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Location : HQ Building

               After meeting Jack, Cpt. Jonathan strolled back to his working area, which is the Intelligence Room, with can drinks, hot coffee and tea for the men on shift. On his way, he saw Cpt. Karen and called on her. To her, she had almost forgotten who he was until he reminded her about Jack and him at the canteen. She tried not to talk long because she was busy with the incoming and outgoing OC (Officer-in-Command) task. And she was carrying a paper box with both hands, inside which had some of her office items in it. She bid him goodbye and continued her way to VTW (Vocational Training Wing) 's OC Office. So Jonathan also went off.

               Back at his office, his new subordinates greeted him and informed him of intelligence. Under him was two LTA (Full-Lieutenant) and 7 Spec. (Specialist) - a 1SG (1st Sergeant), a 2SG (2nd Sergeant), and 5 3SG (3rd Sergeant) ; two Signal trained, two Intelligence, the last guys attended both Signal and Intelligence. All of them were regulars and all the time the things they do is to collect the updates of the lates possible threats that might be against this small little nation. Twenty-four seven and they were changing shifts once a day.

               The officer on shift today is LTA Yang Ren, 1SG Joshua Tong Guo Wei, 3SG Khoo Jian Hao, 3SG Koh Foo Hao. Each shift will at least have a Signal and Intelligence trained specialist. Lta. Yang brought up a CD disc to Cpt. Jonathan. The CD contains some updates on the reigion's terror threats and neighbour country updates. Cpt. Jonathan took the CD and insert it into a computer to get a readings on the files, then he sat on his own chair. On the other side, Lta. Yang pointed out a very interesting voice conversation he had got into. There was distortion in the conversation in English:

               "Mr. Fairaz, I've receieved .... .... on your interest ... .... ... ... warheads from me."A Korean tanner voice of English spoken.
               "Yes, the price... .... ...., but I ... .. .. ..  warheads .... ... .. .. ... ... .. . ..  is sent to you,"
               "... ... ...of course, Mr Fairaz. .... .. . ... ... ... .. some time .. .. .... ..... ..... ..."
               "I ... ....have .... ... time to .. .... .... it, you ... .. ... .. Mr Pyong."
               "... .. .. . I'm sorry Mr ... ...., you'll.. ... ...  to .. .. .... ..some time, how .. .... .. ..  months?
               "That .. ... ...  be great..." said the voice on the receving side.

               "Where did you get this?" Cpt. Jonathan asked in demand staring at the computer screen.
               "It's the region near the very South of Philphines," said Lta. Yang standing in attention. "The Korean voice you heard is a Northern Korean man name Mr Pyong. He's a supplier in the black market. On the other side is a man name, Ahmad Fairaz Bin Ozman."
               "I known of this Fairaz guy." Jonathan replied starting to cool down his temper and telling Lta. Yang what he knew about this guy. "He was the suspect that was involve of seperating East Timor from Indonesia during May 2002, but out of his expectation, the East Timor's goverment system did not go with his way. Then he starts to turn his attention onto the Philipines and got the Rebels to work for him to build his own Muslim world."
               "It seems you'd got this guy all detailed into your database, Sir." Lta. Yang said starting to get curious about Ahmad Fairaz.
               "Not that I want, but he is in our security records." Cpt. Jonathan repied. "Take a sit." Lta. Yang then sat opposite to Cpt. Jonathan. "He was involve in the plannings to boom Yishun MRT by giving those guys advice on how to do it. And we'd got those guys involve caught yet, not the one who is the real mastermind behind." Jonathan take out a styrofoam cup which was filled with coffee. Then opens the lid and pour one tube of sugar into it. "He was well trained under Al-Qaeda hands. His ideas of creating his own South-East Asia pleases Osama, cuz it would help to build up Osama's fight against the U.S."
               "Permission to speak, Sir."
               "Ya, what is it?"
               "If Fairaz is involve in all this, why we get him into questioning?" Lta. Yang asked.
               "Good question. It is because we'd don't want this nation to get panic that the No. 1 Terrorist in South East Asia is involve of trying to boom Yishun MRT. You got to understand what effect it produce in the society." Cpt. Jonathan looking at Lta. Yang giving him a satisfied answer.
               "I kinda understand it, Sir. South East Asia's No. 1 Terrorist is trying to terrorize our country. This would create a fear through out."
               "Yes. Keeping our country safe has a very high price which will even hidding some truth underhand. Still, we'll have to track what is Fairaz going to do with those warheads." Jonathan turns his attention back to his computer screen. "Do you have any idea how many he'd purchase and what is the purpose of use them?"
               "No Sir, but we'll keep track of it." Lta. Yang hoping that would a good answer to his superior."
               "I know you will." Cpt. Jonathan said very confidently.

Location : 23rd SA Canteen, Khatib Camp

               Jonathan and Jack made their way to 23rd SA Canteen. 23rd's Canteen was in the next building, Northwest of HQ building. The two building was seperated by a one lane road which leads to the camp's main gate and covered shelter is build over the path that leads there in case of rainy days. Yet this morning was a bright, shinny day and it was a good time for training for the men out there.

               When they reach the canteen, they had manage to settle on a table that had just finish serving its last host - there was empty glasses and plates on it with leftovers. After the venders came to clear the table for them, Jonathan went to order for drinks for Jack as well. The drink stall is manage by an old couple, who were already retires. They rented the stall to keep themselves busy working on purpose rather than retire and enjoy the life. To them, the stall is where they could make their lifes more purposful.

               Jonathan ordered two cups of milk tea and hold it by hands proceeding towards the table. As Jack starts to stir his cup, Cpt. Karen walked into the canteen after meeting with 23rd CO (Commanding Officer). She went up toward Jack and said a good morning to him and Jack introduced Jonathan to her. She bide them goodbye as she was meeting another female officer for breakfast and she was sitting one table away. "Wohoo... she doesn't look as bad as what you said Jack." Jonathan complimented.
               "I didn't said she was a terrible person," replied Jack and took a sipped. "I'd only said that she was quite blur sometimes."
               "Well, from my side, she looks good." Jonathan stiring and took a sipped of his tea.
               "Don't tell me you mean the other 'look'," Jack said with a sarcastic remark.
               "Don't get me wrong Jack, I do mean personality. Well anyway, she looks kidda cute and lovely, isn't she?"
               "Well..."
               "Is she seeing some guy or some persuers going on her?" Jonathan starting to get excited with the conversation. Jonathan was that class of 'won't let go of good chances' person. Like his career, he take good chances for a big leep and that what made him here today, a president scholar and was expected to be a high flyer. His relationship with Jack started during they secondary days till they part and met back in BMTC (Basic Military Training Center) where both of them were recuit, but the difference is that Jack was serving as a regular and Jonathan was not ready yet, cuz he still have a dergee to persue before he sign on with intelligence. "Jack, you haven't replied me yet."
               "Come on Jonathan, you're not serious about this aren't you?" Jack asked with a serious look on his face after another sip and put down his cup.
               "Ha ha... unless you tell me you've been dating her out," Jonathan daring him to admit.
               "I'm not dating anyone a long time Jon," Jack repiled with a frustrated look.
               "Just kidding Jack, take it easy," Jonathan trying to ease the conversation. "I'm not the type that would anyhow date with someone. You should know since BMT and in church."
               "I believe you're not." staring at him
               "Jack..." looking at Jack with a sympathy look.
               "Yeah?" He replied, looking back stiring his tea with a mouldy mood.
               "You'd haven't get over with her right, Jack?" Jonathan asked knowing part of Jack's history. "It's been years, man."
               "It's not with..."
               "Come on Jack because of one rejection, you'd gave up to love someone again?"
               "Jon..." Jack trying to reply him.
               "I'd know you're still dwelling with that problem for years even you'd not said. You and I knew it that it's not a good time to talk about the birds and the bee things during that younger age."
               "Sorry Jon," stiring his cup of tea. "I'd shouldn't have hide this burden from you."
               "It's ok Jack," Jonathan comforting his old friend. "But why?"
               "Even I, myself, don't even understand. Yet, I'd kept myself away by doing my career."
               "I know what you mean, it's been hard for you."

                Suddenly Jack's cellphone rang. He'd answered it and it was his mother. "Ah boi (Son), you're coming home tonight?"
                "Why ask, mother?" Questioning his mother as though he knows something is going to happen.
                "I've invited Auntie Xue-er and her daugther over for dinner," replied Jack's mother.
                "Spp..Pheee...." Jack almost spitting his tea out.
                "Ah Boi (Son), what happen?"
                "Nothing, I'll be busy tonight, so I might not come home," Jack trying to get the conversation off.
                "Ah Boi (Son)..." his mother trying to make him listen.
                "Sorry, mother. I got meeting later. But I won't be back for dinner, sorry," saying a quick goodbye on phone to his mother. Jack's mother had been worried for him for a long time on when will his son would settle down. The whole family was now looking upon him to get settle down with a wife ever since his second-in-line oldest cousin was married two year ago. He was the next which the family was hoping to see to get married soon.

                "Your mother, isn't it Jack?" asked Jonathan.
                "Yeh, how you know?" Jack was astonished by him.
                "Of course, your expression told me so," Jonathan said proudly after overhearing. "I also know that your mother invited some lady for dinner, am I right?
                "What the..."
                "Don't get angry Jack. See, even your mother is getting worried with you."
                "You won't understand the whole situation, Jon." Jack answered back
                "Well, I may not, but I bring a news to you." Jonathan was going to tell him another secret to surprise him again.
                "What's the hot topic?"
                "She'd just went into OCS (Officer Training School)."
                "Who?"
                "Don't play dumb with me Jack, you know..." Jonathan trying to hint him more
                "I don't like this Jon, just go straight." Jack starting to get demanding.
                "Ok.. ok.. Ling had signed on with Artillery as an officer," Jonathan repiled. "I've estimated that she'll be here at VTW (Vocation Training Wing) for course soon."
                "WHAT!?! But why? Didn't her members persueded her? Does she know that army is not a very good place for women? Why?" Jack trying to catch his own breath.
                "I know what you mean, but it's her own decision. Her father is the RSM of Artillery Training School (ARTC). You should know that."
                "So it's no escape for me now, isn't it Jon?" Jack trying to take the shock.
                "Another good news to tell you is that Daniel would be joining us in this camp soon. Around next year, he'll be holding as Bravo's new OC (Officer Commanding)."
                "That's great. And around next year after taking... eh hum... Ling's trainee's batch, you're be posted back to Alpha with Cpt. Karen."
                "Wait a minute, how you get the news so fast?" Jack was surprised.
                "Don't forget that I'm Intelligence trained. It's my profession," Jonathan with a cocky look. "It'll be great to see you and Daniel and of course your... eh hum... Cpt. Karen back to 23 again after ARTC."

                They had enjoyed the conversation it was almost half past ten. It was time back to work. For Jack, he felt great to see Cpt. Daniel, another old friend, back, yet he would have to face his past.

Location: Khatib Camp

               The starting of a new Monday morning for Cpt. Jonathan Tay, an intelligence trained officer, who had just taken his new post in Khatib camp. His appointment was known to be classified to other personals and in this camp, he answers only to the CO (Commanding Officer) of 23rd SA (Sinapore Artillery) - who is LTC. David Ang.

               It was about 7am when he entered the camp through the main gate, without much effort of inspection done on him by the RP (Regimental Police) on duty, due to a special camp pass he holds with him. The first task he did was to pay a compliment visit to the CO before knowing where to go next.

               The CO's office lies on the second level of HQ Coy. The design of the area gives a very relexing feeling at the holding area. Pots of plant filled the corners, while a small man-made pond lies on the far side of the main stairs, which most lower rank personals would shunt away from using just to avoid the CO. On the wall, which seperate the CO's office and holding area, hangs the frames of photo of previous CO of 23rd SA. Below each photo has his/her rank and name along with the time line from the incoming to outgoing and the present CO's photo frame was on the second row at the right end with his rank, name and taking over time on :

               LTC David Ang Jia Qi 2008 -

               He was a Christian. One who had his strong ground of convictions and applied what he had learned in Church into his style of leadership over the battlion. He made a clear statement that everyone is a leader in this camp and it is up to each indivisual if they can take the rod of a shepherd to lead his life. He was a man of wisdom and every sentence he said always has a reason behind of it. He too knows how to place the correct chemistry of teamwork within the regulars together and that was why he recommanded the newly promoted Cpt. Karen Ruthford and SSG Jack Lim over to VTW (Vocation Training Wing ), because their combination win awards not just for their company, but also for the battalion - like the Division intra-games and the best Artillery unit, Coy and Platoon of levels.

               When Cpt. Johnathan arrives at the office door, he knocked on the door with his nuckles. A strong vocal behind the door called him to enter. The office was a beautiful site - the left side of the door lies a glass cupboard which has photo frames, medals, awards and a polymer model of a FH2000 which is about the size of a child's toy. Most of the awards were mainly best unit of each year. At the corner end was a stand, which hangs the CO's smartest 4 and number 3 and on the right corner was a computer table which has the printer and other shelf of documents on it. The CO's desk is made of classical designed timber wood which was cover with the finest latex over the wood. The computer screen, which was forty-five degree on the right facing the CO's chair, has the latest Operating System, anti-virus softwares and tools to defend the computer from virus and even hackers. It contain alot of classified documents and top secret profiles and many more.

               The CO gave a warm welcome to Cpt. Johnathan for his posting to the unit and hope that his stay would be fruitful. After having a talk with CO, Cpt. Johnathan went to his office which was 7 doors away from CO's office. On the 6th door, it was his subordinates's working ground. Everyday they would be going in and out of different channels just to get to train and improve their skills of hacking into others channels and defusing out from it without being dectected. That was their job to keep the country updated about any possible threats that would be dealt to the country especially on the matter on terrorisum.

               Cpt. Johnathan was glad that his new office was well kept clean and it was in good condition. As he was about to sit on his office chair, a special guest appeared, "Hey John, is that you?" asked the guest.
               He turned his head around, "Hey Jack, you also in this camp?"
               "Yep, I'm now in VTW. So you're the new intelligence officer huh? Seems like the rumour around is true."
               "What rumour have you heard?"
               "Nah... it's a long story. So you've eaten breakfast?" asked Jack with a big wide smile on his face. He had never new that his best friend would be posted to this camp and since Johnathan was posted here, he was excited and glad about his arrival.

               A good morning for a 4km battalion run around Khatib Camp. It's 7.45am and the battalion is getting warm up for the morning run. The safety officer declares the morning cat status as clear till 9.45am. The Platoon Sergeant of Alpha Platoon 3 is getting is platoon in file order for the run. He is also looking for his Platoon Commander as well, but she is no where to be found. He glance over his watch and look around, hoping she will be here on time.

               LTA Karen K. Ruthford returned to where the battalion is assembled to look for her platoon after going to the ladies. She is a Eurasian, whose father is an Briton and mother and local Chinese. Her father is already a permanent resident here in Singapore when her father married her mother. She stood 1.68m tall and wore no spectacles. Though she had a chubby face, she is not an obese - a perfectly lovely face. An IPPT Gold she earned tells it. To most of the men in the camp, she is one of their favourite girl to look around for.

               Jack found his missing LTA loitering around the Gunner's Parade Square and he ran up to get her back. "Lieutenant Karen!! Lieutenant Karen", he shouted across as he ran nearer to her.
               "Sergeant Jack, there you are," she replied. "I was looking for you guys after going to the washroom. Where's the Platoon assembled now?"
               Jack got close to her. "Come, I'll bring you there. They're all ready just lack of their PC."
               "Sorry for leaving without infroming you. Hope it didn't troubled you." she replied with a apology look at him.
               They got back to their platoon just as the Conducting Officer 2LT Issac Lim announce through the speaker to commance the run.

               After the 4km run, the battalion gathered at the starting point ready to welcome the Commanding Officer of 23rd Singapore Artillery for his speach.
               LTC David Ang took a slow walk into the scene as the Conducting Officer announce his name. He is surrounded by a battalion of men and women who are now serving their lives for their nation - the Regulars and the National Service Full-time. "Ladies and gentlemen," he speaked boldly with humidity, "I hope you've enjoyed the run today. Thank God for the fine weather and dry ground, so that the run can commance smoothly. I also want to take the opportunity to make some announcement." The DXO then passed an envelope to him each on by one after each name announced.
               "I want to take opportunity to congratulate the following personals for their performance," as he looked at the envelope. "The Soldier of the Month..." he drags, "goes to CPL John Tan." the battalion cheered along for those whose name were called and went up to receive the award. Then he announce the best soldier for each company from Alpha, Bravo to Charlie. Then comes to the promotion side.
               "I would also like to announce that the following personal has been promoted as on effective tommorrow. 1st Sergeant Jack Lim," Then a sudden loud cheer from Alpha Platoon 3 as Jack went up to recieve the envelop from CO then he dennounce himself back to his platoon. "LTA Keren Kerrigan." The cheer from Platoon 3 went out louder this time as their PC went up to collect the envelope.

               Back from the run, Alpha Platoon 3 was gathered in their platoon office continuing their excitment of their PC and PS's promotion with both the main cast. After the platoon return to their usual routine, Jack and Karen have their own private conversation in the platoon office. "Hey Jack, you've checked out where you're going after our men ORD? (Operational Ready Date)," she asked.
               "Nope not yet. I think the envelope we recieved has the answer." He replied as he opens the envelope with a penknife on Karen's desk. Karen continued to check up the computer for e-mails that is flooding in. On the other hand, Jack pull out the letter from the envolope and have a glance through it. "Whaaoo.. not a bad post. Company Sergeant Major (CSM) of School of Artillery. Hmm... Vocational Training Wing (VTW)," he said with a doubtful thought. "What about you, Madam?"
               "Ah ha... wha la... I've got the mail." She exclaimed as she glance through the computer screen. "Officer Commanding of School of Artillery. You might be excited to hear that that is... Vocational Training Wing."
               "Oh... man"
               "What!?! Not happy to see me again meh?" she acted 'cute', yet proudly in front of him.
               "I didn't say that."
               "Then?"
               "Just... just... aiya... just don't know if it's suay (unlucky) or what," he frowned. "Since becoming a 3rd Sergeant, you were my PC, then till I've become PS... then... now..."
               "Not good isn't it? Then complain to CO loh," she turned back on him.
               Ever since she was born in Singapore, she had rooted into the SIngapore background of the 'Singlish' culture, which simply means mixture of English, Chinese, Chinese Dialects, Malay and of course not lacking some hindu and tamil. The culture that is made in Singapore, which makes the people feel the same as one another, although everyone comes from a different race and religion background.