Martin Mystery: New Allies
By: Ominae
Rating: PG-13
NOTE:
All characters of Martin Mystery are under the copyright of Marathon; Yu Ominae is a copyright of Striker/Spriggan; John Vattic is a copyright of Codemasters and Free Radical. The character Mark Sy is under my jurisdiction and some parts of his life are based from my experience. The character Patrick Chan is also under my jurisdiction.
Previously:
With Dr. Martinez in the safe custody of the Center's Special Reaction Squad (SRS), Martin Mystery and the rest of the joint task force were sent off to the Philippines in order to resolve the rest of the Berserker mystery. Mark received some strange papers from M.O.M. with an ancient alphabet written on it, which could be related to the case. Can the gang decipher what it means and can they solve the Berserker mystery before they can bring chaos to the Philippines and possibly to the rest of the world? Stay tune to this chapter to find out.
Chapter 7: One step at a time
Over the Pacific Ocean - 4:00 P.M.
2001, 3rd year in Xavier School
"Sir Martinez, you're the greatest teacher I ever had for Social Science."
"Yea, sir! You're our idol as our class advisor and as our social sciences teacher too."
"Boy, I'm really grateful to be your class advisor and your social sciences teacher. But as a friend, I advise you all that when you get out of high school, do not ever be a victim of the number one vice, gambling. I noticed that most of the students in your batch, so I hope that you yourselves will not a victim of one."
All the students were cheering inside the classroom in unison.
"Ah Mark, congratulations on your commencement. So what are your plans?"
"I don't know sir. My dad wants me to head to Canada after I try my luck here."
"Good for you. I'm actually being invited to head to Simon Fraser University in British Columbia. I'm going to be a visiting professor for History."
"That's great. I'm actually hoping that I could go there soon."
"Well, I can't wait to see you."
"Likewise, sir. Likewise." Both men shook hands with one another before leaving the grounds of the school's gym.
A female voice then snapped the young man sitting near the airplane's window out of reality, "Are you okay, Mark? You seem disturbed."
"Huh? Oh, I'm fine." The young freelance operative of both the Center and ARCAM's Spriggan unit immediately went back from his "trance" and faced Diana, who was seated near him with her hands folded around herself. Mark was peering out of the window while propping his head with his clenched fist. The last thing that he remembered before spending most of his time peering out of the plane's window was with everyone having a good time on their seats.
The interiors of the ARCAM Boeing 737 plane was heavily customized. The main area is made up of two couches with two tables that are made like the ones that anyone can normally see in a five-star restaurant. The floor was covered with red carpeting all over and the center corridor leading to the pilot control room and back in yellow color, indicating that it was the main path that one should use when walking from one part of the aircraft to the next. Martin was chatting with Java and Patrick while sipping Diet Coke in his plastic cup. John was reading the frontpage of the Vancouver Sun that detailed operations of the US Miltary in Iraq. Yu was lounging in his seat reading his Expert Gamer magazine. Diana then scooted a bit near Mark's place in his seat and asked him about his problem.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"It's... it's... it's just I can't seem to believe that Dr. Martinez would come out to be a man with a huge amount of debt on his hands. I mean, he's a decent teacher and all the guys in my batch think that he's a swell teacher." Mark then peered his head down on the floor. "I just couldn't believe that of all things, he would take up an offer of money just to..." He refused to continue his conversation anymore and instead, pouted with his arms around his waist in anger.
"I see. Well, never mind. I'm sure that he didn't mean to do so." Mark felt a soft hand touching his as he saw Diana smiling at him while she took and squeezed his hand for assurance."I could tell since he was scared about it when he grabbed him by his collars."
The team eventually had dinner in the aircraft an hour later, which seemed to remind them of the food that they usually take in an ordinary flight. Later, everyone went to their seats to get some sleep. Mark was alone in the roundtable couch, sipping regular Coke from his plastic cup while reflecting on their next step should they arrive at the airport the next day.
"God help me with his mission." He crushed his empty cup and threw it on a trash bin and walked to his seat in order to spend some quality time resting.
200 nautical miles near Philippine airspace - 8:00 A.M.
"Hey man, wake up!"
Mark woke up from his seat and rubbed his eyes as he tried to adjust his vision. He turned his head to see Martin standing beside his seat.
"Top of the morning, mate!"
"Martin, what's up?"
"We're going to land already."
"So soon? Great, let me adjust the U-Watch's digital clock. Anything else?"
"That's it, I guess."
"Fine. I'll see you later after we land."
As the rest of the team sat in their seats, the plane's PA system informed the passengers that they are now approaching Philippine airspace. Everyone clipped on their seatbelts and waited patiently as the plane slowly took out its landing wheels and landed on the tarmac. Moments later, the plane taxied from its landing point to a secluded landing area where a retractable walkway (A/n: It's the main mode of entering or exiting an aircraft in any airport. Sorry, have hard time thinking of proper name for that thing) connected itself to the Boeing 737's main door.
Ninoy Aquino International Airport - Old Airport, Arrivals Area (International), Parañaque, Philippines - 8:20 A.M.
Martin and Diana were the first ones to depart, bickering over a conversation on the plane about Marvin. Java was sharing a laugh with Yu and Patrick over some jokes. Mark was busy consulting with John over some papers that he had acquired from M.O.M. before they left Vancouver.
"From what I can tell from the papers M.O.M. gave me, it says something about an ancient beast."
"I see, Mark." John adjusted his glasses while checking out the paper with an ancient alphabet inscripted on it. "Well, it seems to be an alphabet that was in your culture. Someone should know about this."
"Yep! I think I know someone who can tell us more this from the alibata (A/n: Ancient alphabet used in the Philippines during the pre-contact period from Spanish explorers. Okay! Enough history) words written here." Mark unzipped his O Pack 3.0 backpack and placed the papers neatly back in his backpack.
The team managed to clear their entry documents with Philippine Immigration and on their arrival at the customs area, Martin saw a man in his 30's holding a sign that read, "ARCAM Philippines."
"I'll take care of this." uttered Mark to the team as he approached the man and asked him if he was their contact.
He began to smirk at the man after he came near his place. "Ser, ikaw ba yung naghihintay sa amin?" (Sir, are you the ones waiting for us?)
"Mark? Musta na?" (Mark? How are you?). The man took out his hand and shook hands wiht Mark while he gestured to the gang to approach his position.
"Guys, he's Jeff Cruz and he'll be our driver and contact during our investigation here in Manila."
"Great! So Jeff, are there any places where we can pig out?"
(Sweat drop) "Martin!" murmured Diana under her breath.
"We can take care of that later, Mr. Mystery. Right now, I understand that you are in need of a contact from the University of the Philippines." answered Jeff with his fluent English. "Your baggages are in the bus that we have provided you. Please allow me to escort you." Jeff lead the team to their transport outside the airport, which was a 2004 Toyota Coaster Bus with "ARCAM" in brown color written on both sides of the vehicle.
"Can you take us there?" inquired John.
"Of course Mr. Vattic. I'll inform the driver at once." When they entered the bus, Jeff told the driver on their destination. The bus driver nodded in agreement.
"Java feel hungry." Java then rubbed his stomach in hunger.
"Can it wait?" asked Diana. Java shook his head left to right, indicating a no position.
"Don't worry." Mark patted his shoulder. "We'll see to that." Mark gave Java an assuring smile before he took his seat near the bus' doors. Patrick, before he took his seat, whispered to Jeff that they should stop somewhere near their destination and take a bite to eat. He nodded and relayed his request to the driver.
The bus then departed from its parked spot and went off to the main road before it made a right turn after a few kilometers away from the airport to another street.
University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City campus - 10:00 A.M.
On their way, the team stopped by a local McDonalds in order to grab a bite to eat. Martin decided (for all of them) that they'll buy them and eat their food on the bus. Martin made some moves on the pretty cashier while ordering, but not before Diana raised her clenched fist and drove it on Martin's forehead. Mark then pushed Martin aside and with Patrick, ordered the food for them. The two also jointly paid with their expenses while Diana and Java dragged Martin away because he couldn't help taking his eyes off on the cashier. Mark sighed while he, Patrick and John took their food and drinks while they walked to the bus.
After munching on Big Mac burgers and slurping regular Cokes while heading to their destination, Mark took his time to discuss with Martin and Diana on what they're going to do when they going to do when they arrive at the campus. Before the bus stopped at the parking lot, they threw their trash at the rubbish bin. Martin, of course, was still enjoying his Coke since his wasn't halfway done.
The team stepped off the bus while Mark informed Jeff to wait for them. Jeff informed Mark in return that he needed to go to the bathroom to take a leak while the driver opted to stay behind and relax for a few minutes. Mark took the lead in escorting the team to the faculty offices in the campus. As they walked near the faculty section of the school, Mark noticed some of his "old friends", who saw him with some "foreign" people since they didn't know that he was taking his schooling abroad. They began to yell at him from afar,
"Hey Mark, who's that chick with you? HE HE!"
"Can you introduce us to her? Since when did you get back home?"
Diana whispered to Mark's ear about the comments that she heard, "Mark, who are those guys?".
"Uh, some bastards that messed with most of my life in school." Diana felt a sharp knife was thrusted into her back when he heard those comments. Mark whispered to Diana in reply, "Remind me to have them brainwashed before they accidentally inform me folks about it."
"Sure!" chuckled Diana.
"Don't worry, Mark." Martin placed his arm around Mark's shoulder. "We'll see to that those guys are taken care of." added Martin while he began to laugh under his breath.
"Right!" Mark then escorted them further as the team went inside Palma Hall in order to locate the offices of the Department of History.
"So who are we looking for?" inquired Yu.
"A Dr. Luis Barrios." (A/n: A homage to my ex-social sciences teacher) "He's an expert in ancient Philippine history and he can help us with this paper M.O.M. gave me." He unzipped his O Pack 3.0 bag and grabbed the same piece of paper and showed it to the gang.
"This, my friends, is what will answer our questions." They casually walked down the halls of Palma Hall that would take them to the office of Dr. Luis Barrios.
The gang later arrived outside Dr. Barrios' office. Mark took the lead and gently knocked on the door's glass pane twice.
"Who is it?" came the reply from inside.
"Dr. Barrios?"
"Yes?"
"My name is Mark Sy and I'm with the Center. We need to speak with you at once."
Footsteps were heard from inside and a soft creak from the door hinges came to life as Dr. Barrios opened the door and noticed the team standing outside.
"Please. I've heard about what happened to Dr. Martinez. Make yourselves comfy."
Dr. Barrios then showed the team their seats with Mark and Martin seated near him.
"How is Dr. Martinez anyway?"
"He's fine, sir. How are you related to him?" inquired Martin.
"Well, I was also part of the expedition. When that...that...thing came to life..."
"Hold it! You mean the Berserker?" commented Mark.
"W...W..Why, yes. How did you know?"
"We just faced it a few days ago. Dr. Martinez was apparently the target, but he made it through." replied Yu.
"And where is he now?"
"He's under the custody of the Center. They'll protect him." answered Diana.
"Which is why I need you to decipher this passage." Mark handed the paper with the alibata alphabet on it.
"Oh. This is the one that one of the students have found during the expedition." Dr. Barrios then moved his hands, which were holding the paper, near to his face in order to get a better look. "Hm. According to the passage, it mentions about a time when the beast would return from its rest and raise a scurge on mankind."
"Meaning, the Berserker wants to kill some people." replied John.
"Yes. Also, it mentions something about an ancient transponder that would control the machines. Though I don't seem to know about them."
"Is the site in Pampanga still cordoned?" inquired Patrick.
"It is, although there's no police or army presence in the area."
"Good." Martin smirked. "We can start tomorrow."
"Anyway, thanks for helping us, professor." Mark extended his hand to Dr. Barrios' and shook hands with him.
"My pleasure." Dr. Barrios escorted them out of his office before he closed his door.
"What now, Martin?" asked Diana as they were walking down the corridor back to the entrance of Palma Hall.
"We need to get some rest." replied Martin
"I'll go get some boys in ARCAM intelligence for help." added Patrick
"ARCAM Philippines is kind enough to provide quarters for us while we're here." commented Mark
"Nice. Hopefully we can tackle the rest the next day." Martin stretched his arms while he yawned.
The gang walked down the corridor near the entrance, not knowing what could happen to them in the next few hours, or even days. After emerging out of Palma Hall, Jeff waited for the entire team to board the bus before he entered as well. He instructed the driver to take them to the headquarters of ARCAM Philippines at Makati City. The bus drove off and left the campus, driving all the way to ARCAM Philippines building, located at the heart of Makati City since it serves as the country's financial capital.
Apartments, ARCAM Philippines, Makati, Philippines - 1:00 P.M.
After Jeff escorted them to their quarters. The gang huddled together in the living room, outlining their plans on what to do for the next few days. Martin, Diana, Java and Mark went back to the Center via portal while John, Yu and Patrick began to make preparations for the trip tomorrow.
"Well, I got our weapons ready for tomorrow's trip." said Yu after putting the cordless phone back in its cradle.
"I still hope that the Berserker will still be there." John pillowed his head with his clenched fist on his right and his left was occupied by a glass of water.
"You know, I am kind of worried. I mean, will Gio be able to activate those Berserkers hidden in the site and will he be able to use that strange thing attached on its arm?" Patrick paced the room with his hands behind his back.
"You're right. That mini-cannon attached to its right arm may be the one that ARCAM intelligence is talking about." replied Yu.
"Right now, we'll have to see if anything will happen soon. And I have a feeling that something will." John grabbed the remote control from the coffee table in front of the table and operated the TV. It was showing The Replacement Killers.
"Hey, I wanna watch that!" shouted Patrick as he struggled with John for the remote.
"AH SHADDAP!" John lightly slapped him at the back of his head with the remote clenched in his hand.
Yu, in frustration, covered his forehead with his right hand as he heard the two men quarrel. "I hate to see grown men fight over something worthless."
M.O.M.'s office, the Center, unknown location, somewhere in Canada - 1:12 P.M.
Mark, Martin, Diana and Java were seated with Billy's assistance while M.O.M. proceeded to inquire from the agents about their latest finds in their investigation while she continues to type on her keyboard.
"We've managed to find out that the paper you gave Mark indicates an old passage that the Berserker will rise soon from its slumber. Well, at least that's what IT SAID." said Martin sarcastically.
"Not only that, but the reports of an ancient transponder is true. The terrorists must have acquired it after the fatal expedition conducted by Dr. Martinez." added Diana.
"Java worried." Java felt shivers all over his spine, legs and body.
"We're going to Pampanga tomorrow, to the site of the expedition. We should pick up some clues in there." said Mark.
"I just got some recent news from Center intelligence. Apparently, some activity has been going on in the province. You should check it out too." M.O.M. proceeded to scratch her head and fumble with her table's drawers at the same time. "Before you go, I want to give you this, Mark."
M.O.M. opened one of her drawers and handed Mark a headset similar to the one used by hers.
"You'll use this to communicate with me during your subsequent investigation." M.O.M. made an angry glare at Martin. "Of course, I would give this to Martin, but I can't since he has a tendency to break things!"
(Sweat drop) "Aw M.O.M.! Not fair!" Martin ran around the room crying like a baby.
"Dummy." Mark adjusted his shirt and told M.O.M. that they had to get back and prepare for their trip the next day.
"Good luck agents! And Mark, keep in touch with me at all times." M.O.M. pressed a button in her desk and a portal appeared near the elevator.
Mark nodded to M.O.M. before he entered the portal. Diana had to drag Martin, who was still crying over M.O.M.'s comments, into the portal with Java being the last person to get in the portal before it disappeared from M.O.M.'s view.
Apartments, ARCAM Philippines, Makati, Philippines - 1:30 P.M.
The agents were in the living room after Mark, Martin, Diana and Java reemerged from the portal. They gathered together and sat down on the couches and chairs. Patrick pulled out some papers that ARCAM intelligence has been able to piece up for them, including a map of Pampanga. He placed them on the coffee table while Yu and John had recently entered the apartments with some duffel bags slinged on their shoulders.
"So far, here's the point where the expedition took place from here to here." Patrick used a pencil to point out the route that the expedition took before meeting with the Berserker. "But what's puzzling is with this point here." Patrick etched a dot, which was a few meters away from the excavation site. Yu and John placed the duffel bags on a quiet spot near the entrance.
"San Fernando Police doesn't know about that spot, but intel thinks that's where the Berserker made its first appearance." Yu pointed with his index finger to the spot that Patrick etched in the map.
"But what about the ones that have recent activity in the area?" asked Diana.
"We still don't know. But ARCAM intelligence also thinks that it's in this or in this place. John took Patrick's pencil and drew circles around two particular spots near the excavation site. This new revelation sparked some interest from all of the agents.
"Well, looks like we got two places to visit now." Mark began to smile after hearing what John had to say.
"It's best if we take a break now. We can find out about the stuff tomorrow." Martin yawned and went to his room to get some rest.
"Right. We better get some rest and discuss this tomorrow." Everyone then spent the rest of the day trying to relax and rest. Soon, they went to their seperate rooms and went to sleep during the night. A big day was waiting for them outside, and they have to fight something, something which may not be of this planet.
50 meters near excavation site, somewhere in Pampanga, Philippines - 9:50 A.M.
The team left the ARCAM apartments early at 5 in the morning in order to avoid the morning rush. The duffel bags were packed and placed in the trunk of the 2004 Land Rover Range Rover SUV parked in the underground garage. Mark took the helm as the driver with Martin seated beside him. Diana, Yu and Patrick sat in the middle with John and Java at the rear. Their Range Rover SUV left the ARCAM underground parking garage and left the building after Mark showed his ARCAM identification to the guard, who waved him through. It was a long journey that most of the crew slept through the entire trip with the exception of Mark since he was the designated driver.
When they arrived at the province, they drove near the site that was still cordoned by yellow police tape, though there were no soldiers or policemen present. Mark parked the SUV near the yellow police tapes covering the area. He turned off the engine and unlocked the doors as the crew dismounted from the vehicle. Mark was leaning his body on the partially opened door while standing with his feet inside the SUV. He pointed to the team the first place that they'll check based on their maps.
"Okay, guys! Let's go there and check that place first." The rest nodded in agreement. Mark was worried about the recent events that have taken place in Vancouver. In his mind, he wanted the events to end as much as possible without any kind of bloodshed. He still stood near the partially opened door and reflected on what to do next while Java opened the Range Rover's trunk, while Martin helped Yu and Patrick unload the duffel bags. Diana took a few paces around the Range Rover to check the area while Patrick took out a pair of binoculars from the vehicle and observed the area that Mark had pointed out to them a while ago.
Chapter 7 END