Societas Custodes Series 1: Nieves Arquillano Vista-Avenged

1

"Is this complete, Colonel?" Lieutenant Colonel Bautista asked while Arquillano's men are opening the bags with the fire arms they asked him to pack for them. Isa-isa niyang tiningnan at sinuri ang mga iyon.

Kill stood there stiff and alert. Magkahawak ang kanyang mga kamay sa likod, nagmamasid sa paligid.

"Yes. As per instruction," he walked near Lt. Cor. Bautista carefully. "These are high grade weapons." He stopped right beside him. "Are you sure, you are going to supply these to BRP Sierra Madre?"

Sinulyapan siya ng kausap.

"Sumusunod lang po kami kay General. We will transport these to the Navy at sila na ang bahala sa resupply mission."

"Isn't it much better for the Air Force to meddle? Mas mabagal ang galaw ng Coast Guards."

Bautista stiffly bobbed his chin for a nod. "Pinaabot na rin 'yan ni Admiral Quintos—he's leading the operation. But the Prime Minister wanted to be careful. He thinks China will be triggered if we use the choppers dahil masyadong halata na armas ang dala no'n at hindi mga pagkain. Isa pa, may kasamang mga construction materials."

Napabuntong-hininga si Kill. As much as he wanted to say more, he knows na wala pa rin siyang magagawa. He's merely just assigned in securing and making ammunitions here in the military. Even so, the Chinese Coast Guard is getting aggressive these days. Halos atakehin na nila ang Philippine Navy sa laot. And the last thing the government wants is trigger them to bite for war.

Lt. Col. Bautista took his time checking the ammos kaya nanahimik na muna si Kill. Once satisfied, he decided to pack up.

"Sir!" The two men exchanged snappy salutes before taking off.

Kill instructed his men to secure the camp for the meantime. He also assigned someone to supervise. May meeting kasi sa Societas Custodes at kailangan niya na mauna roon ng isang oras.

Yes, he is a member of the brotherhood. Knowing how rigorous it is to get in, it actually came as a surprise to him. Most of the members there are high ranking military officials, both active and retired. Reservists can join, too, but they need to go through the vigorous trainings—just like everyone else—and get into the lowest positions like a staff member or pawn agents. If they ever want to qualify for the higher positions especially in the High Command, they have to attain a higher rank in the military, too.

These protocols are done to ensure the powerful reputation of the brotherhood burning. And of course, the Grandmaster, the retired General Alcover, makes sure everything is flawless and in order, most especially while they are carrying out missions. Maliit man o malaki.

Paglabas ni Kill sa kampo ay sinalubong siya kaagad ng kanyang driver. Matikas ang tayo nito at kalkulado kung gumalaw, katulad niya. Silas isn't just a mere driver, he is also a trained agent under the brotherhood. Isa siya sa pawn agents kaya mas mababa ang nagiging assignments niya, ngunit hindi rin basta basta.

Silas opened the door for Kill. Pumasok kaagad si Kill sa back seat. Pagkatapos, umikot si Silas para sumakay sa driver's seat. Then he turned on the engine and drove away.

Meanwhile, Kill was busy changing clothes at the back. May shirt at shorts naman siya sa ilalim ng military uniform niya kaya hindi siya tuluyang naghubad. Then he took his slacks from the duffel bag na nasa tabi niya. Lagi niya itong dala dahil madalas itong nangyayari.

Komportable siyang nagbihis doon. Isa pa, sanay naman na si Silas sa ganoong senaryo, kaya hindi na big deal.

"Any update from Agent Ria?" Ria is his secretary.

Silas glanced at him through the front mirror using his cold eyes. It was just a swift glance to make sure that his boss is talking to him and not with his earpiece.