CADEAS THE DAYS PASSED by, the media grew hysterical about the swelling tensions between the Philippines and Russia as it threatened to explode around the globe and shroud the whole world with a veil of chaos. The news channels and websites couldn't have enough of the events occurring between the superpowers and they couldn't even blink their eyes for a second for they might lose very important coverage. News articles appeared every second on every news website I knew of.
"Friction arise as Russian naval forces mobilize to the Russian military bases in Taiwan waters," a news anchor said and clips of dreadnoughts and aircraft carriers cutting through the East China Sea flashed on the HTV's screen. "All diplomatic attempts to extinguish the brewing nuclear war was deemed unsuccessful. As the Filipino people ready themselves for the possibility of an atomic attack, there are widespread reports of increasing panic and terror as civilians try to flee the Districts. In all its history, from the last destructive war, the Philippines has never faced an imminent threat."
"Wala na talagang makapipigil sa dalawa," sambit ni Kato. Nakaupo kaming lahat sa conference room habang lahat naman sila ay nanonood sa balitang nasa harap namin. "Giyera na talaga 'to. I never belived that I'd live during a war."
"And this war isn't our main problem," sabat ni General Auxria habang nakaupo sa apex ng mahabang lamesa. Nasa kanan niya na naman si Lieutenant General Loyola at sa kaliwa naman si Deo. Bukod sa aming apat ay may kasama ring kaming mga high-ranking officials na piniling pumanig kay General Auxria. "Goldberg is."
"So, hahayaan na lang natin na sumagupa ang Pilipinas laban sa Russia?" tanong ni Kato. "Wow. Considering you're the general and-"
"Naiintindihan ko ang punto mo, bata," sabi ni General Auxria na nagpatigil sa kaniya. At kung medyo nainis man si Kato sa pagkakatawag ng heneral sa kaniya ng bata hindi niya na lang 'yon pinakita. "Pilipinas laban sa Russia. Giyera at kung anu-ano pa. We have our own problems to deal with," dagdag ng heneral sa tonong hindi na siya tatanggap ng kung anong pangongontra pa.
"Kato," tawag ni Deo sa kaniya. "The general's right. We need to face the bigger problem here. Ang pagkuha ng kapatid ko sa pwesto ay hindi konstitusyonal. Bukod do'n, nagdeklara na siya ng panibagong gobyerno bilang isang diktador. At alam naman natin ang nangyari simula no'ng unang gobyernong diktadoryal. Let the war unfold by itself. My brother can handle it."
All of the other high-ranking officials nodded to what Deo had said. It made Kato shut his mouth.
"Pinatawag ko kayong lahat dito para sabihin sa inyo ang susunod nating hakbang," panimula ni General Auxria. "We should extend our influence across the country. The forces of Twin Cities and the Edge City aren't enough to face the Havierre's. May mga bases pa tayo na hindi natin namo-mobilize at kailangan nating magawa 'yon sa mas lalong madaling panahon."
"Unless Havierre already convinced the soldiers there to his cause," Ezerina chimed in. "And by convinced, I meant threatened."
"Havierre is occupied with the problems arising in the Districts," the Lieutenant General argued, her expression as cold as the temperature around us. "And there's a big chance he hasn't mobilized troops at these bases. Ito na ang natitira nating tiyansa bago pa niya ma-pacify ang District ng tuluyan."
"May malaking military base sa isla ng Orient Island," sabi ng heneral. "It's near and the possibilities of being detected is far more smaller." A map of the northernmost islands appeared on the hologram before us, responding to what the general was saying.
"Yes, you are right, Madame General," Deo agreed. "Pero napakalayo naman sa Districts no'n. I suggest we take the base at Cinn and start mobilizing from there until we managed to get as near as Rizal."
BINABASA MO ANG
God's Rise | WOTG #2
Science FictionCOWER SO YOU SHALL BE VANQUISHED. Weeks have passed since their escape and Havierre's special project comes to its wake. With his army and his newly awoken weapon, he plans to overthrow the Philippine government and seize the power of the most power...