New Island

They found themselves on the helicopter, gliding through the vast sky, feeling like time was standing still. The tension was palpable inside the cabin, with each member keenly feeling the weight of their circumstances. The rescued prisoner cowered in a corner, his body shaking with fear. Struggling to articulate his thoughts, fear and anxiety making it difficult to speak clearly.

After facing a bumpy ride and feeling unsure, the group was desperate for a break. They were optimistic that a short break would give the prisoner a chance to collect themselves and give everyone a chance to make sense of the chaotic events. The burden of their circumstances felt overwhelming; it was quite a challenge to grasp and make sense of.

Despite the prevailing unease, Asiris, the team’s fearless leader, remained remarkably composed. His relentless resolve outshone the agony emanating from the deep gash on his arm, a stark reminder of the SUV crash that had initiated their perilous adventure. Despite the persistent pain, he persevered, pushing himself to his utmost capacity.

“We seem to be running low on fuel,” Caville declared, her gaze locked on the decreasing gauge. "We must locate a suitable spot for landing."

“Search for the nearest viable location,” Asiris instructed Vienne, who quickly pulled out her phone and skillfully scrolled through the screen to find a suitable landing spot.

The GPS unveiled a surprising discovery—a secluded warehouse tucked away on a hidden island. “Um, guys, I found something,” Vienne exclaimed, her voice filled with surprise and intrigue. "There's a warehouse just a stone's throw away from here."

“Alright, that’s where we’ll touch down,” Asiris decided.

Excitement buzzed among the passengers as they readied themselves for the upcoming landing. Their excitement mixed with a feeling of calm, interrupted by quiet cheers bouncing off the walls of the helicopter.

Caville, feeling accomplished for mastering helicopter piloting, expertly steered the aircraft down, maneuvering through the island's confusing terrain. She skillfully targeted the central area, trusting her instincts to lead them to safety.

As the helicopter slowly descended, the gentle landing brought a sense of calm to their tired bodies. The once frightened prisoner appeared to have found comfort in the soft embrace of the earth below.

“Alright, let’s move,” Asiris commanded confidently. The group wasted no time unfastening their seat belts, clearly excited to get off the plane.

Asiris extended a helping hand to the bewildered prisoner, and the stairs were lowered, enabling everyone to get off. As they exited the helicopter, a peaceful silence enveloped them after the rotor blades had stopped.

"So, where on earth are we right now?" Xavier expressed his confusion as he looked around the unfamiliar surroundings. "I was under the impression we were going to the warehouse, not venturing into a jungle!"

Xavier's complaint was met with understanding and no scolding or reprimanding. The group was completely mesmerized by the endless trees and thick undergrowth they encountered.

"Are we lost?" Peter pondered out loud as his hand grazed the sleek bark of the towering tree.

“We are definitely not lost,” Vienne declared firmly, as she firmly pulled Peter’s hand away. "Looks like we took a wrong turn, we were supposed to end up at the warehouse." We must proceed with caution as we are unaware of the potential dangers that may be lurking.

Amid the heated arguments and confusion, Micah decided to step back into the helicopter, rising a bit to get a clearer view. Success! His higher vantage point provided a better perspective. A glimmer of relief flashed across his face, and he bellowed in victory, his voice echoing through the air.

"Hey everyone, gather around! I've stumbled upon something intriguing!" Micah's joy was evident, spreading a grin across his face.

The crowd hurried over to Micah, pushing and shoving to catch a view from the helicopter's high vantage point.

"There, that's our target," Caville declared, her voice tinged with a blend of relief and enthusiasm. "Alright team, let's divide and stay in touch using the radios."

"Again?!" Vienne exclaimed with a hint of frustration in her tone. “Why is it so difficult for us to stay united as a team?”

Clearly frustrated by Vienne's resistance, Asiris quickly ushered her to the side, speaking in a secretive tone.

"Vienne, we're on an unknown and possibly risky island, alright?" he stated, his voice firm but laced with worry.

Nodding, her face softened as she took in what he was saying.

“Just trust me,” Asiris said confidently. Vienne gave a subtle nod, indicating her approval of the agreement they had come to. It echoed their past approach, which had shown success despite its share of dangers and near misses. Peter and his companions turned right, heading towards the warehouse, as the landscape swiftly changed into a thick forest.

"This adventure is quite the rollercoaster ride," Peter commented, his voice a blend of thrill and unease.

“Enlighten me with some new information,” Vienne said with a hint of sarcasm, her eyes locked on the radio in her hand. "I'll just go see what the gang is up to."

Xavier rolled his eyes, brushing off the urgency of staying in touch. "We just walked out; no need for that."

Vienne couldn't help but roll her eyes, still preoccupied with the pact she had struck with Asiris as they embarked on their journey.

Out of nowhere, Peter's enthusiastic scream cut through the silence, causing Vienne and Xavier to rush over to him. They encountered a small open-roofed Jeep, complete with four seats.

Well done! Now we're on the right track! Xavier's voice practically sparkled with excitement. "So, who's going to be in charge of driving this ship?"

Peter and Vienne shared a knowing look, finding Xavier’s question quite amusing. Xavier, being the eldest, naturally took on the role of the driver.

Xavier suddenly found himself the center of attention, his face a mix of frustration and bewilderment as everyone's eyes landed on him. Xavier, trying to keep his cool, stumbled over his words, trying to hide his nervousness.

Peter noticed Xavier's unease, despite Xavier's attempt to appear confident. “I knew that—I knew it,” Xavier muttered, rising from his kneeling position. He strolled casually to the Jeep, making a grand show of opening the door, starting the engine with flair, and smoothly driving towards his eager companions.

"Behold!" "That wasn't too difficult," Vienne teased, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes, as Xavier casually dismissed her comment and composed himself.

One by one, they hopped into the Jeep, making sure to buckle up, getting ready for the adventure that awaited. Xavier confidently positioned himself behind the wheel, fully prepared to embrace the responsibilities of driving.

Almost as if by magic, Vienne's hand moved towards the radio, skillfully adjusting it to the right frequency, despite facing unexpected difficulties.

"Hmm, I could have sworn our number was 45," she pondered, looking quite puzzled.

"Absolutely," Peter reassured her. "Just flick the public switch and you're good to go."

Under Peter's direction, Vienne flipped the public switch, unleashing a burst of static that almost deafened them.

“Perhaps a bit quieter,” Xavier chuckled, easing the atmosphere with his witty comment.

As the vehicle embarked on its journey down the twisting road, the scenery appeared determined to mislead them, almost steering them away from their target—the mysterious warehouse.

“Calling in, this is Vienne,” she declared over the radio, urgency lacing her voice. "On our way to the warehouse as we speak!" Could you say that again, please?

Peter swiftly leaned in to silence the radio as Vienne relayed the message, clearly understanding the importance of being careful. “We can't have anyone figuring out our exact whereabouts,” he stated. "Let's make sure our messages are brief and low-key."

He faced Xavier, his tone laced with worry. "Hey, are you absolutely positive this path will take us to the warehouse?"

Xavier paused briefly, his certainty faltering. "I'm not entirely sure anymore," he confessed. "Looks like this path is taking us straight to the beach."

“Just stick to the path,” Peter insisted, his tone brimming with unwavering determination. "We're bound to stumble upon the warehouse sooner or later."

“Alright,” Xavier responded, his hold on the steering wheel firm as he navigated the Jeep down the winding trail. Yet, the warehouse continued to evade their sight.

"Are you absolutely certain about this decision?" Peter's voice wavered slightly as he questioned Vienne.

"Absolutely positive!" Vienne shot back, her irritation rising to the forefront. The atmosphere inside the vehicle was thick with tension.

Their worries vanished in an instant when an unexpected scene played out in front of them—men in military uniforms aiming machine guns their way.

“Uhhh,” Peter exclaimed, his voice fading as the Jeep screeched to a sudden stop.