Mike went back dizzily. Until now he can't believe those kids are fighting like they're playing video games. Although he saw their serious and calm faces, He saw a light of excitement in their eyes. For someone like him who survived a year in the apocalypse, this is not normal. Konting konti nalang iisipin na nyang nag aagawan sila at nag bibilangan ng mabibiktima.
"Kuya Mike!"
Gulat na napalingon sya sa tabi.
"Ha? Anong sabi mo?"
Napabuntonghinga nalang ang kausap at nagtatakang pinagmasdan si Mike. Mula kasi ng bumalik ito ay hindi na makausap ng matino
"Ang sabi ko, bakit wala ka sa sarili mo? At diba sabi mo papasok na tayo sa base? Kanina pa kami nakahanda"
"Pasensya na, may iniisip lang. Magsihanda na kayo"
Mike is very determined to join their base this time. He saw how powerful the members are and their squads. They have cars, foods and firearms at the same time. More importantly....
They have that huge wall...
"Sir.. " Mike called cautiously. If it was before, he will never bow down to these people younger than him.
"Hello, Officer. How can i help you?" One of the squad member replied making Mike smile and stand awkwardly.
"Wag mo na akong tawaging Officer, hindi na ako pulis ngayon... Tawagin mo nalang akong Mike" Natatawa habang napapakamot sa ulong sagot ni Mike. "Napagdesisyunan na naming sumali sa grupo nyo. Pasensya na sa inasal ko noong nakaraan, sana maintindihan nyo"
"It's okay, we understand. Sana maintindihan nyo rin kami. We cannot let you use weapons inside the base"
"Oo, naiintindihan na namin. Kung tutuusin walang binatbat ang baril na to sa mga armas nyo hahaha"
"It's fine.... Oo nga pala, my name is Evan Lee"
"Mr. Lee, thank you..." Mike answered gratefully.
"Okay, you can go in. May inspection sa loob for men and women separately. It's just a precaution that you are not bitten or infected. Your weapons will be confiscated here for the meantime and you can get it back if you are going outside. There's also registration process after your inspection and you will be provided an ID"
"?!!???!!?"
The group look at him with question marks in their faces.
"Para saan?" Tanong ni Mike na nagsilbing bibig ng buong grupo.
Evan smiled. Sanay na sya sa ganitong nga reaksyon ng mga survivors
"You will know soon. May mag g-guide sa inyo papunta sa tutuluyan nyo, sa kanya nalang kayo mag tanong"
"O.Okayyyy..." Mike said exxagerately. Evan just laugh at him and return to his post.
The group left and went to the inspection room. After a few minutes after, they went out embarassed.
"Nakakahiya!" Sabi ng isa sa mga grupo
"Anong nakakahiya. Isipin nyo nalang medical examination to" he said while his face is flaming red.
Mike just laugh and shook his head. He knows that they are not embarassed taking off their clothes but because of the dirt on their bodies. Their clothes are ragged and their skin are rough and muddy. They looked like a beggar.
Noon wala silang pakialam. Maliban sa mga zombies sa labas, lahat ng taong nakakasalamuha nila ay katulad nilang marurumi.
When the inspection was finished. A girl with short stature stopped in front of them. This girl has a tanned skin and natural curly hair. Her nose is not that tall but not flat. All in all, she's a pretty cute girl who will not have trouble finding a boyfriend before the apocalypse. She looks lively.
"Hellowwww! Ako nga pala si Marissa, nice to meet youu!" nakangiting sabi nito.
"......" Nagkatinginan silang lahat bago napangiti.
"Uhh hija, tawagin mo nalang akong Tito Mike, eto namang mga kasama ko ay sina....." He introduce them one by one, earning a sunny smile from her. Their stiff shoulders relaxed seeing her lively attitude. She looks so happy and carefree making them wonder how a girl like her can wander around safely without being abducted and raped. During this era, women are at a disadvantage. They are killed or worst, being use as sex slaves.
"Samahan ko muna kayong mag register. Pagkatapos ay deretso tayo sa tutuluyan nyo. Temporary lang 'yon, may chance kayong pumili ng tutuluyan. May kamahalan yung iba pero siguradong kaya nyong bayaran, kasi pwede naman ang renting....."
Their eyes widened.
"T-Teka.. Wala kaming pera, anong ipangbabayad namin?" Kinakabahang tanong ng isa sa mga grupo ni Mike.
Marissa looked at them and smiled. She knows survivors like them will more likely become squad members in the future.
"Wag kayong mag alala, may pambayad kayo. Ihanda nyo na ang mga lamang loob nyo hahaha!"
"......."
"Eherm.. Biro lang" Marissa said when the group just looked at her blankly.
Mike laugh secretly.
"After nyong mag register, gagawan nila kayo ng Contribution ID. At bibigyan nila kayo ng one time allowance of 1,000 points... Tito Mike, ikaw na mauna dalii"
Mike was pushed by Marissa and forgot that he was about to ask about the contribution points. The others looked at each other and decided to wait and ask later.
"First Name... " asked the middle aged man, Damien, in the registration area.
"Uhh Mike"
"Last name?"
"Tuazon" Mike answered awkwardly.
"Date of birth"
"Nov 5th 19**"
"Gender?"
"......."
Mike looked at him blankly while his groupmates laugh their asses out.
"Mukha ba akong babae?" Madilim ang mukhang sagot ni Mike habang itinataas ang braso.
"Naniniguro lang... Gender"
"Male!"
Damien, almost burst out laughing while scrolling the pages in the screen. He was able to found Mike's information really fast because of his identity. Mike was a policeman in this city so, it's very easy. He just made a joke. Napanood nya kasi sa TV na pati gender ng mga suspect tinatanong nila kahit obvious naman, and they needs this verbal confirmation as per protocol.
"I'm just kidding with you, give me a minute to print your ID. Next!" Damien said while smiling.
Mike smiled bitterly. The others finished theirs and the process is very efficient. They don't need to wait too long.
"Ayannn! Lahat na kayo may ID, at may 1,000 contribution points na recorded sa ID nyo. Gagamitin nyo ang points para bumili ng mga kailangan nyo, pati narin mga gamit. Yung tutuluyan nyo ay uupahan nyo na rin gamit ang contribution points"
The whole group looked at her dumbfounded. Marissa smiled proudly.
'Sige tama yan, mamangha kayo hahaha. Ganyan din itsura ko nong bagong salta ako. It's your turn!'.
"Saan kami kukuha ng contribution points?"
"May mga task na pwede kayong gawin para mag earn ng points. Makikita nyo iyon sa Task area. May mga nakapaskil doong mga announcements kung ano ang gusto nyong gawin"
They all looked at hee with bright eyes full of hope.
"H-Hindi nyo kami pipiliting lumabas para maghanap ng pagkain??" Ask the only female in the group. Her eyes are full of hope and also fear.
Marissa froze. For a brief moment, nakita nya ang sarili dito. If she wasn't rescued, baka ano ng nangyari sa kanya. She's grateful that she met Andrea and Alex. She also found a friend in Andrea. Kahit hindi sila madalas magkita dahil naging masyado na itong busy, kuntento na syang makita ito kahit sa malayo. Marissa knows that Andrea, Alex and their group are different from them. They will do a lot of things. Big things. She's just a simple person.. Just a passerby.
"Wag kayong mag alala. Hindi nila kayo pipilitin. Halika, ipapaliwanag ko habang papunta sa temporary shelter para mailapag nyo ang mga gamit nyo"
The group gladly followed while looking at the surroundings carefully.
Upon checking out the surroundings, they had difficulty breathing. Their nose became stuffy and eyes blurry.
"God.." Mike whispered.
Hindi sya makapaniwala sa nakikita. Kahit na gawa sa kahoy ang mga bahay, ay sadyang napakaganda nito. Halos malula rin ang grupo pagkatapos makita kung gaano kadaming bahay ang nakatayo.
"Pano nyo nagawa ang mga ito?! Impossible..."
Marissa nodded in understanding. 'Yan din kasi ang tanong nya noong una.
"Nong dumating ako, nakatayo na ang mga yan. At hindi lang yan, marami pa.. Meron pa sa East, South and North"
"Ganoon karami?! Paano?"
"Ang alam ko, plano nilang iextend ang base mula dito sa bundo, pababa hanggang sa city boundary. Kaya may mga lumalabas araw araw para buuin ang Wall borders. Syempre hindi magagawa ang lahat ng ito ng wala ang tulong ng mga survivors!"
The group looked at her in shock. They can't believe that a base as big as a city can be created at all. However upon seeing this community in front of them. They have these illusions that it might be possible!
"Sinasabi mo bang ang mga survivors ang may gawa nito?" Tanong ni Mike habang nakatingin sa mga cabins.
"Oo.. Isa sa mga tasks na pwede nyong gawin ay tumulong sa pagtatayo ng mga bahay na yan kapalit ng contribution points. Pagtapos magagamit nyo ang contribution points para ipangpalit ng pagkain, damit at marami pang iba. Pero bago ang lahat, kailangan nyo ng 200 hours service contribution para maging parte ng base na to. Sana maintindihan nyo."
Nagkatinginan ang grupo.
"Ang ibig mong sabihin ay kailangan naming pagtrabahuhan ang pagtira namin dito?"
"Parang ganon na nga. Pero wag nyong masamain ha.. Yung 1000 contribution points na binigay sa inyo ay sapat para pakainin ang mga sarili nyo at magkaroon ng safe na matutulugan. Ngayon, kung labag sa loob nyo ang 200 hours service contribution sa base. Pwede nyong isauli ang 1,000 contribution points. Kung gagawin nyo 'yon pwede pa rin kayong mag stay dito sa base. Kailangan nyo lang mag earn ng points pang bayad sa titirhan nyo at pagkain. Gaya ng sinabi ko, pwede kayong tumanggap ng tasks para maka earn ng points"
"Nagkakamali ka! Okay lang sa amin kung ano mang ipagawa nyo. Wag lang sana kaming pilitin na maghanap ng pagkain sa labas. Sapat na sa amin ang safe na matutuluyan!" Mike answered and the others agreed.
"Hindi namin kayo pipilitin. Maraming task ang pwede nyong piliin, gaya ng house construction, pagtatanim, paghuhukay, pagluluto at marami pang iba!"
"T-Talaga?!!??" Sagot ng isa sa kanila. Hindi sila makapaniwalang ganon lang kasimple ang dapat nilang gawin para mag stay sa ligar na ito.
"Nagsasabi ako ng totoo. Pwede nyo ring itanong sa iba. May tatlong paraan kayo para mag earn ng points.... Una, sa pagtanggap ng mga tasks mula sa pinakamadali at safe hanggang sa pinaka delikado at mahirap na task. Syempre ang contribution points na matatanggap nyo ay nakadepende kung gaano kahirap at katagal nyong tapusin ang task.... Pangalawa, pwede kayong makakuha ng points sa pamamagitan ng Exchange.. Halimbawa mga armas, food, medical supplies at iba pang mga kagamitan. Pwede nyong ipalit para maging contribution points.... Pang huli ay Crystal Trading!"
Mike and the others looked at Marissa full of confusion.
"Anong ibig mong sabihin? Anong crystal?" Mike asked.
Marissa looked at them seriously. "Hindi nyo alam na may makukuhang crystals sa loob ng ulo ng higher tier zombies?"
Their mouth hang open. Konting konti nalang papasukan na ng langaw ang kanilang mga bibig sa pagkakabuka ng mga ito.
"Ano?! Totoo ba yang sinasabi mo? Panong magkakaron ng ganon sa loob ng ulo nila?"
"Pano nyo nalaman? Dinissect nyo talaga ang ulo ng mga halimaw na yon?"
"Anong klaseng crystal? Makakatulong ba sa apocalypse ang bagay na iyon?"
Sunod sunod nilang tanong habang puno ng pagtataka.
"Oo, malaki ang maitutulong nito. Ang sabi ng Squad, source of energy daw ang mga crystals. At bukod pa rito makakatulong ito sa Awakening!"
They felt dizzy and more confuse.
"Wait.. Mamaya ko na sasagutin ang mga tanong nyo dahil narito na tayo sa tutuluyan nyo. Itago nyo muna ang mga gamit nyo, pagkatapos ay sasamahan ko sa pag bili ng mga kailangan nyo"
"S-Sigee" wala ng nagawa si Mike kundi ang sundin si Marissa. Nasa harao na sila ng may kalakihang bahay na gawa sa kahoy.
"Woahhh! Ang linis!"
"May banyo!!!!"
"May tubig din!!"
Mike watch his friends exclaimed one by one. Even him is amaze. May anim na kwarto at kumpleto din sa unan at kumot. Parang gusto nya ng mahiga at matulog!
"Kuya Mike, totoo ba to? May matutulugan na tayo?" Said by the only female in the group. She can't believe that this is true.
Mike smiled and nodded. He can't even speak and very emotional. Although they can sleep in a house or hotel room outside. They don't feel safe and very uncomfortable. Pero ngayon, maliban sa bahay na to, ang mas nagpapatibay ng seguridad na nararamdaman nila ay ang mataas na pader at ang grupo ng mga batang iyon.
"Wag kayong mag alala. Hanggat nasa loob kayo ng Pentagon City, ligtas na kayo" Marissa stated.
Mike and his group was relieved upon hearing this. All they wanted is for someone to say these words.. At last, they are safe!
"Thank you!! " the group said making Marissa embarassed.
"Naku wag sa akin! Kay Alex at sa grupo nya, dahil sila ang nagtayo ng base na ito. Wag kayong mag alala, makikilala nyo rin sila.. Sa ngayon, sasamahan ko muna kayong bumili ng mga kakailabganin nyo"
"Sige., salamat Marissa" Mike said and followed her outside.
"Walang anuman Tito Mike. Ang totoo nyan, tinanggap kong task na i guide kayo kaya wag kayong magpasalamat sa akin hehe!" Marissa laugh awkwardly.
Mike and the other was still stunned. It is still hard for them to believe and understand how these contribution points worked.
"Marissw, ano nga ulit yung tungkol sa crystals?" Mike asked.
"Kamakailan lang rin nalaman ng grupo ni Alex ang tungkol sa mga crystals. Ang sabi raw, pwedeng magsilbing energy source ito. Sa mga panahong ito, nireresearch na ng grupo nila Alex ang crystal. Kung sakaling magtagumpay sila, pwede masolusyunan ang kuryente sa buong base."
"Talaga?! Teka sino ang researcher? May professionals kayo sa base na to?" Mike asked. Even if he's just a policeman, he knows that these type of research can't be done without the professional's help.
Marissa smiled at them and whispered like she's gossiping.
"Nakikita nyo ba ang itim na pader na 'yon?"
Napasunod sila ng tingin at napatango. Sa totoo lang kanina pa nila napansin ang pader na iyon.
"Sa likod ng pader na yan ay isang school"
"Anong school?"
"School of Geniuses!"
"......"
"Hindi ako nag jojoke!! Talagang mga genius ang mga nag aaral jan. Ang grupo nila Alex ang nag tatag ng base na ito. Sila rin ang nag rescue sa mga survivors at nagpatayo ng pangalawang pader sa loob lamang ng isang taon!"
"Impossible yan!!"
"Wala pang nakakapasok sa loob maliban sa Core members. Sila ang mga students na nag aaral dito bago ang apocalypse. Anak din sila ng mga makakapangyarihang tao kaya lingid sa kaalaman ng publiko na may nakatayong paaralan dito. Lahat ng graduates sa paaralang ito ay naging sikat at mahusay sa mga larangang napili nila. Kaya naniniwala akong kaya nilang gawin ang mga sinasabi nila"
"Sinasabi mong mga bata ang namumuno sa base na 'to?"
"Oo"
The group felt like laughing aside from Mike. Although it is truly inpossible, he believed it. He saw it. He saw everything during the fight.
"Naniniwala ako.."
"Kuya Mike?? Anong sabi mo?" Tanong ng isa sa kanila
"Naniniwala akong kaya nilang pamunuan ang base na 'to. Makinig kayo sa akin.... Ang mga batang 'yon~ hindi sila normal. Mas malakas, matatalino at kalmado sila kaysa sa atin. Nakaya nilang buuin ang lugar na ito, natural na kaya nilang pamunuan tayo. Sinong nagsabing matatanda ang magandang maging pinuno. Nakalimutan nyo na ba kung ilang base na ang napuntahan natin at kung anong trato nila sa katulad natin?"
Those people who are much older and experienced are greedier!
"Hindi ko hinihiling na maniwala kayo. May mga mata kayo, hindi kayo bulag. Kung hindi kayo kumportableng mas bata sa inyo ang pinuno, pwede kayong umalis kahit kailan"
They all went silent upong hearing this from Marissa. They felt embarassed.
"Sorryy.."
Marissa just smiled at them. "Okay lang, kahit ako nagulat ng malaman ko. Pero habang tumatagal mas lalo akong namamangha. Kasing edad ko lang sila pero marami na silang nagawa at naitulong. May ipapakita ako sa inyo. Transparent ang sistema ng base na ito. Kapag may mga bagay silang nalalaman, hindi nila ito tinatago sa mga survivors"
They all followed Marissa and stopped in front of a big LCD screen. They felt confuse and amazed. They are familiar with it. It's like a TV size iPad.
"May kuryente?"
"Oo. Naka connect yan sa Solar panel" Marissa answered while typing on the screen.
"Solar panel!! Wow!"
"May mga solar panels tayong nakita ng may madaanan tayong electronic shop diba? Hindi natin pinansin!"
"Hindi naman kasi natin kailanganx at sobrang bigat!"
Mike frowned and watch Marissa confusely. What is she doing, he thought.
"May bagong nadiskubre ang grupo. Tinatawag nila itong Awakening. Kung saan pwede magkaroon ng special abilities ang isang tao. Sa madaling salita, super powers!"
"....."
The group looked at her funnily. However they didn't laugh.
"Sa base na ito, may dalawang Ability users . Ang leader natin, si Alex~ ay may hightened senses at super strength ability. At ang panghuli ay si Ice. Panuorin nyo ito"
They all looked at the screen and watch. On the screen, they saw a man from a distance, raised his right hand. After that, a white substance condensed in his palm in just a span of seconds and threw it. What more scary and hairy to them is that this substance became a thin white spear penetrating the head of a zombie. It was so fast and smooth without any sound.
Mike watched the video in shock and disbelief. He knew it! He saw someone who has this kind of ability! He thought, he's just imagining it. He clearly saw that girl manifest a big lump of earth!
"My God!!"
"Totoo ba to?!"
Marissa ended the video and turn around.
"Totoo ang nakita nyo. Kahit kami ay hindi naniniwala. Pero isa lang ibig sabihin nito. Parating na ang era ng mga ability users. At ang crystals na nakukuha sa loob ng zombies ay makakatulong sa awakening ng isang tao"
Their eyes sparkled and looked at her with excitement.
"Wag nyo akong tingnan ng ganyan. Hindi lahat ay pwede maging ability user"
"Paano malalaman kung pwede?"
"Gaya ng sabi ko, kailangan nyo ng crystals. Kapag nakaya nyong i absorb ang crystal ay may chance na maging ability user ka. Ayon din sa research nila, yung mga crystals ay matatagpuan sa bandang noo ng isang Level 2 at pataas na zombies"
"Anong tier 2?!"
"Yung mga zombies na may yellow pupil."
"Y-Yellow pupil?! Ah yung halimaw na yon?!" One of the group said in fear and anger. Mike touched his shoulder to calm him. He knew, because they lost some of their group because of those mosnters.
"Oo. Ayon sa research ng grupo. May identified Tiers ang mga zombies at iba iba ang mga lakas nila. Ang mabuti pa, i download nyo nalang ang mga information dito. May mga smart phones kayong pwedeng bilhin for just 2 cc, formatted na lahat yon at walang passwords"
They all nodded. Even though they felt incredible, they are already starting to adjust.
"Ang rules ng base ay simple lang. Wag kayong papatay at mananakit ng iba ng walang dahilan. Bawal rin ang manira ng mga gamit. Sa madaling salita, bawal ang lahat ng krimen! Ang sabi sa rules, ang pinaka mababang parusa ay community service, ang pinaka malala ay expulsion and death!"
They all nodded and swallow their saliva. They saw how many guns their group have. They won't dare do anything bad!
"Heto ang store at ayun naman sa harap ang pantry kung nagugutom kayo. Lagi nyong dalhin ang ID nyo para magamit ang contribution points kapag kailangan nyo. Pwede na kayong mamili"
The group shouted in unison upon seeing all the foods.
"Wahhh chocolates!"
"May noodles! Cup noodles!"
"May tooth brush at toothpaste din!"
Mike watch their excitement in silence. He's still thinking about that girl. If he's not mistaken, she is already an ability user. However, during that time, that girl didn't know what it was. When he asked her, she's also puzzles and confused. Mike asked her to try again but it didn't work in the end. In the end, they just forgot it. Kung hindi sya nag kakamali, she needed that crystal to be able to manifest that ability again!
"Kuya Mike! Tingnan mo, ang daming pagkain!"
He snapped out of his thoughts and looked at his group.
"Alam ko. Ang mabuti pa, tipirin nyo ang contribution points nyo at bilhin lamang mga importante. Lalo na ang mga damit natin. Hindi nyo ba napansin na kanina pa tayo pinagtitinginan ng mga tao kanina. Tayo lang yata ang may ganito karuming mga damit"
"Okay, Kuya Mike!" They agreed. They knew that these points will not last that long.
"Syanga pala, sa tingin ko pwede kayo mag train as squad members. Mas malaki ang contribution nyo doon kesa sa tasks sa loob ng base."
"Squad members? Yung mga naka uniform? "
"Oo"
"....."
They all went silent. They knew what those squad members jobs are.
"Hindi ko kayo pinipilit ha. Alam kong napaka delikado sa labas kaya pag isipan nyong mabuti"
Mike looked at his team mates and sighed. He actually knows what they are thinking. They don't want to go out anymore.
"Isa akong pulis, gusto kong ipagpatuloy ang trabaho ko. Kahit sa ibang paraan"
"Kuya Mike!!"
They all looked at him with disbelief. They all went through a lot. All they want is to be safe again and to survive. To live and eat until they die. They forgot about being kind and human. All they think is themselves. They became selfish. Kahit na may makasalubong silang humihingi ng tulong, nag bingi bingihan sila at nag bulag bulagan. Now, they can't believe Mike saying these.
"Anong pulis?! Kuya mike, wala ng gobyerno. Tinalikuran na nila tayo! Hindi mo na kailangang ibuwis ang buhay mo."
"Hindi nyo naiintindihan.. Hindi ko kinalimutan ang responsibilidad ko. Yan din ang dahilan kung bakit niligtas ko kayo. Ang sabi ko sa sarili ko.. Hindi ko man matulungan ang lahat, kahit man lang kayo mailigtas ko.... Ngayong ligtas na kayo, kailangan ko namang isipin ang iba..."
They all went silent. They looked down in embarassment. They all thought that like them, Mike became stone hearted. They didn't know that to save them, he decided to turn a blind eye to others.
"T-Thank you Kuya Mike" cried one of them. The others also cried silently.
"Sorry Kuya Mike... Duwag ako, hindi kita masasamahan sa labas"
"Sorry Kuya"
Mike nodded and smiled. "Naiintindihan ko. Desisyon ko 'to kaya wag nyong sisihin ang sarili nyo"
Marissa watch them and smile bitterly. She doesn't blame them.
"Wag nyong sisihin ang sarili nyo. Normal lang ang pasya nyo, katulad ko. Pinili kong maging isang normal na survivor. Gusto ko lang pag isipan nyong mabuti. Sabi nga ni Alex, parating na ang panahon ng mga ability users. Sila ang mamumuno sa bagong mundo. Kung hindi tayo sasabay sa agos, mapag iiwanan tayo"
They all contemplated and feel troubled. They just wanted to be safe. They don't want to fight anymore. However, being an ability user tempt them
"Pero pinili kong maging isang normal na survivors. Kasi ito lang ang kaya ko. Hindi madaling maging ability users.. Kailangan mong itaya ang buhay mo"
They all felt relieved. At least they are not the only one who's afraid and cowardly.
"Tapusin nyo na yang pinamimili nyo. Pagkatapos, bumalik na kayo sa tinutuluyan nyo at mag pahinga. Kapag nagutom kayo, pumunta lang sa pantry. Kung kailangan nyo ng medical assistance, may improvised hospital tayo. Ituturo ko sa inyo kung saan after nyong mag pahinga"
"Okay.. Thank you Marissa"
They all felt grateful to Marissa. Aside from being kind, she didn't disdain them for being a coward. They knew why she offered to join the squad. Because they need more people to work for them and protect the base and collect more supplies to feed their people. However, after feeling the safety, they became afraid of harm again and became a coward that they used to be. Only Mike is courageous enough to confront those monsters again.
"Mauna na kayo.. May itatanong lang ako kay Marissa" Mike stated and they agreed without questions.
"Uhh Marissa, pwedeng makausap ang Leader nyo? Or kahit na sinong may kakayahang mag desisyon para sa inyo?" He went out of the store with Marissa.
"Ha? Uhh tekaaaa" Marissa tried to think. Alex should be very busy. The only person she knew personally is Andrea!
"K-Kung mahirap---"
"Si Andrea! Siya ang head ng Inner District. Bakit nga pala? Medyo busy kasi sila.. Importante ba?"
"Oo.. Tungkol sa sinasabi mong Ability User"
Her eyes widened..
"Halika, may office sya dito, sana nandoon sya"
Mike followed her while looking around. This base is really huge. It is also very organized and very homey. Just like a relocation site with uniform sizes of houses.
Knock! Knock!.
"Come in" A warm and soft voice sounded inside the room.
"Ako to, Andrea. Busy ka?"
"Hey, it's you Marissa. How are you?"
"I'm fine thank you"
Andrea laughed at her. "What's brings you here?"
"Uhh si Tito Mike pala, bagong survivor kadadating lang ngayon. gusto daw makausap si Miss Alex.. About daw sa ability users kaya inistorbo na kita"
"Really?.." Andrea turn her head to the middle aged man in ragged clothes. He looke very dirty but didn't disgust her. "Hi, I'm the head of the Inner district. You can call me Andrea"
Mike dazedly looked at her. In the past few days staying outside the gate, he saw a very beautiful girl. But seeing another one in front of him... He's not ready at all !.. Looking at this kind of face, he felt cold sweat for her. If this girl wasn't here but outside.... She will surely be destroyed by those people...
"O-Okay.." He answered nervously. Although she looked beautiful, Mike can also feel a kind of Aura that he usually feel in front of his superiors.
"Andrea, aalis na ako. Ikaw na bahala kay Tito Mike."
"Alright.. Thank youu"
Mike felt relief when her eyes switch to Marissa. However when marissa left, he felt suffocated again. Just what the hell is this?? Why is he feeling pressured in front of her? She's clearly smiling and kind looking.
"Mr. Mike, what is it that you want to talk about?" She asked while smiling.. This time the Aura dissapeared making him breathe.
He took a breathe and look at her seriously.
"May nakilala akong ability user. Gusto kong itanong kung makakatulong ang impormasyong 'to sa inyo."
Andrea was shock and excited deep inside. However she still remained calm outside.
"How did you know? And where is that person?"
"Nakilala ko sya dahil sya ang leader ng isang maliit na base na napuntahan namin. Nakita ko syang napagalaw ang lupa. Ang buong akala ko namamalik mata lang ako. Kahit sya ay nabigla rin at walang ideya sa nangyari. Hindi na naulit ang pangyayaring iyon. Kahit sya kinalimutan na rin.... Pero ngayon, naniniwala akong totoo ang nakita namin."
Andrea looked at the man in front of her. She's still doubting if this man is trustworthy...
"Why are you telling us?"
"Huh??" Mike asked in confusion.
"What's your reason? What is it for you?"
Mike suddenly realize what she means. He smiled bitterly and kneeled.
Andrea almost stood up to stopped him. The man in front of her kneeled!
"What are you doing? Stand up Mister!"
"Miss Andrea, ang taong yon ay kasing edad nyo lang. Pero ang dalawang kasama nya ay mga menor de edad lamang, napaka bata. Sana tulungan nyo sila at patuluyin sa lugar na ito.. Hindi kayo mag sisisi, mabuting tao ang batang yon at siguradong malaki ang maitutulong sa grupo nyo kung magagamit nya ang abilidad na yon! Napaka delikado para sa babaeng katulad nya na mag isa. At least dito, panatag ako." Mike begged her. He truly wanted to save that girl.
Andrea looked at him in shock. She can feel that he is telling the truth..
"Don't kneel Mister.. I will tell our Leader to save her.. Where is she?how far?"
Mike stood up and looked at her gratefully..
"May bahay sila dito sa L City. Kasama nya ang dalawa nyang nakababatang kapatid. Ang totoo nyan, inalok ko syang sumama sa amin. Pero hindi sya pumayag sa kadahilanang baka maging pabigat sila sa grupo dahil sa mga kapatid nya. Nag pasya syang manatili sa bahay nila, at paminsan minsan ay lumalabas sya ng bahay para mag hanap ng makakain. Kung hindi namin sya nailigtas noong araw na yon, siiguradong.... " hindi na nya naituloy ang sasabihin. Sadyang nakakawa ang tatlong mag kakapatid.
"Don't worry, we will save her!"
"Talaga??!"
"Of course.. Wait here, I will call someone" Andrea grab the radio telephone or walkie talky.. She really wanted Alex to get that girl. If what he said is true, building walls and infastractures will be easy!
"This is Andrea.. Please ask Alex to come to my office. if not possible, i can come to her"
"Wait..." Maegan's cold voice sounded.. After a minute or two, she said "She's coming.."
"Thankss.." She answered and end the conversation. .
Mike watch her in amazement. That walky talky model is the same as what they usually use in the police station.
Did they rob a police station? He thought.
He felt amaze seeing this girl use that device. In the current generation, teenagers and children can easily operate smart phones and high tech products... But not these radio telephones!
"Our leader will be here anytime soon.. Did Marissa brief you about Pentagon city?"
Mike nodded.
"Good.. Here in our place, we have the Core, Squads, the survivors and the Slayers"
Mike frowned and asked. "Anong Slayers?"
"We just newly establish that group.. I need to explain first what these four groups are~ The first group is the Core. Just what it implies, they are the center of this place. They are the founders of this base. I belong to this group... Next is the Survivors , they are the rescued people residing inside the base. They usually do task inside the base or work under a specific department.. The third group is called Squads. They are the protectors of Pentagon City, and also responsible for collecting foods and supplies. They are very important. Without them, there's no us... Lastly, we call them Slayers . There are always a group of people that doesn't want to work for someone else. These people doesn't want responsibility but benefits. They have the ability to protect themselves and fight outside so they won't easily surrendered to us"
Mike looked at her with deep confusion.
"Bakit kailangan nyo pang tanggapin sa Base ang mga katulad nila?"
Andrea smiled knowingly. "They are extremely important. If they want to stay with us, they need to pay. How do you think they will pay without the contribution points?"
Mike inhaled sharply.. "Crystals!"
"That's right.. They need to pay crystals in exchange for lodging and food.. These crystals are very important to us."
Mike looked at this young girl in amazement. Maybe, it's really true that these kids are geniuses!
Knock knock!
"Come in!"
"You called me??"
Alex entered the room and looked at Mike. "It's you!"
"Uhh ikaw yung... Leader?" He remembered her. She talked to them a few days ago. She's very easy to remember. Because she's very beautiful. He also remembered her being carried by the handsome man. He can't believe she the Leader of this huge place!
"Yes.. I'm glad you joined us!"
"Thank you Miss Alex.."
"You're welcome.... So, what's this all about?" Alex asked curiously. She's kinda busy doing some programs in the lab when she was called here.
"He knew someone who has an ability.. He said he can manifest earth and soil"
Alex turn her head at Mike in shock and excitement.
"Really??"
"Yes.. But she needs to be saved. She's taking care of two kids alone. I'm afraid that if we can't get her as soon as possible...."
"I will get her today!" Alex stood up excitedly.
"What?!? Are you crazy? It's already afternoon. Gagabihin kayo!" Andrea felt her head hurt. Alex is very impulsive. When i say as soon as possible doesnt mean it's today!
Alex laugh at her. "Nagmamadali ako, we can't waste even a minute.. Don't worry, isasama ko si Ice. Okay na?"
"...."
Andrea went silent. "Okay. Isama mo na din si Lyka para sure"
"No.. I am enough"
"Don't be conceited. I will call Maegan!!"
"Wag na.. I will Lyka"
"....."
Mike watch the two converse. Especially Alex who looks so carefree and confident. However he is very happy if they can depart today. He wonders how is that girl now.
"Mister, I will give you 20 minutes take a bath and change clothes."
"H-Huh? Okayyy...!" Mike went ran out of the room. Twenty minutes is too short for him.
Andrea looked at Alex "Kailangan pa bang maligo muna? I thought nag mamadali ka and can't wait even a minute?"
Alex rolled her eyes.
"I'm just worried. Baka paliguan sya bigla ng yelo ni Ice. Clean freak kaya yun hahaha!"
"......."
To be continued