got samples of genes including mine.", Rebecca mentioned before the officer would went away.

"I am serious doctor but there are other evidences, perhaps we would examine those." "Fictional stories are a waste of time.", officer Robert said. "But University of Philippines (UP) is the heart of research, inventions and development.", Rebecca exclaimed. "Enough of this doctor, no such thing as cloning.", said officer Robert before finally leaving.

"Please contact Dr. Romualdez of the UP.", sighed by officer Robert. Has it happened? Many questions intrigued the (UST) Thomasian community. It was over the news. Many are crying for it is one of the top scientist of Asia that just died. It was Dr. Leopold Austria.

Dr. Leopold Austria, 57 years old from Cavite is the department chair of Chemistry. His expertise is mineral detection. He has been involved in creating new smart material like substances. He is greatly involved in mineralogy. One of his great hobbies is collecting meteor rock and old artifacts.

The house of Dr. Austria was inspected and her family was asked. "Does anyone have a motive in killing your dad?", officer Robert carefully questioned. I have no idea but there was a businessman who were speaking with him about an item, "Theologian stone." My dad said that it was his most treasured possession. My dad believed that it was a stone struck by a sword of an angel. It is transparent. I will let you see it.

"Here is it.", said by Liezel. "I cannot see it but I can feel it. How did you manage to get hold of this?" "This is none like other." "Where did your father get this?" "It was in Mindanao, the aforementioned Garden of Eden location in a book by Dr. Richard Narag" "He is one of the colleagues of my dad." "He is a biologist." "They are both heads of their respective division in the National Research Council of the Philippines."

"Are there any other artifacts?", officer Robert asked. "Each head of the division has a particular artifact kept.", Liezel said. "The best artifacts are kept by each department head." "How many divisions does the council have may I just ask?" "It is just 50." "The theology division is the current head of all the division."

"I will keep in touch with you." "Please discuss all relevant information that may cause to the death of your father." "Does the theologian stone have a power?" "I believe so I just don't know how to use it besides it cannot be seen." "I guess that is the main reason why your dad has been shot." "I too do believe sir."

"Why did they not find it?" "Only the pure of heart could feel it." "On using it, perhaps the purest of heart or an incident may trigger it.", Liezel said. "Why did you tell those things to me, Liezel?" "Because you felt the stone sir." "My dad told me to share these things to only those who are pure of heart."

One of the division heads was not able to control the Mathematics ring, she was consumed by the ring. No one did know her whereabouts. She is Dr. Evelyn Sanchez. She is still missing until now. The year she was missing is 2010. It is now 2020. The ring is now owned by Dr. Michelle Pineda, the head of the mathematics division. Division chair and division head is synonymous.

The Engineering wand is part of the burning bush of Moses. Only 190 engineering wands were made. There are 195 countries as of the moment. A competition was held to know which country would have a wand. No laws were imposed to get the wands after the competition. Every decade there is a competition on who will own a wand. The power of the wands is yet to be discovered.

The Biology seed is a special seed found in the mythic forest of Mindanao. Very few survivors are there to witness the seed. It is believed that when you touch it, you would only have one month to live.

...

All details are accessible to the Spy Association database.

How did the shapeshifter know about these? Is he or she also a part of the spy association?

Chapter 3 I'm Dying

It was the first day of our training, 040120200800H or April 1, 2020 8:00 AM. We assembled at the grandstand. Those who did not have the required haircut were told to go look for a barbershop. Everything seems to be a serious matter though it is an April Fool's Day.

I received the text and email for the preparation for training. "Mom, we are told to bring these things. Help me prepare for these." "Sure." My mom gave me the money to buy for the other things. She even accompanied me to the department store to buy for the black shorts, maong pants, white t-shirts and we even bought a new rubber shoes.

We are all emailed and texted to bring the items needed and the things needed to be done but some did not obey. We photocopied our registration forms where our class schedules and other pertinent details are stated. We brought our lunch. We wore the proper attire for our training and brought the necessary items needed for the training. I came prepared. I have said my prayers. I hoped that I will make it.

One week has passed after the enrollment and I memorized barely all the dumbguard knowledges. We were asked to memorize 20 short and long poems and also responses to questions. The title of the poems were Desiderata, Don't Quit, What time is it?, How is the weather?, Who is your girlfriend?, Soldier's Prayer, Military Professionalism, Loyalty and a lot more.

We know we are built for this. The corps has a motto, "Only the best fits to see the dawn."

We are 100 all in all. It was said that look to your left and look to your right, only one of you will survive. Our graduation will be based on attendance, recitation, merits and demerits, intellectual capacity and emotional stability.

First, we have our prayer. The physical test was discussed. Then, there is the dreaded 1 mile run. We can pass it anytime during the one month training. The required time to pass it is 6 minutes. The standing record is 3 minutes. Then, there are the 50 push ups, 40 sit ups, 5 pull ups, 100 side steps, 100 side way jumps, ... We have to pass 95 percent of them.

We started with a jog. The pace was not that fast. then, it became faster and faster. "Can you keep up, dumbguards?", said by Officer Henry Alimorong. Some were not able to keep up. I am one of those. My heart is pumping fast. It is only fifth round around the field. "Can you still keep up?", asked by Juarde Demetrio, a fellow trainee. "I think I will collapse.", I said. "You will make it.", said by Dan Joaquin, a third class officer, "Look up."

Twenty of the trainees did not finish the required 20 rounds of jogging and running. I only manage to make 6 laps. I was terrible. "Where am I?", I asked. "So, you are awake. Do you remember what happened?", asked the nurse, "Drink this." Immediately, I felt stronger. I also became wiser. It seems that I can recall the past easier.

"What is this that you gave me?", I asked. "It is a rejuvenating potion.", said by the nurse. It is the juice of a fruit from a mystical tree Omoron. Then, the nurse disappeared. I told my mom about the story but did not believe me. The doctor said, "Buko juice was given. Good for revitalizing people."

I was texted, "You can quit the said program if you wish so." It was a new number. I texted back, "I will not." "Who is this?" "I forget to mention my name for I thought it would be not relevant.", "I am officer Eileen Solis.", she replied. "You only manage to get 6 laps, that was the worst record. Could you finish the entire training?", she messaged. "I was not that well that time but this time it would be different.", I responded. I am an average runner. "The training is not for average people. It will be tough.", she said. "If you want to discuss anything, please feel free to contact me. "Thank you.", I messaged. "You are welcome.", She replied.

The following day, "Good morning dumbguards!", said by officer Alimorong. "Sir, good morning po sir!", we replied. "Don't speak in vernacular!", he said. "Good morning dumbguards!" "Sir, good morning sir!", we replied. "Who told you to sound off?", he said. "Sir, permission to sound off sir!" "No!", he said. Then, we are silent. "Bakit di kayo persistent?", he said. "Sir, permission to sound off sir!" "Sound off!", he said. "Sir, good morning sir!", we said. "Louder", he said. "Sir, good morning sir!", we said in a louder voice. "Who told you to sound off?", he said.

Then, we went to the daily routine: prayer, followed by the physical exercises. I can feel that I am flying. My feet seem lightweight. The potion gave miracles. I am not dying anymore. I can run faster and longer. Running is no problem anymore. There is no pressure anymore. If this continues, I will pass the training.

After the run, I was called to go to the commandant's office and answer the phone. "You're father was shot. Come to the hospital immediately.", my mother Marina said. I was in tears. I need to get hold on myself. I can't believe what happened. My father is a role model. He is the barangay captain of our barangay. He has no enemies.

"Please call on the family.", said the doctor to the nurse. "We have done our best but we cannot save Jose." "He received 5 shots and one shot was in the head directly passing to the brain and that killed him."

A motorcycle was caught in the camera then it vanished. The suspects were unknown. Have they teleported? The riders wear a devils logo shirt. That is our only lead. Little that we know, they are part of Demonia. Demonia is a secret evil society according to our lead. "Don't mess with them, they will take your soul.", said by Detective Khan. Detective Khan is part of the spy association.

"How can we deal and meet with them?", I said. "You are still too young.", Khan said. "Do you believe my story?"