Year 2050. After the Philippines finally became a progressive nation, fourteen-year-old Milo Sidaris and his parents moved into the country where the remaining islands are built into these colorful domes.
You would think life is gonna be normal for...
Chapter XV: CON-sequence [November 25th, 2050 Friday] On the way to Mantel City.
A week has passed since the preparation for this mission. They studied the area where Milo shall be dropped off. He was not allowed to have any company otherwise it could alert their target. In case things unexpectedly go south, Aunt Glenda has sent someone undercover as backup. It was a bit gloomy and breezy today. He nervously waited at the bus stop downtown by turning left and right just in case Omar shows up. He was wearing a dirty pink hoodie. Milo kept clutching the black-beaded wristwatch on his arm. It's actually a modified device used to track down and record everything. He was quickly startled upon hearing Omar appear behind him. "Haha! You're quite jumpy today. So glad you've decided to take the offer," the guy patted him on the shoulder. He had that enthusiastic smile plastered on his face, those emerald eyes glinting in joy. Milo stiffened as he didn't feel comfortable being near him. He knew why Aunt Glenda entrusted him on this mission. The person of interest has entrusted him with so much confidential data that he at least led the authorities to Omar's whereabouts. The boys were going to take the bus en route to Mantel City. Now, it's time to win their target's trust.
"I kind of pondered over it and thought 'Hey, why not help a friend out?'" Milo looked at his companion.
"Oh? What happened to Irene and the others?" Omar asked.
"They all hated me now." "Sorry to hear that, Milo ... But I promise you that your skills shall not go to waste!"
Their conversation was then followed by the loud air brakes of the bus. Omar had his hood pulled over as he wore some wireless earbuds and took a nap. Milo remembered not to show any signs of weaknesses. He should remain composed but watchful of his surroundings. He turned to look behind them and surprisingly, he could make out the faces of George and his dad seated a couple of rows away. They were disguised as nurses in blue uniforms and wearing face masks. They nodded at him reassuringly. Ten minutes later, the bus passed by the town hall and the little alarm bells started going off inside Milo's head. He hastily pulled the hood over his head once he saw Jonathan and his friends board the bus. The group occupied the whole column of seats next to them. What is odd though is that Jun wasn't with them. Milo tries to hear into their conversation. They kept looking around the bus, hoping to catch Omar on the spot. At 17:44, Omar quitely tapped him on the shoulder to let him know that they've already arrived at Mantel City. George and Jason both watched them run along the sidewalk. They waited until the Red Bloomers left.
"Hey! Those kids haven't paid for the ride yet!" the bus driver yelled. He pointed at the tiny screen where each passenger should tap their cards to pay.
"This is also our stop! Keep the change," the two men both tapped their cards in a hurry as they chased after the group.
•••
At BERRY GREENS APARTMENT NO. 30 IN ANANAS STREET, Mantel City.
"Room 504!" Omar pointed out the door leading to his abode. He told Milo to bring in their shoes as nobody is supposed to find out their location. They stepped onto the disinfectant mat outside before entering.
"Aren't we heading to the RFA?" Milo asked.
"We no longer have to as I already have all the information we needed," Omar then guides his view towards the living room at their left.
There were two ring light stands at each side of the plasma TV and a studio camera. He then handed the teenager a silver mask modeled after the Philippine eagle (agila). "You are to sit in front of there and deliver your message. My job is to be the director who keeps things in check from behind the scenes," he explained, "aaaaand ACTION!"
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He then shoved the mask and pushed Milo towards the couch. The lights automatically flashed before him, the camera started rolling. The TV screen switched on itself. Omar has set everything up for him. The only kind thing he did was allow him to bring a script to read. By the time Milo starts talking, George and Jason are all joined by other police officers and soldiers outside the building. Aunt Glenda signaled the pair's group through their earpieces to head upstairs. Back at home base, she is joined by Milo's friends and their families who get to overlook the whole thing unfold.
