The fog was still thick as Eric, Liam, Noah, and Levant climbed the low platform, moving slowly across the ship's deck. The waves crashed against the hull, and the wet wooden planks creaked under each careful step. Lights from the upper deck flickered dimly, casting shadows that danced around them.
"Front deck's clear," Eric whispered, eyes scanning every corner. "We go in from here. Keep noise to a minimum."
Liam nodded, pressing the radio button on his hand to keep communications steady. Noah crouched, eyes tracking the moving shadows on the deck. Levant adjusted his tactical gear, ensuring weapons and equipment were perfectly positioned, ready for any sudden situation.
They moved cautiously, hunched low over the slick deck. The cold night wind carried the salty scent of the sea, and every creak of the ship seemed to announce danger. Every step was measured—there was no room for mistakes.
Eric led the way, eyes sharp, scanning for crew members. Suddenly, a light clatter echoed from above—a piece of metal falling. Noah held his breath, pressing a hand to his mouth. Eric crouched lower, staring at the shadow. "Focus. Don't move until I say so," he whispered.
Crew members began to appear. A uniformed man emerged from the darkness, checking the deck. The light caught his shoulder, and Eric signaled Liam and Levant to duck behind a stack of crates. Noah's heart pounded, but he obeyed.
They inched toward the side of the ship, approaching the stairs leading to the lower deck. The uniformed man stopped, eyes scanning the area.
Eric held his breath, waiting for the right moment. It came when the crewman turned away, and they slipped past, moving quietly across the deck.
Tension didn't ease. Eric knew the owner of Ferom 9 was on this ship, and one wrong move could mean mission failure—or worse, leaking critical information to the wrong people.
A faint shadow on the upper deck made Eric frown; a strange unease gripped his chest. Thoughts of the masked man, his connection to Cael, and other secrets yet to surface filled his mind.
They reached the entrance to the lower deck. Liam pressed a hand gently against Levant's, signaling readiness. Eric scanned the area, ensuring no eyes were watching. "Every step counts. Don't slip up," he murmured, his voice firm but low.
One by one, they descended the stairs, bodies bent low to stay out of sight from the upper deck. Every creak, every step, Eric cataloged mentally. Noah held his breath, eyes on any movement, while Levant stayed fully focused, tactical gear secured perfectly.
Suddenly, a door ahead creaked open slightly. A dim light spilled onto the floor, revealing the shadow of another crew member moving slowly. Eric stopped, eyes fixed. "From here, we go in silently. No sound."
Liam nodded. Noah swallowed hard, and Levant straightened briefly, taking a deep breath.
They moved, every step calculated—the beginning of their final mission to capture the owner of Ferom 9 before it reached the wrong country. From above, a shadow watched their every move.
Something about it told them this mission would be far more dangerous than anticipated. Tension rose, and it was clear that the real encounter with the threat awaiting them had yet to come.
Eric led the way, eyes forward, aware that every step now could determine whether the mission would succeed or fail. That night, amidst fog, waves, and the darkened deck, they were ready to face whatever awaited.
---
They continued into the lower deck, each step careful. Eric scanned every corner and shadow. Liam and Levant followed closely, Noah at the rear, alert.
Suddenly, a large shadow appeared at the end of the narrow corridor. Everyone froze. The figure stood tall, face hidden in the dim light, radiating an aura that made their hearts race.
Eric stepped forward slowly, eyes locked on the figure. "Who's there?" His voice was flat but firm.
Eric, Liam, Levant, and Noah stopped in the narrow corridor, staring at the figure before them. Dim light revealed the man's face—and Eric recognized him immediately. Carl.
"Carl…" Eric said, a mix of shock and caution in his voice.
Carl raised a hand slightly—not to attack, but to signal them to stop. Silence fell, thick and tense.
"Listen to me," Carl said softly, voice calm yet firm. "I can't let you continue this mission."
Eric frowned. "What do you mean? We have to stop the owner of Ferom 9 before they release the serum."
Carl lowered his head briefly, restraining himself. "I know. But… if you keep going, the risk is greater than you think. I can't reveal everything right now, but trust me, turning back is the safest option. For everyone's sake."
Liam looked at Carl, clearly surprised. "For everyone's sake? You're talking like we don't understand the real danger…"
Carl turned slowly, eyes meeting Eric's. "Believe me, I'm not doing this for myself. I'm doing this because… I have no choice.
I'm forced, and he's forced too. I don't want you getting hurt—or worse."
Eric stayed silent for a moment, swallowing the mix of frustration and anger.
His feelings were conflicted—he was angry Carl had made a decision without full explanation, yet he understood the weight of responsibility Carl carried.
"So you want us to turn back… and abandon the mission?" Eric finally asked, voice firm but slightly softened.
Carl nodded slowly. "Not abandon… just postpone. Wait for the right moment. I promise, when the time comes, I'll explain everything. But for now, turning back is the only way everyone stays safe."
Liam lowered his head, relieved but still skeptical. Levant looked at Carl, full of questions. Noah remained silent, eyes studying the man, trying to read the secrets he held.
Carl lowered his head for a moment, exhaling deeply. "I'm sorry. I know you want to stop the owner of Ferom 9, but believe me… if we continue, the consequences will be worse. Turn back. Now."
The night shadows in the corridor thickened, the fog from the harbor swirling around them. Carl's decision shocked them, but it also indicated that the real mission, the greater secrets, and what they truly had to face, were yet to be revealed.
Eric looked at Carl for a long moment, emotions mixed—anger, disappointment, but also understanding that sometimes, hard choices had to be made for the greater good.