Part 1, Section 4, "Gervasio Pola" Summary

Rodrigo Pola's father, Gervasio Pola, was a hero of the xx revolution who died by firing squad in the Belen prison. Prior to this execution, Gervasio Pola staged an escape with three comrades via a garbage cart. Their plan is a desperate one, and has little chance of success, as they themselves are aware. Some of them continue to ask what will happen, in this scenario or that one; Gervasio Pola tells them their job that in a fight, there are times when thinking is counterproductive. "Just fight," he tells them. Their goal was to reach the Zapata headquarters at Tres Marina, but in order to maximize their chances of success Gervasio Pola insisted that the group split up and go separate ways. The other men resisted, wanting to remain together even unto death, but...