A Man Beneath The Mask

Chapter 5: Out of the Shadow.

INT. New Life Shelter

MaskMan's Office

October 18, 2034.

A tense meeting is underway with MaskMan, Joseph, Theodoro, Dennis, and Dorothy seated around a large table, planning their next move. The clock ticks and the air is thick with anticipation.

MaskMan sits with an unwavering focus, his eyes scanning the room, ensuring everyone understands the gravity of their task. Theodoro, in contrast, leans back in his chair, arms crossed, with a playful smirk.

MaskMan: (calm, authoritative) "We have three days. The press conference is the distraction. While the country's eyes are on Joseph, Dennis and Theodoro will retrieve Number 3 from Bilibid. We meet in the open area in Caloocan City the day after the mission. By then, all Twelve will be present."

Joseph nods, but there's a slight tension in his posture.

Joseph: "The press conference is set to attract every major figure. They'll be expecting another speech, but it's our chance to move."

Dorothy (Number 6): "Are we sure that the location in Caloocan is secure? We'll need privacy—especially after the break."

Joseph: "Mr. H has everything covered. The area will be locked down. Cameras, security feeds, all looped."

MaskMan: (serious) "Good. We'll have to make sure it's quick. Timing is everything."

Theodoro, always ready to ease the tension, leans forward, grinning broadly.

Theodoro (Number 11): "Ah, come on, Dorothy. It's an 'open' area. You know, 'open'? Like, no walls, no limits! And if worse comes to worst, we can throw in a karaoke machine. Maybe do a duet while we wait. I've been working on my Frank Sinatra."

Dorothy rolls her eyes, smirking despite herself.

Dorothy (Number 6): "Just make sure you don't sing during the prison break. We want stealth, not a concert."

Theodoro (Number 11): (mock serious) "Oh, but a little 'My Way' could add some flair. Imagine us breaking Number 3 out, and the guards are just like, 'Wait, is that Sinatra?'"

Dennis, despite himself, cracks a small smile, but quickly regains his focus.

Dennis (Number 12): "Focus, Theodoro. You'll have plenty of time for your 'concert' after we're out of there."

MaskMan: (stern) "There's no room for mistakes. This is bigger than all of us. We fail, and we lose more than just a man."

Theodoro raises his hands in playful surrender.

Theodoro (Number 11): "Okay, okay, boss. No Sinatra, no karaoke, but after we pull this off, maybe we'll have a barbecue, huh? Celebrate. I'll bring the grill, Dennis can handle the skewers."

Dennis gives him a sharp look.

Dennis (Number 12): "You better be joking."

Theodoro (Number 11): "Joking? Me? Never."

Before the banter continues, the door swings open. Pearl (Number 9) strides in with her usual sharp, business-like demeanor, followed by Maurine (Number 10), looking fierce and confident, arms crossed, eyes scanning the room. Her presence adds an additional weight to the already tense atmosphere. Pearl moves with purpose, while Maurine looks amused but ready for action.

Pearl (Number 9): "The press conference is ready to go. All the big shots—the senators, the media, everyone who matters in the Philippines—will be there. It's the perfect cover."