Chapter 7: Calm Before the Storm

Location: Sector 5 – GOC Secured Beach Zone, Pacific Edge

After the intense missions and near-death encounters, GOC Command issued a rare reward: one full day of off-duty rest for the agents of Black Echo.

The team was flown to a secluded tropical location on the edge of GOC territory, surrounded by lush cliffs, white sand, and crystal-clear water. Surveillance drones hovered discreetly above, keeping watch while maintaining a safe distance.

🌊 Morning – Beach Arrivals

Nick (stepping out shirtless, arms wide open):

"WOOOO! Finally! My time to shine under the sun, baby!"

Emma (in shades and a sleek dark-red bikini, lying out on a towel):

"You're already shining, idiot. Like a sweaty firecracker."

Nick (mock insulted):

"That was a compliment, right? Come on, don't deny it—you wish you had this energy."

Emma (deadpan):

"I'd rather have peace and SPF 90."

🧘‍♂️ Lucas: The Still Centre

While Nick cannonballed into the sea and Emma stretched under the shade, Lucas quietly walked to a flat rock near the shore.

He sat cross-legged, shirt off, a single blade embedded beside him. The sun caught his skin, and the soft waves mirrored the stillness of his form.

Emma (peeking through her sunglasses):

"...Does he ever relax?"

Nick (floating like a sea otter):

"That's Lucas relaxing. Trust me, if he starts laughing, the universe might break."

🏖️ Midday – Friendly Chaos

The day unfolded like a memory:

Nick challenged Emma to a sprint race down the sand. She accepted. She vanished using her Assassin speed and tripped him at the finish line with a palm leaf.

→ Nick (face down): "You cheated!"

→ Emma: "You called it a race. I made it an ambush."

Emma and Lucas took a quiet walk along the cliff edge later. Neither spoke much. But the silence felt full. Comfortable.

→ Emma (softly): "You always train alone?"

→ Lucas (after a pause): "...Not always."

Their fingers brushed once. Neither pulled away. But nothing was said.

From a distance, Nick watched… and groaned dramatically.

🍉 Late Afternoon – Jealousy & Jokes

Nick (grilling food on a campfire):

"Alright, lovebirds! Come back to Earth and eat. Emma, you want yours spicy or boring?"

Emma (smirking):

"Spicy. You'll need milk after one bite anyway."

Nick (mock wounded):

"Lucas, back me up! Your girl's bullying me!"

Lucas (without looking up):

"She's not my girl."

Emma glanced at Lucas. He didn't look her way. But she smiled.

🌅 Evening – Sunset & Vibes

As the sun dipped low, casting orange across the water, the three sat in the sand.

Nick (with a lazy grin):

"Hard to believe... couple weeks ago we were nobodies in a bunker. Now look at us."

Lucas:

"...Still nobodies. Just better-trained nobodies."

Emma (half-laughing):

"That's the most humble thing I've ever heard you say."

Nick (quiet for a moment):

"...You think we'll all make it through whatever's coming?"

Lucas looked toward the horizon. The wind stirred his hair.

Lucas:

"If we don't… I'm glad I had this day with you both."

There was silence. Real, meaningful silence.

📸 Final Scene – Drone Snapshot

From the sky, a surveillance drone captured the image:

Three silhouettes on a beach, side by side—laughing, resting, alive.

And beneath the photo, in the GOC archive, the label read:

"Black Echo – File 07: Day of Peace."