Menace Association

Chapter 1 Mistaken Identity

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. This is the opening of the famous Desiderata by Max Ehrmann. We should not only memorize it but put it into our heart. This is part of the knowledge(s) we have to accept as part of the training. We are handed a booklet of the things we have to know and master.

It was a clear day. The sun is shining. The sky is blue. It was no ordinary day for it is my enrollment. The start where and when I realize my dream. A dream of becoming a better person, a good person. And also, I want to be a scientist. A scientist is a person who makes science fun, for a living and makes theses, research papers, theories, formulas and a lot more.

We are taught to be responsible. No parents allowed for the enrollment. “Son, can you manage to enroll yourself?” “Sure mom, I am old enough.” “No worries” My mom is always caring. She is also a strong woman even she had nervous breakdown before. We parted ways, I proceeded with the enrolment and she went to work.

I asked the guard, “Where is the engineering building?” “Do you see that building?” “The building beside that is engineering.”, the guard politely said. I met a beautiful lady. “I am also going there, shall I accompany you?” “Yes, miss” “My name is Luke. What is yours ma’am?” “My name is Mariefe. I am the dreadful guidance counselor of engineering.” Hahahaha, with that face, I don’t mind - speaking again in my mind.

“Careful with the boy!”, a friend of her came by. It was Gerard, the notorious calculus professor. “Where should we eat later?” “I want sushi.”, she exclaimed. “Ok, fine then.” “What’s his name?” “I am Luke.” “This is the first time I met a Luke.” “Me too.”, she added happily.

“I will be enrolling myself. I hope to see you around. Thanks for accompanying me.” We parted ways. I went straight to the enrollment. Mariefe went to the second floor for the meeting and Gerard went to the elevator.

“Mr. Diaz, I am expecting you.”, Von, one of the staffs. “Sorry, but do I know you?” “This way please." I enrolled and didn’t have to fall in the long line. I chose chemical engineering because I enjoy math and at the same time enjoy chemistry. On top of that, I am inspired by the vaccine that saved me from Corona virus.

Next stuff is the P.E. or Physical Education and the NSTP or National Service Training Program. I chose football and ROTC or Reserve Officer Training Corps. I played football during my high school years and I chose ROTC because my grandfather is a policeman. “Sir, I want to be like you.”, I mentioned to a first class officer. “Please stay here, officer candidates have to be briefed.”, the officer told me.

“Count off!” “One, two, three…fifty”, each of us counted. We are seated in an orderly manner. “Mr. Diaz!”, called by officer Melendez. “Yes sir!”, he said loudly. “All statements should begin and end with a sir.”, Melendez ordered.

Upon seeing Mr. Diaz, I thought I was looking at a mirror. He has the same physique and height as me. We could be mistaken as twins. Is there any difference? Perhaps, our personality differentiates. What does this mean? A perfect clone?