In the office of the Secret Octagon Laboratory. JamieJoy presented her work to the Director, the critical-mind Dzaba Legion.Together with the other Specialists who made their projects are all present.
"Now, we have decided. And the final designs that will fit to the proposed performance of the Phivolts Defender. It is our robot's name. We agreed the works of CS Zirr Pusa and Vander Divino, they named it Headfighter Ship. CS Miss JamieJoy Divinagracia, her Robo-Transformer Ship and finally, the work of CS Sharlot Padoga and Ixiah Singson, the Pre-Deconstruction Ship or Predecons!"announces Dzaba in front of the Computer Specialists with a wide smile registered on his face.
Many Specialists have made their project but only three designs passed the taste of the Critical -Mind Dzaba Legion. This three Ships got the specification standard that are suited to the proposed performance plan of the Bot.They congratulate the five CS for the approved works they have done. It was a highest recognition to anyone if their work been acknowledge by the Critical-Mind . In their history, its seldom to be instantly approved by the Critical-Mind after a hundred rejections. "So! I warmly congratulate the five CS for their work well-done!"
The Specialists applause.
"Now, we have our designs! This is the time that signal the commencement of construction of our soon to be hero! The Phivolts Defender initiated by the Critical-Mind! I know that we can do it in a short possible time? ! Because, our country and the world are waiting! They are in chaos and eagerly waited for their hero to come! This will be through your hands Specialists, this will come to realize! Can we do this!?"
"Sir yes Sir!"
"I can't hear you!.."
"Sir yes Sir!"
"Is this all you've got?! Your answers are enough only to hear your butt! We are on the verge of world's chaos! We know war! Strife! Violence! We know Asia, Africa, South America, Central America, Ireland, the Middle East, North America and as well as Europe! The population explosion is a worldwide threat to us, human existence, crime, violence, sickness, disease, inequality, poverty, filth, squalor, degeneration, suffering -this infest all nations! We are here to begin wipes that out in our country so that the whole world will see! We will make our nation their idol. This will become the legion of genius! Can we do this?!"
"Sir yes Sir!"
"And the critical mind of all will be known..."Dzaba whispers and smiled.
"You heard that Bro? The Legion?.." smugs Vander. His eyes wide open.
"Ha ha, maybe he wanted to say Le-chon not legion Bro. We really need that now actually, I'm getting hungry..."says Ixiah.They smiled.
More than a hundred Specialists are in collaboration to program the design in the computer.
"Now you see Bro, I am correct in my premonition. Dzaba was mesmerized on your design of the Headfighter, "says Zirr to his friend. While Vander is looking somebody in the midst of the Specialists.
"Hey Bro! The nerves of your neck are showing looking for someone over the rainbow?!"
"I am looking for Miss Jamie..."
"JamieJoy again?
"For your info Bro, she's one of our co-designer for the Phivolts as well as Sharlot Padoga and Ixiah Singson. You know them already?"he is starting to get irritated.
"Aw sorry Bro. Yea, I don't know this Sharlot and Ixiah. How do we plan now and picture the form of this Bot if we even don't know each other!"
"That's what im saying Bro, see?..You're always making conclusions that are nonsense. I'm just holding myself to spank you! Can't you see this big fist? This might be found on your forehead you'll see!.."
"Don't erap, just be cool. It just only my honest mistake, you know I'm only human. It is because of Dzaba, he is so much excited. He did not introduce to us the co-designer of this fuckin' project to us. There must be an Armageddon if I will not hold myself, mark my words!"
Suddenly, somebody calls the attention of the two guys. They are Sharlot and Ixiah.
"Guys! Hi guys!"
"Oh, hellow..."says Zirr.
"Excuse me, you are the co-designers of the Phivolts? The man behind the Headfighter, right?" Asks Sharlot. She's facing to Vander.
"Yes? Ahm, yes we are!.." answers Vander, smiling.
"I am Ay-sa-yah the Iron-rock and she's Sharlot!" Ixiah introduced themselves and handshake the two guys.
"Nice meeting you Bro Ixiah and congrats! I am Vander and this funky guy is Zirr."
Zirr look at his friend smiling and congratulate Sharlot for the work well done. "Sharlot Padoga, nice to meet you and Ixiah Bro! The iron-man really? You are so hard Bro. How would you like to be soften by my fist? It is harder than the iron hehe joke!.."
"Have you meet JamieJoy, the designer of the Robo-Transformer?asks Sharlot.
"Ah yea, yes we know her. Actually, we're looking for her now." he look at Vander. Through his pouted lips, he signaled on what his friend is doing.
"I see...looking for Jamie?.."says Sharlot.
Zirr look at the girl once more. He is so terrified on what his tongue was doing. Answering quickly to the girl's queries.
"Actually, we knew her and she's our friend..." he looks on Vander, "and his friend too."
Sharlot nodds and smiled. Zirr can't help but to stare at her. His mind is flying in the air fantasizing.
The beauty of Sharlot can attracts sleepy sinews to wake-up. She has a fair complexion, slender body, flawless. Her tantalizing eyes decorated with natural curved eyelashes are her assets.
Zirr was so fond of her. "Bro look at here! You're girl was in a project-planning computer, see?" He told Vander.
"Ah that's Jamie?..I see..." says Sharlot.
"Guys, let's help her. She's been in a deep thinking."Says Ixiah.
JamieJoy was in a deep thinking. She is motionless staring at the monitor and didn't notice the arrival of her co-designers.
"I am thinking to use Titanium -Platinum alloy for our main skeleton."Sharlot first to open-up the conversation.
JamieJoy wandered and quickly look at her back.
"Vander...Zirr! How long have you been there?"
"We come just in time."replies Vander."we're looking at you..."
"Sorry, I'm just thinking of a possible problem of this project. Like the materials that we are going to use..."She didn't finish her sentence because of the new faces accompanying the two guys."Oh may I know who's with you?"
"Ah, they are Sharlot Padoga and Ixiah Singson the designer of the Predecons. Bro's, she is JamieJoy Divinagracia!"says Zirr.
"I am glad to meet you Miss Jamie. .."says Ixiah.
"A pleasure knowing you Jamie."says Sharlot and look at the monitor.
"We have to use Titanium -Platinum kind of metal. I've studied it and proven its excellent performance when i was into metallurgical research."
"Ahm I see, It is reinforced diamond crystals. If we have to use this, it withstand the terrific thermal heat by flying at speed of Mach 6 and above." clarrifies Vander.
The three Specialists listens carefully.
"Yeah that's right, and so far it only the X-15 is able to match the speed. Yeah, this thing allows us to fly at the speed of Mach 20. So fast, right?"adds Sharlot.
"Okay, It's an excellent idea. We have to use that..."says JamieJoy, convinced to their ideas.
"And this trust velocities that make it possible speed of around Mach 20 is obtained by the use of nuc-reactors, the fusion type!"says Ixiah.
"Right!We must design this fusion type drive engines much smaller compared to the commercial reactor of a nuc-plants, very huge!"adds JamieJoy.
The two nods affirmatively.
"And here, because we have this three different kinds of machines...the Headfighter, the Robo-Transformer, and the Predecons. How about creating an instantaneously response system through the use of a hydraulic system? This is able to provide a motor response of about point-one of a second. Very fast, right? And surely we need a wide ocean for this!"says Vander excitedly.
"That's a very bright ideas Bro! It's not a problem here. We are surrounded by vast ocean. And this gigantic hydraulic will cause the three ships to combine through a tremendous electromagnetic power that polarizes the combining components of each machines! Thus, the Phivolts Defender is lock together not by ordinary method but through tremendous magnetic energy of the water! All agree?!"Zirr screams demonstrating his idea while pointing the monitor describing his concept.
"You are too sharp Bro! Good ideas!"Chorus by the four cruisers.
They are excited to program it in the computer.
Five months has swiftly passed. With a careful considerations of every mechanics at last, the defense system of the Phivolts Defender are now done. This huge project was one of the multi-budgeted and a gamble step of the Philippines in the arena of Science and Technology from which only the powerful and rich countries dominated.
Most of all, this proves that the country has a power to produce sophisticated machines like some rich allied countries do. This also highlighted that the work will not be done if only one will do it but through the cooperation of all will create something useful. Corruption and too much politics has no chance if everybody has a strong vision and forget it.
The Phivolts Defender was assembled from three kinds of ships. The Headfighter that was piloted by Zirr and Vander. It makes the head and eyes of the Bot and the command center are located.
The Pre-Deconstruction or Predecons was commanded by Sharlot and piloted by Ixiah. This ship assembled the hips and legs in the time of transformation.
It is complete with all innovative advance warfare. It stands in a length of two degrees.
"Ladies and gentlemen! At last, the Philippines defense system has now come to life!"the voice of Dzaba echoes while he is having a welcome address during the unveiling and blessings of the Bot. He is standing stalwart infront of the personnel of the Computer Specialists Elite Troopers of the Secret Octagon and Elite Soldiers. "Our Phivolts Defender! "
A wide round of applause fills the Secret Chamber. No media are allowed to cover the event to remain it a secret as possible. This is the very successful and very secret event happened in the history of the Philippines.
"At last, our labor toiling are now done huh! Five years are too much for us to endure the hardship of a non-stop labor and research!" Zirr screams reminiscing their experiences.
They are having a celebration.
" I can't really believed that we can do this thing. I am proud to be a Filipino once again since the famous novel-corona pandemic takes havoc our country..." says Sharlot reminiscing the deadly 2019 pandemic.
" You're not dreaming my dear, it is happening once again bro Lot. A high tech bayanihan right? Everybody now are helping each other to achieve a goal. Not like the one that we used to know, crab and lacoste mentality." Stresses Ixiah with a smile. "I believe that we can do this thing! Once again, everybody are helping each other to achieve a goal. Not like the one I used to know, a crab mentality! " stress Ixiah.
"Yeah I agree, we have the skills but sad to say that there are individuals who always think of themselves and not for everyone. If we always think of it like this, helping each other. I'm sure that our country will be in the peak of advancement.!"says JamieJoy.
"We have the skills that can produce our own technology like weapons for our defensive necessity. But they prepare to buy a much lesser one because of corruption. The Philippines is not at all a crippled nation. We have our own skillful workforce if we use this for our patriotic purpose and not by any body's selfish ambitions! "
"You have the point Lot, but we don't know yet if this one is not a product of anyone's ambition. You know who I am referring to. And we all know that. I think, we don't even sure...that this thing is made perfectly. We only sure its features, its mechanism. We don't know yet the actual performance of the Bot in the field!"Vander stressed out.
"Sus! Don't you know that we know it already Bro? It is based on the computer program surely, its performance is the same in the field. Hey guys! We are not here in this celebration arguing with something but to celebrate! To drink and eat! To eat and drink! Right? So let's toast for our achievement of making the Bot a success!" Zirr propose for a toast.
"Yeah! I agree on that! It is programmed and approved. No arguments. But who says that the compu has no lapses?!" Vander look at the Specialists one by one." Who made this machine? We, humans...right? Who think that humans did not make mistakes? We have made mistakes and that's the facts! And that is why, this sometimes causes us Filipinos in an uncertain situations. We easily boast for a work that we didn't know if this is a success. It is better that this is made a secret, if in case that thing will malfunction during the operations. Who's to blamed? Anybody? No! We are to be blamed not anyone! Do you imagine that?!"
The cruisers look at each other.
"Yeah?.. You've got the points Bro,"Zirr agrees," It is too risky if this thing malfunction during the mission. We are all to be blame. Surely a shame to us and to our country!"
"And we must to consider this also. Any creation if its not yet proven safe, it still consider dangerous. We need an utmost precautions for this. Especially us, the fate of the nation is in our hands. Like now, as we all know that our allies Highest Octagons are very particular to all sophisticated weapons! I am sure that you all know why I am so much against to Dzaba's plan!"
"Bro, the thing is...we are here in the middle. So we must need only an utmost care. We are the one who operate this thing so a big responsibilities are in our arms."stresses Sharlot.
"So, if this is the case. Beginning this day, let us make a promise that we are united with this responsibilities and no one can break us, as a Philippines defenders!"proclaims JamieJoy.
"No one!"they all make a toast.
A song of Miss Celine Dion fills the airwaves. Vander invited JamieJoy to dance.
"Jam may I have this dance for you?"
"Sure Van!"
The three guys remain in their respective chair. When the two are heading to the dance floor, Zirr and JamieJoy's eyes meet each other. She felt that there is something deep inside her sinews that makes her blush.
"Lot, can I have this dance with you also?..asks Ixiah on the left of the girl.
Zirr didn't miss any second to grab the girl's hand and pull her to dance with him. Sharlot easily accept the invitation of the guy without protest.
Zirr throws a silly stare to Ixiah. "Sorry Bro I won this time ha?"Zirr smiled.
"Pards, this time is for Zirr okay?...says Sharlot to her childhood friend with a sweetest smile paints on her face.
"It's okay no probs Bro!"replies Ixiah.
"Don't cha worry Bro, I swear to be a gentleman with this beautiful girl. Maybe, you will have a chance next week."
The grin on Ixiah's brows collide but he divert his mind on the drinks that was waiting in the table. "Enjoy Budz, no worries."he takes his first gulp,"hmmp! As if they're very good dancers!"whispers Ixiah.
Meanwhile, Vander and JamieJoy have their moments. Their body are getting closer this time. The guy smells the perfume of his partner. The girl silently waiting for the guy to take his move. And her eyes catches a pair silhouette of a pair dancing at a distant.
And JamieJoy saw the guy smiling at her. Suddenly her mobile phone rings.
"Van, wait..."says JamieJoy to the guy. They stop dancing."Oh Zemun?!"she glance at the guy and saw the arching of his brows." You are here? Ah okay...kompis I am glad that you arrived safe. Go directly to my pad. I will call nanny Nada to accomodate you. We have a party here kompis. Okay see you kompis!"
The guy's heart quivers. He hears the name Zemun but tries to compose her mind not to be jealous of this stranger. But deep inside him silently protested.
JamieJoy back to dance again with her partner. She ignore the reaction of the guy. Conquering her mind is the smile of Zirr. She is puzzled on the feelings that she seems jealous on the guy's partner.
She begins to feel irritated to her partner. A slow medley songs of 80's dominates the airwaves. She is still waiting for the guy to make a move but a deep breath only was the answer she have got.
"Bro, can we exchange partner?!"says Zirr. They manage to get near without them knowing it.
"A break for a while please!"adds Sharlot.
They look at the call. JamieJoy left her self stunned. Even Vander is hesitated to free the girl but his involuntary muscle gives in.
A sudden rouse of sensation runs through her when Zirr touches her hips. She looks at the guy, he smiles on her. She is motionless and enchanted to the guy's stare that brings her in a limbo of fantasy. She tilts her head into the guy's breast.
"Miss Jamie so sorry if I may ask you..."
"G-go on Bro..."
"I know that he can't talk...?"
A gap of silence prevails between them.
"Why?..
"I know that my best friend is so torpe, a timid boy...he tends to be aggressive if the girl is not there but...maybe I will do this for him if you allow me...no matter what Zemun says..."
"You know Zemun?Ha?..."she gurgles.
"No...he's not important..."
JamieJoy was amaze on what the guy had said but he feels that it's not the time to explain."You know Miss Jam, Van and I are very-very much so close as friends.
From the place somewhere in Visayas. The time my parents are massacred and a missionary soldier priest brings me in the convent where Vander's father was one of the sponsors. There's a time where he is in trouble with his playmates and that time me and Tinyente happened to pass by them. You know, I can't stand to see somebody who is in trouble. I help him. We fought them back to back and we drove them away. But we also go home with blacked eyes. Tinyente was there, staring us fighting."
JamieJoy simply listens to the story of Zirr but her eyes saw the pair of dancers in a distance.
"That is his attitude...resilient. every word he spoke means a lot. In other words, you can't buy his word. And you know, on that day as he happens to know you. He didn't stop admiring you. He is so in-love with you. I am so shocked. But still he keep his feelings only to himself because of being afraid of rejection. He wanted always to be accepted. So, on that day since we visited you...he is very happy and your name was always on his tongue. And because of it Jam, I am happy too."he didn't notice that the girl is staring on him. "Because, I want to help my friend. I am the one who ask this to you and swear to tell it to him. It's okay for..?"he notice that there's a lump of tears on the girl's eyes. "W-why Miss Jam?...
"No Zirr...you know...it's because of you..."the tears slowly fall from her eyes.
"W-why me?.."
"Y-you...you're the one I like..." she blushes uttering the words.
The guy stunned and compose his mind,"But, how about Vander? Zemun?"
A second of silence fills the two. Only the music of Miss Dion conquering the air.
"So today I finally found the courage deep inside,
Just to walk right up to your door,
But my baby, can't move,
When I finally get to it
Just like a thousand times before..."
After a while, Zirr raise the girl's chin. He felt the hardships that the girl lingers. He get his handkerchief to wipe the tears that flowing on the girl's flawless face.
"Miss Jam, I understand but U have a big respect to my friend. I'm hoping...that you'll give him a chance...even a little space in your heart will do...like the one that you have with me...J-just a little..."
"Bro...that's what I like to hear from you...I am only expressing my feelings. So that I am not unfair to my self. And to you..."
"Don't worry..."
"It is not hard to love Vander...I will try...and to Zemun, he's only my childhood friend. "
Zirr hold the girl's hand with love.
"Thank you very much Miss Jam...sorry..."
"That's okay Bro.."
"Miss Jam I do hope that my friend be happy...his sadness is my sadness too."
JamieJoy looks straight to the guy. Her affection towards him intensifies but she wanted this feelings be gone. She will convince her heart to love Vander.
They go back to the table.
Sharlot and Vander follow.
"Huh! Mosquitoes are trying to accompany me here!"says Ixiah.
"Hmm that's good Bro. Mosquitoes and you are compatible. See! You sip a case of beer?" Sharlot comments when she saw the bottles of beer under the table. "You have drink a lot now budz ha!"
"Nah! I'm just spending my boredom."
"You've got a reddish face. Very obvious that you got drunk"says Sharlot.
"Nah! Not totally budz! Only I am tipsy..."
"Heh! Not totally?.."
"W-wait budz, I'm gonna go to Confidential Room. Will I excuse for a while?.." he stand and rush to the CR zigzaging.
Sharlot and Zirr smiled.
Meanwhile, Vander and JamieJoy conquered their moment with silence.
"Miss Lot, aherrm! Share me this chacha dance?!"says Zirr to make the two have a chance to chat each other.
"S-sure!"answers Sharlot, she got the guy's message in a wink.
Zirr patted his friend. Vander nods a little but his heart is beating so fast.
"Zemun is useless..."whispers Zirr.
The Biliran chacha songs fills the air.
They are alone in the table. Vander tries to compose his mind not to be tongue-tied. He move his chair near the girl. JamieJoy is waiging for the guy to take his move.
"Hrrm!"he clears his throat, "Jam, I-i like to...you have a nice dress."
The girl moves a little, look at the guy and smile.
"By the way Jam, did you still remember the words that I've said?.." he holds his breath.
"What words?..replies JamieJoy.
"T-the one that I've said...the...I-I love you..."he got to hold the girl's hand harder. His breath is pulsating, "yes Jam, I love you even...I know that you have your Zemun...Did I have a chance for you?.."
"Vand..."
"If there's none,just say it so that this heart of mine will no hope for nothing...i accept it..."
The girl stood still.
"Jam, i am sorry...I didn't mean to...you are too silent, is this mean Yes?..
The girl nods a little and smile.
That is the only sign the guy waited and suddenly shouts as if he is winning a number game.
"Is this true Jam? You love me? Yes! And I love you too! Yahoo! Miss Jamie is my girlfriend now!"he hug the girl zesty.
"Van...I am hoping that you'll not hurt me..."says JamieJoy afterwards.
"Yes Jam! Yes! I will! I will love you with all my heart and soul!" He hug the girl tightly.
He remember a story that he once heard from his father. This also the cause of his determinations to live a life with his mother even without his father.
The adventure of the main character of the story, Panamao drives him to be true to his love Queen Desbiliran untill the end in eternity. Eventhough of his thrilling adventures in life, he still have the will to pursue his unconditional love even after-death made them apart. But the character made a promise that someday, God the creator grant them the happy continuation of their love.
"Jam, I swear you this...there were many before me. There were be those after me. I am solely me that ofers you a love with all of me..."
The girl smiles, " That's a nice rhyme Bro. You are a good poet i see...thank you for that."she hug the guy.
The time swiftly passes by. They didn't notice it because their minds are in the limbo of fantasy. Their feelings seem mutual. Their heartbeat tells each other's pledges of love.