The Different Worlds

The Musang II

Chapter 11

"The escalating territorial disputes in the South China Sea and West Philippine Sea have intensified, with Chinese militia vessels harassing Filipino fishing groups and taking over their traditional fishing grounds. In response, the Philippine government deployed Coast Guard vessels, supported by the US and Japan own naval vessels.

The situation reached a critical point when the Chinese militia fleet dispersed, prompting the Chinese government to accuse the Philippines of attacking Chinese citizens within what China claims as its borders. The Philippines refuted these allegations, citing similar past incidents involving Filipino fishing boats and the resupply vessel of BRP Sierra Madre.

Both nations remain at an impasse, each holding firm to their positions, and have agreed to escalate the matter to the international community for resolution."

-News Channel 24/7 Oras

...

Bulacan, Philippines

March 12, 2026

Camp Tecson, San Miguel

As the S-70i Black Hawk landed on the camp airfield, the Scout Rangers disembarked and walked towards the camp. The military camp was bustling with Philippine Scout Rangers engaged in elite training and mock exercises to maintain their Special Operations Force status.

Passing a platoon of soldiers running laps, the Rangers were greeted by a drill sergeant before heading to the armory to hand over their equipment and weapons to the quartermaster. They then proceeded to the locker room, changing into their off-duty uniforms: black shirts and green camouflage pants.

The men and women of the team separated into their respective locker rooms. Inside the men’s locker room, everyday conversations ensued.

"Hey, El-tee!" Justine called out to his commanding officer while changing clothes.

"What is it, Justine?" the Lieutenant replied.

"That mission was a bit intense, don't you think?"

"Yeah!" Mikey joined in. "That battle was more extreme than our usual missions."

"While we were exchanging bullets in that intense firefight, I nearly ran out of ammo before we retreated into the forest," Rodriguez added, removing his top shirt to reveal a buff build.

"At least most of us only had light injuries," Domingo chimed in. "The only notable injury was Leslie's, when a bullet nearly grazed her helmet, but she quickly regained her focus."

"Is she alright?" Mikey asked, concerned. "Any serious injuries?"

"What’s this, Justine? Are you two a thing?" Justine teased.

"No!" Mikey protested, his face turning red with embarrassment.

"I'm joking, Rookie," Justine replied with a smug face. "It takes more than a bullet to pierce her thick skull."

"It's a good thing she's not here," Enriquez added, finishing his change. "If she heard that, you'd be on the floor in a second."

"Don't worry, she's not the greatest chismosa on this base. She don't have superpowers that can hear through walls," Justine joked as he put on his off-duty uniform.

On the other side of the room, the female locker has two women changing their combat uniform to their off-duty clothing as one of them has a sudden sneeze.

"Ah-CHOO!"

"Are you alright, Leslie?" Siesta asked her comrade, as the soldier sneezed.

"I don't know why, Siesta." Leslie replied with an almost irritated expression on her face, "But I have a very strange feeling that someone is bad-mouthing me. "