Chapter 11: Chapter 10: Unfortunate Day
The day looks gloomy, it was raining all morning until noon. Luis Alfonso who just woke up took a quick bath and then readied himself for a walk. He went to a nearby mall to buy some clothes and presents for his relatives in the Bisaya region. They were currently staying at the province of Opon. A famous province down south known for its breathtaking beaches, warm weather and its tourist destinations.
He realized that his leave is almost over so he wish to make use out of it. He went for a stroll to enjoy himself first. He doesn't have that many friends and has been in relationship only once. Since his breakup he does not wish to find another woman just yet. He is currently focusing on his career with nothing else on his mind.
Luis who is hungry decides to take a lunch in a nearby cafe. It looks like an ordinary diner with some amenities. The place offers steaks and root beer which he greatly appreciated. He has been into the place for five times and for him the food was great. He orders the same rib eye steak with buttered vegetables as his sidings and mashed potatoes. He also orders twelve ounces of root beer for his beverage. While chowing down one of the waiters opens the television which displays A.N.N. or the Atlantican News Network. The newscaster is broadcasting the recent developments on the people responsible for the attacks in the cities of Dalisi and Infante.
"For the breaking news, terrorist leaders who were responsible for the attacks of the city of Dalisi and Infante are still at large. One of their leaders Haneef al-Sader was confirmed killed inside the tunnel networks underneath the city. Top military officials are also investigating the size of the tunnels in which the terrorists used to navigate, resupply and escape from the fighting..."
After watching the news Luis decided to pay the bill and left the place with his food unfinished. The news reminded him of the events of his last mission. He was very disgusted on himself to have partaken of such immoral and corrupt act. Although he did not take the money, he still allowed a corrupt General to serve in his office.
It was almost dusk when he arrived the city of Malate, part of Metro Tondo the capital of the country. He remembers that he has to buy clothes and souvenirs for his relatives. While passing by a stall that sells clothing and other items. He decided to search for shirts that not only looks attractive but has quality in its cloth. The trinkets and key chains also looks good which looks perfect for a souvenir.
After buying the stuff he wish to give as a present he went to the courier service nearby. D.C.S.C. or the Delivery and Courier Services Company is one of the most well known courier service in the country. It was located on the ground floor of an old looking second story building, twenty meters from his location.
In the hallway he saw beggars and the homeless sleeping. There were also children who were asking for alms for food. He took pity on them and handed a fifty dollar bill to the children. They looked happy when Luis handed the money and left to buy food for themselves. The scene looks disheartening, being neglected at their tender age. It must be difficult to lead such a life.
Luis went inside and saw people on queue. There were not many around and he waited for his turn. All of a sudden he was called by the attendant. It was already his turn he handed over his package for inspection. He was asked a series of questions and answered them promptly.
"No flammable or any dangerous substances?" The attendant asked.
"Nothing, those are just clothes and souvenirs." Luis replied.
The attendant first double checked and confirmed Luis' package to be safe. Then he packs and tapes the package in a box.
"The package will arrive in two days sir!" The attendant said and handed the receipt.
"Thank you!" Said Luis who went on his way.
While he was about to take a cab back to his apartment. He recalls something about his last mission. Luis realized that the general is in cahoots with the terrorists. It is when the general negotiated for his silence in his office. He threatened to report the matter to the court martial but the general asked him in return.
"Who will listen to you!?" The general confidently asked him.
"The men who were with me and their testimony is enough evidence in the court..." Luis angry about the matter replied.
"Do you think they will believe your petty lies? There are hostages, your comrades from the 31st. Your testimony will be seen as an irregularity and thus you will be accused of slander!" The general threatened.
Luis then realizes he is powerless towards the situation. He wishes to fight on for what he believed in but his efforts might be in vain. If he will be killed he could not testify nor prove to others that this corrupt general is related with these bad elements. He has to do something instead rather than risking himself further.
"For your silence I will hand over these as an insurance. Your work is highly appreciated Lieutenant!" The general said and handed out an envelope full of one thousand dollar bills.
Luis disgusted with what he saw declined the money and asked permission to leave. Despite having strong evidence against the general he decided to stand down. He thinks that his stand is still weak and may only endanger himself. He was then granted permission to leave which he happily did and left the office in a hurry.
"I cannot just brush this off." He said to himself after he left.
After the short flashback, while he was waiting for a cab. Two robbers approached Luis, one of them was carrying pistol. He was at least five feet tall and skinny and his eyes were red and wears tattered clothes. The other one is an inch taller and fat. He wears long pants and is shirtless. The two threatened to kill Luis if he does not comply with their demands. Luis calmly raised his hands and evades eye contact to any of them.
"Hand over your wallet!" The robber with a gun ordered him.
Luis handed over his wallet that contains his identification cards and five one thousand dollar bills. Seeing his identification card, the robber with a gun began laughing at mocks at him in return. He saluted mockingly at Luis and then began to speak.
"Ooooh... a soldier. How does it feel to have a gun pointed at you?" One of the robbers mocked at him.
"That's enough Roy! We have what we need from him. Let's scram!" The robber with a knife said trying to persuade his friend to escape.
"Be patient, I am still having my fun!" Roy, the one with the gun replied smirking at Luis.
Luis somewhat infuriated tried to calm himself down. He knows that he is in a life and death situation but he cannot let this pass by. He slowly moved forward while the two were quarreling. The robber who noticed that Luis closed his distance stepped back and points his gun to him again.
"Do you want to die, huh, Mr. Soldier!?
Seeing of the robber's overconfidence with his gun. He takes off his coat and then begins to distract the robber in front of him.
"This is Herman-Boss quality coat I just bought from the store. If you want you can have it!"
"I am not interested with your stinking clothes I want your..."
Before the robber could finish talking Luis threw the coat to the robbers face and sidesteps away from the robber's line of sight away from his gun. He did this as fast as he could and disarmed the robber. Luis unloaded the magazine from the pistol and unloaded the cartridge. He used the gun as a club and hits him in return.
The robber's friend who was startled with what he saw tried to rush at Luis with his knife to save his friend. Luis quickly reacted by dodging his attack and blocked the robber with his right leg who hit the ground with a loud thud. He went to the robber in the ground and stepped on the hand that holds the knife. He then disarms the robber who squirms in pain.
The robber who got clubbed by Luis ran away and left his friend and said, "You better grow eyes behind your back soldier!"
The two left Luis alone and ran away as fast as they could. Luis then picked up his wallet on the ground. His money and his identification cards were left untouched. He felt a bit of relief about the matter and decided to leave the place as if nothing happened. The people who saw the incident scattered before him. Dealing with two thugs especially with a gun is not a simple thing especially in the streets of Malate. Luis dealt with them as if it was a walk in the park.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone