Echoes of the Unseen: The Forgotten Man

ＰＡＲＴ [07]: "The Journey To Known"

Dr. Jackson, still agitated and seeking answers, persisted, demanding, "Will you tell me why the f*** He's here?"

He continued to question Ethan's qualifications, stating, "He isn't a biologist or any military officer, then why?"

The higher official, caught in a difficult situation, explained, "He's here because of his company. I received orders from higher authorities. I can't do anything."

Dr. Jackson, deeply frustrated by the situation, vented his anger, declaring, "F*** your position. If you can't stop that jerk..."

The higher official, sympathetic but powerless, shared his perspective, saying, "I also don't like him, but I can't do anything. We have work to do, man; otherwise, our positions will be in danger."

Dr. Jackson, still seething with anger, expressed his frustration with the constraints of his position, stating, "Well, this position has tied my hands. If I get the chance today, it'll be his last f****** breath."

Dr. Jackson and the higher official stopped their conversation as Ethan approached them, and they greeted him.

The higher official welcomed Ethan.

Ethan walked past them, ignoring their Greeting, and joined the lieutenant to discuss the approach plan for the place.

The Lieutenant gathered the team's attention, stating, "Okay, everyone, listen up. We're going to start the journey shortly. Before we set out, we need to go over how we're going to approach each person's tasks."

He proceeded to provide context, sharing, "For clarification on how I know about that place, my grandfather was an archaeologist and a researcher on World War II events and historical equipment."

The Lieutenant continued to explain, "He found a diary of psycho-surgeon Mark Walter, which contained information about the place."

He concluded, "So, from that diary, I learned about the location."

Dr. Jackson, was about to say something, but the higher official stopped him.

The higher official affirmed, "No," and urged the Lieutenant to continue with the briefing.

The Lieutenant proceeded to explain the plan, saying, "According to the map, the tip you see matches what we saw from the satellite image."

He continued, "The entire laboratory is underground. According to the map, we need to enter from the south of the island, then you can see two different housing styles, the lower one for workers and the upper one for researchers, scientists, and managing authorities."

The Lieutenant elaborated, "Here, you can see a straight road to the laboratory. Under that road, there's a tunnel leading to the lab, which we'll use to approach it."

Dr. Jackson, sceptical about the plan, questioned, "Your story is nonsense. We have a direct route to the laboratory. Why should we go through the tunnel?"

The Lieutenant provided clarity, explaining, "This laboratory is old to see but not to experience. This road is connected to the security system. If someone tries to climb that road to the laboratory, it's a sure death."

He emphasized, "That road is only meant for emergencies exit, not for climbing."

The higher official reiterated the mission's objective, stating, "Okay, the plan is set. Head down to the laboratory, access everything you need, and come back."

He emphasized, "Remember, this mission will be strictly commanded by the military officer, and you must follow their orders."

The Lieutenant outlined the teams, saying, "Yes, so, we'll have three teams of four members each. One team will lead the search, another will cover the rear, and the last one will stay with the search team."

He stressed the importance of military officer authorization, stating, "Without the officer's permission, nothing will be executed."

The Lieutenant then addressed the higher official, stating, "Sir, you need to select the search team."

The higher official made the decision, saying, "Dr. Benjamin and Dr. Jackson will be on board."

Dr. Jackson sought a private conversation with the higher official, requesting, "Sir, can we talk privately?"

(They move aside from everyone.)

Dr. Jackson expressed his frustration, asking, 'Why the hell did you put my name on that team?'

The higher official explained, 'Apart from Dr. Benjamin and you, there are no experienced doctors available.'

Dr. Jackson raised his concerns, saying, 'I am experienced, but you know how I obtained this degree and position illegally.'

The higher official revealed his constraints, saying, 'I have no choice. I was ordered to assemble a good team.'

Dr. Jackson asserted, 'Don't worry. I'll mention Dr. John's name, and you have to let him take on this mission.'

The higher official, feeling frustrated, replied, 'This is frustrating.'

(They return to the group.)

Dr. Jackson expressed his concern, stating, "I think if Dr. Benjamin and I will go for the search, it might be more inappropriate."

Dr. Benjamin, seeking clarification, asked, "Is there something wrong?"

In response, Dr. Jackson explained, "No, nothing's wrong. I was happy to be selected, but as a senior, I should focus on studying the other part of the island."

Dr. Benjamin accepted this and responded with a simple, "Well, alright."

Dr. Jackson then suggested, "So, instead of me, Dr. John should go with you and gain new experiences."

Dr. Benjamin, addressing practical matters, pointed out, "Sir, I believe we also need a technician for dealing with the equipment in the laboratory."

The higher official questioned, "What do you mean?"

Dr. Benjamin reiterated, "We need a technician."

Dr. Jackson seemed surprised, asking, "What?"

The higher official turned to the lieutenant, inquiring, "Do you have a technician in your crew?"

The lieutenant replied, "Yes, but they're all occupied."

The higher official made a decision, "Try to arrange and get one technician for the team."

Dr. Benjamin offered a potential solution, saying, "Ethan could help us if he's willing."

Ethan, seemingly volunteering, said, "Sure, I'm available."

Dr. Jackson, concerned about the inclusion of Ethan, stated, "He's not part of this matter. He's just a representative; we can't take him."

Dr. Benjamin argued, "But Ethan could be of assistance."

The higher official, though hesitant, conceded, "However, I can't take Ethan on the mission."

Dr. Benjamin pressed further, asking, "But why?"

The higher official seemed reluctant, responding with an exasperated sound, "Ugh..."

Dr. Benjamin emphasized the urgency, stating, "Sir, we need a technician. Before we depart, we won't find another technician."

The lieutenant supported the idea, adding, "I also think Ethan should go."

The higher official reluctantly agreed, saying, "Ugh... Fine. But he must follow strict guidelines. Commanders should carry a sedative injection with them. We need to take precautions."