Echoes of the Unseen: The Forgotten Man

ＰＡＲＴ [08]: "The Search Of Secret"

Ethan, understanding the seriousness of the situation, assured, "I understand, sir."

Ethan, displaying dedication, added, "You can issue orders to shoot me if necessary."

The higher official responded, "No, that won't be needed."

Ethan, Dr. John, and Dr. Benjamin, get ready. Grab anything you need before the ship leaves the port.'

The ship was preparing for the journey. Within 15 minutes, Ethan and Liam stepped out to buy gum. In the distance, Liam noticed someone.

Liam exclaimed, 'Sophia!' and rushed towards her, while Ethan asked, 'What's going on?'

Liam rushes to Sophia and hugs her.

Liam expressed, 'I'm so glad you're here!' to which Sophia replied, 'How could I not be?' She then asked, 'Is that Ethan?' and Liam confirmed, 'Yes.'

Ethan approaches them but keeps a distance.

Ethan asked, "You're Sophia, right?" Sophia replied, "I've only heard about you, never seen you in real life." Liam inquired, "How did you get his number then?" Ethan explained, "Actually, you gave it to me. Last night, you were quite drunk and talking about her. You even showed me her photos, so I took her number from your phone. Sorry for doing that, but if I hadn't, I wouldn't have had the chance to show her how you feel about her in front of others."

Sophia responded, "He's a shy person; I don't know when he'll openly accept me." Ethan reassured her, "He will." Ethan then questioned, "By the way, why are you here? How did you know we're here?" Liam expressed his surprise, "I thought I should see her before the mission."

Ethan clarified, "Wait, you're going on the mission? No, that can't be possible." Liam continued, "What did you think? I'm not part of the mission. "Liam replied, "Oh, good, don't worry. I'll figure out who's on the mission and who's not." Ethan suddenly pointed out, "Hey, look over there. What's happening?"

Liam and Sophia turn to see what's going on as Ethan indicated.

Liam questioned, "What's happening? I think it's normal." Sophia concurred, "Yes, seems normal."

Suddenly, Liam and Sophia find themselves handcuffed.

Liam asked, "What is this?" Ethan replied, "A magic trick." Liam sought clarification, "You're not doing this, are you?" Ethan admitted, "Sorry, but I did it."

The ship's engines start, signalling the beginning of the journey.

Ethan said, "Alright, Sophia, take care of your man. I have to go." Liam protested, "Ethan, you're not doing this without me." Ethan reminded him, "Remember what I told you at the airport?" Liam inquired, "What?" Ethan clarified, "Friends with benefits. Your benefit is staying away from this situation." Ethan lightened the mood, saying, "Don't worry; I'll be back for your birthday. Not for you, but for your cake."

Sophia and Liam stand there, confused. Liam shouts Ethan's name, but Ethan runs toward the ship. The door closes, and the ship embarks on its journey to the mysterious island."

The journey began in less than an hour, and the ship had already reached the island.

The Lieutenant addressed the team, saying, "Okay, team, meet Commander Caleb; he will lead you." Caleb inquired, "So, who is on this team?" The Lieutenant started listing names, but Caleb interrupted, asking, "Ethan, you're that psychopath, right?" Ethan simply greeted him, "Nice to meet you."

Caleb, clearly surprised, questioned the Lieutenant, "Lieutenant, why is he on this team?" The Lieutenant explained, "He will assist us with technical-related matters in the laboratory." Caleb, clearly unhappy, remarked, "You chose this psychopath as a technician?" The Lieutenant warned, "Caleb, mind your words."

Caleb approached Ethan and said, "This man..."

Dr. Jackson expressed, "I even told them the same thing, but they wouldn't listen." The higher official acknowledged, "We have no choice but to include him in this mission." Caleb objected, "So you choose a murderer for a mission? He killed someone." Ethan responded calmly, "Caleb, your hands are free to shoot me anytime if I become troublesome." Angrily, Caleb retorted, "Shut your mouth, you bloody bastard." The Lieutenant intervened, saying, "Caleb, stop it."

Caleb was taken aside by his colleague soldier, and meanwhile, Liam and Sophia Were travelling in a car to Sophia's house.

Sophia shared her feelings, saying, "I don't know why. We've been in a relationship for the past six years. We've never spent quality time with each other, and just to introduce me to your parents, it took years." She continued, "You've changed yourself a lot compared to your teenage years. You had your own flaws, but I still love you, and now... You started drinking, the very thing that you hate the most. You stopped sharing your feelings or anything with me. And now, you are completely invested in Ethan. I don't know if he's good or bad, but he's dangerous to you. I always live in fear whenever you are with him." Sophia expressed her love, saying, "Whether you love me or not, I don't know, but I love you so much. So please..."

Liam responded, "Sophia, I do love you, and as for my behaviour, I am still working on improving it." He went on to explain, "And about Ethan, he isn't like the world sees him. Back in the day, he was a normal person like all of us, but with time and due to his surroundings, he lost his loved ones, and his medical condition made him like that." Liam added, "Today, he just listens to everyone's judgement of him, some saying f****** psychopath, and some saying murderer. No doubt what he did wasn't acceptable, but he wasn't in his proper condition. Ethan isolated himself from humanity for years. Inside him, there is the same child who is searching for his place in this world."

Sophia suddenly holds Liam's hand and apologizes to him about Ethan.

Liam apologized, saying, "Sorry for my behavior, and yes, I will take care of myself." He then asked, "Now, can we go?" Sophia agreed, saying, "Yes."

COMING BACK TO THE SHIP.

The Lieutenant provided instructions, saying, "Okay, we are on the south of the island, maintaining a 500 m distance from the coast of the island, so you all have to travel with mini boats."

A total of 12 soldiers took 4 boats to the coast. They were carrying almost 50 highly advanced weapons. When they set foot on the island, the first order was:

Caleb issued a strict order, saying, "Eliminate anyone who obstructs us, even an ant." The troop acknowledged, responding with, "Yes, sir."