"Agent Vera.", maayos akong tumindig nang sambitin ng Director ng agency ko ang pangalan ko. I've been here, working my ass, day and night for the whole two years – kinakabahan pa din ako sa tuwing tinatawag niya ang pangalan ko.
"Sir." I respond. He's the great director of our agency, Mr. Liam Miller – the man who is trusted by the Unions around the world. No wonder he got us wrapped around his little fingers but I wonder what's the reason why I'm here. I just got in the building when someone approached me – his secretary, telling me that he's asking for my presence.
"I believe, you've done everything within your power to prove your worth. Last two years ago, you're just a small kitten, taking up one or two mission every week but now you grew up as a tigress. The great power you possess helped a lot of people, fight against injustice, cruelty and terrorism." He said then walked away his table to face the glass window and look down the city below.
The lights here in New York is as beautiful as ever, no wonder why they liked it. But I'm curious why the director is telling me this kind of stuffs.
"I'll be sending you back in the Philippines, treat this as your final mission."
WHAT?
I felt like my world suddenly stopped as well as my breathing. Hindi ako makapaniwala. Tanggal na ba ako? May nagawa ba akong kasalanan? Wala akong recollection na nagkamali ako sa mga mission na ibinababa sa akin ng agency. Final mission? Don't give me a shit.
"I know, you have lots of question in mind but Franz. Listen to me, you're a 20-year-old woman, you've been here since you were 18 – the reason why I gave you your final mission is for you to come back to the normal living. Your uncle also agreed with this, you will live with him for the whole time of your mission. Now, do you understand what I wanted to say?" He firmly stated. It's been a while since I heard him casually call my name like that.
The uncle he's referring to is my uncle on my father side, a former agent like me, Jian Vera. I heard he's an exceptional agent but I wasn't able to catch a glimpse since he's already retired when I got hired in here.
But to end my career... it stings my heart. I've already dedicated my whole life doing this kind of job. Of course, naiintindihan ko ang pinupunto niya. Kahit ako, minsan, iniisip ko din na bumalik sa normal na buhay. Mag-college at makagraduate ng normal. Don't get me wrong, I already graduated at the age of 18. I took an exam provided by the agency and passed it kaya naka-graduate ako.
I released an exhale, initiating my surrender and not wanting to start an argument. "What would be my last mission?" Spouting those words dried my throat. Hindi ko alam na ganito pala kahirap pakawalan nung trabahong minahal mo.
"You are to go back to the Philippines and prevent the transaction between the mole and the WNC terrorist group. We've received a tip that their contact will happen 3 months from now so I suggest you to leave as soon as possible to gather some information. Secretary Haze will provide you a copy of information regarding the location, time and the possible profile of their agent."
"Mole... you mean there's a mole in my country but the forces declared that our country is safe from terrorism?" Was the news fake? "If so, then..." I paused, waiting for the director's response.
He released a sigh and then nodded, "Your country's government is probably involved but this is not sure. The last time I contacted your country's intelligence group it was miserable. Perhaps it's because miscommunication. I don't know, and I want you to find it out. This is your last mission. Prevent the contact and find the mole."
"What am I going to do if I find them?" I asked him straight, only to earn a smirk.
"This is what we liked about you, the eagerness and assurance that you were able to complete this task." He's praising me. "Kill them, shut their group up and report it immediately to your country's authority."
Heh, another purge, huh? it's been a while since I'm tasked to literally kill a group person.
"I'll contact your Uncle Mark to pick you up in NAIA so prepare your luggage now." He said. "You see, the council also agreed to let go the likes of you, Franz. We treat you as our daughter and not just a colleague. You are the youngest agent of our agency but we don't want to rob your freedom to become a normal person. And even thought it is painful to bid goodbyes, you can always come here. The agency is always open for you. Come here, give your handsome uncle a hug." He chuckled while opening his arms to give me a warm embrace.
I couldn't stop myself anymore, umiyak na lang ako ng tahimik habang nakapaloob sa mga bisig niya.
"Now, go. Remember to keep yourself safe. I'm counting on you, Agent Vera."
"No worries, sir." I must do this well since this is my last mission, isn't it good to make the ending... in a flamboyant and flashy way?
