The Patriots

CHAPTER 27 (THE CHIEF)

COLOMBIA, 2008 (BEFORE THE REBELLION).

Manuel Turner, alias Wolf, was in the same military base with Ivan Leo. Manuel and Ivan were close friends from high school, even before they both decided to join the military. Ivan was from an affluent home, and his parents were perfectionists. Ivan, due to his association with bad influence, was wayward and always got into trouble. He couldn't get his life together, so his parents sent him to the military to serve as a form of reform. He was happy though, because Manuel was going too. Manuel was also from a fairly rich home. The duo were so close, they were more like brothers.

After their two years of military training, they were finally recruited as soldiers. Ivan wanted to prove himself to his parents, so he worked very hard. The unfortunate thing was that, he didn't care if it was legal, illegal or dangerous. He went to the extreme to get everything he wanted. Ivan took a job, that was to protect a drug lord and he also got mixed up in the the drug dealings.

2010
Two years later, they were finally going to be promoted to higher ranks. Manuel showed a lot of promise, and it was obvious he was going to be promoted to Commander. Before that, there was an intel about a soldier who was into drugs, so they had to smoke him out and dismiss him, before the promotions.

Ivan knew he would definitely be caught, so he planted drugs into Manuel's things one fateful day. Manuel trusted him, but Ivan could not afford to get dismissed, so he sacrificed his friend to save himself.

"I can't afford to be called a failure again. I have to do this", he breathed and slipped the drug bag into Manuel's locker.

That evening, when the whole base was searched, the drug bag was found in Manuel's locker. He was dismissed from the military and was taken to the military cell.

"I know it wasn't you. I'm going find whoever framed you", Ivan promised, pretending to be completely innocent.

"Thank you brother", Manuel smiled. He was worried because he had to go back to his family, but apart from that, he was glad because he knew he was innocent.

Ivan was promoted to Commander in place of Manuel. Upon becoming the commander, he pleaded for the release of Manuel because he felt a bit guilty. He also did that because, he would then be able to do all his nefarious activities without Manuel being on the lookout for him.

"I've been able to beseech with the board. You'll be released from the cell, but your file will be tainted. You'll not be accepted in the military anymore", Ivan announced, feigning a sorry look.

"Thank you. It's better than being locked up. I have to go back to my family. I'm grateful brother. You deserve everything good", Manuel praised ignorantly.

'You're too great, you almost made me regret doing this', Ivan thought as he hugged Manuel goodbye.

Ever since Manuel was dismissed and sent home, nothing ever worked out for him. He lost his parents and any job he got, he couldn't keep for long because of the drug dealings on his file. Like a cursed man, he lost his parents and used all the money he saved for the funeral and to cater for his family. They had to move into the ghetto, to reduce rent expenses.

Manuel thought he was not getting any job because of his bad file, but that seemed not to be the case. Almost all the adults in the ghetto complained of being rejected and cheated on, as if 'ghetto' was written on their foreheads. While Manuel struggled with the little education he had to help the ghetto people, Ivan climbed up the ladder to Cheif Lieutenant.

Manuel started organising demonstrations for the ghetto people. His demonstrations were peaceful and sought to give the ghetto a voice. Even though they were given little attention by the government, they got a fair audience.

"Manuel. He's doing quite great. I have to stop him", Ivan soliloquised in his office.

Ivan then employed Oliver to be his man in the ghetto. Oliver was an old mate of theirs, and Ivan knew he was very greedy, especially when it came to money.

"I want you to scare Manuel. Then, I want you to turn his demonstrations bloody", Ivan ordered.

Ivan had completely forgotten the bond he and Manuel had. He had proven to his parents he was useful, but having power had completely corrupted him and he wanted more and more. He didn't even care what his parents thought anymore. He would do anything to get whatever he wanted. He killed anyone who was in his way and got away with it. This time Oliver was doing his dirty job.

2014
After years of fruitless demonstrations, Manuel finally gave in to Oliver's suggestions of causing a little panic in the people. So they started the robbery of the police stations. When that too did not work, Oliver's real mission was finally taken into consideration.

"If they don't listen to our voice, maybe they'll see the blood and they'll listen then", Oliver smirked.

Manuel did not agree but he accepted it anyway. Now there was no turning back. The attacks were strictly on the minted at first, but it changed, and the rebels were getting out of Manuel's control. He barely refused Oliver's wishes and he regretted listening to him from the start.

2017, PRESENT DAY.
"Manuel the Wolf", Chief Ivan chuckled, "is now a scared little pup", he mocked.

"Yes sir, he sure is", Oliver laughed along, after he had given his long report on Wolf and on the troops who stopped them during their previous attack.

"Those people who attacked you are part of a program we created to fight Wolf and his rebels. I think Del knows something. He doesn't even report to me anymore. He just gives brief details and asks so many questions. He's just like Deputy Pablo, whom you failed to eliminate!", the chief roared angrily.

Oliver was even shocked at how his mood could switch from a light mood to red face angry.

"Ermm...we did what we could. Del's group was so strong and tactical", Oliver scratched his head.

"I'm not surprised", the chief said sarcastically and added, "I have a plan", he smirked mischievously.

He had access to a video footage, which was recorded by the only CCTV camera that was working around the time of the clash between Del's fighters and the rebels. He contacted a reporter from one of the best news stations and delivered the video footage anonymously.

One night, while Del and the whole of Colombia watched television and listened to the radio, the breaking news was announced.

"Another group which is clearly a vigilante group has emerged from the heart of Colombia. This footage shows a clash between the rebels and this vigilante group. There is word spreading that this vigilante group is led by a military personnel who has trained young adults to fight for him with the intention of amassing wealth and taking state power into his hands. He has started a battle with the rebels and if he wins, who knows what he'll do next. The question is, is Colombia safe?", the reporter ended and the whole country was dead silent. Those with television saw the footage and shook with fear. They were certain, no place was safe anymore in Colombia.

The Chief smiled in his office. Now, he could take his place as the Minister of defense after their grand plan, and he would then proceed to overthrow the president.

"That evil monster of a man", Del cursed.

"He's betraying his own kind. I think he knows I suspect something", Del said to Anna, with a frustrated look.

"I think it's time to let the kids know that our battle has just begun", Anna said calmly.

"Yes, you're right", Del agreed.

"Meeting tomorrow. 5 a.m. It's a code red", he sent to the group. It was finally time to keep his eyes on the kids. He had to make sure none of them got killed.

A/N: Sorry for the late update and thanks for your patience.
Enjoy fam🤗💜