Informant

Lipis City, Kidawan Province

Morong Region, Republic of Verlusia

December 29, 2021 C.T.

"Intelligence reports of terrorist activity within the region. It is your job to investigate such claims and gather evidences. If indeed the rumors are true, we will need to inform Central Command. That's all, dismissed!"

Two men in undercover disembarked themselves from a black van outside the city. The two were assets of the Central Intelligence Command under the Department of Defense. One of the men looked like a native of the region. He is brown skinned, five foot in height and bulky. His companion was the same but three inches taller.

"Amir!" A person called the bulky man.

"Oh! It is Omar." The bulky man said to his companion.

Omar is one of the military assets assigned to meet with the two Intelligence assets. He looks disappointed with the looks of the two. They seem to be inexperienced with the job and from their actions alone, a dead giveaway to the enemy.

"Are you sure the Intelligence sent their best guys for this job?" Omar said to the two.

The two looked at each other, puzzled at Omar's words. It is certain that the two were inexperienced which caused Omar to be worried not only for his safety but to the two as well.

"I cannot have you two join me in this mission." Omar said after he looked at them from head to foot.

"This is our orders. We cannot just sit this one out!" The companion of the bulky man said.

"I am Ernesto by the way..." The companion said to Omar. Omar told him to stop talking.

"Shhhh! They may hear you." Omar said and signaled the two to follow him to his hideout.

The three had a twenty minute walk as they navigated the city to prevent anyone from following them. They finally reached their hideout in a small abandoned house.

Inside were armed men gathering, they paused and looked at their guests after they entered the door. The two government agents felt uncomfortable as they navigate the house where their asset leads them.

The person they were looking for is in the farthest table to the left. The two tried to hide their emotions as they approached. The person they are looking for wore a turban in his head. He is heavily bearded and were surrounded by his colleagues who are armed with any firearms they had.

Omar looked on the two and signals them to calm down and to follow him. The two realized if they fail the mission, it is over for them both their careers and their lives. They would better tread with caution.

Two of the armed men approached Omar and the two government agents. They signaled the three to stop and check them of their possessions. Omar was first frisked and stripped of his weapons. After him the two government agents were next.

Seeing the lack of experience of the two, he realized that he needs to improvise in order for their covers not be blown. Omar bows down to the leader in front of the table and the two followed suit.

"Greetings brother, I come with my initiates." Omar said and introduced them.

The leader stood up and replied with a gesture. The armed men left them which gave Omar the feeling of slight relief. The same with the two as well. Two of the trusted associates of the leader stood up and looked on the two.

"You've bought fine men with you Ibrahim!" The leader said as he sat down.

Omar spoke in Tamil and replied to him, "I know, but they are still green. I am here about the information of this new colleague of yours."

The leader looked at Omar seriously. From his expression it shows that he is displeased of what Omar said to him. The leader stood up and slowly approached Omar from his seat.

"It is not advisable you speak of the matters from the "Organization" in such a place." The leader said to Omar.

"It is fine, they are loyal. I tested it!" Omar assured him.

"Loyalty is out of the question, but you should have known your place. Ibrahim!"

"Masoud, my brother. I am sorry but I need your help!" Omar looks at the two behind of him.

"Are they what they think they are?" Masoud asked Omar.

Omar nodded and then looks at the two. Masoud placed his left palm on his face with his face etched of disbelief. From the looks of the two he already knew they were green. He signaled something to Omar and walked away.

Omar looked at the two then told them to follow him. Masoud left his two subordinates and went to a room inside the house. As he enters the room he told the people who were sleeping there to leave. After that Omar and the two government agents followed.

The two government agents covered their noses as they endured the pungent smell of the room. Masoud opened the lights and then closed the door as they entered.

"What are you thinking!?" Masoud confronted Omar.

"They are the best that the government can provide brother!" Omar replied.

"I can only give them menial tasks, hoping that they can hold their tongues and control themselves. The leaders have been strict and ruthless recently."

"What do you mean?" Omar was surprised in his brother's words.

"They are planning for a surprise attack. An organization of traitors, I am yet to know the name of their organization. Only those close to this man named "Enrique" have access to information that I do not know." Masoud said to Omar.

The two government agents were in disbelief of what they heard. In learning of the plot that is uncovered unto them. One of the government agents tried to talk but was stopped by Masoud.

"Careful, there are spies around. There are many eyes that see and ears that hear. You two, you are to act as deaf and mute. I have tasks for you." Masoud continued.

The two nodded in reply and Omar talked to Masoud once more. "There is still one question I have to ask."

Masoud looked at Omar and replied, "What it is brother?"

Omar took a picture of a Verlusian woman, Masoud looked surprised as he identified the woman as one of their agents. He replied to him and said.

"That was Julia Anna! She was killed days ago. I hear from an informant that someone took her place."