Project 24: Chapter 3

Project 24

Chapter 3

Alfa Headquarters

                April 5^th, the first Monday of April 2021, everything was still a terrible disaster on my head.  Yesterday a bunch of bad guys attacked my family, and then I killed a man.  The moment I woke up, a wirdo-looking boy wanted me dead, unfortunately, I was the one who killed him.  Then, a guy named Earl said that he was assigned to rescue me.  Later on, I saw a few familiar faces, and again, was saved by Earl.  And now, great confusion started to strike me when I saw Cez on this armored van.  Cez was my classmate since forth year high.  We poured a lot of questions towards Earl, Dino and Jeric about what’s going on, but nobody would like to spoil what their head would tell us.  After an hour of travel, we finally reached a port.

            ”I thought we’re going to your headquarters.  Why are we here?” Aimy asked.

                “We’re here.” Dino said.

                “Wha~”

                Jeric went straight to a rock near the coconut trees.  He pulled it and amazingly, a computer generated cylinder went out with it.  He pressed a secret code and the ground split in two.  An underground tunnel was the threshold of the headquarters.  They all went down and pin lights started to light the way.  After a ten-metered hallway, they passed different rooms; a few of those were weaponry, laboratories, and bedrooms.  At the end of the hallway, they reached the control room.  A huge round table at the center, chairs orderly arranged under the table, and a lot of monitors were attached to every wall.

                “Welcome.” A sound of a maiden had spoken from an office chair, turned against them.  It slowly turned around and faced them, a maiden stood with her very long hair braided.  She wore formal attire, long-sleeved blouse, a skirt, and a few necklaces around her neck.

                Dino and Jeric took a sit as Earl assisted Cez and Aimy to their seats.  “My apologies for not meeting you in person the moment you came here” the maiden said.

                “Where are we anyway?” Cez asked.

                “This is the Alfa 2 Headquarters.” The maiden said.

                “No, I mean, where exactly are we?” Cez asked again.

                “You want the exact location eh?  We’re still here in the Philippines.  Mindanao.  To be frank, we’re at the Balut Island, near Port of Mabila.” The maiden replied.

                “Why are we here?  Why are we being targeted?  And who are you?” Aimy asked.

                “I will be able to answer those questions only if you allow me to start with my introduction to you two.” The maiden replied.  Aimy and Cez zipped their lips as they both stared at her.  “Well then, I’ll start.” The maiden said.

                “I am Carmela Janine, you can call me CJ.  I will be your head administrator for Project 24.  So what is Project 24?” CJ told them as she walked near one of the computers.  Jeric stood and pressed a few buttons on the keyboard.

                “Project 24 is a top secret mission made by the government.  Osama bin Laden died May 2, 2011.  Before he died, he was said to turn over a chip to the Russians.  The chip was called Nchip003.  That chip was needed to complete a nuclear weapon.” Jeric explained.

                “If bin Laden was already dead, where did the chip go?” Aimy asked.

                “Bin Laden was the founder of an Islamist terrorist organization.  Remember that Mindanao still lives in an Islamic world, our intel had an information that the chip was hidden here.” Jeric explained.

                “The government didn’t want to make havoc among the Filipino people, that’s why they kept it a secret.  The government needed that chip to be destroyed, that’s why they searched for skilled individuals to do this job.  You were the chosen ones.” CJ explained.

                “Why us?  Can’t the army do this?” Cez asked.

                “They’re busy.” CJ answered.

                “Busy?” Aimy raised her voice.

                “Look, if the army can do this, the government wouldn’t need you.  The government wanted to approach you decently; unfortunately, your profiles were leaked to those who wanted to get the chip first.  They searched for you and made you hostages in exchange of that chip.  They wanted an exchange here at Balut Island.  But then, we managed to intercept that plan and rescued you.” CJ explained.

                “You weren’t the only ones rescued here Aimy, us too.” Earl uttered as he pointed Dino and Jeric.

                “Since you’re all here, we need to start Project 24 urgently without your consents.” CJ said.

                “What will happen to my family?  I wasn’t alone when some bad guys took me.” Aimy inquired.

                “They’re safe, dear.  You were the only one sent here to Balut Island.” CJ explained.

                “I don’t get it.  Skilled individuals, eh?  Why am I here?” Aimy asked.

                “Earl and Dino ranked first and second on a shooting contest when they were in their 5^th year high school.  Jeric here is an Arnis Champion.” CJ said.

                “Well, Cez is a Karate Champion; she deserved to be here, but me?  I didn’t even join those kinds of competitions.” Aimy explained.

                Suddenly CJ raised her skirt a bit, took a knife from her leg and swiftly threw it towards Cez.  Aimy quickly took the filler and blocked it.  Another knife was to reach Aimy’s face and she hurriedly guarded herself.  Everyone in the room was stunned by what CJ did.

                “So, is that enough proof why you were here?” CJ asked.

                Aimy frowned as she slowly placed the filler back on the table.  “You wanted to excel on your academics that’s why you pretended to be weak on these kinds of things.  But you secretly train with Cez after classes during her Karate training, am I right?   Or should I say more?” CJ intimidated Aimy.

                “The Nchip003 was located at the other end of Balut Island.  There stood an abandoned barangay called Lipol, we’ve already sent a team to search the premises.  When they’ve confirmed the location, we’ll attack.  For the meantime, I will personally train you with everything you needed to know.  And I will develop that hidden skills of your Aimy.” CJ said, “For now, go to your rooms and take a rest.” She added.

                They all went to their rooms and started to take their rest.  Aimy was busy walking around her room, suddenly, someone knocked.  “Who’s there?” Aimy inquired as she moved her head towards her open door.  It was Earl; he was resting his back on the door jamb, rolling the ice bag around his fingers.  “Why don’t you sleep?  I know you’re tired by now.” Earl spoke as he entered her room.

                “Something doesn’t feel right.” Aimy replied as she sat on her bed.  Earl sat beside her and took off the gauze pad on her wound.  “Hey, what are you doing?”Aimy asked as she slightly moved away.  “Chill!  I’m just here to help you with your wound; you weren’t able to clean this properly awhile ago.” Earl explained.

                Aimy slightly bowed her head and uttered, “I’m sorry.”

                “What for?”

                “I took your gun awhile ago, I’m sorry about that.”

                “It’s alright, but don’t ever do that again.  I was worried about you.”

                “Ha-ha!  We just met awhile ago, how come you were concerned?”

                “Do I have no right to be concerned?”

                Aimy stared at Earl and blinked twice.  “Ha-ha!  Don’t give me that weird stare, please.” Earl said as he smiled towards her.  Suddenly Cez knocked three times before entering Aimy’s room.  “Hey love birds, am I interrupting?” she kidded.  “Shut up Cez.” Aimy uttered.  “Besides, he called you sweetheart awhile ago, right?” Cez stated.  “How did you know about that?!” Aimy blushed.

                “Well, why don’t you tell us first why did you leave the van?” Cez asked.

                “I saw Aya.” Aimy murmured.

                “What?!” Cez exclaimed as she knelt before her.

                “Who’s that?  Someone you knew?” Earl asked.

                “She’s our high school classmate.  How sure are you that that was her?” Cez aked.

                “I saw her from the van, that’s why I followed her.  She wouldn’t show her face again that’s why I fired the gun.” Aimy explained.

                “So you were the origin of that gunshot, what happened then?” Earl eagerly asked.

                “She was with another three guys wearing a dark green suit.  They all faced my direction, that’s how I confirmed it was Aya.  But it wasn’t only Aya that I saw there.” Aimy said.

                “Who else?” Cez aked.

                “He was wearing a dark green suit, Von.” Aimy answered.

                “Von?  You saw him?” Earl asked.

                “Yes, he’s a transfer student when we were in 6^th year high.  Why, you know him?” Aimy asked.

                “We were classmates before he transferred.  He was an archery champion back then.” Earl replied.

                “To be honest, I was with Dan when some guys intercepted us and took us somewhere I don’t know.” Cez said.  “Who’s Dan?” Earl asked.  “Cez’s boyfriend.” Aimy replied.

                “What’s happening here?” Cez asked.

                “Miss CJ told us that there’s another group here in Balut Island who wanted to get that chip.  She told us they were wearing dark green suits.” Earl explained as he finished wrapping Aimy’s wound.

                Aimy immediately stood and ran outside the room.  Earl and Cez followed her towards CJ’s office.  “Be honest, what’s happening here?” Aimy frustratingly asked.  “What are you talking about?” CJ sat on her office chair.

                Earl and Cez entered the room as they both catch their breath.  “I saw my friends in this island before we reach this headquarters.  One of them was wearing a dark green suit.  Why is that?” Aimy raised her voice.

                “I told you awhile ago, the government searched for skilled individuals for this job.  Unfortunately, your profiles leaked.  Some of the outside terrorist wanted your skills, that’s why they intercepted some of you and made them their soldiers.  You were the only ones left.” CJ explained.

                “What will happen to our friends?” Aimy asked.

                “Our first priority here is to retrieve that chip and destroy it before somebody took it.  We shall deal with them after Project 24 was finished.” CJ said.

                “How do we know you’re not one of the terrorist groups who wanted that chip?” Cez asked.

                “Brilliant question.” CJ said as she took out a piece of paper which contains the following:

                Ÿ ‒ ‒ Ÿ

                Ÿ‒ Ÿ

                ‒ ‒ ‒

                Ÿ‒ ‒ ‒

            Ÿ

            ‒ Ÿ ‒ Ÿ

            ‒

            Ÿ Ÿ‒ ‒ ‒

            Ÿ Ÿ ŸŸ‒

                “What is that?” Aimy asked.  “It’s a morse code Aimy.” Earl replied.

                CJ placed in on top of a scanner and the code was showed on the screen.  “It’s a morse code given to me by the Secretary of Defense.  Once I receive this, it means Project 24 should start.  Only I and the secretary new about the mission’s name.” she explained as the computer translates the morse code into letters.

                “You should take a rest now; I will start your training tomorrow.” CJ said as she turned her chair away from them.  The screen showed the decoded morse code.  Project 24

                Cez went out of the room disappointed, while Earl pat Aimy on her back and told her, “Let’s go.”

                Aimy slowly went to the door; suddenly CJ spoke, “Hey Aimy.”

                Aimy moved her head towards her but she didn’t face her.  “Always value friends, dpn’t let false beliefs be your escape to reality.” CJ said.  “What does that mean?” Aimy asked.  “You’ll find out soon.” CJ replied.

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**For your comments, suggestions, and message for the author, please send them to jane_han_poo@yahoo.com

**Note: Plagiarism is prohibited by the law.

Project 24: Chapter 2

Project 24

Chapter 2

Target 10

                Its hero time, the trio went out of the van for another rescue mission.  How many people do they need to rescue anyway?  The doors were closed and even the driver went out for another action.  The only ones left was Aimy, sitting on the corner, flipping things out of the first aid kit box, searching for a gauze pad, some alcohol, and a povidone-iodine, commonly known for its brand name as betadine.  While having a busy time, the boys were risking their lives only to find their target.

                The location was North West, there stood a wrecked school, half of it was burned down, a quarter collapsed, and the remaining quarter, still standing, scattered.  Everything feels to be in slow-mo, every heavy step on the ground felt like the floor will collapse.  A couple of armored men in black were on their move, searching for a damsel in distress.  A few empty shelves to hide, wrecked comfort rooms for some weapons, but still, you don’t even have a match with these guys.

                Shadows were starting to come over each room, checking for a sign of life.  A silhouette of a long haired girl stood behind a wooden door, holding tight onto the handle of a mop.  A man entered the room with full precaution, another one followed him.  That instant she attacked from behind, she grabbed the second man’s neck with her right hand, leaned her back onto his side.  She waved the mop’s head towards the man in front and immediately dropped it.  Her right hand removed the helmet of the one she was choking.  She twisted her body and faced the man, grabbed the rifle with her right hand and hit him with her elbow.

                He almost fell on the ground; the man in front of them immediately took his rifle which fell from his hands awhile ago.  That fearful moment, he waved his target towards the girl, she was shocked, and then an alarming sound of gunshot lingered all over the place.

                “Gunshot Jeric!  Gunshot!” Dino shouted.  “It came from the third level, Earl, take the stairs at the west side, Dino, take the east fire exit; I’ll take this grand stairs.” Jeric responded.  “Got it” both Dino and Earl went to their posts.

                Five steps and the enemies were there, Jeric immediately fired his Mac 10, his favorite sub-machine gun.  Loud sounds of gunshots echoed through the hallway.  More back-up went to see what has happened.  As they reached the grand staircase, they only saw their dead comrades.  “Where’s the rogue?” one of them shouted.  “Here!” Earl shouted and he immediately fired his scar-light.  Suddenly, a few more soldiers went out of the other room, exactly after Dino went out of the fire exit.  He immediately fired his Remington870, and they all fell down.

                “Why do you love that shotgun so much, eh?” Earl asked.  “I hate wasting a lot of bullets on a bunch of losers.” Dino said.  “Okay, that’s your call.” Earl replied.  “Where’s Jeric?” Dino asked.

                “Super heroes, come on!” Jeric shouted as he moved down the stairs.

                “Where did you come from?” Earl asked.

                “I hurriedly went upstairs while you guys are busy pulling those triggers.” Jeric replied.  Dino and Earl stared at each other, “Come on!” Jeric announced.

                They all went upstairs, surprisingly, all of the men were laying on the ground.  A girl wearing a red shirt was laying next to the drum at the corner of the hallway.

                “What has happened here?” Dino asked.  “Don’t ask me.” Earl said.

                “Hey Earl, check the girl, Dino, help me check these bodies if anyone’s still alive.” Jeric gave his orders.

                “Why was I the one who should check upon her?” Earl asked.

                “Well, because you’re a playboy, you’re good with girls, remember?” Dino kidded.

                “Not with a dead one!” Earl insisted.

                “Go on Earl, Cez is our target.” Jeric said.

                Dino and Jeric started checking on the dead bodies as Earl slowly walked near the girl’s body.  Earl knelt and held onto her pulse.  Suddenly she grabbed his hands and disarmed him.  She kicked his stomach and immediately grabbed him by his neck.  Dino and Jeric aimed her with their guns, “Put the knife down miss.” Dino said.

                “Yeah, put the knife down” Earl said with a low voice.  “Shut up!  You two, since you can speak, tell me what’s this all about.” The girl insisted.  “We’re here for a rescue mission.” Earl said.

                “I said shut up!” the girl shouted.  “Why do girls won’t believe me that I’m not an enemy?” Earl screamed.  “I heard you call me as your target.  So why would I believe you, eh?” the girl said.

                “Target?  Who called you target?  Nobody~” Earl murmured but Jeric interrupted, “What’s your name?”

                “Cez, your target.”

                “You… you’re Cez?” Earl a bit confused, immediately grabbed the knife and threw the girl on the ground.  But Cez immediately recovered and reversed the situation.  She grabbed him by his bulletproof vest and turned him over the floor.  She grabbed the knife and pointed it onto his nose.

                “Is that enough proof Earl?” Jeric asked.

                “Yeah, confirmed.  But still, nobody told me that our target is a girl.” Earl explained.

                “So I am really your target… what now?” Cez asked.

                “You’re our target; we were supposed to rescue you.  Our intel told us that a trade of hostage and money will occur here.  You are the hostage that we’re supposed to rescue, Cez.” Dino explained.

                “How am I supposed to know that I can trust you?” Cez asked.

                “We’re not like these losers that you have defeated.  We did aim our guns on you but we never fired them.  Is that enough?” Jeric asked as he slowly approached Cez and Earl.

                Cez slowly lowered the knife and offered Earl a hand.  “Thanks” Earl said as he stood up.

                “Come with us, we have a convoy waiting at the front door.” Dino said.

                They all ran down the stairs as Jeric and Dino secured every hallway they ran to.  “Of all shirts, why choose red?  That will gather attention, you know?” Earl kidded.  “My shirt’s white.  This is blood.” Cez uttered slowly as Earl got stunned by what she said.  “Are you hurt?” Dino asked.  “The man in front of me got shot awhile ago.” Cez explained.  “Human shield eh?” Jeric interrupted.  “It wasn’t my fault.” Cez whispered.

                Meanwhile, the driver went inside the armored van again.  “Where are they?” Aimy asked.  “We’re going to meet them, they found the target.” The driver said.  Aimy squeezed herself on the corner while putting the scattered bandages back to the box.

                When they reached the location, the driver went out of the van again, without a word.  Aimy reached the small window at the upper corner of the van.  She saw the wrecked school as the driver went towards it.  She moved at the other side of the van and looked outside, she saw three armored men in dark green suit.  With them is another girl with a pink band on her hair.  They were running away from her direction.  The girl moved her head and accidentally showed her face to Aimy.

                “A... Aya?” Aimy murmured.  Aimy immediately took the colt double eagle under Earl’s jacket at the corner of van.  She went out of the van, stared at the wrecked school for awhile, and then fled to follow the girl.  She ran stealthily behind them.  “How am I supposed to confirm if that was really Aya if she wouldn’t face me?” She whispered, “Aha!”

                Jeric rushed towards the van and opened the doors for Cez.  “Hey Aimy, you’ve got company.” Jeric said as he moved his head to look at her.  He was stunned, left speechless, he can’t even move.  “Hey Jeric, what’s wrong?” Earl asked as he move closer to the van.  They all saw the van was empty, “I thought there was another one in here?” Cez asked.  Dino immediately grabbed the shirt of the driver, “Where is she?” he shouted.  “I don’t know!  I swear!  I just left her here!” he responded.

                Earl went inside the van and immediately searched for his double handgun underneath his jacket.  “What’s wrong Earl?” Jeric asked.  “She took it.” Earl murmured.  Suddenly, a gunshot was heard from a distance.  Earl immediately took of the van and ran towards that direction.  “Hey Earl!  Wait!” Jeric shouted.

                “Come on!  Ride the van!  We’ll meet him there!” Dino exclaimed as he advised everyone to get in.

                Earl was so frantic about Aimy.  “What was she planning?” he uttered with his lips.  He reached the woods yet he still can’t find her.  Suddenly he saw a man in dark green suit aiming at Aimy.  Aimy was pointing one of the handguns on that man but her head was tilted to the right, the opposite side of the man.  The other eagle handgun was pointed at her right side.  Earl immediately shot the man as Aimy was alerted.  She waved her right hand across her left and aimed for the shot, but all she saw was Earl.

                “We’re not going to argue about this again, are we?” Earl shouted from a distance.

                “I’m sorry.  I just thought you’re an enemy.” Aimy explained.

                “Where are you headed?  Did you know I was so frantic looking for you?” Earl exclaimed as he ran towards Aimy and grabbed her hand.  “Let’s go, they’re waiting.” He added as he took the handgun from her.

                As they reached the van, Dino opened the doors and shouted, “Hurry!”

                The moment Aimy saw Cez, they were both stunned.  “Hey Aimy, get in!” Earl exclaimed.

                “Ce... Cez?” Aimy whispered.

                “Thank God you’re safe Aimy!” Cez screamed as she hugged her.

                “You knew each other?” Earl asked.

                “We’re high school classmates.” Cez explained.

                “Heads up people, we’re headed to the headquarters.” Jeric said.

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**For your comments, suggestions, and message for the author, please send them to jane_han_poo@yahoo.com

**Note: Plagiarism is prohibited by the law.