Chapter 12: Conspiracy

The "Father" is a leader of a well known criminal syndicate. He is also one of the most powerful men in the world by holding vast wealth and influence and was once a member of the international organization: Hydra, before going rogue. To him the organization limited him of his potential. Enrique decided to have an audience with him because he not only need an advise but also assistance for his future plans.

Enrique in the room was waiting for minutes before an old man in his sixties arrives. He takes off his coat and hangs it in a coat rack. Despite his age he looks healthy and fit and stands at least five foot and nine inches. He also looks younger than his age and wears a reasonable mustache. He sits before Enrique before him.

"It has been a long time Erick or should we say Enrique." Says the father.

Enrique unfazed by the man before him replied, "It is indeed a long time, Father!"

The Father then stood up and let out a loud laugh, he grabs a glass of whiskey and gulps it down. "You haven't changed, but whatever business you have must be important. I heard you did reckless things on your way here."

"Those are just merely distractions for my main objective." Enrique said in reply.

"What objective do you wish to do?" The Father asked.

Enrique clears his throat and then replies to him and said, "Ever hear the plot of Waray? I am sure you are familiar with Colonial Easting history?" He asks in addition.

"What about it?"

"You see, I wish to do what this country did ages ago had failed to. Have you remembered the short occupation of the Kingdom of Hispania? I would wish to do the same with..."

"You are not saying?"

"Yes, I wish to overthrow the inefficient, incompetent and pretentious fools in the government and start a revolution. That way, with the help of some allies we could create an empire." Enrique concluded his statement.

The Father bursts out in laughter in hearing of his plans. He knows how ridiculous Enrique sounds in his words and replied to him, "You must be out of your senses Enrique. I thought you have at least common-sense in how you fight your battles. I cannot help you, I am sorry, even I have not the resources you wish to help you."

"But you can convince "him"! Can you?" Enrique added.

Hearing this, the father's face suddenly turned serious and looks at him. "You are not saying that you wish for Roman Villamor to return to the country?"

"I want him to join my cause!" Enrique said to him and stood up with a serious look in his face.

"If you want to play a revolution, you can do it without me! I only deal with syndicates and lucrative deals. Not change a nation's destiny. Your friends in Slavia or in Qina can help but I have associates in Easting that are too profitable to loose!" The Father disagreed with him.

"Hear me out, I did not meet the politburo but the premier of the United Republics of Qina himself!"

The father was shocked in what Enrique just said, to meet with the premier is not a thing anyone can do.

"It is true, we discussed a lot of things. One of them is regime change. We have seen how hypocritical those Hydra scums are. They are the embodiment which we wish to eradicate in this world. They believe that by their meddling have helped shape the world. But in reality, they have made it worse!" Enrique bursts in anger.

"We can eliminate Hydra first." The Father suggested which was disagreed by Enrique.

"We can deal with them later. All I wish is to destroy first what matters most to them." Enrique suggested and sat down.

"Very well..." The Father clears his throat and then continues to speak, "I shall do something about Roman Villamor."

"Thank you!" Enrique thanks the man before him.

"Do not fail this one!" The Father said to him.

"I shall not!" Enrique replies.

Meanwhile, in the mountainous regions of the Bisaya region. Armed men visited a remote village. They were looking for recruits among their supporters in the area. A huge built but short man with an assault rifle arrives in the area. He is the leader of their group that arrived in the village. Aside from scouting for recruits they also ask for supplies like food from the local population. The locals happily supports their cause due to mistreatment, corruption and poverty they experienced from the government which they call as unjust.

The short man was greeted by the elder of the village and had a small talk with him. He is invited to his small hut made of bamboo and sat in the floor. "Feliciano, it is such a long time since we talked. How have you been?"

"I have been from the city, Patrino, gathering intelligence and potential recruits." Feliciano replied to the old man Patrino.

A lady appears before them with a tray of food and water for the guest and the elder. She left after she places the tray in the floor of the bamboo hut. The two continued their talk afterwards with Patrino talking first.

"That is Camille, she is turning eighteen this year. I hear you are looking for a partner."

"Thanks but I am currently focusing myself in the movement. The government is making a big mistake with its policies and the people, dissatisfied. It is about time before people will start to join our cause once more!" Feliciano said confidently.

"You better calm down once in a while Feliciano. Your health and life matters, without you balancing yourself the plan will not gain any fruition." Patrino replied worried about him.

"Do not worry about me, I know what I am doing." Feliciano said reassuringly.

"How is the city by the way? I hear that the attacks of the cities in the Bangsamoro region may include us in the martial law." Patrino asked Feliciano.

Feliciano chuckles and replies to Patrino, "Old man, you do not have to worry. Despite the fact that the military have been involved in their clearing operations in our place. There is no martial law declared. It is only the region of Bangsamoro that is under martial law."

"Is that so?" Patrino sighs in relief.

"Indeed it is!" Feliciano said and stood up.

"I hear that Roman Villamor will be returning soon." Patrino suddenly said.

"How did you know?" Feliciano surprised suddenly faced him.

"I hear of rumors recently. If that will be the case, he will unite the movement once more."

Hearing of what the old man said Feliciano shook his head. He may have been a loyal supporter and have worked hard for the movement but hearing of this made him disagree. For someone who had failed and imposed a self-exile for himself. He does not wish to work and serve under a movement lead by a failed leader.

"You do not look well upon hearing of Roman? Why is that?" Patrino puzzles in Feliciano's reaction.

"I do not wish to serve or work with him. Countless of our members have fought for their ideals. They have fought without that failure you call as a leader!" Feliciano bursts in anger.

"You may hate the person but without figures like him. This movement and the ideals that you fought for will be for naught. Remember, that you are saved by him."

"That is what you believe..." Feliciano sighs and decides to end their chatter and left the elder's house.

The elder who looks worried about him follows him to console him.

"I am fine, I have just over-reacted myself. I should know of my place..." Feliciano replied to him.

After their small talk, Feliciano's men began to move out. They began to move to the next village to seek for more supplies and recruits. The news of Roman Villamor's return however does not bring any joy to the man. Despite of that he follows his principles and ideals for the cause that he fights.