Let the Plan, Commence

See things from another perspective? What does that mean? Was that supposed to be a hint or something? He left me hanging without any clear information that might help with the plan. Why did the warden somehow get mixed in this? I have heard that the warden doesn't present his face in this prison. And every person who had gossiped about the reasons why he doesn't expose his face had a different point of view.

The warden was once a war veteran hired by the head of this prison to discipline the inmates. Although because of an unfortunate event that had happened during the war early in the 1960s. His face was gravely damaged, that he felt ashamed letting other people see him. That's one of the many reasons I heard from other inmates.

Due to Xavier's experience, rumors cannot be trusted because of their sources. Although it may be a branch of the truth that was twisted by other people. Piecing it all like a puzzle will be difficult because you need to determine the root or the starting body of everything. The best decision to make is to approach the warden personally.

That way, not only would I be able to know the truth behind the rumors, but also find the answer to why he somehow got connected to Mazuko. Tomorrow would be my free time since I have finished my duty today. Might as well rest for a couple of days since thirty days is a long time. Besides, if I keep on investigating, asking inmates around every day.

Mazuko might notice that something is happening here. Not only would that put a lot of us in unexpected danger. But that would also take away Xavier and me a chance to achieve liberty. Better return to my cell, and probably rest for a whole week, then better resume the investigation phase.

-One week has passed-

That rest is very well deserved, although all I did for the whole week was doing a workout, head to the cafeteria, and have a meal three times a day. After three years of imprisonment that was supposed to be Xavier, the whole week that passed was the rest I could never ask for again. Well, back to investigating the connection of the warden to Mazuko.

The advice that the old man gave me was actually quite helpful. I tried to expect and speculate many possible outcomes that might lead to the reason he was suddenly involved with Mazuko. Pieces of information were found while I was resting for the week. I did not entirely use my time resting but actually observed Mazuko's movements.

His liberty to leave and enter the prison as he pleases might be the answer to the connection between the warden and him. Further investigation is needed because speculations wouldn't aid us in the upcoming trial inside the court. The utmost requirement to acquire the last laugh on the court is concrete evidence.

Seeking this evidence with only limited resources is like a vicious cycle. You may find one piece of evidence that some may think concrete. However, that might be just the tip of an iceberg. What you see is only the beginning, and the real problem starts as you dive deeper into the sea.

After being imprisoned for three years here, I have lost touch with the date. What keeps me going is counting the days that are left in Xavier's sentence. However, it might be better to keep in mind the date.

"Xavier, come with me for a sec. There is something that we need to talk about," Abe suddenly appeared outside my cell, seeking my presence.

"Alright, I'll meet you there," I responded.

"Wait a minute, what day is today?" I added to my response.

"It's January 4th of the year 2020. Why did you ask?" He answered with a puzzled look on his face.

Months left before my fourth anniversary in being imprisoned. Because Xavier was given the verdict of ten to fifteen years imprisonment back in the middle of the winter. Which is last December 21 of the year 2016. Still haven't reached half of my sentence, but there is still a little hope left. Ten to fifteen years of prison no more. Reach for the good side of the person implementing the decision of pardon and then greetings freedom.

"Nah, it's nothing. I'll meet you there in ten minutes," I responded as I fell out of touch with reality for about thirty seconds.

"Well, see you later at the place," Abe responded, then went on his way.

-Ten minutes have passed-

"Hey, Abe. Come here, I have to tell you something," I asked Abe when I arrived at the place.

"Oh, what's up? Actually, I also need to tell you something. However, before we proceed with our conversation. Let's stop calling this place the place but rather call it Utopia," he responded with a suggestion for the name of this place.

"Well, the name of the place doesn't really matter. So I'll just accept the name since it does fit this place well. Anyway, I have some exquisite news for you. These last few weeks, I have discovered something that might benefit us if we file a lawsuit against Mazuko," my response that quite piqued the interest of Abe.

"What do you mean? Is this about the scheme that we're planning last time? That's also the reason why I wanted to discuss something with you. Yes, I know that you don't want others to be involved in this plan of yours without knowing the chances that we'll succeed while the outcome is still directed towards failure. However, you are doing this for the sake of us. It is only out of respect that we support you in any way possible," Determined, Abe offered the help of everyone.

"Although, we must let them know what we are scheming. More participants mean more trouble-free we can seek various information throughout the whole prison. The problem is, will everyone who uses Utopia would accept taking the risk without any certainty that we'll succeed? Just like what you have stated," my defense to what Age recommended.

"Nevertheless, it will be easier to convince them once you tell them about the information you have gathered alone. They'll probably feel indebted to you once we tell them how you have suffered just to help us achieve our freedom. Whether you like it or not, I'll persuade each and one of them until everybody joins out of their own accord," bewildered by his response.

Why do I keep on acting like a lonely man on an island? We may not all be friends and only acquaintances, still why every time someone approaches me and offers their help, I keep on pushing them away? Maybe because I refuse to undergo the same pain that Xavier experienced. Maybe I am anxious that some of them might hurt me. The mere fact that I want the image of the world that I have seen to remain the same.

Three years and still I don't fully understand Xavier's pain. Because I was not the one who experienced it first hand, but what if the moment comes that I must decide. Will I keep on being someone kind like how Xavier did? Or should I cross a different road and be the person who can protect himself? Fear of betrayal and the cruelty of the world, this might be the first time that I question my decision.

However, to overcome everything that constructs fear. Trust is the most essential way to achieve peace of mind.

"Alright, you win. But first, let me tell you what I discovered about Mazuko. Do you know the warden without the face?" the question that removed the smile in our faces.

"The warden managing these places? The one who has many kinds of rumors? If you meant that warden, then I most probably know a thing or two about him. Why do you ask?" his answer to my question.

"That warden that you know is somehow connected with Mazuko. This came from a reliable source, so you can rest assured that this is not just pure speculation. However, I still don't know what kind of connection the two of them share because I took a short break to not raise any suspicions. He moves cautiously which makes it extremely challenging to spy on him," the response I have stated as I explain the information that I have gathered last week.

"Although I have prepared again something that might assist us in this. This is where you and the others will enter. We only have at least twenty-five days to gather more knowledge and discover the connection between the two. I need all the help I can get but this might put your lives in danger also. Mazuko is not an easy man to play, because I have fought with him last time. Two meters tall, with a big build and plenty of men. Plus the backing of the person who manages the place," I added to my response.

"We cannot win against him in terms of violence, but in the name of the law. We still have a chance to succeed, and therefore if we can determine the relationship between them. It will not only bring down Mazuko, but it can probably be our only ticket to freedom. So what do you say? Shall we persuade people in the Utopia?" I added to my response.

"I like the idea, then let the plan commence," he responded cheerfully.