BUBOG (An AMACon4 Entry)

BATID

"Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding,"

-Albert Einstein

"LT Fox, you'll lead your team in extracting precious cargo. Mission order, extract Doctor Catalina Rosales."

"Is she american sir?" Lumingon ako kay blue na nasa likuran ko lang.

Siya yung best bud ko. Nasa isang class lang kasi kami at lagi ko siyang kasama sa lahat ng mga mission na napuntahan ko.

"Naturalized American Citizen. Her husband, doctor Enrico Rosales died two weeks before when the village where he was voluntarily helping was attacked by Militia Troops. It is our mission to get her out of there as soon as possible. We've received intel that the troops are moving east and will soon reach Abuja."

"Rules of engagement Captain?" Si Kev, yung tracker ng team naman ang nagtanong.

"Defend yourselves if you're fired upon, otherwise do not engage."

"What about our escape and evasion plan?"

"Halo over cameroon, float over near the edge of mason rainforest then through Tandjile pass."

"Roger that Captain."

"Team, this is a very dangerous mission you're going off to. I need you to focus on the task at hand. The troops presence underground is considered hostile and it is essential that we execute this as planned."

"I am relying on your team LT. You guys were the best in your class that's why you were handpicked for this mission. Do not let us down."

Tumayo si Sergeant Bishop at sinimulang ipaliwanag ang bawat detalye ng misyon.

"We will drop you off here, in LZ Alpha and it will take 3 hours on foot to reach Abuja. Pick the cargo and proceed immediately on LZ Bravo where a helo will pick you up."

"Should there be compromise, which I hope would be none, you have to travel 45 miles on foot to Cameroon border and we'll pick you up from there."

"There is little to no room for mistakes here guys. Nigerian airspace is hot and there will be limited backup for you so I suggest you stick to your mission and proceed as planned. Understood?"

"Yes sir."

Agad akong tumayo at nagpunta sa aking kwarto. Kinuha ko ang bible na binigay sa akin ng aking ina bago siya binawian ng buhay nung ako'y bata pa.

"Lord, give us the strength to fulfill this mission. Keep everyone safe and out of danger. Let us get home to our families and friends. Amen."

Matapos kong magdasal, kinuha ko ang laptop at nagdesisyong tumawag sa aking fiancè gamit ang skype.

Sinagot nya sa pang anim na ring.

"Mahal! I'm sorry kararating ko lang ng bahay. Sorry na late ako. Paalis na ba kayo?"

Umiling ako.

"Still have 10 minutes left. Where you've been?"

Nagbuntung hininga siya.

"10 minutes nalang pala."

"Don't be sad na mahal. I'll come home to you I promise."

Tiningnan ko ang kanyang imahe sa computer. Ang ganda ganda pa rin niya kahit na maputla siya.

Maputla?

"Love, okay ka lang ba? Bakit parang namumutla ka?"

Nakaramdam ako ng kaba.