The Patriots

CHAPTER 13 (ARRIVAL)

CANADA, 2015

Del, Anna and the other soldiers got off the plane, followed by the kids. They were still in awe, giggling and wowing every now and then.

Kelvin smiled to himself. He finally knew what freedom really felt like and he would do anything to feel this way forever. He felt like he was floating in the air, breathing in the fresh air-- the air was good, unlike that of the ghetto. Kelvin was happier than ever and it wasn't only him, all the other kids felt the joy flowing into the deepest parts of their souls.

When they got out of the airport, there was another bus to pick them up. They did not get to tour the city because it was late, but they loved the few sites they saw along the way. The bright lights, and the happy people walking out at night. They never had that ever since the rebellion started. You could see the longing they felt, written all over their faces.

They were taken to a military camp to pass the night because the real base was a long distance away from the airport. This camp was bigger and creepier than the one back in Colombia, but they loved it.

At the camp, they were given camping tents to sleep in. One tent could take two people. Vera was not ready to leave Cecilia's side, so they shared a tent.

"Guess we're stuck together, huh?" Dan wriggled his eyebrows at Kelvin.

"I don't have a problem...as long as you don't snore," Kelvin threatened calmly.

"I won't." Dan assured and truly, he did not snore.

Cecilia's eyes were wide open. She was finding it hard to sleep. She missed her mum, but she was thinking about all the beauty she saw today. She never dreamt of being in the police service, not to talk of being in the military. But here she was, barely an adult, but now a soldier awaiting training. "I guess it's all for the greater good. I'd do anything to get back to a normal peaceful life," she thought as she drifted off to sleep.

The next day, they were transported to the real military base. Base 9, located in a remote area on a vast land. Tall stone walls surrounded the place and it looked like it was built in the 1900s. They were intimidated by their surroundings and some of them panicked.

"Hey, what if we've been kidnapped?" Dan whimpered loud enough for everyone in the bus to hear. Some gave out nervous laughs, some shivered within.

"No. I think we're going to be used for a national ritual," Vera said sarcastically eyeing Dan and Kelvin. Kelvin looked calm as usual, ignoring Vera's comment.

They were allowed into the base through thick iron gates. Soldiers could be seen all around. They saluted Del and his soldiers as they passed through the gates. Del and his soldiers also saluted back. The bus stopped and they all alighted looking around the place. It looked like a fortress, built only for war.

"So, you'll have rooms, more like dorms but separated in cubicles." Del started. "The boys' dorm is to my left, the girls' dorm is to my right," he pointed and their heads turned to the direction his finger was pointing to.

"The soldiers here are going to aid in your training. But first, we're going to learn," Anna smirked.

They all matched behind Roger and Miles as they led the way for the tour.

First they were led to their dorms. The girls' dorm was no different from the boys' dorm. The dorm was a big space with twin beds- one on the top of the other. The boys were more than the girls, so the girls had more space, but the boys had a bigger dorm. Each cubicle was the size of a single hostel room, about eight squaremeters wide, spacious enough to hold four beds. Every cubicle had a window and a door, which opened into the bigger hall of the dorm.

The hall was to be used as a dining room and a living room, with one big radio for announcements and news. There was also a section in the big hall with lockers, were they could keep their personal stuff. Attached to the far right corner of the dormhall, near the lockers, was a door leading to a big bathroom. It was also separated into cubicles with the locker numbers attached to them. The place looked like a prison, only much bigger and neater.

The boys' room was no different. All the lockers were numbered and the keepers of the lockers were going to have the numbered keys to the locker, their room and their bathroom.

They were introduced to a lady named Phyllis. She would be in charge of the girls. The boys were also given Miles, whom they already knew, to be in charge of them.

Phyllis took the girls to their dorm and numbered them. The numbers started from locker 002, because Phyllis would stay with them in her own separate cubicle. She would take the first locker, 001.

They all got their lockers, Cecilia having locker 008 and Vera having 009. They were in the same cubicle. You can imagine Vera's excitement. Their numbers ended at 015 so the boys' numbers continued from there.

Miles took locker 016 and the boys shared the rest till locker 042. Kelvin with locker 025, Dan following. They also shared the same cubicle.

After the rooms had been shared, they went back to the bus for their things and continued the tour. They observed how the shooting was done, how the grenades were activated and deactivated, they observed some kick boxing and martial arts and also how the soldiers laid in ambush.

"This is just a surface tour. What you're seeing is much more difficult when you're the person doing it. We've had enough tour for today. Dinner would be served soon. First have your bath and relax. You need that strength." Miles said to them after the tour.

It was already dusk and the kids were exhausted from all the walking. They were excited though, because they just didn't know the weight of the task they carried.

After bathing Cecilia took out her old music box and played the only song she liked on it- hall of fame in acoustic. When it was dinner time they were given hot oats with scrambled eggs and bread. It was good. Cecilia remembered her mum and almost cried. "I have to be strong," she whispered to herself over and over till she was okay.

"Don't you want to sleep? We have a long day ahead tomorrow." Cecilia yawned, finally managing to fall asleep after Vera's endless yapping about Kelvin.

Kelvin on the other hand, slept peacefully regardless of the heavy snores coming from Daniel.

"You don't snore, huh?" he asked sleeping Daniel knowing very well he couldn't answer. He then smiled and took a deep breath, in anticipation of what the next day would bring.

"Are the kids settled?" Del asked Anna.

"Yes sir."

"You know, I've been working with you for quite a long time. We've been through a lot together. I know I can trust you so I want to tell you something. It has really been bothering me after that kid asked me that question."

"Don't tell me you're still thinking about that?" Anna asked with furrowed brows.

"No, no. It's about the minister of defense and the Chief lieutenant," Del said and Anna gasped.

"What?!"

"I think there's something going on. You see, when the rebellion started, the government turned a blind eye and deaf ear on the ghetto residents. Until it got to Bogotà. Some troops were sent on the order of the Chief, to eliminate the rebels. It failed. Truth is, I really think this is a suicide mission for the kids. I don't even think the President knows about this mission. Even though the minister has approved of it, I think the Chief lieutenant has some master plan behind this whole mission. I need your help to figure out how to expose the Chief and we need to protect these kids at all cost."

"That's a lot to take in, but you have my word, I'm with you on this. I'll protect the kids with my life and we're going to make that evil man pay." Anna vowed.

"Gracias. I'm really honoured to have you as my assistant," Del said. That was the first time he had really opened up to Anna. The first time he confessed to how much he was grateful to have Anna by his side. She was so astounded, she could not stop blushing. She walked out smiling and giggling, making Del shake his head almost regretting what he said.

A/N: Haha! I enjoyed writing this chapter.
Hope you enjoy reading🤗
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Gracias💜