Spy Association

Chapter 1 Mistaken Identity

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. This is the opening of the famous Desiderata by Max Ehrmann. We should not only memorize it but put it into our heart. This is part of the knowledge(s) we have to accept as part of the training. We are handed a booklet of the things we have to know and master.

It was a clear day. The sun is shining. The sky is blue. It was no ordinary day for it is my enrollment. The start where and when I realize my dream. A dream of becoming a better person, a good person. And also, I want to be a scientist. A scientist is a person who makes science fun, for a living and makes theses, research papers, theories, formulas and a lot more.

We are taught to be responsible. No parents allowed for the enrollment. “Son, can you manage to enroll yourself?” “Sure mom, I am old enough.” “No worries” My mom is always caring. She is also a strong woman even she had nervous breakdown before. We parted ways, I proceeded with the enrolment and she went to work.

I asked the guard, “Where is the engineering building?” “Do you see that building?” “The building beside that is engineering.”, the guard politely said. I met a beautiful lady. “I am also going there, shall I accompany you?” “Yes, miss” “My name is Luke. What is yours ma’am?” “My name is Mariefe. I am the dreadful guidance counselor of engineering.” Hahahaha, with that face, I don’t mind - speaking again in my mind.

“Careful with the boy!”, a friend of her came by. It was Gerard, the notorious calculus professor. “Where should we eat later?” “I want sushi.”, she exclaimed. “Ok, fine then.” “What’s his name?” “I am Luke.” “This is the first time I met a Luke.” “Me too.”, she added happily.

“I will be enrolling myself. I hope to see you around. Thanks for accompanying me.” We parted ways. I went straight to the enrollment. Mariefe went to the second floor for the meeting and Gerard went to the elevator.

“Mr. Diaz, I am expecting you.”, Von, one of the staffs. “Sorry, but do I know you?” “This way please." I enrolled and didn’t have to fall in the long line. I chose chemical engineering because I enjoy math and at the same time enjoy chemistry. On top of that, I am inspired by the vaccine that saved me from Corona virus.

Next stuff is the P.E. or Physical Education and the NSTP or National Service Training Program. I chose football and ROTC or Reserve Officer Training Corps. I played football during my high school years and I chose ROTC because my grandfather is a policeman. “Sir, I want to be like you.”, I mentioned to a first class officer. “Please stay here, officer candidates have to be briefed.”, the officer told me.

“Count off!” “One, two, three…fifty”, each of us counted. We are seated in an orderly manner. “Mr. Diaz!”, called by officer Melendez. “Yes sir!”, he said loudly. “All statements should begin and end with a sir.”, Melendez ordered.

Upon seeing Mr. Diaz, I thought I was looking at a mirror. He has the same physique and height as me. We could be mistaken as twins. Is there any difference? Perhaps, our personality differentiates. What does this mean? A perfect clone?

“Please introduce you yourselves, dumb guards”, “Stand, speak out loud in front your full name, your city, age, course and why do you want to be an officer.” Looking at officer Melendez, he seems to be a great officer.

“Miguel Gregor Diaz, Quezon City, 16, Chemical Engineering, I want to be an officer because I am ordered too.” He is the same course as me. Could we be classmates? What else is in store for us? I just felt like he is like a sibling to me, a twin brother.

“Rachel Mariano Inciong, Bulacan, 14, Pharmacy, I want to be an officer because I dreamed of becoming a general someday.” She is very pretty. There are lots of pretty girls in UST – University of Santo Tomas. It is flooded there when it rains so hard.

… We introduced ourselves one by one…

“Luke Isabel Pimentel, Caloocan city, 17, Chemical Engineering, I want to be an officer because my grandfather is a policeman. I honestly think that I could make it to be an officer. My grandfather used to tell stories about his job. He instills to me that we have to protect the weak and reprimand abusers.”

“Please write this down. Bring thickler, rosary, lighter, white handkerchief, 1.5L water, extra shirt. You should also wear this attire called type C – White T-shirt (round neck), blue jeans, black socks and rubber shoes.”, “I will be your company commander.”, said by officer Melendez. “I am second class from batch Charlie. All summer enrollies are called Charlie batch. Your training will last for one month.”

“Will you endure it?”, “Look to your left, then look to your right. One of you will fall in becoming a 4th Class officer.” “I am 3rd Class Henry Alimorong.” His last name sound like a rotten fruit. Everyone of us would want to laugh and smile about that. “I will be in charge of the daily training. I am the assistant company commander.”

We are handed the SCO manual or School of Cadet Officer manual. “Dismiss.”, ordered Alimorong. We left the grandstand. It is almost 4 o'clock then. I decided to head to Alfamart – a 24-hour convenient store.

As I entered the store, someone is waving. She is a very beautiful lady, definitely my type. She approached me and pulled me and kissed me in the lips. I was shocked. This is the first time my lips touched an angel’s lips. What could go wrong? What have I done to deserve this?

“Happy first anniversary!”, Elena greeted me. “Wait, I have to go somewhere.”, I shyly said. “Please wait for me here.” From a bit afar, I saw Miguel. He was rushing. He almost forgot to meet Elena. He was a bit busy because someone from the company, Rachel is talking to him.

All I said was “sorry”. I know I have to make up for it. I hope they forgive me. As I went home, I begin reading the SCO manual.