The Fight for Freedom (Book One in the EDSOR Military Academy Trilogy)

Chapter 22- Preparations

“All students and personnel have completed archery, combat, weapons and first aid training then?”, I asked Gerard, who was absent mindedly playing with the head of an arrow. I don’t know where he got it but he must’ve been loitering around the armory.

“Gerard, all training workshops complete?”, I raised my voice. It actually boomed across the quiet room. He blinked and gaped at me.

“Yes, President. While you were under medications, we completed all training workshops. What about yours? What if worse comes to worst and…”, his voice faltered as I stared blankly at him.

“I’ve been trained even before I entered this prestigious academy. My background in the Philippine Military Tactical Team proved me worthy”, I found myself boasting. Trevor and Peter started coughing as they drank their jugs of water when they heard the name. “I also have perfected the art of fencing because of Gene Gonzales, the famous fencer who taught me. I do need help in using machine guns though”, I shrugged.

Paolo raised his hand as he was writing something in his Math notebook. “Jesse, we don’t have access anymore to RadioWarZone. What are we going to do about it?”

I closed my eyes and heavily breathed in and out. I couldn’t say it. The words were stuck in my mouth. I couldn’t swallow such bitter words down my throat. I felt streaks of sweat continuously pour down my face. “Lexine, give me the megaphone connected to the main speaker”

As Lexine attached the different intricate wires that bound them together, the War Council members were silently watching me. We have all waited for this day to come. But I never knew it would come so soon. Announcing such should be the obligation of a noble leader. I was not the one. I couldn’t be worthy of such act.

I gave up the EDSOR Seal, the symbol of my leadership over others. How could I be called great?

Lexine’s hand shivered as she gave me the megaphone. I mustered up all my courage to say my first few lines. I was envisioning riots and student rebellions now.

“President Jesse reporting for duty”, I calmly said in the megaphone. The noise that erupted outside died out.

“You have all prepared for the day when you’ll finally prove yourself worthy of defending the State. You’ve gained it through intense training and rigorous exercises so you can all stand the struggle. But I knew that you’d all be great people even before you’ve started training. The mere fact we all got into this academy is an achievement worth emulating! This afternoon, we’ve received a message from Kazim Khan, the Commander of the Militician Force”

I gestured to Gerard to play it. He pressed the red button and the eerie voice popped out again. It was ringing in my ears. Such deafening noise it made….

Lexine was wiping her sweat as she adjusted her messenger cap on her head. Even Trevor, my ex co captain, was cringing as the eerie voice echoed in our hearts.

Our lives would all change forever. And I’d have to announce it.

When the message finished, I clutched the speaker phone and took a deep breath.

“Fellow EDSOR Students, personnel, faculty and honored visitors, this is the day we have all been waiting for. We are officially waging war against the Militician Army tomorrow! Everyone! Be in your assigned battle stations and your head leaders will do a final check of you. Dinner will be served in the banquet hall at the DTASC but there will be no more entertainment. Head to the EDSOR Gates tomorrow at 6:00 am so we will be fully prepared. Good luck. To freedom, to glory, Forever. Jesse Hope signing out”

My heart just felt lighter after saying those words. I felt like a huge burden has been lifted from my shoulders. I could breathe properly now. I then come to a sad realization that everyone I am seeing now in this room will not be the same after the war…if they survive.