It was slightly after early morning and the sound of continuous cameras clicking away could be heard. A large group of reporters, cameramen and even paparazzi were gathered in front of the newly elected Minister of Defence residence. Bodyguards were also in place every hundred metres or so. 

The Minister of Defence, a man in a police uniform with decorated badges and three stars on his shoulder pads, stood before the crowd on a makeshift stage, behind a makeshift podium. He waved, posing for the camera before adjusting the mic to a comfortable position. 

“Thank you everyone for gathering here upon a short notice. As we all know, I will be announcing a new programme that I would like to introduce as my first step of being in this role.” He pauses for effect. 

“Let us welcome the new ‘Second Chance Programme’!“ He announced full of gusto as the promotional poster appeared on the screen behind him. 

“This programme aims to give juvenile offenders a second chance in life, by giving them a chance to study at the no.1 police university in the country; National Police University or NPU.” 

The paparazzi continued to click photographs even more continuously than before. There were some murmurs among them as well. Some of them muttered that the new minister was insane, others wondered what his goal exactly was. 

“Questions?” the minister prompted. All the journalists on sight immediately shot up their hands, trying to get his attention. The minister points to a female reporter in the second row. 

“How exactly is this programme going to roll out?” she asked. 

“Excellent question.” he smiled. 

“Over the course of one month, our department has conducted stringent tests; physical and academic as well as an extra component; emotional. After all these tests were conducted, we have finally selected five juveniles, all from different regions. These five selected will then enter NPU in one week, the same time other students enrol in the school.” 

The crowd began to talk among themselves even more. The participants of the programme were already finalised? Without the public’s consent or view? The fact that everyone was left in the dark about this, started to draw suspicion. 

“The identity of the juveniles will be kept hidden throughout the whole programme, by issuing them new names and identities to start afresh. Let’s start a new beginning and give ex-offenders a second chance.” The minister said concluding his speech, smiling confidently at the cameras. More reporters tried to get the minister's attention. They called out for him name, hoping for the minister to pick them so that their question could be answered.

"No more questions." the secretary of the minister announced, as they escorted the minister off the stage. The reporters tried to move and get his attention again, however, they were blocked by a string of body guards.

While this commotion was ongoing, there was a black mercedes benz parked a distance away from the rally. The driver was wearing sunglasses, his hands relaxed on the wheel. The passenger directly behind him was snapping zoomed in pictures of the minister. The person sitting in the seat next to the driver smiled, showing his teeth. 

“This is getting even more interesting,” he said, his thumb rubbing the tattoo on his right forearm. He noticed a few of the bodyguards were starting to look suspiciously in his direction. He gave a signal, and the driver backed away from the area skillfully. 

“Make sure to get him ready.” he ordered the man with the camera in the passenger seat. The man nodded, instantly making calls. 

As they drove off, he couldn’t help but smile. They would once again claim dominance on the battlefield.