1 Prologue: Signs of Times

Port Narcisco Maximo: Pier 3

City of Francisco, Bisaya Region

May 20, 2021 C.Y.

2100 Hours

The temperature is hot and humid despite of the hour of the night. The last ferry is about to depart from the port and last calls for boarding has been made. Three men in their early twenties rushed into their designated ferry. With them are their heavy luggage and backpacks for their whole trip, which is the reason for their delay. Fortunately for them, they arrived and boarded in the nick of time.

They were panting and sweating hard and they sigh in relief. They thought that they may miss the last trip that night. Their destination was to the Bangsamoro region to the south. It is one of the largest islands in the country next to Lusong to the north. Despite all of its potential, development still elude the region because of its peace and order situation.

The three are excited to visit their families for the fiesta in the city of Infante at the end of the month. Inside the ferry the three proceeded to their rooms, it may not be the best of rooms they can afford, but at least it could accommodate them. Breakfast is free and will be served in the morning however the dinner is not and may be bought at the cafeteria.

One of the young men was hungry, the guy in the baseball cap. He asked permission from his friend that he will be going out to the cafeteria to eat.

"Go ahead Jose but don't be late, we still have things to discuss." Juan absorbed in his games replied.

After being granted permission from his friend, Jose went downstairs in a hurry. His hunger was on his mind as he rushed downstairs. As he continued near the stairs he bumped at a young army officer in the hallway who unintentionally blocked his way.

"Ouch!" Jose grunted as he was thrown to the ground.

"Sorry, I did not know that I was blocking your path. Are you alright?" The young officer asked.

"I am fine, I too did not pay attention. I apologize!" Jose replied to the officer and stood up.

Jose continued on his way downstairs and headed to the cafeteria, only to see a lot of people there. The queue seems to be too long and the servers are overwhelmed as they serve the passenger their meals. He seems to have no choice but to join the queue and wait up for his turn.

Jose looks to the television while waiting. He watched the news but was disinterested with the banter of politicians. Local news was no better for broadcasting negative and disheartening information. He turns away to look at his surroundings. Everyone seems to be having a good time and are enjoying their meals. The chatter of the people are filling up in the cafeteria.

While looking around a lady approaches Jose from behind standing a meter away from him.

"Is this the line for the next queue?" She asked him.

Jose turns back and was surprised to see a beautiful lady talking to him. Judging from her appearance she looks foreign. Her pale complexion, golden hair and blue eyes with her tall stature is attribute that most women in his country does not posses.

"I am sorry is there something on my face?" The lady asks Jose who was staring at her.

"No, I am sorry, I am the last in line. My name is Jose by the way, Jose Montecarlo!" The young man begin his advances to the lady in front of him.

"Oh, thanks! I am Louise Trinity, a tourist! I will visit the island of Bangsamoro to see the Lake Nasugbo. I hear it is quite a spectacle to see!" She replied to him excited about her planned trip and was ignoring his advances.

Hearing this, Jose was worried about her safety and said, "Lake Nasugbo is far south. Only few has been there, not even the locals despite of its beauty would like to go."

"Why is that?" Louise sounds puzzled in the young man's statement.

While the two were talking the same young military officer whom Jose met earlier interrupted them. He calls the attention of the lady before him and looks at Jose and went between them.

"I am Noel Miller and this is my fiancee." The soldier extend his hand and introduces himself to Jose.

Jose felt intimidated but calmed himself down complied and returned the handshake.

"I am Jose Montecarlo, I am traveling with my friends to the City of Infante. You must be familiar with the festival during the end of this month." Jose said after he introduced himself.

"Oh, the festival! I think we should go to the city of Infante first my dear!" The lady hearing what Jose said told her fiance.

"We shall go and enjoy the festival together my love. It is fun and lively during the end of the month, I am sure we will have a good time there!" Miller smiled while he replies to her..

The two continued to chatter while the disappointed Jose turned away from them. He glanced a the television and froze in what he saw. A newsflash just broadcast an urgent incident that happened in the Bangasamoro region. Hearing of the news, all the people inside the cafeteria went silent. They were all attentive to the broadcaster that was announcing the recent happenings in the neighboring City of Dalisi in the region.

"We would like to interrupt this program for an important news. As of today May 20, 2021 C.Y., 2150 hours. the City of Dalisi is under attack by unknown armed men. Local government forces are responding to the attacks and are defending the city. Civilians are advised to stay indoors for their safety as of the moment. Martial Law is declared to the entire region of Bangsamoro because of the attacks..."

As the broadcaster continued the news, Jose took his phone and contacted his friend. "Juan, did you hear the news?"

Juan replied to his friend on the phone and said, "I know, this is a bummer. The festival may be postponed this year due to the attacks."

"As of 2200 hours, a group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. The group calls themselves the Zealots of God, a fanatic terror cell who wishes to gain International support. They claim to be affiliated with the terrorists from the self-proclaimed Caliph in the continent of Arabia.

The newscaster continued the broadcast.

People who have families in the city inside the ferry were worried because of the attack. They may have family members or relatives that are caught in the conflict. Miller comforts his fiancee who was worried of the recent news.

"Don't worry dear, this is just an isolated attack. This will not take long, once peace and order situation returns to normal we can continue our vacation." Miller assures his fiancee.

"I wonder what happens now?" Jose asked himself looking at the ceiling. Worried about the safety of his family in the city.