The Governor signed a paper and handed it out to me. It was a proof of acceptance of my conscription as a part of the Militia Recon Corps of the State of Laguna. I gave the document to Colonel Caballero, and she gave a salute and left.

However, before I could leave, the Governor had something to say,

"First, I would like to thank you for your acceptance, son." Governor Harding said as he placed the cap back on his silver embroidered pen. "It means a lot that you serve the proud State of Laguna."

"It's not like you gave me a better option, Governor."

"I apologize for that, son." Governor Harding replied sympathetically, "With our current situation, I am forced to employ the ruthless pragmatism mentality, I hope you understand."

"Although, one thing bothers me, Governor. Why do you want to employ me? As far as I know, you have men who are much more experienced than I am." I inquired.

"I cannot let them leave because they are in charge of training newly conscripted men and women. Most of them were serving the Reserve Corps or the National Guard before all this shit happened." Governor Harding retorted as he reached for his cabinet beneath the table. "So far, our intel suggests that you have the skills to do what must be done if you only knew what this war against the Nexus cost us and, at the same time, trying to rebuild the State of Laguna."

Governor Harding leaned on his chair as he lit his cigarette and blew the smoke. He gazed upon the ceiling as he continued to share his thoughts, something I paid little attention to.

"I have lost three of my sector commanders since the beginning of this chaos. The State Capital of Santa Cruz had fallen after the series of failed skirmishes. Every move we made had cost us more than what it rewarded us." Governor Harding said. "Even my…my own son was lost in this terrible ordeal. Who knows how many were lost on those poor innocent civilians killed by those raiders."

I was out of words when he shared his loss, I knew how it felt to lose someone you know or care about, but something like losing a family member was something I am not familiar with. I never desired to experience such kind of tragedy.

"I am sorry for your loss, Governor." I replied, as those were the only words I could reply to, empathizing over the loss of his son.

"Thank you, son. All I was asking is for your help, your skills may help us stop this incessant war against our own people and focus on rebuilding our land." Governor Harding replied as he finished his cigarette and placed the cigarette butt on a crystal ashtray. "After that, we'll do our best to assist you in searching for your father. You have my word on it, son."

I agreed, but internally, I was arguing with myself with my decision. After another talk with the Governor regarding how I arrived here in Laguna and the past. I was escorted out of his room by one of the soldiers I came here with. As soon as we made our way out of the City Hall, I saw Colonel Caballero standing at the stairway's end.

I approached her and gave her a salute; she saluted back and signaled me to enter a white Toyota Hilux pickup truck, I complied and went and sat beside the passenger's seat.

"Where are we headed?" I asked,

"North Outpost." Colonel Caballero bluntly replied,

"Where's my car and my equipment?"

"17th I.D got a hold of them." Colonel Caballero replied in an unenthusiastic manner, "You can ask them more questions about your things, for I have no idea where they were."

I could feel her hostility as I glanced towards her. She was more hostile than before, perhaps because I disrespected her commander, or maybe she was displeased over the fact that I was placed in this position. She assumed that I was receiving some kind of special treatment.

"Do you have any problem with me, Colonel?" I asked.

"As of now, I don't have yet." Colonel Caballero replied with hostility that was more apparent than earlier. "I don't trust amateurs, and I am against their quick ascension over the ranks, especially when they were not trained as soldiers." Colonel Caballero replied with a sense of pride in her tone.

"I would like to clarify something, Colonel. I don't want this job in the first place. I am just doing what I asked for I have no choi—"

"Then, don't assume I completely trust you." Colonel Caballero interrupted. "You may be trusted by our Governor to conduct assignments or even by others with their lives but not me. I want to remind you that whatever you do, wherever you go, I have my eyes on you."

Just as I wanted to take her threat seriously, I remained silent and glared at her. I showed her that her threats and antagonizing attitude meant nothing for me. My goal was to search for my father, and I was being sidetracked by being conscripted against my wishes.

Although, I realized the situation was to my benefit. I could access intelligence reports around the area for the past months and utilize the operations as I investigated those intelligence reports. I was amused by the idea, and I didn't pay attention to what the Colonel was saying as she continued on.

Before I could stop blocking out the Colonel's voice, we arrived at our destination, North Outpost.

We were greeted by Private Laminers and Sergeant Retuerma upon our arrival. They saluted Colonel Caballero and I, where we did in return.

"This way, Colonel. Follow me." Sergeant Retuerma said to Colonel Caballero. We formed a single file line as we followed the sergeant. As for the Toyota Hilux pickup truck we rode on, it drove away and parked beside the trucks that carried the troops. I could still observe the damaged infrastructures, the signs of battle, the infected corpses. We were able to reach a building that was apparently the command center of the North Outpost.

The building appeared to be the old admin building of a hospital. The North Outpost was previously a hospital called Crossing Medical Center where the non-infected were brought in, but was later used as a hospital to treat other diseases that doesn’t show any kind of symptoms of the n-CorV 20. However, I heard from one of the soldiers back at the City Hall that this was regularly raided by the raider groups before they started to call themselves Nexus. They were out for medical supplies, and considering that the place was near to the former Distribution center, targeting this place was like hitting two birds in one turn.

I seem to realize the grim reality these people were facing, what Governor Harding was pointing out and most importantly, what kind of threat I would encounter as I continued my search for my father.

The dark thoughts and unpleasant assumptions were extinguished upon remembering Anastasia. I wished I was able to bid goodbye to her personally and perhaps treat myself with a fun memory of her before I would return over the chaotic situation I am tangled in.

As I kept wandering in my thoughts, I wasn't able to realize that we were inside the hospital building. I wasn't able to roam the hospital back then since I had no reason to be in one. However, based on the floor tiles and the bright LED lights of the hospital, it was a prestigious one, perhaps comparable to Makati Hospital Center, one of the biggest private Hospitals in Makati. The interior of the buildings was close to the said hospital. The MHC was quite big and had a business vibe on it. The glass window panes, the lighting setup, the escalators, the maple walls finished by a coating, which was the wall background on the reception area. It resembled a business office more than a hospital.

We reached the center area, which I assume was the reception area before we took a left turn that led us to a hallway with numerous offices beside us. We continued to march towards the end of the hall. Sergeant Retuerma opened the door, Colonel Caballero. I entered the office where I saw Lieutenant Ballard sitting on a chair facing the table. When the door closed, Lieutenant Ballard quickly stood up, faced towards us, and gave the Colonel and me; a firm salute.

The Colonel nodded as Lieutenant Ballard relaxed,Colonel Caballero moved towards the table while I remained standing near the doorway. Based on the appearance, I quickly assumed that the office we were in was a former doctor's office. The walls were painted white, and the floorings were white vinyl with visible signs of weariness. The white lights were LED, which provided excellent lighting to the room. The center is a steel table with neatly arranged folders and papers. Colonel Caballero's chair was a leather doctor's chair, which looked comfortable. On her left side was a flag of the Philippine Federation, and on the center was an emblem of the State of Laguna. When the Colonel reached her table, she ordered Lieutenant Ballard to sit. I was preoccupied about a particular object within the left area where I was standing; above the table, there was a photograph of a handsome young man with thick wavy hair, handsome nose, strong jaw and brown eyes. The photo of the young man was quite familiar as if there was a familiar feeling. Still, I wasn't able to describe, preoccupied with the thought. I blocked everything around me as I kept digging inside my mind. However, it was interrupted when the voice of Colonel Caballero crashed into my thoughts.

"HEY! Are you listening? I told you to fucking sit-down." Colonel Caballero ordered as she was glaring at me with her mad look. I complied as soon as she finished speaking.

"As I was saying, Lieutenant Ballard, I am putting you in charge of a new unit under your base. According to Governor's orders, the State of Laguna's Intel Division Alpha Unit shall be reporting directly to you. They are an auxiliary unit that is responsible for the intelligence-gathering around our area. Any reports will be passed on to you, and you will report it to me directly." Colonel Caballero explained I wasn't paying much attention to what the other shit she was saying.

I only started to pay attention when I began to be involved.

"This civilian shall be signed directly to the Alpha Unit, it is under the Governor's recommendation. Your report regarding his activity was the basis, I hope you were honest about it." Colonel Caballero said, "As per his rank, he was given the rank Agent, which is neither higher nor lower than any enlisted ranks of the Army. Only NCOs can issue commands. We may be able to augment them with any available units we have. They are also given access to supplies under the approval of the commanding officer, which is you, Lieutenant."

"Understood, Ma'am." Lieutenant Ballard replied.

"Agent Jack Roberts, you are now under the command of Lieutenant Ballard. Try not to do anything idiotic." Colonel Caballero said, "Do you both have any questions?"

"No, ma'am." Lieutenant Ballard and I replied in unison,

"Very well. You both are dismissed." Colonel Caballero said as she picked up a folder beside her table.

I followed Lieutenant Ballard as we exited the office of Colonel Caballero.

The kind lieutenant led the way as I paced behind her, I was bothered by the young man I saw in the Colonel's office. He was very familiar to me, but I couldn't determine where I had seen the young man. I was trying hard to recollect where I had seen him when my attention was caught by Lieutenant Ballard.

"Agent Roberts, are you listening to what I am saying?" Lieutenant Ballard asked, "You seem troubled, is everything okay?"

"Yes, Lieutenant. I am okay." I replied

"It's okay to feel scared, you know. The duty you’ve been given was quite dangerous and difficult.Don't worry, you are not going to be alone in this fight." Lieutenant Ballard reassured,

"Thanks, Lieutenant. I am humbled by this assignment. Although I am quite bothered about my father's well-being, I hope you'd understand my situation."

"I do, I fully understand the situation you are in." Lieutenant Ballard sympathized, "I assure you, I will allow you to conduct an investigation regarding your father's whereabouts. However, I must prioritize any Nexus-related operations. Is that clear Agent?"

"Affirmative, Lieutenant Ballard." I responded,

"Good, Let's go. The 17th Infantry Division is looking forward to meeting you." Lieutenant Ballard said,

We marched towards the hallway, there was an urge to inquire regarding my equipment and my car. Initially, I held out, but the longer we walked, the lesser I held on resisting. Eventually, I asked her about it.

"Oh, Colonel Caballero said you had my things, may I ask where they are?" I asked respectfully,

"They are at the armory; Technical Sergeant Jean Murphy was in-charge for safekeeping. Apparently, after you saved their lives, they hid your equipment and your car, so the high command won't confiscate it." Lieutenant Ballard explained.

"Oh I see, I guess I'll have to thank everyone. Although I could find Tech Sergeant Murphy, I hope he wasn't bothered by this."

"It's a she; I'll just accompany you to the offices so you'll be familiar with the area. The North Outpost is now your command center, Agent."

As the realization sank in, it was official that I am a part of the operations here. Although I must fulfill my goal, for my goal does not change. I have to find a clue about the location of my father no matter what it takes. The objectives of the Government of the State of Laguna and my interests align with each other for now. Still, if the stakes demanded me to take a side and even worse as betraying the State and the people I am called to serve with, I would not hesitate to do so just to accomplish my goal.

Even as I was thinking of betraying the State to whoever requires me to do so. The thought of Anastasia vanished such thoughts; her smile was alluring and a sight to behold. At the same time, her charm was one-of-a-kind. I could never accurately describe her beauty, but it always amazed me every time. I was thinking about her when I failed to realize we were already at our destination.

We entered a room with a few familiar faces; Sergeant Retuerma, Private Laminers, Corporal Prater, and Corporal Moore were present.

"Squad, let me introduce you to our first civilian operative, Agent Jack Roberts of the Militia Recon Corps."