Mabini Maximum Security Prison, Don Aliños Road,

Mabini City, Tondo,

Rotonda Island, Republic of Coronias,

4th of 3rd Month, 2015 C.E.,

0800 Hours

Rodrigo had been held in Mabini Maximum Security Prison for nearly a year, most of it in solitary confinement. The authorities kept him isolated from other inmates due to his potential knowledge of subversive activities.

In his humid cell, Rodrigo often gazed out the window, the view several hundred meters away his only distraction from the monotony.

One morning, a warden knocked on his door. Through the window, Rodrigo saw five wardens waiting. They informed him he had visitors and escorted him from his cell, his hands cuffed to prevent any thoughts of resistance or escape.

Not that Rodrigo would attempt an escape from a maximum-security prison. The wardens were merely following procedure for handling high-profile inmates.

In the interrogation room, Rodrigo was seated at a long table and restrained. The wardens left, and two men from the National Intelligence Service entered. One was in a military uniform, the other in a suit and tie. They sat across from Rodrigo.

An attendant handed Rodrigo a series of photographs and documents. As he examined them, Rodrigo realized the men wanted information about his organization.

“We know who you worked for!” the man in uniform declared. “Confess what you know, and we might help you.”

Rodrigo laughed. “I'm as good as dead. There's nothing more you can take from me.”

“Don’t play smart with us!” The officer slammed his hands on the table. “You reap what you sow. Better confess what you know!”

After the brief exchange, the two men stood and argued quietly. The civilian officer insisted, “By law, we cannot harass or torture him.”

“What do you suggest?” the military officer retorted.

“We can offer him something, something that might appease or entice him.”

The military officer shook his head and re-entered the interrogation room alone. He approached Rodrigo, who sat in his orange jail uniform, and laid more evidence and photographs in front of him.

“Look at these! Tell me, who is the leader of your ‘organization’? Who is Chimera? Is it a codename or a real person? Answer me!”

The officer's aggressive tactics were meant to intimidate, but Rodrigo remained unfazed.

“All I can tell you is that vengeance will be swift, and they will neither forget nor forgive.” Rodrigo laughed again, undeterred by the officer’s interrogation.

Fort Agoncillo, Defense Compound II,

Siete Road, Tondo,

Rotonda Island, Republic of Coronias

5th of 3rd Month, 2015 C.E.,

0900 Hours

“The prisoner, codenamed Rodrigo, won't talk! He’s plainly defiant and dedicated to his organization. We must find another lead,” Lieutenant Tolentino suggested to Director Rodriguez in his office.

Director Rodriguez calmly replied, “There’s no reason for us to be aggressive. The cards will reveal themselves; using force will only destroy your leads.”

“What do you suggest, sir?” Lieutenant Tolentino asked.

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“The connections can be found through the files that Rodrigo should lead us to. The individuals who assisted him in gathering and establishing connections with specific individuals will also provide information.”

“We had a lead earlier, Mr. Enrique Gomez. However, the Chief of Staff prevented us from investigating him further,” Tolentino replied.

Director Rodriguez sighed and placed his palm on his forehead. “This will be a big problem. We do not have enough clearance to do what we need.”

“Then we shall let them go, that’s it? If our investigation has any lapses, the Senate will not be pleased!” Tolentino, baffled about the situation, complained.

“The Senate is like a public show. We do the actual work! Better not worry about what they say. We should worry about how we solve this problem,” the Director calmed Tolentino down.

“I understand, sir!” Lieutenant Tolentino said, calming down.

Presidential Palace, Lakan Proper,

Metro Tondo, Rotonda Island,

Republic of Coronias,

5th of the 3nd Month, 2015 C.E.

1400 Hours

A heated discussion ensued between the president and his cabinet in the Presidential Palace. President Samuel D. Roa did not look pleased with the reports from Lieutenant Tolentino.

The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, the Secretary of Defense, and the Director of the National Intelligence Service were present. All were silent as the president vented his frustrations.

Unlike his usual potty-mouthed demeanor on television, the president appeared composed and cautious with his words during the meeting, trying to be more careful.

“You know, I never thought this debacle with the intelligence services would get out of hand! Are you sure the threat of Chimera is real?”

Director Rodriguez asked permission to reply, “With all due respect, Mr. President, we should take every threat to our security seriously. Dismissing the Chimera threat would be negligence. As the Director of the Intelligence Services, it is best to be sure.”

“Sure of what?” The President continued, “I assure you, it’s all a prank! Fake news!”

Lieutenant Tolentino was about to object, but the director stopped him. “We suggest a thorough investigation into Chimera, whether real or a prank. The instigators of the threat should be brought to justice!”

“What do you think the implications are, Mr. Director? If the public knows such a conspiracy exists, how would they react?” The President rebutted, then continued, “I order you to stop a full-scale investigation. It may cause problems if government officials themselves are found connected to this plot. Let’s just say it is real; it will only cause chaos!”

“Mr. President, what shall we do instead?” The Director asked.

The President was silent for a moment and then spoke after an advisor whispered to him, “Let it be clear that I am not completely disregarding the threat of Chimera. A covert and limited investigation will be conducted. Director, I want your best intelligence officer to report the progress of the investigation to me!”

The Director replied, “Yes, your excellency!” He looked at Lieutenant Tolentino and said, “Lieutenant Tolentino will lead the investigation. He’s one of the best; his credentials and experience in the service are exceptional.”

Revan Residences, Greens Drive,

Metro Tondo, Rotonda Island,

Republic of Coronias

5th of the 3rd Month, 2015 C.E.

1500 Hours

Enrique sat on the balcony of his house, enjoying the view of the city’s well-developed landscape. The skyscrapers before him and in the next city made for a good view.

One of his attendants knocked on the door. Enrique allowed the attendant in, received the letter handed to him, and dismissed the attendant.

Enrique went inside to his study table to read the letter. It was sealed with the sign of a lion with wings. Seeing it, he broke the seal and opened the letter.

The letter read: ”Mr. Enrique, by the time you read this letter, we have already begun our operations. It is best for you to do your part in our struggle. The administration’s betrayal signals their non-commitment to their promises. We will strike back and replace the traitor with someone aligned to our cause.”

Enrique sighed and thought, “Fools! They think they can control someone with no principles like Samuel Roa! Also, attacking my business and properties earlier was not part of the plan!”

Enrique crumpled the letter, threw it in the bin, and took a glass of whiskey. “So much for Chimera. I am done with you all! Fools who think they can make a dent in history. What preposterous comedians!”

The phone suddenly rang, and Enrique answered it. “This is Enrique. How may I help you?”

“Good afternoon, sir. I apologize for the intrusion, but there are people who want to see you,” a lady attendant said on the phone.

”Who are they?” Enrique asked.

“They look like they’re from the military. Shall I allow them in?” the attendant asked.

”Please do. I would like to have words with those men!” Enrique replied and ended the call.