Wake me up in 2395

Chapter 20: A Secret Meeting with Chun Lee [Part 1]

Chapter 20: A Secret Meeting with Chun Lee [Part 1]

When Lag has finally returned to his chamber, that is also the time that I decided to leave a self-destructing message or timed message to Mayor Chun Lee, however, I did not know how to start and I do not really know the right words to say—I am still flabbergasted, and surprised. But still, the fact that he trusted me with this dark secret of his meant that he holds me in high esteem and regard, I do not know why and how, but I know this man is not someone who just risks without guarantee that it is worth it. What did he see in me which is worthy of being exposed himself as a traitor of the Union, a rebel, and member of the ROSE Society?

It was already night time too and it has been hours already since the explosion at the Capitol, Central Square, of Imperium Capital. I decided, for the first time, to open the hologram television of the room and all that is just being broadcasted is the event that happened a few hours ago. There is only one channel too, so I had no choice but to indulge on whatever it is that was being transmitted.

“The Anti-Union has finally made themselves known as the ROSE Society, there are still no leads as to whoever are these terrorists that has managed to infiltrate Imperium Capital. Drastic measures are already taken though in order to identity these enemies of the Union.” A news reporter said. Since everyone is already aware of the existence of the ROSE Society, they had no choice but to put it into coverage since they cannot lie their way out of this. Now, the Union’s impenetrable reputation has been tarnished. Many people will surely think they are not that invincible all along. I know for a fact that what happened a few hours ago has made other people too, to be more motivated and encouraged, to join in the movement.

“These terrorists bombed the Capitol of the Imperium Capital and thankfully, there were no casualties. No one died in the bombing incident as it seems like the Capitol was locked and the access was restricted for no apparent reasons. Whoever bombed the building clearly did not want anyone to die... However, there were people outside and near the Capitol who were injured by debris, but they have already undergone immediate healthcare. Thus, the question on the motive and the objective of the ROSE Society. But to draw a conclusion, it seems like this opposition organization wants to send a concrete message to the Union.” The newscaster stated after a few seconds. “The Empress, however, has announced that the Bicentennial Foundation Week of the Imperium Union shall still push through despite the current status quo and situation as halting it shall also be like a way of giving the enemy what they want, she argued.”

It was just a recap of whatever it is that I lived through the entire day. I sighed and decided to put off the hologram, and there was silence. I looked at Pantaleon who was now in Sleep Mode, and I decided to twist my M-ring from my ring finger, and a hologram popped out, I went to the message option and chose Chun Lee as the recipient.

Primrose: Let’s talk.

I sent that, and I was not expecting a fast reply since a minute later, Chun replied.

Chun: Okay. Let’s meet up?

Primrose: Where?

Chun: Your place or mine?

Primrose: Mine.

Chun: Floor and room number.

Primrose: 78th, 1802.

Chun: I’ll be there in a few minutes.

And with that, I waited. Hindi ko alam pero bahagyang bumilis ang pintig ng aking puso. I know I should not trust easily, and I have learned that lesson pretty hard myself. Kaya nga nandito ako sa mundong ito ngayon dahil nagtiwala ako sa maling tao, which is why I have to see things for myself and evaluate it, and I have to be cautious at the same time towards Chun. While he did entrust his identity to me, with the risk of being exposed by just making sure I was safe, I still do not know his initial and primary motives. There is always a motivation to every action.

I have to make sure as well that this meeting with Chun will be confidential and a secret, not a soul shall know, not even Lag. I guess this is the perfect application of Lag’s teaching to me too, that the less I talk, the less mistake. Iyon nga lang, sa kaniya mismo magaganap ang aplikasyon. It was for his own good too, I do not want to involve him with my affairs, lalong-lalo na at sobrang dami nang naitulong ni Lag sa akin. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang estado ko ngayon sa mundong ito kundi dahil kay Lag. He gave me identity and everything else. This is the least thing I can do for him... It makes me feel bad too that I somehow am wary of him as well, because he is connected to the Astarria family, after all...

It was not so long after when I heard the room’s bell to ring, an indication that someone is outside. Agad akong tumakbo papunta sa entrada at binuksan ang pinto, bumungad agad sa akin si Chun, kasama ang isang babae. “This is Delilah,” pagpapakilala niya sa magandang babae. The woman smiled at me, as if the idea of meeting me pleased her. She wore a black leather jacket and leather pants, somehow reminding me of the Black Widow too of Marvel Cinematic Universe. Her hair was pixie-cut, and her eyes were outlined sharp, making her look formidable and intimidating. Her smile seems out of place with such intense and sophisticated look.

“I am Primrose,” I introduced myself to the girl.

“I know,” she chuckled. “I watched your video with the Empress. You really slayed her real good.” Mukhang napansin niya ang pagtataka sa aking mukha at bumuntong-hininga naman si Chun.

“I somehow managed to get a footage of the Dining Hall at the Imperium Stronghold... And we were able to watch your heated discussion with the Empress. I apologize now for somehow invading your privacy, but I just had to know whether we can trust you or not...”

Now that he said it, it all made sense.

“So, you made yourself known to me because you already had a guarantee that I am not a loyal subject of the Union.” I almost whispered. It did not surprise me anymore. Gaya ng sinabi ko kanina, kung wala siyang kasiguraduhan, hindi siya basta-bata gagawa ng ‘risk’ para sa isang bagay. He knew I was worth it, and he knew it because he saw how I fried the Empress with nothing but the unfiltered and vulgar truth.

Tumango si Chun, “so, are you not going to let us in?” He asked after.

I chuckled, “aight, come in.”

Tuluyan na silang pumasok sa kuwarto ko at awtomatikong nagsara ang pinto. Hindi na ako nagdalawang-isip pa, at nang kaming lahat ay nasa salas na ng kuwarto ay sinabi ko na agad sa kanila ang isa sa mga tanong na nais kong malaman nila.

“What is the ROSE Society?”