FINALE
📍 LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
(Someone's POV)
"Calling passengers bound to London, England. Proceed to..."
When you're about to start a game, you don't usually organize a plan. You just prepare yourself and play the game you have no idea what will approach you.
But either way, if you lose or win, you can start over again.
Want to know something? I work at a Principal foreign intelligence and counterintelligence agency of the U.S. government.
Normally, in the movies, people think this kind of work is cool and all. But what you usually see in movies is not a very realistic one.
In my work, it is a service organization. You may have an amazing adventures and exploring and even having an experience you would never expect. But do know, it comes with responsibility and professionalism.
It's life or death…
(crowd screaming and running)
"Cue." That's my call.
"Alright, sir. Your tech boy is here."
"Warren, you know what to do." I went to the stairs with a briefcase on my hand.
"Security locked, sir." Warren signals. "He's still inside, sir. The doors are locked so there's nowhere he could escape."
"Good." I fasten my pace towards the target.
(Crowd continuously panicking)
"Who are you?" Hysterical laugh. "I'm not scared of you."
I look straight up to him. "Your biggest fear."
His eyes widen pointing me with a gun. "You idiots! Come here and get help!!" He calls for his back up.
I chuckled. "See this briefcase? It has 3 buttons to open. If you move a little, I'd simply tap them one by one and this place will blow down."
He look left and right, trembling. "I'm gonna kill you, motherf —"
(Tap)
"Tell me where the bomb is located."
"Who are you? Do you think I'm gonna spit a single information to you?" Hysterical laugh.
(Siren sound)
"They're here! Hahahaha."
(Tap)
He looks at the briefcase fearfully.
"Look at you, I thought you said you're gonna kill me?" I smirk.
"My men will come at you!!!"
(Last Tap)
(Counting 3…2…1)
(Loud Bass)
"Boo!"
He flinched.
(Powerful music plays)
"Oh! you thought this was a bomb? My bad. This music will blow your mind. You should be honored!" I found the bomb they put here at the Airport.
The counting was approximately four minutes left to explode.
"Okay, cue." Warren heard my call.
"Bomb disabling, done!" Warren signals.
(MISSION CLEARED)
I stretched my arms and twisting my neck.
"My men will still come at you and they will never let you go away!!!"
"You guys are blowing up places several times. Took many lives. And do you think I'm letting you get away too?"
He kneeled down. "Spare me!!! Please… I have to live!!!"
(Ambulance and Cops arrived)
"You're arrested! Come with us unless you want to get hurt."
- OFFICE -
(Slow clapping)
"Sam McKee. I knew you would do great."
I respond with a bow. "My pleasure, sir."
"Haha! Please, take a seat."
Chief Gregory took something from a pile of folders and place it in front of me.
I straightened up my posture.
He sighs. "This… is one of the missions that takes a long time to be resolve."
I glance at the paper and said. "May I know further more about this?"
"Kid… I'm telling you, you do know how much I have trust in you, right?" he sighs. "Many years ago, a superior group of people have created something very adverse device."
I furrow my eyebrows. "A device?"
"A device that can demolish the area where it was place. It is known as the, "Hero Bomb" what people expect is a device that consume pollution which they thought it is a big contribution for their country. However, it is really a "Hidden Bomb" that disguises as a safe device for every country they put it in." Chief Gregory shows the projector.
"This is the list of the countries they put the devices."
"They made many of them?" I turn to the side to take a good look at the projector.
"There were 76 countries that were targeted to place the device. But… they were disabled eight years ago. 18 devices was disabled. There are 58 left. And I want you to take this mission." He looks at me enthusiastically.
"I will take it." I plainly said.
He smiled and exhale. "You just cleared a big mission, are you sure you're physically and mentally ready?"
I exhaled heavily. "Yes, Chief."
He smirk. "Your next mission. You know Ben Peterson, right? He's one of the data holders of the device. He's quite untouchable. Have many connection. "
As I heard that name, I lift my head up holding my breath. "I know him well."
"Ben Peterson is up to something. His son, Andy Peterson. You should keep a good eye on him. Are you up for becoming a College student boy?" Chief asked.
"Does that count for cutting my hair?"
"You might get rid of that blonde head of yours, too."
I raise my eyebrows and shrugged. "Not bad."
He laughs. "Good. Nashville, Tennessee is your destination. Tomorrow. You'll go by the name, Reese Morgan as the transferee 3rd year college student. Papers and everything, you're all set."
Local time : 10:57 am
📍 NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
(Someone's POV)
( My life in the first month of the Autumn year 2022 )
"Oh, no. Am I gonna make it to work today?" I'm spacing out in the middle of the class discussion.
I'll be doomed if I don't make it today. It's almost payday, so I have to work overtime this Friday.
"Ms. Cindy?"
Whispering. "If the class will end at —"
"Ms. Cindy Greene Miranda!" The professor call out to me.
"Yes, ma'am. Apologies." I bow.
"Always put in mind that focus is a must during discussion." Ms. Hamilton stated.
"Yes, ma'am."
(Students chattering)
I took a heavy breathe. "Again? Seriously, Cindy, you gotta think things in the right time at a right place." I muttered to myself.
(Someone's POV)
Chuckles. "There goes Spacey again, having an eye contest to the air."
"Psst! Wanna come over to my place tonight? We're throwing a party for Howell." Shawn shout in whisper.
I just ignored him.
"Andy Peterson, it's almost drink day. Honky Tonks?"
I look at him. "You really know how to draw me into something, huh?"
Shawn laughs. "Come on, you're Andy Peterson, who doesn't know you?"
I smack his chest. "Heh, you're a smart idiot."
(Lunch break)
(Sam's POV)
"University School of Nashville… this sure is a huge place to keep an eye on someone."
I'm sitting while looking around the faculty office, waiting for the registrar office manager to come back.
I exhaled. "Andy Peterson…"
(Flashback)
"Why can't I do it too?!!!" Andy raised his voice while having his meal.
I sigh. "Andy, you're only 13. You wouldn't under —", sighs. "You can't do this…"
"If you can then why can't I?!!! It's not like there's something you have that I don't."
"Uncle Ben will take you tomorrow." I said.
Andy is holding back his tears. "You're gonna leave me now? Are you abandoning me cause I am no use to you anymore?"
"Don't say that. He's still your Father, Andy."
He can't take it anymore. He started to tear up.
I hold his shoulders. "Andy… hey, look at me. I'm gonna take you back. Hmmm? I will come back for you… I promise."
(End of Flashback)
Sighs heavily. "Didn't expect we'll meet again in this way…"
The registrar is back. "Reese Morgan, right? You can attend the class starting on Monday. You're all set! Welcome to University School of Nashville!"
After the registration, I decided to look around. And many students are eyeing me.
Well, to be frankly, I feel more like a student with this haircut. Two-block hairstyle was a great idea. Except that I'm wearing a suit that made me look less of a student.
"Yo, Andy Peterson!"
My eyes widen as I heard that name. I'm more careful with my movements, he might recognize me right away.
"I said I won't come to your place. That's boring." Andy answered. He's wearing a leather jacket and a black hoodie underneath. Blue jeans with his hair slicked back.
Tsk tsk tsk, is he even a student? Does that make him feel cool? This kid didn't change at all.
"Alright, alright. Saturday. Honky Tonks. 8 sharp." The guy said.
Andy just left.
"See you there, Andy…" said to myself.
Local time : 5 pm Friday – Nashville, TN
(Cindy's POV)
I just finished my major subject today. It starts straight from 3 to 5 pm.
They usually get home at 10 pm. So, during those 4 hours before 10, I come home and do the night chores, prepare their meal and everything. Basically, I'd get them all done by 8 pm. And then, I do my personal tasks.
Who am I talking about? The family that adopted me. I live with them for 8 years already. By 10 pm when they're home, it's time for me to sleep and wake up again at 5 am.
But since it's Saturday, I come to Honky Tonks to perform on a show. Such great shows will be held there and I can also earn money from our sponsor.
As much as I love writing contents such as stories and novels, I love to dance as well.
(Sam's POV)
I went to the place where Andy and his friends will meet.
They agree on meeting at 8 but I'm ahead of time and came at 7.
"I see, you're new here." Someone approach me.
"Oh. Yeah, just passing by." I said.
"Still a student? Welp, kids these days sure thinks they're old enough to do such things anyway…" the old man said.
"What's so special today?" I asked.
"Are you kidding me? Yesterday was Friday and it's Nashville's drink of the week for crying out loud!"
Drink day? And does that kid think he's supposed to hype for this day?
"Let me get us something to drink." The old man left.
"Wait until I see what you'll do here, Andy Peterson."
A performance is about to start.
"Huh… a dance performance…" The dancers performs neatly and good that makes this show interesting.
(After the dance)
(Applause)
Right after the performance, someone climb up the stage clapping his hands while grooving.
A group of guys makes fun of him. "Seriously, you're ruining the show. Get out Fat lad!" Laughs.
"So, what? Dance have no rules anyway." A girl from the crew said.
"What did you say?"
"No clue? Well, knuckleheads like you guys can't seem to relate to it." She added.
"You little kid!!!!!" One of the guys looks obviously irritated.
(Cindy's POV)
"Psh, there's always someone who will ruin your day. I just don't get it why do they have to do that." I pick up my coat and bid goodbye to the crew.
I tilt my head. "Besides the fuss that caused by those punks, I made a mistake during the performance…" Sighs. "I should pay more attention to what I eat, I feel like I'm getting weaker day by day…"
I stop on my track and realize. "Ugh, why did I even bother talking with that jerk?!"
I don't understand why am I doing something regretful at some time. (Face palming)
(Sam's POV)
"That wench is getting on my nerves… who does she think she is?!"
"She's more like a gentleman than you guys could ever be."
"What?! Who asked for you, huh, fat lad?!"
I couldn't stand seeing this. I was about to mind their business but —
"Hey!" Somebody throw a punch to that loud guy.
"Who the he —" Scoffs. "Andy Peterson…how dare you sticking your nose to my —"
"Shhhh, shhhh you don't have to blabber again, hmmm?" Andy is patting the guy's shoulder. He looks calm.
"Ha! What do you want me to do?"
"There's another way to clear things up instead of talking…" he walks backwards.
(Throws a punch)
I sigh. Does he always makes trouble like this?
---
"What are you up to now, huh, Andy Peterson? My guys are waiting for you —" Andy runs away. "Hey! That little — get him!"
"Oy, oy! You know, kids like you should be home by now."
"Who the hell are you?" They face me.
"Boss, he looks like he's younger than us." His minion whispered to him.
"Shut up!" clears throat. "Hey, listen up. Are you new here? That's not a surprise, you seem to have no idea who we are. I'm the biggest boss here. So, if you don't want to be in —"
"Ay, you talk too much like a whale." I scratch the back of my neck.
"What?! A whale —"
I sigh. "But don't assume you're as cute as them…"
He clench his teeth. "Finish him!!!"
I twist my neck and sigh. Okay, Sam. You came in this trouble.
(Attacking)
Gasp. "No way, you beat them all…" he looks at me trembling. "Who the hell are you —"
"If I see you again troubling anyone, we'll see how big boss you are."
Local time : 5 am Monday - Nashville, TN
(Cindy's POV)
Yawns. I stretch my arms and crack my knuckles.
Ah, another day.
I glance at the picture frame at the top of my table.
Smiles. "By now… you're still sleeping…"
Sighs.
I wash up and prepare breakfast for them.
(Sam's POV)
(On the phone)
"There's still no sign of the data. Just Andy Peterson's daily life at the University."
"Just keep a good eye on him. Good luck."
Local time : 7:30 am
"The state of sharing interest or efforts…"
During the discussion, Andy is sleeping.
"Mr. Peterson? I believe we can't sleep here especially during discussion. Now, if you please listen."
He sighs.
"Ms. Cindy? Will you please stand up and tell us what is teamwork for you?" The professor called out another student.
Everyone looks at her. Including Andy.
She bows. "Umm… teamwork is…" she straighten up her posture. "uh…" exhales. "Teamwork is not just working together as a group, but giving each other's trust and determination to follow one method that is agreeable to everyone."
"Can you give us an example for that, Ms. Cindy?" the professor said.
"Just like the hardworking ants. They follow one way and all of them follows it obediently. They do their part equally and in the end, the result is they made such a great teamwork." She looks at the professor nervously.
The professor nods slowly. But the class laughs and whispers.
Andy chuckled.
"That's a beautiful answer. Thank you, Ms. Cindy. Please sit down."
The girl sat down and sighs heavily.
I look back at Andy and he's nowhere to be found.
- Lunch break –
I followed Andy sneakily.
"Hey there!"
I turn around and saw the same girl from the class earlier and the girl I saw at the Honky Tonks.
"Are you the new student?" she looks behind me. "That guy Andy Peterson, just don't mind him. He's just too full of himself. Don't be bothered by him."
What is she talking about? Does she thinks that Andy is bullying me or something?
I just look at her and she smiles. "Actually, our library will be having a 15 hour open time. It means, the library is open till 9 in the evening. How cool would that be?", she hands me a paper. "Just show this to the librarian, she'll let you in to the specific room." She waves her hand and left.
"Did she just invite a stranger?"