Beginning of an End (Agent Series #03)

Chapter 21

FORWARD

Third Person's POV

9 years later..

Phoenix Headquarters

"Captain Claire Valerie M. Tyson. Top of the Board."

Applauses, claps and exclaims filled the room as Claire stepped forward wearing her dark gray dress uniform and a dark gray officer beret hat with the Phoenix's logo in the front side of it.

"ATE KO 'YAAANNNN!!!!" she stifled a chuckle when she heard her little shouted. Agad naman siyang pinaupo ni Stefanie, tumatawa. Her family's all here to witness her enlistment in Phoenix.

After two years of hellish trainings, she finally reached her biggest dream. She even topped the Board where the names of the graduatees of Phoenix's two-year training with their exemplary rate.

"Today, we will witness the birth of the new Phoenix officers who will serve as the Philippine's first line of defense alongside Armed Forces of the Philippines," the host presented formally. "Now, we will proceed to the oathtaking. Officers, please step forward and repeat after me."

Claire and the rest of the officers wearing dark gray dress uniforms and dark beret stepped forward as they raised their right hands. Claire felt the goosebumps inside her body taking over. She's excited.

"I, state your name, do solemnly affirm that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines, that I will serve it honestly and faithfully against all its enemies," the host started.

"I, Claire Valerie Monroe Tyson, do solemnly affirm that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines, that I will serve it honestly and faithfully against all its enemies," Claire said, raising her voice decibels higher so she won't left out.

After they stated their full names in unison, the host continued. "That I will support and defend the Constitution of the Philippines; that I will obey the orders of the President of the Philippines and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to the rules and articles of war."

"That I will support and defend the Constitution of the Philippines; that I will obey the orders of the President of the Philippines and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to the rules and articles of war," they followed in unison. Claire's eyes were strong, unblinking and focused as she looked at her front.

"And that I impose this obligation upon myself voluntarily, without mental reservation or purpose of evasion. So help me God,"

"And that I impose this obligation upon myself voluntarily, without mental reservation or purpose of evasion. So help me God," the host voice trailed off after Claire and the others followed correctly alongside each other.

"For the last chapter of this event, I am calling Chief Commander Nixon Beckett Valdavia Monroe for the final handshake and for the providing of shoulder patches," Claire saw her uncle wearing the Chief Commander dress shirt of Phoenix and the beret.

He was with one officer holding a box containing the shoulder patches. The people watching exclaimed and clapped their hands to show their support for their children, siblings and relatives.

Claire stared at her family for a moment and a tear almost came out from her eyes after seeing the faces of her love ones. During those years of training, she masteres to read a face.

The reactions, behaviors and expressions. By just looking at her family for a moment, she was sure that their reactions were proud. Hindi na nila 'yon tinago kaya mas madali niyang napansin. Proud and happy for her.