Echoes of the Unseen: The Forgotten Man

ＰＡＲＴ [06]: "The Horrify Idea"

Dr. Benjamin proposed a riskier plan, saying, "By going there."

Dr. Jackson, taken aback, called him crazy, saying, "You're crazy, man."

Ethan, supportive of Dr. Sameer's idea, interjected, "I think Dr. Benjamin is right."

Dr. Jackson, frustrated, lashed out, saying, "Wait, who asked for your opinion?"

He continued to berate Ethan, saying, "You're an outsider, here because of your company's force."

Dr. Jackson, attempting to dismiss Ethan, said, "So shut your mouth and let us do our work, you f****** psychopath."

Undeterred, Ethan persisted, saying, "Well, don't listen to me, but what Dr. Benjamin says isn't wrong."

Ethan highlighted the potential consequences of ignoring the issue, saying, "You should know that if this matter continues, it could be a risky topic to debate against your party, not just by your people but also by the outside world."

Dr. Jackson, still hostile, insulted Ethan, calling him a "f****** psychopath."

The Higher Official steps in to defuse the situation.

Recognizing the heated exchange, the Higher Official intervened, suggesting, "Dr. Jackson, I think you should take a break."

Dr. Jackson pushes his chair back with force and storms out of the room in anger.

Understanding the need to present a convincing argument, the Higher Official inquired, "Dr. Benjamin, can you provide me with a solid explanation of why we should go there?"

He emphasised the importance of gaining approval from higher authorities, stating, "I need to convince the higher authorities of me to allow us to take this step."

Dr. Benjamin articulated his rationale, saying, "Sir, we don't yet understand how this parasite has evolved. We need to know the actual causes behind this phenomenon."

He stressed the importance of not overlooking the cause, adding, "Ignoring the cause would be reckless; we can't just stop this without understanding it fully."

Dr. Benjamin further pointed out the potential dangers, saying, "And who knows, there might be other evolved versions or even different Fungus that could be a threat to human life."

He explained the risks of taking hasty action, stating, "If we bomb that place, we risk losing crucial information and potential solutions."

The Higher Official, weighing the options, questioned, "So, you believe that going to that laboratory is the best course of action?"

Dr. Benjamin affirmed, "Yes, it's the only way we can get answers, find possible cures, and prevent further outbreaks."

Ethan supported the stance, adding, "And if we don't act now, who knows how this situation could escalate?"

The Higher Official acknowledged their points and concluded, "Very well. I will need some time to think and to discuss this with the higher authorities. I'll inform you of the decision by this evening."

Dr. Benjamin expressed gratitude, saying, "Thank you, sir. This is a critical step towards understanding and resolving this issue."

The room falls into an anticipatory silence as they await the Higher Official's decision.

Liam expressed his anticipation, saying, "I think today's meeting will lead to some decisions."

Ethan, however, remained somewhat sceptical, replying, "I wish."

As they walked silently toward the parking area, Ethan suddenly inquired about someone named Sophia, asking, "Where is Sophia?"

Liam, taken aback, responded with confusion, "What?"

Ethan persisted, seeking answers, "Sophia, where is she?"

Liam, still puzzled, clarified, "Sophia, who is she?"

Ethan explained, "I thought you knew her."

Liam denied any knowledge of Sophia, saying, "No, no, I don't know any Sophia."

Ethan revealed his intentions, "Oh... well, I know a girl named Sophia, and I'm going to send this audio recording to her."

Liam, alarmed, questioned, "Wait, what? You recorded me?"

Ethan clarified, "No, not at all. I recorded your audio."

Liam, concerned, expressed his disapproval, "This is very bad. You recorded my audio and now send it to some stranger?"

Ethan, undeterred, made a surprising revelation, saying, "Stranger? Sophia, are you listening to this?"

Liam, bewildered, asked, "Is she on the call?"

Ethan further probed, "You know her?"

Liam realised the situation and confronted Ethan, saying, "You told me that you were recording it."

Ethan acknowledged his recording but continued to tease, saying, "Yeah, I was."

Liam, now anxious about the consequences, exclaimed, "Ethan..."

Ethan teased further, saying, "Wait, Sophia wants to talk."

Liam, worried, protested, "No, she's going to kill me."

Ethan ran away from him, and from a distance, Liam's voice could be heard, 'Sorry, ahh... I didn't mean "strange," sorry.'

Ethan walked a little further to a dark and silent place, where the sound of leaves crunching and ocean waves hitting the wall created a peaceful atmosphere. A cold breeze flowed through his body as he looked back at Liam and smiled, watching their cute fight. Then, he looked up at the sky, witnessing the stars and smiling. He was lost in his deep thoughts, remembering moments spent with loved ones and the beautiful times he cherished. Suddenly, a strange sound from a distance called him, slowly getting closer. The sound became familiar as a hand touched his shoulder and called him. He turned, and the sound became clearer, pulling Ethan out of his imagination.

Liam, noticing Ethan's absence, inquired, "Where have you been, you lost man?"

Ethan, feeling pensive, replied, "Nothing, just missing my parents."

Liam, realising the context, offered his condolences, saying, "Oh, sorry, but yes, they are ready for that place."

Ethan, somewhat surprised, sought clarification, asking, "What?"

Liam shared the newly acquired information, explaining, "Yes, I got the information just now."

He continued, "They're going to visit that place."

Ethan, filled with enthusiasm, expressed his excitement, exclaiming, "Great, that's really great. Let's go."

Liam, however, tried to manage Ethan's expectations, saying, "Ethan, they're going as visitors. They won't allow us. We're the representatives of MS company."

Ethan acknowledged the situation but remained determined, saying, "I know, now can we go?"

Liam, somewhat bewildered by Ethan's persistence, questioned, "Are you crazy, man? Our work is to report the progress to the company. We aren't scientists, military officers, or higher officials."

Ethan, still resolute, affirmed, "I know all of this, and Steve, has done his work."

Liam, curious about Steve's role, inquired, "What work?"

Ethan, evading further discussion, urged Liam, saying, "Just start the car."

Liam started the car, and they headed to the port after Ethan and Liam's arrival.

Dr. Jackson, taken aback by Ethan's unexpected presence, couldn't hide his frustration, exclaiming, "What the f***, why are they here?"

The higher official attempted to defuse the situation, urging Dr. Jackson, "Jackson,, stop it. Don't create a scene here, please."